Recapping 2025’s flurry of major CEO moves

Major players like Kroger, Albertsons, Walmart and Amazon announced new leadership as economic and competitive forces impacted the industry.

Tracking the development of Kroger’s automated e-commerce center network

A map of the e-commerce fulfillment network the grocer has developed with Ocado shows upcoming closures and locations of operational facilities.

Updated Dec. 5, 2025

Kroger cancels plans for additional CFC, will pay $350M to Ocado

The fulfillment center cancellation — along with the closure of a spoke facility in Tennessee — expands the grocer’s pullback of its e-commerce network.

The Friday Checkout: Should retail media sales count toward grocers’ e-commerce profitability?

Kroger told investors Thursday that its online grocery business will make money in 2026 — but plans to factor retail media into its calculations.

Albertsons launches agentic AI shopping assistant

The tool can generate meal plans, reorder frequent purchases and find recipes based on what customers have in their homes, among other features.

Grocery Outlet lowers guidance after SNAP sales hit

The discounter said comparable-store sales from EBT payments in November declined by more than 8% as federal funding for the program lapsed. 

Kroger expects to reach e-commerce profitability in 2026

The grocer’s recent fulfillment changes along with its retail media sales will help the company achieve this coveted goal, executives said Thursday.

How 3 grocers navigated the SNAP suspension

As the food assistance program continues to face political pressure, here’s how a few retailers adjusted their operations during the recent funding lapse.

GLP-1 users to make up 35% of food and beverage sales by 2030: report

As more consumers take weight loss medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, companies will need to act fast if they want to adapt, according to Circana.

Costco sues Trump administration for tariff refund

The retail giant is calling for funds to be returned as the Supreme Court weighs the legality of certain levies imposed by President Donald Trump.

Instacart sues NYC over grocery delivery worker laws

Laws passed this year by the City Council that govern minimum pay and tipping for workers who deliver groceries violate federal and state statutes, the company claims.

USDA head threatens to withhold SNAP funding from Democratic states

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the 21 states won’t receive federal funds for the food assistance program until they comply with a directive to share information about participants.

UNFI’s net sales growth slips as supply chain efficiencies improve

Although sales dropped year over year due to the closure of a distribution center, the wholesaler said it’s lowering costs and moving cases faster through its facilities.

Amazon tests delivery in half hour or less

In parts of Seattle and Philadelphia, ultra-fast delivery of household essentials and groceries is an extra $14 — or $4 for Prime members.

States sue Trump administration over SNAP eligibility changes

The lawsuit aims to block new USDA guidance that says certain groups, including refugees and asylum recipients, can’t participate in the food assistance program. 

6 grocery companies’ top executive changes in November

Walmart and Schnuck Markets named new senior executives, while Instacart said its CEO will become chair.

United Supermarkets to lay off 126 employees

The grocery chain is eliminating the positions in Texas as parent Albertsons continues a year filled with changes.

Fareway grows Kansas footprint

The Midwest grocer opened its first full-scale format in the state in late November.

BJ’s CEO: ‘AI is a big part of our future’

The membership-only grocery chain is using the technology to make coding more efficient, generate to-do lists for team members and spot quality issues in its stores. 

Private label’s allure transcends income levels, survey finds

Consumers with household incomes above $100,000 are becoming more likely to buy store-brand groceries as they look to save money, Alvarez & Marsal reported.

Albertsons’ pilot with Chobani drives ad outcomes

The test is part of a collaboration between the grocer’s retail media division and NBCUniversal to provide closed-loop measurement that bridges connected TV ads and retail performance.

More than a Store: Kroger places health at the center of its digital aisles

The grocer’s recent app refresh highlights both wellness-related services and savings opportunities, but stops short of tying them together.

Aldi opens 16 stores in one day

The opening spree, which happened last Thursday, continues the discounter’s work towards its goal of operating 3,200 locations by 2028.

Shoppers likely won’t curb their grocery budget for the holidays

A “great homemade feast” remains a top priority for consumers this year, with FMI’s latest holiday trends report finding that food is the area where shoppers are least likely to cut back.

Grocers go niche with their private labels

Retailers including Natural Grocers, Albertsons and SpartanNash have recently rolled out items like cooking oils, herb blends and flavored butters under their store brands.