United Supermarkets, LLC has named Scott Preston business director of general merchandise. Preston succeeds Gary Crawford, who will retire from the Lubbock, Texas-based grocer in August.

A veteran of the convenience store, wholesale and international arenas, with over 40 years of retail experience, Preston has held such positions as VP of merchandising, category management, grocery procurement and general merchandising. He has worked at Safeway and Winn-Dixie.

Crawford has spent over 10 years with United, having joined the company in March 1999 after nearly 15 years with Houston-based Randall’s/Tom Thumb, Inc., the
last three as VP of nonfoods. He earlier spent 10 years at Sav-On Drugs’ Houston Division, including stints as a store director and district manager.