Deep Dive: Page 2
Industry insights from our journalists
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Grocers ponder the future of their self-service stations
More than three months after shutting down, salad bars and hot bars are burning a hole in retailers' bottom lines. Getting them up and running safely and profitably is a major challenge, according to retailers, consultants and other sources.
Sam Silverstein and Jeff Wells • June 25, 2020 -
Christopher Doering/Grocery Dive
Private label prospects brighten as recession hits cash-strapped consumers
Even before the pandemic, sales growth in the sector was forecast to outpace that of national brands for the fourth straight year, according to IRI.
Christopher Doering • June 17, 2020 -
Bi-Lo sale clears the way for Southeastern Grocers to energize Winn-Dixie. But will the competition be too much?
The company's sale of 62 stores will add much-needed investment capital as it turns its focus to Florida, analysts said.
Sam Silverstein • June 05, 2020 -
6 strategies for grocers preparing for the new e-commerce future
Retail experts share insights into how food retailers can retool their online operations in response to the pandemic.
Sam Silverstein and Jeff Wells • May 26, 2020 -
Courtesy of Walmart
How companies are helping vulnerable shoppers
A growing number of retailers and service providers are concluding that dedicating store hours for pregnant, elderly, disabled and other at-risk shoppers is not enough.
Krishna Thakker • May 11, 2020 -
Jeff Wells/Grocery Dive
How grocers are filling the mealtime void during the pandemic
As homebound consumers re-connect with cooking and look for new prepared options, grocers are seizing the opportunity to once again become America's preferred meal providers.
Jessica Dumont • April 27, 2020 -
Courtesy of Local Foods
Should grocery stores go dark?
As safety concerns mount, a handful of retailers across the country have temporarily converted their stores to pickup and delivery service only. More may follow suit.
Jeff Wells • April 03, 2020 -
Grocers race to keep their front lines trained and healthy
As staffing surges, companies are trying to balance rapid onboarding with new health and safety measures, from better sick leave policies to four-day work weeks.
Jessica Dumont • March 23, 2020 -
Lucky's Market
Specialty grocers aren't looking so special anymore
On the heels of three rapid-fire bankruptcies, experts say companies need to take a hard look at their positioning in the marketplace and realize the days of blazing nationwide growth may be over.
Jessica Dumont • March 02, 2020 -
Courtesy of Amazon
Is Go Grocery a game changer for Amazon?
Experts agree the checkout-free store is a technical marvel, but they questioned its ability to promote regular shopping trips and attract interest to license its system to other retailers.
Jeff Wells • Feb. 26, 2020 -
Jeff Wells
For in-store farms to succeed, finding the right balance is key
High-tech growing operations promise to efficiently supply retailers with greens. But the bigger payoff may be in offering shoppers a bit of food theater.
Lauren Manning • Feb. 06, 2020 -
Discovery is lost in e-commerce. How can grocers improve?
The concept is core to bigger baskets and impulse buys online, but most companies have missed the mark, experts say.
Jessica Dumont • Jan. 27, 2020 -
4 grocery markets to watch in 2020
With legacy players digging in and newcomers looking to shake things up, expect some pitched battles in the months ahead.
Jessica Dumont • Jan. 13, 2020 -
Kroger
6 grocery trends to watch in 2020
Simplifying apps, evolving in-store dining and expanding micro-fulfillment will be on the menu for retailers in the year ahead, experts say.
Jeff Wells, Jessica Dumont and Krishna Thakker • Jan. 06, 2020 -
Photo illustration by Michelle Rock/Grocery Dive; photographs via Getty Images
From food halls to ghost kitchens, collaboration is on the menu for grocers and restaurants
While both can siphon dollars from the other, the right partnerships could boost operational efficiencies, drive brand awareness and elevate food offerings.
Jeff Wells • Nov. 21, 2019 -
Photo illustration by Michelle Rock/Grocery Dive; photographs via Getty Images
Restaurants are creeping into grab-and-go. Should grocers worry?
Grocers have traditionally owned the space, but customer demand for convenience is driving growth — and more competition — in new places.
Krishna Thakker and Jessica Dumont • Nov. 20, 2019 -
Photo illustration by Michelle Rock/Restaurant Dive; photographs via Getty Images
Delivery from aisle 5: How grocers are threatening restaurants' off-premise business
Grocery and convenience stores are delivering meals via third-party platforms, but may not have the right expertise and menus in place to compete with restaurants — yet.
Julie Littman • Nov. 19, 2019 -
Shipt
Does the gig economy have a future in grocery stores?
On-demand labor is now an integral part of e-commerce and promises to fill stocking, merchandising and other jobs, but high turnover and a changing industry could check its lofty ambitions.
Jeff Wells • Nov. 07, 2019 -
Tech workers aren't interested in grocery — or are they?
Contrary to popular belief, grocers can be attractive workplaces for software developers, data scientists and other digital talent. But first, retailers need to hone their pitch.
Krishna Thakker • Oct. 30, 2019 -
Walmart
Walmart's last mile around the world
From tricycles to drones, the retailer is casting a wide net to find out how shoppers want to receive their goods.
Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 29, 2019 -
Fotolia
From BJ's to ButcherBox: A retired retailer finds new life in the startup world
Mike Billings thought he was done after 25 years running BJ’s meat and seafood department. Then he got an offer to help build a new operation from the ground up.
Jeff Wells • Oct. 29, 2019 -
Christopher Doering
Wegmans' Brooklyn store is the brand's biggest test yet
The cold and the rain didn't dampen enthusiasm on opening day, but keeping the excitement high in a fiercely competitive market will be a challenge for the iconic grocer.
Christopher Doering • Oct. 28, 2019 -
Christopher Doering
'Change is coming': An inside look at Hy-Vee's new store formats
Over the past two years, the Iowa-based grocery chain has rolled out three formats that seek to win customers over as exceedingly relevant and convenient places to shop.
Christopher Doering • Oct. 24, 2019 -
ShopRite
As automation grows, grocers need an employee game plan
Experts say retailers need to offer reskilling opportunities and communicate effectively as technology plays a bigger role in stores.
Jessica Dumont • Oct. 22, 2019 -
Why grocers are looking outside the industry for executive talent
As challenges mount, an insular industry has started recruiting technology management from other channels. Should they extend their efforts across the C-suite?
Lauren Manning • Oct. 15, 2019
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