Safeway

Big consumer stock names are on tap Thursday as Coca-Cola makes it official, snapping up the North American operations of its largest bottler Coca-Cola Enterprises. Then later today, Apple kicks off its annual shareholder meeting. Analysts say investors may be looking for a fresh catalyst to send shares even higher.

Venture into a supermarket late at night and you're likely to see an employee running a machine used to clean, strip and wax floors. Wander into your local deli and you'll see workers pouring disinfectant over the day's feast.

But ask these workers how they feel and many will confess to cases of...