Unified Grocers, the largest wholesale grocery distributor in the western United States, is offering independent retailers an exclusive “eShop-Rewards” program that allows consumers to earn points toward a $25 prepaid Visa Rewards card (in addition to their regular credit card points) while shopping online at more than 1,000 of the nation’s top online merchants. Consumers […]
Tag: shopping
Posted in, National
Dollar Stores Poised To Steal Grocery Shoppers From Supermarkets
Perception Research Services International (PRS) has unveiled results from its second annual shopper research survey focused on grocery sales and shopping trends. Supermarkets continue to be the primary channel where consumers purchase groceries but are continuing to face challenges from other retail formats. PRS’ survey results indicate that supermarkets are still where most shoppers (91 […]
Posted in, National, Perishables
No Crates Or Cages For Thanksgiving Turkeys At Whole Foods
This Thanksgiving, thanks to Global Animal Partnership’s (GAP) 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating, Whole Foods Market shoppers can know exactly how turkeys were raised for their holiday meals. Whole Foods Market is the first national retailer to offer full transparency in regards to raising practices for turkeys sold in the meat department. Global Animal Partnership is […]
Posted in, C-Store News, National
Expert Urges C-Stores To Take A Savvier Approach To Private Label
Well-executed branding strategies for private label products can help convenience stores set themselves apart, bolster shopper loyalty, improve price perception and, ultimately, boost their bottom lines. And yet the industry still has a long way to go when it comes to taking full advantage of private label’s powerful potential, said Todd Maute, a partner in […]
Posted in, Industry News, Northeast
FreshDirect.com Groceries Arrive In Philly Market
FreshDirect, a leading online retailer of fresh foods and grocery items, officially launched in Philadelphia on Oct. 1. Serving the New York Metro area for the past decade, FreshDirect’s 10th birthday marks the expansion of the company’s service footprint into the City of Brotherly Love. According to a company news release, Philadelphians now can enjoy […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Walmart, Amex Roll Out New Prepaid Card
Walmart and American Express have launched Bluebird, an alternative to debit and checking accounts designed to help consumers better manage and control their every day finances. Bluebird has been developed for the tens of millions of Americans who are looking for advanced capabilities such as deposits by smartphone and mobile bill pay, fee transparency, and […]
Posted in, National, West
CGA Hosts ‘Retail Renaissance’ During Strategic Conference
The California Grocers Association held its Strategic Conference at the Palm Spring Convention Center on Sept. 30-Oct. 2. The conference’s theme was “California’s Retail Renaissance” with a focus on exploring California retail’s new creative and innovative spirit. Attendees learned about the customer shifts taking hold in the Golden State and their affect on California’s diversity […]
Posted in, National
Deloitte Forecasts 3.5 To 4 Percent Increase In Holiday Sales
The economy’s health and the presidential election take center stage among consumers this fall but, with holiday shoppers waiting in the wings, retailers should expect a modest increase in 2012 holiday sales, Deloitte forecasts. “Economic headwinds nagging consumers this fall include stubbornly high gasoline prices that continue to creep up and soft housing and job […]
Posted in, Industry News, National
New Poll Reveals A Quarter Of Grocery Shoppers Admit To Stealing
It’s an activity that millions of Americans do every day—visiting the grocery store. But what happens once inside? The results of a new poll released by SodaHead.com reveal some interesting facts about shopping behaviors. One reason that prices may be rising is that consumers are “helping themselves” to items in the store as 25 percent […]
Posted in, Southeast, Store News
Woman Falls, Dies On Harris Teeter Escalator
An 83-year-old woman died last week after she fell on an escalator inside a Nashville Harris Teeter grocery store, The City Paper reports. Martha Short was returning to her car inside the parking garage for Harris Teeter, located off of Harding Road at 4416 Ridgefield Way, just after 3 p.m. Wednesday The store has an […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Study Reveals Independent Grocers’ Compensation Benchmarks
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and FMS have released the first edition of an in-depth, comprehensive study that compares a range of financial benchmarks at independent supermarkets across the country. The 2012 Compensation and Benefits Study offers insight as it analyzes independent grocers’ finances pertaining to healthcare plans, benefits, retirement plans and pay increases (categorized […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
Farm Bill Now Coalition Plans To Fight For New Farm Bill
With Congress on August recess until Sept. 10 and the Farm Bill left unfinished, members of the agricultural community have formed a coalition, Farm Bill Now. As of Aug. 23, the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance has joined 39 of the nation’s foremost agricultural organizations to rally the public to urge Congress to pass a […]
Posted in, Marketing News, Midwest
All-Star Speakers to Highlight LEAD Marketing Conference
Executives from Coca-Cola, Bozzuto’s, and Barilla America will highlight the agenda of all-star speakers at the 4th annual LEAD Marketing Conference, to be held Oct. 1-3 at the Westin O’Hare in Chicago. Special educational workshops on retail technology and marketing will be held just prior to the start of the conference. LEAD, hosted by the […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Center Store, National
FaVe Debuts Line Of All-Natural Juices At The Fresh Market
In response to the growing U.S. diet and obesity crisis, the FaVe Juice Co. is launching FaVe, an all-natural blend of 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices, at all locations of The Fresh Market. FaVe comes in three flavors: Strawberry-Banana-Kiwi, Blueberry-Pomegranate-Goji and Orange-Tangerine-Pineapple. The Fresh Market, a grocer with locations across the Midwest, East Coast […]
Posted in, Executive News, Northeast
Supervalu Appoints New Shoppers President
Supervalu has named Robert Bly as the president of Shoppers, a 56-store division in the Baltimore/Washington D.C., market. Bly is expected to begin his new role on Wednesday, and will report to Chuck Elias, SVP of retail operations. Bly replaces Tim Lowe, who recently accepted a new leadership role in Supervalu’s merchandising organization. “Bob is […]
Posted in, Grocery News, Southeast
BI-LO Issues Recall on Southern Home Brand of Trail Mix
BI-LO has issued an immediate voluntary recall on Southern Home® Cranberry Nut Antioxidant Blend Trail Mix sold in the 16-oz. bag with a universal bar code (UPC) of 0788003039 and a best-by date of March 12, 2013. The product is being recalled in the states of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee due to […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Leading Retailers Form ‘MCX’ To Deliver Mobile Wallet
A group of the nation’s leading merchants has formed Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX), a new company dedicated to offering consumers a versatile mobile-commerce experience that will combine the convenience of paying at the register with customizable offers. Development of MCX’s mobile application is under way. The initial focus centers on offering merchants a mobile-commerce solution […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Northeast
Martin’s To Provide Healthier Options In The Check-Out Lane
How many of us have had the impulse to grab a candy bar or other unhealthy snack while waiting in line at the grocery store? Martin’s Food Markets, Richmond City Health District and Greater Richmond Fit4Kids are partnering on a new project to encourage customers to think healthy at the check-out with the launch of […]
Posted in, C-Store News, National
NAM Signs Circle K Stores to In-Store Network
News America Marketing (NAM), the premier publisher of coupons in the U.S. and Canada, producing more than 165 billion coupons annually, has announced that Circle K convenience stores, one of the largest convenience store chains in North America with 3,050 U.S. locations, will be joining its expansive in-store marketing network—effective immediately. The agreement marks an […]
Posted in, National, Perishables
Johnsonville Recalls Turkey Sausage with Cheddar Cheese
Johnsonville Sausage is recalling select 13.5-oz. vacuum packages of Johnsonville “Turkey Sausage with Cheddar Cheese” with a “Best By” date of “08/20/2012 2” and the establishment number “EST. P-34224.” Approximately 48,907 pounds of product is being recalled, as it could contain foreign material, pieces of gloves. There have been no reports of injury and no […]