Smartphones to store transformations: 6 grocery trends to watch in 2019

Experts say retailers will continue to remake the shopping experience this year with investments in key areas like delivery, mobile innovation and creative partnerships.

By Jeff Wells , Krishna Thakker • Jan. 7, 2019

Starboard urges Dollar Tree to unload Family Dollar

Family Dollar has been a drag on its parent since its 2015 acquisition, but a sale may mostly benefit investors, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 7, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Grocery loyalty

Food retailers are depending on techniques designed to build and maintain connections with customers as they strive to stand out.

By Grocery Dive staff

Amazon Go could reach $4B by 2021, report says

RBC Capital Markets analysts also estimate the average order is about $10 and that each cashier-free store sees around 550 visitors a day.

By Krishna Thakker • Jan. 6, 2019

Publix takes culinary education online

The Florida-based retailer will offer its first e-cooking class next week through its Aprons Cooking School program, with more courses to follow in February and March.

By Jennifer Sweeney • Jan. 4, 2019

Stop & Shop to acquire Long Island's King Kullen chain

The 37-store acquisition will beef up the Ahold Delhaize banner's presence on Long Island, and follows close behind Lidl's pickup of Best Market stores in the hotly contested region.    

By Jeff Wells • Jan. 4, 2019

Hannaford puts tech to the test at digital concept store

Touchscreens, shelf sensors and tablets are just a few of the features the northeast grocer is testing in the health and beauty section of a Portland, Maine location.

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 4, 2019

Report: Grocers could lose up to $700B to alternative channels by 2026

Consulting firm McKinsey suggests that as many as half of conventional grocery stores could meet their demise in the coming years as the industry continues to evolve.

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 3, 2019

As other retailers struggle to find truck drivers, Walmart is on a hiring spree

The retailer is doubling down on its efforts to attract drivers and reportedly hired 1,400 new ones last year, according to Yahoo Finance.

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 3, 2019

The new year brings a wave of minimum wage increases

Nineteen states and 21 cities have raised base pay for workers, with some jurisdictions meeting or exceeding $15 an hour. 

By Jennifer Sweeney • Jan. 3, 2019

WSJ: Amazon will build more Whole Foods stores

Suburban areas will be the main target for store growth as the grocer aims to make its Prime Now pickup and delivery services available to more shoppers.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 2, 2019

Our 10 best stories of 2018

Take a look back at a collection of some of Grocery Dive's most-read stories, which together paint a picture of a year defined by change. 

By Grocery Dive staff • Dec. 21, 2018

Petition targets Trader Joe's for excessive plastic packaging

The beloved chain has been targeted by similar appeals in the past for selling farm-factory eggs, endangered species fish and most recently gestation crates for pigs.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 21, 2018

Walmart well-positioned to dominate omnichannel grocery shopping, report says

Fifty-nine percent of U.S. shoppers have purchased groceries from the retailer over the past month as it has ramped up its store and online services, according to Packaged Facts.

By Jessica Dumont • Dec. 21, 2018

Amazon is struggling to make online grocery profitable

Households that order from the online retailer spend three times less per month than those that use supermarket e-commerce services, according to Brick Meets Click.

By Jeff Wells • Dec. 20, 2018

Why H-E-B is growing its Joe V's Smart Shop discount banner

The Texas-based grocer opened two new locations of the store this year, preparing for a showdown with chains like Aldi and Lidl. 

By Krishna Thakker • Dec. 20, 2018

Grocers boost executive roles centered on customer experience

Raley's is the latest to appoint a chief customer experience officer, a new role within the company that focuses on improving omnichannel shopping.

By Jessica Dumont • Dec. 20, 2018

Hy-Vee bets on real estate turnarounds in the Twin Cities

In the growing Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, the Iowa-based retailer has revitalized shopping malls written off by other retailers.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 19, 2018

Kroger sells its digital coupon platform to Inmar

The move is part of an updated strategic partnership that will let the company continue delivering its coupon management services to the grocer.

By Krishna Thakker • Dec. 19, 2018

Blue Apron stock drops below $1. Could an acquisition be next?

Amid mounting losses and an exodus of subscribers, the meal kit pioneer is in danger of being de-listed and has lost more than 90% of its value since going public last year. 

By Jessica Dumont • Dec. 19, 2018

No humans required: Kroger's driverless delivery pilot enters next phase

The retailer and its technology partner, Nuro, will put unmanned vehicles on the road for the first time as part of a test in Scottsdale, Arizona.

By Jeff Wells • Dec. 18, 2018

Kroger CFO to retire, announces replacement

J. Michael Schlotman will step down on April 3 after 30 years at the company. He will be replaced by Gary Millerchip, CEO of Kroger Personal Finance. 

By Krishna Thakker • Dec. 18, 2018

Grocery Outlet rides the discount wave

The extreme-value grocer, which plans to open 40 stores in 2019, sees an opportunity to go national with its deep discounts on name brands.

By Jessica Dumont • Dec. 17, 2018

Wawa opens flagship store in Philadelphia's historic city center

After opening an upscale store in Washington, D.C., the convenience chain has taken its hoagies up a notch, adding lounge seating, kombucha on tap, an in-house bakery and more.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 17, 2018

Boston enacts plastic bag ban

The law has begun to roll out during the busy holiday season, with all retailers needing to comply by July 1.

By Krishna Thakker • Dec. 17, 2018

Competition in grocery pressures Costco's margins

The wholesaler said there is growing pressure in fresh foods from traditional supermarkets and Walmart's Sam's Club division.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2018