Another way that Albertsons is taking the lead in the grocery and drug
store industries is through our progressive focus on building stores that fit the
diverse neighborhoods we serve. We begin by listening carefully to our
customers and using what we've learned to tailor product assortments and
services that meet their unique needs. As part of that process,
cross-functional development teams in each of our divisions are continually
working to improve the Albertsons value proposition-one neighborhood at
a time.

Beginning in Seattle two years ago, we introduced the most successful kosher
program in our industry with offerings both in our stores and through our
online shopping service. This year we expanded on this popular concept. We
now have stores across America which incorporate unique kosher
merchandising to take advantage of the demographics of the neighborhood.
A key team member at Albertsons and the leader of our kosher initiative is
Yakov Yarmove who was identified by Supermarket News this year as one
of the 50 most innovative people in our industry.

At the heart of our ethnic and neighborhood marketing program is our
fundamental focus on serving our customers. Embracing diversity and
providing innovative product assortments at the neighborhood level is yet
another way that we are delivering on our promise to make life easier for
them. The evidence of that comes in many forms. In some neighborhoods,
it's an expanded Hispanic or Asian offering. In other neighborhoods, it may be
expanded natural and organic sections, kosher departments, or services for
the elderly. Albertsons is determined to lead our industry by implementing
programs like these that differentiate us from our competitors and win
customers for life.