Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Corporate Store News, News, Southwest, Walmart

Walmart, OpenAI Partner On AI-First Shopping Experiences

Walmart is combining its assortment, prices and delivery speed with the power of artificial intelligence, entering a partnership with OpenAI that will start soon by allowing customers and members to shop Walmart through ChatGPT using Instant Checkout. Whether planning meals, restocking household essentials or finding something new, customers can chat and buy, with Walmart handling […]

Posted inSustainability News, Natural Grocers, News, Southwest

Natural Grocers Exceeds $100K Goal In Organic Month Fundraiser

Through proceeds from limited-edition reusable bag sales and customer donations, Natural Grocers’ Organic Month campaign raised $113,220 for the Rodale Institute, exceeding its $100,000 goal. “This incredible achievement is thanks to the generosity of our customers and the dedication of our good4u crew, who helped promote the campaign in stores every day,” said Raquel Isely, VP […]

Posted inFeature, News, Online Grocery Technology, Southeast

ECRS Reflects On Hurricane Helene Response One Year Later

In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Helene in late September 2024, the ECRS team in Boone, North Carolina, stepped up to support its community and the greater western North Carolina region. ECRS, a transaction and retail solutions provider, is located in Watauga County, which was included in FEMA’s 39-county disaster declaration. “Our dedicated employees […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Grocery Research, News, Publix Super Markets, Southeast

Publix Ranks As Florida’s Most Reputable Company

Merco, a corporate reputation monitor with a 25-year track record, has announced the first edition of Merco Companies and Business Leaders Rankings in Florida, which features Publix as the top ranked company. According to Merco, its multi-stakeholder evaluation methodology is the only KPMG-verified corporate reputation assessment in the world. Top 100 companies with the best […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Associated Food Stores, Grocery Store Layout, News, West

Dan’s Foothill Celebrates Grand Reopening In Salt Lake City, UT

Dan’s Foothill in Salt Lake City, Utah, gathered employees, vendors and guests Oct. 8 in an upper parking lot overlooking the store to celebrate its grand reopening. Director of Construction and Maintenance Jan Whiteley, Regional Director Chris Otteson, VP of Retail Operations Greg Welling and Dan’s Foothill Store Director Janel Grangroth shared their appreciation for […]

Posted inC-Store News, Grocery Research, National, News

Report: C-Store Customers Looking For Curated Products, Promotions

While fuel drives most consumers to convenience stores, 92 percent come inside to shop for food or beverages. And with 63 percent of these shoppers visiting at least weekly, c-stores have become a regular stop for more than gas. New findings from Acosta Group’s Convenience Store Shopper Study show that today’s c-store customers shop for convenience […]

Posted inGrocery Research, Association News, Food Service News, National, News

FMI Study Highlights Grocery Stores’ Role In Convenient, Affordable Dining

FMI – The Food Industry Association has released “The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2025” report, revealing a significant shift in dining habits as consumers are increasingly choosing deli-prepared foods in place of restaurant meals, with this share more than doubling from 12 percent in 2017 to 28 percent in 2025. Many shoppers also are blending […]