Grocers turn attention to first responders and healthcare workers

Several companies are adding special shopping hours and pickup times for medical personnel and first responders to support them during the pandemic.

By Jessica Dumont • April 3, 2020

Weis, Hannaford restart grocery pickup services

The grocers have resumed bringing orders out to shoppers’ vehicles, but with restrictions meant to keep people apart.

By Sam Silverstein • April 3, 2020

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Top 5 stories from Grocery Dive

Top stories from Grocery Dive first half of 2025.

By Grocery Dive staff

Should grocery stores go dark?

As safety concerns mount, a handful of retailers across the country have temporarily converted their stores to pickup and delivery service only. More may follow suit.  

By Jeff Wells • April 3, 2020

Instacart provides gig workers with safety kits

The kit will be distributed to all full-service shoppers and includes a reusable and washable face mask, hand sanitizer and a forehead thermometer.

By Krishna Thakker • April 3, 2020

Restaurant delivery platforms turn to grocery

Uber Eats has teamed up with Carrefour in France for 30-minute grocery delivery, while DoorDash has added convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Wawa.

By Jessica Dumont • April 2, 2020

Dean & DeLuca files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

After shuttering all of its stores in 2019, the gourmet grocer is hoping to reach a restructuring deal with creditors so it can resume operations.

By Krishna Thakker • April 2, 2020

Ahold Delhaize commits $10M to relief efforts

The retailer joins a roster of other companies that have pledged to support medical research, food banks and more amid the pandemic.

By Jessica Dumont • April 1, 2020

Kroger awaits 'new normal' following March sales surge

The grocer saw identical sales increase 30% last month and has hired more than 32,000 employees over the past two weeks, but sales volatility looms.

By Jeff Wells • April 1, 2020

Connecticut supermarkets tighten occupancy restrictions

Stores have agreed to cut their maximum occupancy by 50% and urge families not to shop together.

By Sam Silverstein • April 1, 2020

Grocers can now list shopping times on OpenTable

The new tool promises to help retailers manage crowds without requiring customers to wait in line outside stores.

By Krishna Thakker • March 31, 2020

Walmart will test employee temperatures and provide masks, gloves

The retailer is shipping infrared thermometers to all of its stores and facilities and will ask any employee with a temperature above 100 degrees to stay home or seek medical attention.

By Krishna Thakker • March 31, 2020

Hy-Vee offers free fitness videos for kids

The grocer's KidFit program is intended to lend parents a hand and add a little structure to their children's days.

By Jessica Dumont • March 30, 2020

Earth Fare founder among investors aiming to reboot bankrupt grocer

The group paid $1.9 million for four stores and plans to ultimately open several locations under the specialty brand name.

By Sam Silverstein • March 30, 2020

Rhode Island becomes first state to institute mandatory social distancing for retailers

Under the new rules, grocers must ensure proper spacing in high-traffic areas and can have no more than 20% of their stated fire capacity in stores at one time. 

By Jeff Wells • March 29, 2020

Grocers feast on Lucky's Market stores in bankruptcy auction

Ten grocers, including Publix, Aldi and Schnuck Markets, paid $29 million collectively for 23 stores and one distribution center.

By Sam Silverstein • March 29, 2020

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 at 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