Latest News From Retail

Misfits Market, Gopuff partner for rapid delivery of over 300 fresh grocery items
Misfits Market, Gopuff partner for rapid delivery of over 300 fresh grocery items

Misfits Market's latest expansion brings fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, meat, seafood, poultry, bread and more to customers in as fast as 15 minutes on Gopuff.

Mastronardi Produce flips for Mother’s Day strawberry campaign
Mastronardi Produce flips for Mother’s Day strawberry campaign

The Kingsville, Ontario-based fourth-generation, family-owned greenhouse business said it plans to introduce a Dreamberry strawberry pack for Mother’s Day — with a twist on its WOW brand wordmark.

The Fresh Market curates meals, flowers and gifts for Mom's special day
The Fresh Market curates meals, flowers and gifts for Mom's special day

The Fresh Market's Mother's Day offerings include pre-ordered meals online, featuring gourmet spreads, prime rib, brunch, roses, curated gifts and more.

The Giant Co. releases third annual impact report
The Giant Co. releases third annual impact report

The Carlisle, Pa.-based grocer has released its third annual impact report, highlighting its 2023 corporate social responsibility initiatives centered around its purpose of connecting families for a better future.

Kroger showcasing Latin cuisine leading up to Cinco de Mayo
Kroger showcasing Latin cuisine leading up to Cinco de Mayo

The four-week Latin flavors event invites customers to explore a range of Latin food and products in-store and online.

Whole Foods Market names 16 Supplier All-Star Award winners
Whole Foods Market names 16 Supplier All-Star Award winners

The retailer says the awards recognize honorees' commitment to quality, innovation, value and sustainability.

Marketers, growers and retailers gear up for Cinco de Mayo promotions
Marketers, growers and retailers gear up for Cinco de Mayo promotions

As Cinco de Mayo approaches, produce companies and retailers are preparing promotions to boost sales of fresh fixings for guacamole, tacos, burritos and other Mexican food favorites. 

Albertsons Cos. unveils simplified 'for U' loyalty program
Albertsons Cos. unveils simplified 'for U' loyalty program

The program offers enhanced benefits, including double points earning, automatic cash off and personalized deals for Albertsons Cos.' 38 million loyalty members across its stores.

Nugget Markets named to Fortune's '100 Best Companies to Work For' list
Nugget Markets named to Fortune's '100 Best Companies to Work For' list

Holding the No. 99 position, the full-line grocery store in Northern California's latest recognition marked its 18th year on the list.

Sobeys expands partnership to eliminate ice from broccoli supply chain
Sobeys expands partnership to eliminate ice from broccoli supply chain

Verdant Technologies is partnering with Sobeys Inc. on an innovation to eliminate ice from the Canadian grocer's broccoli supply chain.

4 ways to boost California avocado sales this Cinco de Mayo
4 ways to boost California avocado sales this Cinco de Mayo

To learn top tips for merchandising and displays that drive Cinco de Mayo avocado sales, The Packer turned to the experts at the California Avocado Commission.

Merchandising with a message: Reaching the conscious consumer through dynamic displays
Merchandising with a message: Reaching the conscious consumer through dynamic displays

How does the fresh produce industry earn the business and sustain the trust of today’s conscious consumers committed to responsible purchasing? In-store displays and signage can help make meaningful connections.

Schnucks steps challenge offers reward points and prizes
Schnucks steps challenge offers reward points and prizes

In April, participants in the four states in which the company operates can earn $5 in Schnucks Rewards points each week by reaching the steps challenge goal of 50,000 steps per week.

FreshDirect celebrates Earth Month with upcycling spotlight
FreshDirect celebrates Earth Month with upcycling spotlight

This Earth Month, FreshDirect spotlights upcycling, repurposing food waste to innovate sustainability.

Schnucks completes remodel at pair of Indiana stores
Schnucks completes remodel at pair of Indiana stores

The remodels feature renovated and expanded deli and floral departments, alongside revitalized produce, bakery, seafood and meat sections.

Study: 70% of retailers lose at least 5% operating margin to in-store inefficiencies
Study: 70% of retailers lose at least 5% operating margin to in-store inefficiencies

Survey results released by Simbe and Coresight Research show many retailers are investing, or planning to invest, in new in-store technology solutions to improve performance across inventory management and operations.

EmpowerFresh highlights software for produce department management
EmpowerFresh highlights software for produce department management

EmpowerFresh executives featured its cloud-based software for managing fresh produce department operations at the March 25-26 Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

Will The Collapse Of The Baltimore Key Bridge Impact Agriculture?
Will The Collapse Of The Baltimore Key Bridge Impact Agriculture?

Mike Steenhoek, executive director at the Soy Transportation Coalition, shares what the collapse could mean for the supply chain.

Instacart and AWG expand partnership, introduce smart carts
Instacart and AWG expand partnership, introduce smart carts

The partnership enables more direct access to same-day delivery and artificial intelligence-powered smart carts to AWG member companies across 3,500 locations in 32 states.

USDA predicts food inflation rate for 2024
USDA predicts food inflation rate for 2024

Food prices are expected to continue to decelerate in 2024 and are projected 2.5% up compared with 2023, according to a new USDA report.

EmpowerFresh partners with AWG to support independent retailers
EmpowerFresh partners with AWG to support independent retailers

The partnership will offer Associated Wholesale Grocers members tools to enhance inventory management for independent supermarkets.

Melissa's debuts Tropical Flight for dragon fruit varieties
Melissa's debuts Tropical Flight for dragon fruit varieties

Inspired by wine flights, where patrons experience a tasting flight of multiple varietals, this retail program offers consumers the opportunity to discover the flavor profiles and vibrant colors of each variety.

Save Mart partners with Flashfood to lower grocery prices, reduce food waste 
Save Mart partners with Flashfood to lower grocery prices, reduce food waste 

The Save Mart Cos. has become the first California grocer to partner with Flashfood, an app that connects shoppers with fresh produce and other groceries at up to 50% off.

Fresh From Florida touts state’s produce
Fresh From Florida touts state’s produce

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has come up with a plethora of ways to promote the state’s fruits and vegetables through the Fresh From Florida retail promotion this spring.

Survey: Political leanings color food inflation expectations
Survey: Political leanings color food inflation expectations

The Purdue University survey evaluated consumer expectations for food prices and how they correlate with other consumer perceptions, behaviors and characteristics.

DoorDash partners with more grocers to expand SNAP/EBT payment offerings
DoorDash partners with more grocers to expand SNAP/EBT payment offerings

With the newest additions, over 6,000 locations nationwide will support SNAP/EBT payment capabilities on DoorDash for on-demand delivery of eligible grocery items, the company says.

How vendors can foster strong retailer relationships
How vendors can foster strong retailer relationships

What makes a good retail partnership? A panel of retailers discussed what they really want — and don't want — from vendors at GOPEX 2024.

Inflation ticks higher in February
Inflation ticks higher in February

The all-items index rose 3.2% for the 12 months ending February, a greater rise than the 3.1% increase for the 12 months ending January, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report.

5 grocery retail trends to watch in 2024
5 grocery retail trends to watch in 2024

Kroger's retail data science arm says these five key trends are reshaping the grocery shopper experience: Holistic health, engaging experience, flexible shopping, personalization and simple efficiency.

Fresh Del Monte launches personal-size pineapple
Fresh Del Monte launches personal-size pineapple

Fresh Del Monte has introduced Precious Honeyglow, a compact, extra sweet pineapple, aimed at reducing food waste and offering sustainability. It is available nationwide through Melissa’s Produce.

Back to the Roots partners with Bolthouse Farms and Walmart for Seed to Sip campaign
Back to the Roots partners with Bolthouse Farms and Walmart for Seed to Sip campaign

The campaign aims to educate shoppers about healthier and sustainable ways to eat, live and shop. Those who buy Bolthouse Farms juice at select Walmart stores will receive a coupon for Back to the Roots garden seed.

Kroger delivers Q4 results, eyes sustainable growth in 2024
Kroger delivers Q4 results, eyes sustainable growth in 2024

Kroger has reported $37.1 billion in fourth-quarter sales, while total company sales for 2023 were at $150 billion.

Aldi acquires Southeastern Grocers, plans to add 800 U.S. stores
Aldi acquires Southeastern Grocers, plans to add 800 U.S. stores

Aldi plans to add 800 U.S. stores by the end of 2028 through a combination of new openings and store conversions. The company says it will invest more than $9 billion over the next five years for its national expansion.

Whole Foods Market to debut small-format stores, starting in NYC
Whole Foods Market to debut small-format stores, starting in NYC

Whole Foods Market Daily Shop is a quick-shop format set to launch this year. With a footprint ranging from a quarter to half of an average Whole Foods Market store, it aims to offer convenience to urban neighborhoods.

Walmart helps customers combat inflation for Easter celebrations
Walmart helps customers combat inflation for Easter celebrations

Walmart says it will offer an Easter meal that can serve up to 10 people and is available for an average price of less than $8 per person.

Union workers reject contract, authorize strike, Kroger responds
Union workers reject contract, authorize strike, Kroger responds

Kroger union members in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio have authorized a strike, meaning union bargaining committee can call a strike at any moment. Negotiations are ongoing.

Food Lion launches orange bag campaign to address food insecurity
Food Lion launches orange bag campaign to address food insecurity

The campaign, which runs from Feb. 28 to March 19, benefits Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, as well as local partner food banks throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area.

Walmart settles $45M weighted grocery lawsuit
Walmart settles $45M weighted grocery lawsuit

Customers who bought eligible sold-by-weight groceries from Walmart between Oct. 19, 2018, and Jan. 19, 2024, qualify for the settlement. Walmart shoppers have until June 5 to submit a claim.

Tops cuts ribbon on newly renovated store
Tops cuts ribbon on newly renovated store

The company said the renovation, which totaled $2 million in enhancements, welcomes shoppers into a warm, engaging environment.

Takeoff and Knapp expand partnership to enhance e-grocery fulfillment
Takeoff and Knapp expand partnership to enhance e-grocery fulfillment

Micro-fulfillment e-grocery solutions provider Takeoff and Knapp said the partnership offers modular solutions for food retailers' automation needs, enabling flexible fulfillment strategies.

FTC files lawsuit against Kroger-Albertson merger
FTC files lawsuit against Kroger-Albertson merger

In a filing, the Federal Trade Commission claims the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history will eliminate competition and raise grocery prices for millions of consumers, while harming tens of thousands of workers.

Consumer shopping behavior detailed in special report
Consumer shopping behavior detailed in special report

84.51° has released its "Omnichannel Special Report" that examines consumer behaviors of the unique omnichannel shopper.

Santos International marks 50 years of service
Santos International marks 50 years of service

The McAllen, Texas-based logistics company is highlighting its service, innovation and advocacy and will mark the milestone by hosting events throughout the year.

Heritage Grocers Group launches loyalty program
Heritage Grocers Group launches loyalty program

Cardenas Rewards offers points for purchases, as well as access to digital deals, exclusive offers and personalized savings via the mobile app or website.

Garden of Eden re-opens culinary destination with Manhattan store
Garden of Eden re-opens culinary destination with Manhattan store

Garden of Eden and Eden Gourmet Marketplace celebrated 30 years with a store re-opening in Gramercy Park, offering premium groceries and community discounts.

Another state files lawsuit to block $25B Kroger-Albertsons merger
Another state files lawsuit to block $25B Kroger-Albertsons merger

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is seeking to block the Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing consumer harm. The companies have defended the merger and pledged to fight lawsuit.

Weavers Way unveils exclusive benefits for new members
Weavers Way unveils exclusive benefits for new members

Celebrating the launch of a new location, the co-op is expanding its existing Member Appreciation programming to include a new Membership Drive offering perks and discounts for newcomers.

IFPA opens registration for The Retail Conference, golf tournament
IFPA opens registration for The Retail Conference, golf tournament

The International Fresh Produce Association says the conference, set for May 1-2 in Phoenix, offers retail insights and networking with industry leaders.

Shop 'n Save partners with Upside for personalized promotions
Shop 'n Save partners with Upside for personalized promotions

Upside says it has partnered with nearly 80 independently owned Shop 'n Save locations in Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Ohio and West Virginia.

Colombian avocados star in Super Bowl celebrations, agency says
Colombian avocados star in Super Bowl celebrations, agency says

Big Game celebrations serve as one example of how the country is helping meet U.S. demand for the fruit, says promotional agency ProColombia.