Deep Dive: Page 2
Industry insights from our journalists
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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 -
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 -
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 Stine • 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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'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 -
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 -
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 -
'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 -
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 Stine • Oct. 15, 2019 -
5 grocers embracing technology around the globe
Companies worldwide are working diligently to streamline shopping and create a better customer experience.
Jessica Dumont • Oct. 07, 2019 -
How grocers can get smart with coupons
Shoppers are still embracing them, and an effective strategy requires an intelligent mix of both print and digital promotions, experts say.
Jessica Dumont • Oct. 03, 2019 -
How grocery pickup is evolving
As demand grows along with competition, retailers are trying to erase wait times, improve fulfillment and even reach shoppers away from the store.
Lauren Stine • Sept. 30, 2019 -
The 5 most memorable technologies from Groceryshop
The exhibit hall in Las Vegas highlighted a slew of new devices, from drones and digital shelves to product-picking robots and smart carts.
Jessica Dumont and Jeff Wells • Sept. 23, 2019 -
From smart carts to computer vision, checkout innovations are multiplying
As tech firms race to bring the Amazon Go experience to supermarkets, established technologies like self-checkout and scan-and-go are stepping up their game.
Jeff Wells • Sept. 23, 2019 -
Small wonders: How grocers are trying to get scaled-down stores just right
Retailers are forging ahead with bold new formats that can go where their legacy stores can't. Can they roll out quickly enough to make an impact?
Christopher Doering • Sept. 10, 2019 -
Instacart forges ahead as industry pressures mount
The leading e-commerce service says it's driving online engagement, but a recent report claims the service may hinder customer loyalty to grocers.
Jeff Wells • Aug. 27, 2019 -
Grocers look to grab-and-go as a differentiator
Quick meals and sides are prevalent at the grocery store, but retailers have to execute well if they want to profit.
Lauren Stine • Aug. 13, 2019