The Friday Checkout is a weekly column providing more insight on the news, rounding up the announcements you may have missed and sharing what’s to come.
When Albertsons revealed last week that it revamped its merchandising approach and promoted an executive to oversee the initiative, the company said it is intent on putting “value, personalization, and agility at the center of the customer experience.”
But while the announcement might appear at first to be just an effort by Albertsons’ new CEO, Susan Morris, to put her imprint on the grocer’s value proposition, the shift also suggests that the company is engaged in a broader effort to adjust its course that began even before Morris took over on May 1.
Albertsons’ decision to bump Michelle Larson up to chief merchandising officer triggered key divisional leadership changes, with the company reassigning the presidents of its Jewel-Osco and Mid-Atlantic divisions. Those changes build on leadership shifts Albertsons signaled in February, when it said it had simplified its divisional structure and named a new head of its newly established Mountain West Division.
The reshuffling at Albertsons comes as the company continues to regroup following its failed plan to merge with Kroger. After formerly looking outside to secure a stronger future, particularly in areas where digital growth and innovation were key, Albertsons has concluded that its way forward is best powered from within. Kroger has also recently rearranged its executive structure, in part by tinkering with its divisional leadership.
The slew of internal promotions highlight something of a conundrum for the supermarket giants. While their unsuccessful merger and market share slide highlights a need for fresh thinking, the companies nevertheless feel the need to promote people who understand their complex businesses.
Albertsons has plenty left on its agenda as it looks to secure its future in the fast-changing grocery industry. Will its latest internal changes put it on a surer course to success?
In case you missed it
Kroger’s ex-CEO doesn’t have to testify about sudden exit
In a lawsuit against the grocer, Grammy-nominated singer Jewel had argued that Rodney McMullen needed to disclose why he resigned suddenly from the grocer earlier this year. But on Aug. 29, an Ohio judge ruled that McMullen does not have to reveal why he no longer works at Kroger, saying that it is “not relevant” to the lawsuit, WLWT reported.
Save Mart expands food waste reduction partnership
The Save Mart Companies is bringing Flashfood’s food waste-reduction technology to more of its stores, announcing last week that it has made the service available to shoppers at 11 Save Mart stores in California’s Stanislaus County.
Weis Markets continues remodeling streak
The regional grocer announced on Tuesday the completion of remodeling projects at stores in Pen Argyl and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Both updates include an expanded “market-style” produce department, a larger deli and foodservice area with more prepared meals, new interior design and additional options in the grocery section. Each store now also has energy-efficient refrigerated and frozen cases that use low-impact refrigerants.
Earlier this year, Weis said it converted a Saylor’s Market in Newville, Pennsylvania, to its Weis Markets format. The grocer also announced plans to update a store in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, and finished updates to stores in Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Impulse find
In-store robot Tally gets a kid-made clone
Autonomous robot Tally has a super fan who took it upon themself to recreate the robot at home.
A daughter of a shopper who frequents BJ’s Wholesale Club, which uses the robot, “loves Tally so much that her family built a cardboard Tally to ride on top of their Roomba at home,” Simbe, the maker of the beloved autonomous robot, posted on LinkedIn last week.
“That’s the magic of human-centered design: when technology isn’t just useful, but beloved,” Simbe noted.
The kid-made replica is a prime reminder of how authenticity can help grocers and technology companies foster heartwarming moments.
