Ahold Delhaize announces Cleaning Bot Challenge winners

A pair of European robotics companies rose to the top in an international contest the grocer held to identify smart cleaning technology.

By Krishna Thakker • Aug. 17, 2020

Circle K stores to pilot checkout-free technology

The c-store operator plans to begin its test of frictionless payment technology similar to Amazon Go at a location in Phoenix. 

By Sam Silverstein • Aug. 13, 2020

Albertsons brings vertically farmed greens to stores

A partnership with farming technology firm Plenty will provide arugula, kale and lettuce to 430 California stores.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 12, 2020

Kroger is giving Apple Pay and Google Pay a test run

The retailer, which launched its own mobile payment program last year, wants to offer shoppers more contactless payment options.

By Jessica Dumont • Aug. 6, 2020

DoorDash launches new online convenience store DashMart

The company's new venture, which marks its first foray into managing its own inventory, will offer around 2,000 items and deliver to customers in as little as 30 minutes. 

By Jessica Dumont • Aug. 5, 2020

Grocery apps get smart during the pandemic

Adoption has skyrocketed in recent months, and now retailers are considering how to update mobile platforms that have become a critical part of the store experience.

By Jessica Dumont • Aug. 3, 2020

Life cycle price optimization: Pricing strategies for maximum profit

The right price will lead to better sales, better margins and less waste.

Aug. 3, 2020

FreshDirect to launch micro-fulfillment-powered delivery in DC-area

Expanded service and a same-day offering will kick off later this year from a 10,000-square-foot setup inside a Maryland distribution facility.

By Jeff Wells • July 28, 2020

Kroger receives tax exemption to invest in Ohio data facilities

The grocer will not have to pay the majority of Ohio's sales tax for 15 years on equipment for two data centers and a supporting facility.

By Sam Silverstein • July 28, 2020

Woodman's Markets deploys aisle-scanning robots to stores

The robots from Badger Technologies will be used to monitor product availability, verify prices and deliver location data for more than 100,000 SKUs at each store. 

By Krishna Thakker • July 28, 2020

Grocery demand forecaster Shelf Engine raises $12M

The artificial intelligence startup, which helps food retailers order products based on anticipated consumer demand, plans to use the money to beef up its engineering staff.

By Sam Silverstein • July 27, 2020

Kroger's 84.51° data unit appoints Milen Mahadevan as president

Like other recently promoted Kroger executives, Mahadevan is a former official of dunnhumbyUSA.

By Sam Silverstein • July 23, 2020

Walmart Canada invests deeply to boost store, online technology

The company's C$3.5 billion plan to boost e-commerce and store technology borrows from its U.S. playbook, according to one industry analyst.

By Krishna Thakker • July 22, 2020

Order from your inbox? Walmart and Yahoo team up on grocery

Yahoo Mail users will now be able to browse items, add them to their carts and check out from their email using the iOS app or desktop site. 

By Jessica Dumont • July 21, 2020

Pardon the Disruption: Can retailers socially distance from their customers and still engage them?

COVID-19 is forcing retailers like Wegmans and Heinen's to reexamine their store experiences.

By Jeff Wells • July 21, 2020

Stop & Shop launches digital nutrition program

The grocer joins a growing list of retailers that are moving dietitian services and healthy living resources online during the pandemic.

By Jessica Dumont • July 15, 2020

Amazon's Dash Cart offers another version of checkout-free technology

The company's smart grocery cart, which automatically scans products and processes payment, will roll out at its Woodland Hills, California, grocery store this year.

By Jeff Wells • July 14, 2020

FDA releases new food safety blueprint

Tech-enabled traceability, data tools, modernization and strengthening safety culture are among the ways the agency plans to combat foodborne illness moving forward. 

By Jessi Devenyns • July 14, 2020

Heinen's rolls out Sally the salad-making robot

Could a machine that dispenses fresh, custom-made bowls be a lifeline for retailers trying to boost their prepared food sales?

By Jeff Wells • July 13, 2020

Kroger to launch targeted audio ads in stores

The new program will allow CPG companies to better target shoppers while they're on the path to purchase. 

By Jessica Dumont • July 9, 2020

Kroger taps data analytics leader as marketing chief

Stuart Aitken will take over for Joe Grieshaber, who is retiring after 37 years with the company, while digital head Yael Cosset will take over Kroger's 84.51° and alternative business divisions.

By Sam Silverstein • July 8, 2020

Rouses Market will pilot drone delivery this fall

The grocer has partnered with Deuce Drone to launch the program from a store in Mobile, Alabama.

By Krishna Thakker • July 8, 2020

Uber will launch US grocery delivery this month

The service, which will be available through its main app and Uber Eats, has rolled out in 19 cities across Canada and Latin America.

By Jeff Wells • July 7, 2020

Amazon plans more Go Grocery stores

The retailer will open cashier-less stores in the Seattle area and in Washington, D.C., and confirmed plans to open supermarkets in California and the Chicago area.

By Jeff Wells • July 6, 2020

Walmart's front-end experiment adds service to self-checkout

The company provided more detail on a test it's conducting in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where employees guide customers through the checkout process.

By Sam Silverstein • July 6, 2020