Peterson To Retire as Head of Wal-Mart Perishables

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Bruce Peterson, the senior vice president/general merchandising manager of perishables for Wal-Mart Stores here, said he plans to retire from the company at the end of this month. Peterson, 53, told SN he wants to "explore different things. I have a real interest in the produce industry and would like to do something in that area. It will not be with another retailer." Peterson, who joined the company 15 years ago, said he and his wife, Maggie, plan to stay in northwest Arkansas. Peterson is a veteran of food retailing, having worked for Meijer, Tom Thumb and other chains before joining Wal-Mart. Doug Degn, Wal-Mart's executive vice president of food, consumables and hard lines, announced Peterson's plans to retire at the company's officers meeting Friday. Degn is also planning to retire, the company said last month as it unveiled a sweeping reorganization of its marketing and merchandising departments. -- Lynne Miller