Corporate

The Giant Company takes to social media to stop panic buying

The company has launched a campaign called #MoreForAll on Facebook to minimize hoarding and remind people about those in need.

By Jessica Dumont • March 27, 2020

Lidl offers coronavirus-specific healthcare benefits to new workers

The retailer is offering the benefits to 1,000 temporary associates it seeks to hire as grocery stores expand their workforces amid the pandemic.

By Sam Silverstein • March 27, 2020

Walmart, Sam's Club offer rent relief to in-store tenants

The corporation is also moving to pay suppliers faster as supply chains feel the impact of COVID-19.

By Daphne Howland • March 27, 2020

DoorDash waives delivery fees across more than 2,000 grocers

DoorDash and partners including Hy-Vee, Mercato and Rosie will offer free delivery promotions for customers aged 60 and over through May 7.

By Jessica Dumont • March 27, 2020

Grocers give workers the OK to wear masks, gloves

Though Centers for Disease Control guidelines say healthy people shouldn't wear masks, companies including Kroger and Giant Food will permit their employees to do so if they want.  

By Jessica Dumont • March 26, 2020

Fairway Market sells two N.J. leases to Amazon as it wraps up bankruptcy auction

The New York chain also sold its five marquee New York City locations along with a distribution facility to Village Super Market for $76 million. 

By Sam Silverstein • March 26, 2020

Kroger converts store to pickup-only service

The company says it's piloting the Cincinnati-area supermarket's switch as it sees growing demand for click-and-collect and "alternative ways to shop for groceries."

By Jeff Wells • March 26, 2020

Albertsons taps struggling hotel, entertainment industries to staff up

The grocer has partnered with 17 companies, including MGM Resorts International and Regal Cinemas, to offer part-time jobs to people who have lost hours or been furloughed.

By Jessica Dumont • March 25, 2020

Grocery Outlet seeing 'mid teens' comps so far in Q1

The discounter believes its flexible business model is well suited to the current environment, but withheld guidance due to unpredictability surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

By Jeff Wells • March 25, 2020

Grocers install plexiglass barriers to checkout counters

The "sneezeguards" are meant to protect cashiers and shoppers from direct exposure to COVID-19 and help with social distancing. 

By Krishna Thakker • March 25, 2020

Hy-Vee says customer concerns spurred it to ban reusable bags

The grocery chain's move comes as retailers and local authorities are reevaluating the use of personal totes and bags, noting they could transmit the coronavirus.

By Sam Silverstein • March 25, 2020

Target pivots from planned investments to deal with 'unprecedented' sales surge

Consumers stocking up amid the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed comparable sales for food and essentials up 50% at the retailer. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 25, 2020

Trader Joe's caps number of shoppers allowed in stores at one time

The restrictions, which are taking place at select stores, make it easier for people to maintain distance from one another while shopping.

By Sam Silverstein • March 24, 2020

Deep Dive

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. 

By Jessica Dumont • March 23, 2020

Albertsons slashes prescription delivery fees

The grocer will offer free mail order, same-day and next-day delivery through May 1 to ensure convenient access to medications.

By Jessica Dumont • March 23, 2020

Kroger joins chorus of retailers offering bonuses and boosting worker pay

The grocer, along with Walmart, is giving $150 to all part-time employees and $300 to full-time staff, while Target is offering bonuses to all of its hourly store team leads ranging from $250 to $1,500.

By Krishna Thakker • March 23, 2020

Grocers step up to hire restaurant workers sidelined by coronavirus

The two industries are forming creative partnerships as grocers' hiring needs accelerate and restaurants close down their dining rooms.

By Sam Silverstein • March 23, 2020

Instacart plans to hire 300,000 additional shoppers

The delivery service said the move will double the number of gig workers on its platform over the next three months to meet ongoing demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Jessica Dumont • March 23, 2020

Grocers launch additional perks for senior shoppers

Raley's is selling discounted, pre-packed bags of essentials, while Brookshire's will offer 5% off to those 60 or older through May 5. 

By Jessica Dumont • March 20, 2020

Amazon reportedly bidding on 4 Fairway Market locations

Bidding for the bankrupt grocer's New York and New Jersey stores began Monday and has already drawn bids from several food retailers.

By Sam Silverstein • March 20, 2020

States move to classify grocery workers as emergency personnel

The designation means people who work in grocery stores will be provided with care for their children during the COVID-19 crisis.

By Sam Silverstein • March 20, 2020

Shipt seeks to onboard thousands of gig workers in key markets

The company needs more people to pick, pack and deliver orders in places like New York City, Detroit and Atlanta amid an explosion in online grocery demand. 

By Jeff Wells • March 20, 2020

Blue Apron stock soars amid pandemic

The struggling meal kit company could be poised for a revival as coronavirus sweeps the nation and consumers look for alternatives to restaurant and grocery delivery.

By Jessica Dumont • March 19, 2020

'We're putting out fires': Companies adjust to online grocery surge

Retailers are adding servers, hiring fulfillment workers and trying to better sync inventory with their online platforms.

By Jeff Wells • March 19, 2020

Ocado temporarily stops taking orders

The British e-grocer has been overwhelmed by consumers trying to buy groceries as the coronavirus crisis spirals.

By Sam Silverstein • March 19, 2020