U.S. retailers are opening 4,080 more stores in 2017 than they are closing and plan to open more than 5,500 more in 2018, according to a new research report from IHL Group. The report, “Debunking the Retail Apocalypse,” was released Aug. 30 and is available for free download here. The research reviewed more than 1,800 retail chains […]
Category: National
Posted inBeverage News, Home Page Latest News, National
Wine Consumption Increases Led By Sparkling And Champagne
The U.S. wine market continued to show strength in 2016, growing 2.4 percent to 341.1 million 9-liter cases led by a 6.6 percent upsurge in the consumption of total sparkling wines, according to the Beverage Information Group’s 2017 Wine Handbook. A strong U.S. economy, employment and wage gains, and larger discretionary incomes all contributed to the […]
Posted in, Amazon Fresh, Home Page Latest News, National, Store News, Whole Foods
UPDATED: Amazon/Whole Foods Merger Will Close Monday; Industry Leaders Respond
Updated 8/25/17 11:36 a.m. Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market will close on Monday August 28, 2017, and the two companies will “together pursue the vision of making Whole Foods Market’s high-quality, natural and organic food affordable for everyone.” Whole Foods Market will offer lower prices starting Monday on a selection of best-selling grocery staples […]
Posted inEquipment & Technology, Corporate Store News, Grocery Industry, Home Page Latest News, National, Online Grocery Technology
Walmart Expands Delivery Pilot, Partners With Google Assistant
Walmart is stepping up its online ordering and delivery programs. The retailer is expanding its home delivery pilot program to Dallas and Orlando, and is partnering with Google to offer voice shopping via Google Assistant. See statements from Mike Turner, VP of ecommerce operations, and Marc Lore, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. ecommerce, below. […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, National
NGA Hires VP Of Government Relations And Counsel
Christopher Jones, former legislative director and counsel for U.S. Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR), a member of the House Agriculture Committee and Nutrition Subcommittee, is joining the National Grocers Association (NGA). He will serve as VP and counsel for the government relations department at NGA, which represents the independent supermarket industry. Jones will oversee the association’s […]
Posted in, Health & Wellness, Home Page Latest News, National, Organic Natural, Private Label Brands, Specialty
Trader Joe’s Marks 50th Anniversary With Customer Celebration
Trader Joe’s marked its 50th anniversary with in-store customer celebrations on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 19-20. Festivities included special product tastings and giveaways, and a limited edition 50th anniversary reusable bag was offered to customers for 50 cents. Trader Joe’s introduced its first reusable bag to customers 40 years ago. The first Trader Joe’s store opened on Aug. […]
Posted inNonfood Items, Amazon Fresh, Corporate Store News, Equipment & Technology, Grocery Industry, Home Page Latest News, National, Store News, Whole Foods
Walmart Reports Strongest Food Comp Jump In Five Years, GMV Up 69 Percent
Walmart reported today that it continued to gain traction in both food sales and its e-commerce business in its second quarter. Walmart U.S. traffic increased 1.3 percent and comparable-store sales grew 1.8 percent. It marks Walmart’s 12th consecutive quarter of positive comp sales. “The grocery business continued to improve as food categories delivered the strongest […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Home Page Latest News, National
ICSC Survey Finds Low Prices Raise Customer Loyalty
The competition for the consumer wallet is more intense than ever as consumers are setting the agenda for retailers and brands. An International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) survey on brand loyalty has found that the majority of U.S. adults are loyal to both product brands (82 percent) and retailers (84 percent). Driving loyalty to […]