Fat Albertson's

Albertson's Inc. (Boise, Idaho) is planning to invest $184 million to build new stores and fuel centers inthe Dallas/Fort Worth area, a strategy aimed at deflecting competition led by Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Rhonda Clements, an Albertson's spokeswoman, said the planned investment would be spread over two years and would include 13 new food stores and 16 new fuel retailing centers. The company also plans to remodel eight existing stores in the market as part of its investment push. “This is a market where we are No. 1 and we want to grow this market,” she noted. Albertson's will invest $90 million this year and spend another $94 million in 2003.

In March, Albertson's — which operates more than 2400 stores under names such as Max Foods,Super Saver and Sav-on Drugs — announced an exit from the Houston, San Antonio, Nashville, Tenn. andMemphis, Tenn. markets as part of a strategy to focus on profitable locations.