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.
Artificial intelligence may be sparking existential fears across the globe right now, but at the Groceryshop conference in Las Vegas this week, the rapidly evolving technology was a source of boundless optimism.
In panel discussions and keynote speeches, at booths and lunchtable conversations, attendees were buzzing about AI’s potential to revolutionize shopping and industry operations. Instacart CEO Chris Rogers kicked the hype machine into full gear during his opening day keynote when he proclaimed, “AI is going to transform grocery more than any other technology shift to date.”
It’s hard to deny the allure of AI-powered shopping, with its promise of helping customers save time, solve mealtime conundrums and discover new products. Yael Cossett, Kroger’s chief digital officer, said AI could ultimately break down the barriers between online and in-person shopping.
But amid all the excitement were notes of caution. Cossett and other executives acknowledged the pressure from investors and competitors to act quickly in adopting AI, but said moving too fast could undermine companies’ efforts. Another potential pitfall Cossett sees is that many retailers don't have the clean, high-quality data needed to power effective AI shopping.
“If you don’t address that data and stay committed to controlling the integrity of that data, you are going to inject some risk and some uncertainty and lack of accuracy in your artificial intelligence investment,” Cossett said.
There’s also the always tricky matter of shopper behavior. Adoption of AI-powered shopping is still in the very early stages, and it’s not clear who is going to own the customer experience as major AI companies, marketplaces like Instacart and retailers themselves all roll out AI shopping tools. Grocers may sell the products and have the food expertise, but as with the e-commerce boom of the past several years, they’re navigating a technology that just isn’t their bread and butter.
In case you missed it
Seattle blocks grocers from using personal data to set prices
The Northwest city this week became the first in the country to ban grocers from using so-called “surveillance pricing,” according to Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s office.
The Full and Transparent Pricing policy, which the city council approved Tuesday, prevents large brick-and-mortar and online retailers from using information like gender, race, browsing history and social media history in determining prices for shoppers. It also requires stores to post prices clearly for all shoppers and to provide traditional coupons and “transparent discounts” for groups like senior citizens.
Fresh Thyme comes up with some fresh trends for 2027
This year still has a few months to go, but that’s not stopping Fresh Thyme Market from issuing its food trends forecast for 2027.
Among the 11 trends-to-watch the specialty grocer developed in partnership with SPINS are a growing focus on “brain food” that contains omega-3s, antioxidants and functional ingredients; higher demand for sauces, seasonings and crunchy toppings shoppers can sprinkle atop their favorite dishes; and robust interest in global flavors in the freezer aisle.
Instacart links with Dollar General
Instacart is set to fulfill online grocery orders from thousands more stores this fall. The tech company will offer delivery from 7,000 Dollar General and Popshelf stores across six states in the coming weeks. If the pilot run goes according to plan, the partnership will expand to Dollar General’s more than 20,000 stores across 48 states.
Impulse find
Who had the strongest sneaker game at Groceryshop?
Groceryshop advises attendees to sport “smart casual” attire when attending the annual technology and innovation conference. Year after year, that guidance produces a strong showing of hip, designer sneakers that give off an air of casual cool.
Former Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen caught people’s attention with a pair of pink sneakers during a show keynote a few years ago. This year, the unofficial award for the strongest sneaker game goes to California Pizza Kitchen President Michael Beacham, who sported some very on-brand bright yellow kicks during his keynote on Wednesday. The shoes drew praise from Joe Laszlo, head of insights for Shoptalk and Groceryshop, who interviewed Beacham on the main stage.
Beacham, who spoke about CPK’s rollout of automated pizza kiosks and its CPG line expansion in grocery stores, also wore a bright yellow shirt to round out the sartorial ensemble.
