Page 2

Whole Foods denies cutting employee hours

The response followed a report by The Guardian that the chain has reduced workers' hours after increasing wages in November. 

Hy-Vee nixes distribution center plans in Minnesota

The change aligns with a reported slower expansion in Minnesota, though the grocer is investing elsewhere.

Aldi store brands dominate BrandSpark awards

More than 10,000 consumers voted the discounter's private label tops in categories like salad bowls, hummus and kid snacks.

Costco raises wages as Q2 earnings beat estimates

The retailer announced earnings grew 27% year-over-year and increased its minimum wage to $15 an hour to combat a tight labor market. 

Opinion

Is the grocery sector prepared for the artificial intelligence revolution?

Grocers are rolling out automated solutions, but they should also be ready to retrain and redeploy displaced workers, writes Sean McBride of DSM Strategic Communications.

Kroger exploring health care venture, CEO says

The grocer joins a growing list of retailers evaluating the space as companies seek additional revenue streams.

Millennials turn away from traditional produce departments

Supermarkets capture about half of all produce sales, but alternative channels are drawing shoppers who seek fresh, local and convenient items.

Walmart wins in grocery pickup, while Amazon dominates delivery, survey says

Adoption rates for e-commerce are still low, but grocery pickup is gaining steam in the southern U.S. while delivery scores big in the Northeast. 

Family Dollar to close nearly 400 stores

Parent Dollar Tree is struggling to integrate the discount banner it acquired in 2015.

Kroger Q4 revenue, profits plummet

The company's gross margin dropped 93 basis points, casting doubt on its improved forecast this year and long-term growth.

Amazon to discontinue pop-up shops

The decision to close the locations, many of which were located inside Whole Foods stores, comes as the e-commerce giant plans to expand its 4-star and Go locations, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

Grow ahead: Distributor partners with hydroponic farming startup

Gordon Food Service has joined Square Roots to place small indoor farms close to its distribution centers and grocery stores.

UNFI's integration challenges deepen

Top-line sales beat analysts' estimates but the distributor cut its earnings forecast, citing higher-than-expected integration costs for Supervalu facilities.

In-store meal kits are driving sector growth, Nielsen says

Retailers introduced 187 new meal kit items last year, while 2.2 million more U.S. households bought selections from their local grocer.

Target CEO: New grocery structure brings 'significant benefits'

The retailer saw its sixth straight quarter of comps growth in food and beverage, while traffic and overall sales were the best in more than a decade.

49% of retailers name in-store mobile experience a top priority

Mobile shopping and browsing will continue to grow, according to a BRP report.

FreshDirect expands suburban delivery and same-day service

The e-grocer will serve additional markets around Washington, D.C. and Connecticut, and announced a new speedy delivery service three years after launching FoodKick.

Sprouts, Piggly Wiggly and Harps Foods embrace Instacart

A number of smaller grocers are turning to the online grocery service, helping the company regain some momentum after recent public stumbles. 

Food Lion to remodel 92 stores across South Carolina

In its fifth year of a brand-wide makeover, the retailer will invest $158 million to revamp locations — from new layouts to additional product offerings. 

Deep Dive

To thrive in retail, Target needs to boost its grocery business

The company's food and beverage segment has struggled in the past and still seems to be a work in progress, analysts say.

UPDATED: March 5, 2019 at 9:58 a.m.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb resigns

The commissioner, who moved forward with initiatives already in progress and on the horizon, is leaving in a month to spend more time with his family.

Farmstead partners with Kraft Heinz to expand inventory

The company is adding pantry staple classics including Jell-O and Kraft Mac & Cheese to provide one-stop online grocery shopping.

Sam's Club set to test faster Scan & Go tech

The retailer will be testing technology that will enhance its mobile service this spring. 

Aldi accuses Lidl of trade secret violations in lawsuit

According to a case filed in North Carolina, the grocer is suing two former employees, as well as Lidl, for allegedly stealing proprietary information about its expansion plans.  

Amazon planning to launch new grocery chain, WSJ reports

The yet-to-be-named business will be distinct from the Whole Foods brand and could open its first store as early as this year in Los Angeles.