Alternative formats

A look inside Ahold Delhaize's 24/7 frictionless store

The 150-square-foot display location at NRF showcased the technology that the grocer says rivals Amazon Go.
By Krishna Thakker • Jan. 14, 2020
Martin's shutters Portage Meat & Market

The store, which was converted from a traditional Martin's Super Market format, will close on Jan. 25 after two years of operation.
By Lauren Stine • Jan. 10, 2020
Loop integrates 'NanoStore' template for its 1st cashierless format

The convenience store partnered with tech company AiFi on an autonomous location at a Shell gas station in Silicon Valley that will open this month.
By Krishna Thakker • Jan. 07, 2020
Specialty grocer Green Aisle to close up shop

The Philadelphia-based company, owned by renowned foodies, operated two small grocery stores focused on organic and local products.
By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 02, 2020
Jungle Jim's adds new bourbon bar and event space

The Oscar Station, opening later this month behind the company's store in Fairfield, Ohio, will feature more than 40 bourbons.
By Jennifer Sweeney • Jan. 01, 2020
Publix's GreenWise comes full circle in Florida

The grocer has opened two new stores in Lakeland and Boca Raton, and has transitioned a prototype GreenWise location to its legacy brand.
By Lauren Stine • Dec. 16, 2019
Hy-Vee's new format steels it against discounters and Walmart

Dollar Fresh offers steeply discounted products as well as a range of perishable goods, full-service meat and pharmacy.
By Jeff Wells • Dec. 12, 2019
Dive Awards
Alternative Format of the Year: Giant Heirloom Market

Giant Food Stores's fresh-focused banner is a hit in Philadelphia and a leading example of grocers' shift into smaller stores.
By Jessica Dumont • Dec. 09, 2019
Local grocery concept debuts in Denver

Leevers Locavore, which opened its first store in the heart of the city, combines a grocery store with a food hall and focuses on locally sourced products.
By Jennifer Sweeney • Dec. 02, 2019
Ahold Delhaize's 'NanoStore' heads to the airport

The retailer's Albert Heijn grocery chain has planted its 150-square-foot, Amazon Go-like store at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport through January.
By Krishna Thakker • Nov. 27, 2019
Sedano's debuts new look at 35th Florida store

The Hispanic grocer will host a grand opening Wednesday complete with giveaways and cooking demonstrations to show off its in-store dining, hot food station and sandwich bar.
By Jessica Dumont • Nov. 05, 2019
Giant's third Heirloom Market taps into a top trend

A below-level hangout featuring a wide assortment of drinks and games underscores grocers' desire to elevate the in-store bar concept.
By Krishna Thakker • Oct. 25, 2019
Deep Dive
'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.
By Christopher Doering • Oct. 24, 2019
Sendik's Food Market opens 'experiential' store

The grocer's $5 million remodel in Brookfield, Wisconsin, added features including a made-to-order grilling station, apparel and home goods.
By Lauren Stine • Oct. 21, 2019
Discount, convenience stores poised for fastest offline growth, analysis says

Increased urbanization and smaller households have led to more frequent trips and smaller basket sizes, according to Edge by Ascential.
By Lauren Stine • Oct. 18, 2019
Sports venues are the latest testing ground for checkout-free stores

The Sacramento Kings' Golden 1 Center will open a store with Zippin next month while the Worcester Red Sox will unveil a location with Standard Cognition in April 2021.
By Jessica Dumont • Sept. 26, 2019
The future of food retail points to fresh formats and dollar stores

While traditional grocers, drug stores and large warehouse stores fall behind, these two categories continue to thrive, according to a report by Inmar Analytics.
By Jennifer Sweeney • Sept. 11, 2019
At long last, Kroger's downtown Cincinnati store set to open

The highly anticipated store, which opens this month after more than a decade in the works, features a 100-seat food hall and emphasizes fresh and prepared foods.
By Lauren Stine • Sept. 10, 2019
Deep Dive
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?
By Christopher Doering • Sept. 10, 2019
Inside the store: Alltown Fresh opens in Connecticut

The convenience market's newest location emphasizes local produce, made-to-order meals and an extensive beverage selection.
By Krishna Thakker • Sept. 04, 2019
Japanese supercenter retailer has big plans for the U.S.

Don Quijote's cluttered stores and bright signage have resonated overseas, and now its parent company is developing a new format for American consumers.
By Krishna Thakker • Aug. 26, 2019
Giant breaks ground on urban flagship in Philadelphia

The two-story location takes inspiration from Giant Heirloom Market and will support the banner's continued investment in the city.
By Jessica Dumont • Aug. 15, 2019
Meet the multi-format store

Denver's Choice Market is a c-store, grocer and fast-casual restaurant that does nearly a third of its business online — and it has big growth plans.
By Jeff Wells • Aug. 14, 2019
Tesco to lay off 4,500 Metro store employees

Shoppers aren't using the stores as the full-shop destinations the retailer intended, so it's trying to adjust.
By Krishna Thakker • Aug. 06, 2019
Rise Mrkt wants to be a plastic-free online grocer

The startup is crowdfunding its way to launch and plans to sell dry grocery products in compostable packaging.
By Lauren Stine • Aug. 02, 2019