The Latest
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Kroger and Walmart outline digital transformations
Walmart plans to hire 2,000 tech workers this year while Kroger has positioned itself for growth through various partnerships and innovations, CEO Rodney McMullen said at the National Retail Federation's Big Show in New York.
Corporate -
Ahold Delhaize expands in-store robot use to 500 Giant/Martin's and Stop & Shop locations
The Netherlands-based grocery giant will start deploying the technology in these stores during the early part of 2019, while other banners will continue to test the autonomous devices.
Technology -
Whole Foods to shutter 365 store format: report
In a letter to employees, founder John Mackey said the separate brand is unnecessary due to price investments being made by Amazon.
Corporate -
Supreme Court to consider if SNAP sales data should be public
The appeal by the Food Marketing Institute follows a circuit court ruling last year that the data should be made available under the Freedom of Information Act.
Financial news -
ColumnPardon the Disruption: Can Kroger's 'connected store' connect with shoppers?
A tour of one of the company’s new futuristic locations in suburban Seattle reveals a trove of technology enhancements, from digital shelves to a new "guided shopping" tool.
Technology -
Plant-based steak: Will it be what's for dinner?
Impossible Foods CEO Patrick Brown said R&D at the California-based company has been "going at a blazing speed since Day One," and whole cuts of beef are its next big launch.
Fresh food -
Giant Heirloom Market readies for its Philadelphia opening
The 9,500-square-foot store will feature local foods, a produce chef and an "endless aisle" that allows shoppers to order anything that's not in-store for next-day delivery.
Alternative formats -
AI shopping cart ready to power stores over sensors
Startup Caper landed $3.5 million in funding to support the expansion of its new technology to more stores and the development of a smart basket.
Technology -
Target shuffles C-suite
Most notably, the mass merchant's CFO will retire once a successor is named, and its Food & Beverage category has a new leader.
Corporate -
Natural Grocers sharpens its positioning as a health resource
The company's six-week Keto Reset Program includes classes and product specials centered around the popular diet.
Fresh food -
California could ban paper receipts by 2022
The proposed legislation would require businesses to provide digital receipts unless customers explicitly request a paper version.
Technology -
Survey: Trader Joe's is once again the top grocery retailer
For the second year in a row, the grocer ranked first on dunnhumby's annual Retailer Preference Index, receiving high marks for its private label products, small format stores and customer service.
Corporate -
Micro-markets inside health centers could be just what the doctor ordered
A hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan this week became the latest health care facility to open a full-service grocery store on its campus.
Financial news -
Sprouts to enter 3 new states in Q2
Four of the grocer's nine new stores will feature an "enhanced layout" focused on customer service, prepared foods and service departments.
Alternative formats -
Walmart adds another driverless car to its test fleet
Udelv, which offers driverless technology through its customizable cargo vans, joins the retailer's growing list of grocery delivery partners.
Technology -
Deep DiveSmartphones to store transformations: 6 grocery trends to watch in 2019
Experts say retailers will continue to remake the shopping experience this year with investments in key areas like delivery, mobile innovation and creative partnerships.
E-commerce -
Ahold Delhaize appoints McDonald's vet as chief digital officer
Farhan Siddiqi led digital strategy at the fast-food company and helped launch mobile commerce, including self-service kiosks, in 20,000 restaurants.
Technology -
Impossible Burger becomes gluten-free in new reformulation
The first major revamp of the company's signature product makes it more adaptable to replace ground beef in any recipe, has less salt, and is a bit more clean-label.
Fresh food -
Milk brands launch digital grocery aisle to boost sales
The Milk Processor Education Program is teaming up with grocery tech company Chicory on the initiative, which also includes in-recipe advertisements.
Fresh food -
Is Amazon considering a fresh meal delivery division?
A quickly removed job listing for a team leader to oversee what the company called a “new perishable food platform" started speculation about the move, which could launch it into a new, highly competitive category.
Fresh food -
Can Kroger make money selling tech to other retailers?
The grocer has teamed up with Microsoft to develop digital shelves, inventory management programs and other systems it will roll out to its own stores and offer to other companies.
Technology -
Walmart hypes curbside pickup in Hollywood cars commercial
Screened during the Golden Globes Sunday night, the TV spot launches a cross-platform campaign promoting the retailer's expanding e-commerce business and free curbside pickup.
E-commerce -
Study: 1 in 10 adults have a food allergy
According to the survey of 40,443 U.S. adults, at least half developed them after childhood.
Natural/organic -
Amazon Go could reach $4B by 2021, report says
RBC Capital Markets analysts also estimate the average order is about $10 and that each cashier-free store sees around 550 visitors a day.
Technology -
Starboard urges Dollar Tree to unload Family Dollar
Family Dollar has been a drag on its parent since its 2015 acquisition, but a sale may mostly benefit investors, analysts say.
Corporate