Projects Funded for James Chalfant

2008-2009

Pricing and Promotional Patterns among Major U.S. Supermarket Chains

James Chalfant and Richard Sexton

Abstract

Specific Objectives

The purpose of our research was to examine and quantify the pricing and promotional activity of two major US supermarkets chains, Safeway and Albertsons.

Project Report

We compiled weekly data for over one year on nearly every product sold in 15 Safeway stores and nine Albertsons stores throughout the U.S., with nearly all of the stores falling west of the Mississippi River. The data include prices and, when applicable, promotions. We estimated econometrically the principal determinants of prices, promotional frequency, and promotional depth across the western United States. We also described and quantified the extent to which Safeway and Albertsons compete with one another in prices, promotions, and product offerings. We have also found important new results on the interactions between national brands and the chains' private label products that counter conventional wisdom regarding these interactions. This work is all part of Volpe's dissertation research. A complete draft of the thesis has been completed and revisions are underway.

2007-2008

Improving Veterinary Health Care Delivery for Underserved Areas: A Pilot Project for Found Valley California

James Chalfant

2006-2007

The California Strawberry Industry's Response to State Regulation of Methyl Bromide

Colin Carter and James Chalfant

2004-2005

The California Strawberry Marketing Chain

James Chalfant

2003-2004

The Effects on California Horticultural Industries of Consumption of the Fruit and Vegetable Recommendations for a Cancer-Prevention Diet

James Chalfant

2000-2001

The Methyl Bromide Ban and the California Strawberry Industry

James Chalfant and Rachael Goodhue

1998-1999

Commodity Grades and Adverse Selection: Application to the California Prune Market

James Chalfant and Richard Sexton