Kroger's Fred Meyer Stores subsidiary (acquired in 1999) operates about 125 supercenters, which offer groceries, general merchandise, and jewelry, in the western US.Kroger is the nation's 1 pure grocery chain, but it still must watch out for falling prices; Wal-Mart has overtaken Kroger as the largest seller of groceries in the US. While Kroger has diversified through acquisitions, adding jewelry and general merchandise to its mix, food stores still account for about 85% of sales. The company operates about 3,620 stores, including some 2,465 supermarkets and multidepartment stores, under two dozen banners, in about 30 states. It also runs 775 convenience stores under names such as Quik Stop and Kwik Shop

Lloydspharmacy is a community pharmacy chain with over 1,650 pharmacies across the UK. These are based predominantly in community and health centre locations. We employ approximately 17,000 staff and dispense over 151 million prescription items annually. Lloydspharmacy is the trading name of Lloydspharmacy Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Celesio AG based in Stuttgart. Celesio is one of the leading international service providers within the pharmaceutical and healthcare markets. Lloyds Pharmacy company is active in 27 countries worldwide and employs approximately 47,000 people in its three divisions Patient and Consumer Solutions, Pharmacy Solutions and Manufacturer Solutions.

Family-owned and -operated Von Maur runs about 25 upscale department stores in 10 midwestern states, offering its customers amenities such as an interest-free credit card, free gift wrapping, and free shipping within the US. The stores range in size from 42,000 to 203,000 sq. ft. and offer clothing from brands such as Burberry, Kenneth Cole, and Tommy Bahama. Distinguishing itself from the rest of the pack, the Von Maur chain has avoided advertising and big blowout sales; it even closes up shop on traditional retailer high-dollar days such as the Fourth of July. The von Maur family opened its first store in Davenport, Iowa, in 1872.

Established in 1932, Beard Hardwoods is one of America's leading hardwood lumber manufactures. The home office is in Greensboro, North Carolina. For over 75 years, Beard Hardwoods has devoted itself to delivering the highest possible quality and personal service. This long tradition of quality and service continues into this new era, whether customers are next door, or on the other side of the globe. Beard Hardwoods dry kilns, sales office, and export facility is located on U.S. Highways I-85 and I-40 and is within a few hours delivery time to the ports of Wilmington, NC, Norfolk, VA, and Charleston, SC.

Small Island Trader sells ceramics and crystal objects online to private buyers globally. Its web site contains more than 50,000 items, ranging from Wedgwood china to collectible paperweights and Versace ashtrays and other collectibles. The company secures its merchandise from about 20 leading ceramics manufacturers. Founded in 1997 by husband-and-wife team Alexandra and Jim Murray (managing director and creative director, respectively), the company is still owned by the couple.

SchoolWorld wants its customers to get with the program. Formerly Logisoft Corporation, SchoolWorld resells educational software to schools and other institutional users through its Web site. SchoolWorld's software offerings -- from the likes of publishers Adobe, Microsoft, and Autodesk -- range from e-mail and utility programs to instructional software and desktop publishing and multimedia applications. SchoolWorld also sells networking hardware, furniture, and other equipment. SchoolWorld has offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Rochester, New York.

SuperGroup is a distinctive branded UK fashion retailer offering quality clothing and accessories. It operates a multi-channel business through a combination of Cult and Superdry standalone stores, Superdry concessions, e-Commerce and its UK and International Wholesale operations. The business was founded in 1985 and has since been developed to design and sell a wide range of premium men’s and women’s clothing under its flagship brand, Superdry, together with other own brands and a number of third-party products which are sold in its Cult stores. Superdry offers an international brand proposition targeted at discerning customers who are looking for stylish clothing that is uniquely designed and well made. SuperGroup currently has 59 standalone Cult and Superdry retail stores, 69 concessions and a large number of Wholesale relationships. Superdry is sold in approximately 70 countries worldwide via its websites, and in 36 overseas countries through a well established network of distributors, licensees,agents and franchisees.

Sapp Bros Travel Centers (formerly Sapp Bros Truck Stops) has the usual air, gas, food, but also offers human conveniences such such as laundry rooms, mailbox rentals, private showers, and TV lounges. The company operates a chain of some 15 truck stops -- readily identifiable by the giant red-and-white coffeepot logo -- along interstate highways from Utah to Pennsylvania; with a concentration in Nebraska. Half of the locations also operate service centers, offering oil changes, new tires, and safety checks. Its sister company, Sapp Bros Petroleum, distributes petroleum products in Nebraska and western Iowa. The firm is run by CEO Bill Sapp, one of the four founding Sapp brothers.

The CARQUEST group includes a network of about 40 distribution centers serving more than 3,400 distributor-owned and independent jobbers in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The company sells its own line of auto parts (made by Moog Automotive, Dana, Gates, and others) to the jobbers, as well as wholesalers, for eventual resale to professional repair centers, service stations, dealerships, and, to a lesser degree, do-it-yourself (DIY) customers. Searching for a sensor, solenoid, or switches? CARQUEST can steer you in the right direction. The replacement auto parts distribution group is owned by its member warehouse distributors (the largest is North Carolina-based General Parts).

Fletcher Building is a supplier to many a Kiwi home. The company makes and distributes concrete, steel, fiberglass insulation, roofing, and panel products for the residential and commercial construction markets worldwide. It runs more than 30 businesses through five divisions: building products, distribution, infrastructure, laminates and panels, and steel. Included in its network are AHI Group (the world's largest maker of stone chip-coated metal roof tiles), The Laminex Group (top producer of decorative surfaces in Australia and New Zealand), and Formica Corporation (manufacturer of the eponymous high-pressure laminate products). Fletcher's operations span North America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific region.

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