Store Operations: Page


  • Empty shelves at Fred Meyer
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    Jeff Wells/Grocery Dive
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    Product availability tops shoppers' worries as they look ahead, research shows

    People are less concerned about the cost of food after the pandemic, and only a fraction are worried about access to online grocery services.

    By • July 10, 2020
  • Sixty Kroger stores tested sales of plant-based meat in the meat section in early 2020, in connection with the Plant Based Foods Association.
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    Courtesy of Plant Based Foods Association
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    Plant-based products sell 23% better in the meat section, study finds

    The research, done by Kroger and the Plant Based Foods Association, found consumers spent more and got a greater variety of items when the products were not in a separate section.

    By Megan Poinski • July 10, 2020
  • Rendering of planned Earth Fare store in Christiansburg, Virginia
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    Courtesy of Earth Fare
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    Earth Fare is back in business

    Just months after the chain filed for bankruptcy, a new ownership group has reopened three locations and announced a new store that will open next year in Virginia.

    By • July 7, 2020
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    Christopher Doering
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    Consumers are stocking up on snacks during the pandemic

    Research firm NPD Group said consumption increased 8% in April, with savory and sweet options among the most popular selections.

    By Jessi Devenyns • July 7, 2020
  • Unilever, tea, immunity, immune system
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    Permission granted by Unilever
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    Healthy food is on the menu as coronavirus improves eating habits

    The pandemic has accelerated demand for plant-based meat and immunity-boosting products from companies such as Impossible Foods and Unilever.

    By Christopher Doering • July 2, 2020
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    Retrieved from Chipotle on July 15, 2020
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    Chipotle launches virtual farmers market for suppliers

    The fast casual chain has partnered with Shopify to help farmers in its supply chain sell meat, dairy and grain products directly to consumers online. 

    By Emma Liem Beckett • July 1, 2020
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    Christopher Doering
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    Wegmans is permanently closing its Pub restaurants

    The retailer announced it will close all 12 locations across three states to focus on adding new quick-service meal options.

    By • June 30, 2020
  • Schnucks doubles down on sourcing local produce

    The company has partnered with startup Foodshed.io — part of its effort to buy more than $5 million worth of produce and other goods from farmers in communities it serves in 2020. 

    By Krishna Thakker • June 26, 2020
  • Target extends grocery pickup to more than 1,000 stores

    The updates put the company well over halfway toward its goal of 1,500 stores by the holidays.

    By • Updated July 21, 2020
  • Whole Foods Market salad bar close-up with tongs sticking into the food
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    Courtesy of Whole Foods Market
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    Deep Dive

    Grocers ponder the future of their self-service stations

    More than three months after shutting down, salad bars and hot bars are burning a hole in retailers' bottom lines. Getting them up and running safely and profitably is a major challenge, according to retailers, consultants and other sources.

    By , • June 25, 2020
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    Davide Savenije
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    FreshDirect adds 'Express' delivery service in NYC

    The two-hour grocery delivery service will roll out in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, and will also add grocery pickup in high-demand areas of the Northeast.

    By Jessica Dumont • June 25, 2020
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    Permission granted by Thrive Market
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    Thrive Market launches frozen meals

    The online retailer is tapping into the growing category with a private label line of 11 single-serve bowls and skillets.

    By Krishna Thakker • June 24, 2020
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    Boise Co-Op
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    Shoppers pull back from co-ops amid pandemic

    While traditional grocers have been flourishing, co-ops across the U.S. saw a drop in sales in April and May, according to Census Bureau data.

    By Jessica Dumont • June 23, 2020
  • Retailers want to bring back sampling, but with modifications

    Grocers expect it will be a while before in-store demos resume, but in the meantime they're exploring in-between options like pre-packaged and online sampling.

    By Krishna Thakker • June 23, 2020
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    Enjoy Life Foods
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    Food allergies affect 1 in 4 consumers, study says

    An estimated 85 million people spend $19 billion annually to avoid purchasing products with the top nine allergens, according to new research from FARE.

    By Jessi Devenyns • June 23, 2020
  • Most shoppers plan to keep loading their pantries, survey finds

    A PwC survey found that customers are still worried about their safety and until COVID-19 is fully resolved, they plan to continue stocking up and avoiding restaurants.

    By Krishna Thakker • June 19, 2020
  • A picture of the exterior of a CVS Pharmacy with the logo and name in view.
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    Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
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    DoorDash teams up with CVS for same-day delivery

    This is the first pharmacy partnership for the delivery platform, which has been steadily expanding with retailers.

    By Jessica Dumont • June 17, 2020
  • private labe
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    Christopher Doering/Grocery Dive
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    Deep Dive

    Private label prospects brighten as recession hits cash-strapped consumers

    Even before the pandemic, sales growth in the sector was forecast to outpace that of national brands for the fourth straight year, according to IRI.

    By Christopher Doering • June 17, 2020
  • FreshRealm meal kits at Giant Eagle
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    Permission granted by FreshRealm
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    Giant Eagle will launch a new line of meal kits next month

    As retailers continue to capitalize on the at-home cooking boom, the Pittsburgh-based grocer will roll out a line of ready-to-cook meals at 40 stores.

    By Jessica Dumont • June 16, 2020
  • After topping $50B in 2019, organic food sales benefit from coronavirus

    The Organic Trade Association said all of the big staple categories — including dairy, eggs, flour and pasta — are expected to see an increase in 2020.

    By Christopher Doering • June 12, 2020
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    Getty Images
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    Sprouts appoints Walmart veteran as chief fresh merchandising officer

    J. Scott Neal will assume the newly created position as the grocer looks to make its supply chain more efficient and further distinguish its assortment from competitors.

    By Krishna Thakker • June 9, 2020
  • Nelson Worldwide
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    Courtesy of Nelson Worldwide
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    How the pandemic could fundamentally alter store layouts

    Backrooms will grow to fill online orders and retail floors will become smaller and more focused on shopper experiences, according to one expert.

    By • June 8, 2020
  • Great Value sustainably sourced tuna from Walmart
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    Courtesy of Walmart
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    Walmart commits to sustainably sourced canned tuna

    The retailer will begin updating its Great Value tuna supply chain this summer and hopes to source all of its canned tuna sustainably by 2025. 

    By Jessica Dumont • June 8, 2020
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    Retrieved from Impossible Foods on June 05, 2020
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    Impossible Foods launches direct-to-consumer site as plant-based sales soar

    As the brand expands its retail footprint, consumers can now buy its burgers in bulk package sizes and get them delivered in two days with free shipping. 

    By Jessi Devenyns • June 5, 2020
  • Blue Apron collaborates with award-winning chef Tim Hollingsworth

    The L.A.-based restaurateur will create exclusive recipes for the meal kit company that will include summer staples inspired by California cuisine and other flavors. 

    By Krishna Thakker • June 3, 2020