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Price Chopper/Market 32 has announced a partnership with Optum Financial, a technology payment platform, to make it easier for S3 health benefit cardholders to use their health plan funds for purchasing eligible products at Price Chopper/Market 32 locations.Beginning Oct. 2, customers can use their S3 cards instantly at checkout on a variety of approved items.Depending on the cardholder's health benefit plan, coverage may include purchases of healthy foods such as fresh, frozen, and canned produce, over-the-counter medicines and treatments, and other items that promote healthier living. [Extracted from the article]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has argued that if Kroger's proposed acquisition of Albertsons is approved, it could lead to higher prices in over 1,400 communities across the US. The FTC claims that the merger would result in anti-competitive market concentration and that Kroger would have an incentive to raise prices. Kroger and Albertsons have defended themselves against antitrust cases brought by attorneys general in Colorado and Washington. The FTC also argues that Kroger and Albertsons' promises to lower prices are unenforceable and that the divestiture of stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers would not adequately compete against the combined stores. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report by Brick Meets Click sponsored by Mercatus, Walmart is attracting more affluent customers to shop online for groceries. Affluent customers making over $200,000 a year have played a significant role in driving Walmart's growth in the first half of 2024. While Walmart's core online customer base remains lower-income households, affluent shoppers have expanded to 8% and are growing almost five times faster than the overall customer base. Lower-income households are also spending less online at Target and supermarkets. Walmart was the only retailer to not experience a decline in average order values, with the AOV for affluent shoppers increasing by over 40% to $119. Overall, Walmart's online grocery order frequency rates increased slightly during the first half of 2024. [Extracted from the article]

German discount grocer Aldi has opened a new store in Portage, Michigan. The store, located at 5070 S. Westnedge Ave., celebrated its opening by giving gift bags to the first 100 customers and offering a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 Aldi gift card. Aldi aims to provide a smarter, faster, and easier grocery shopping experience with low prices. The company currently operates 2,414 locations in the United States. [Extracted from the article]

According to a study by marketing tech firm Ibotta, grocers are leveraging the increase in private-label sales to attract and retain customers. The study found that 72% of consumers are opting for private-label brands due to the challenging economy, and promotions of these brands can lead to long-term loyalty. Additionally, 75% of shoppers are willing to try a different brand if it is offered at a lower price. The study also highlights other trends, such as increased spending on essentials and decreased spending on discretionary items, changes in shopping habits, and the importance of price, quality, store sales, and familiarity in decision-making. Marketers are recognizing private-label competition as a significant threat and are focusing on building brand equity and expanding their customer base. [Extracted from the article]

Harris Teeter has introduced a new line of ready-made meals called HT Traders Ready Made Meals, catering to the growing demand for convenience and prepared foods. The line includes individual and family-sized entrees and is available at all Harris Teeter stores. Convenience, price, and variety are the main factors driving consumers to purchase prepared foods, with grab-and-go options being particularly appealing. The meals, which range from pasta dishes to Southwestern cuisine, can be found in the deli section of Harris Teeter stores, with prices ranging from $6.99 to $19.99. [Extracted from the article]

According to the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey, the U.S. online grocery market saw a 7.0% increase in sales in August 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching $9.9 billion. This growth was driven by strong promotional efforts for subscription and membership programs. Delivery was the largest contributor to sales gains, increasing by 10.2% to $3.9 billion, followed by Ship-to-Home with an 8.9% increase to $1.8 billion, and Pickup with a 3.5% increase to $4.3 billion. Walmart and Delivery were the primary beneficiaries of these promotions, experiencing larger gains in their monthly active user bases. The promotions also had a positive impact on Walmart's overall grocery market share. The report suggests that grocers without competitive offerings or ways to offset discounts may struggle to achieve growth. [Extracted from the article]

Amazon Fresh has launched a new private-label brand called Amazon Saver, which offers over 100 products, most of which are priced under $5. In addition, Amazon has expanded its Amazon Prime loyalty program to include weekly discounts of up to 50% on select products, as well as 25% off on over 1,200 Prime-exclusive grocery and household items. The company is also offering a 10% discount on over 1,700 products from various Amazon private-label brands. These deals are available both in-store and online. Amazon's new private-label brand aligns with its recent expansion of physical stores across the United States. [Extracted from the article]

A recent survey conducted by data analytics firm Grocery Doppio found that 83% of shoppers will vote for candidates who have a clear plan to reduce the price of food. The survey of 1,201 shoppers revealed that 87% of respondents consider the increase in food prices and its impact on their budgets as a major factor in their voting decision. The report noted that rising food prices have become a significant issue for voters, with many shoppers inclined to support a presidential candidate who has a clear plan to reduce food costs. The survey also found that the economy has negatively impacted grocery shopping habits for 59% of shoppers, and 73% worry that inflation will rise after the presidential election. Additionally, 68% of respondents believe that lower interest rates will attract more shoppers, but grocers are not making any big moves yet. Shoppers are also being more cautious with their grocery spending, with 47% saying they are more careful than they were last year. The report highlighted that the current economic climate has significantly strained shopping habits, with shoppers adjusting their spending behaviors and prioritizing essential items. The survey also revealed that recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been hit particularly hard by the spike in food costs, with 97% of SNAP recipients stating that their current benefits are not enough to cover rising costs. [Extracted from the article]

According to a Labor Day study by Numerator, 67% of consumers plan to celebrate the holiday this year. The preferred activities for celebrators are grilling, gathering with family and friends, and cooking or baking at home. Gen Z and Millennial celebrators are more likely to go out to eat, order food for takeout or delivery, and go out for drinks. The study also found that 59% of celebrators plan to shop at grocery stores, while 53% plan to shop at big box stores. Additionally, 36% of U.S. consumers expect to shop during Labor Day sales, with sales split between in-store and online. [Extracted from the article]

According to a survey conducted by FMI – The Food Industry Association and The Hartman Group, consumers are adjusting their shopping strategies to control their grocery spending as they navigate the current economic environment. Despite concerns about inflation, 83% of Americans feel they have some control over their grocery spending. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's midyear inflation data shows that inflation for most food categories has been below historical averages, providing optimism for consumers. The survey also reveals that 79% of shoppers prioritize getting a "good value" when grocery shopping, and 63% actively look for deals to manage their expenses. Additionally, extreme weather events this summer have led to increased grocery budgets for many families. [Extracted from the article]

Discount grocery chain Aldi recently opened new locations in Orlando, Florida, and Middleburg Heights, Ohio. The Middleburg Heights store is a new establishment, while the Orlando store underwent renovations. Aldi currently operates 2,393 stores in the United States. The company has been expanding rapidly and plans to open 800 new grocery stores by the end of 2028. To celebrate the store openings, Aldi distributed gift bags and gift cards and offered customers the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 Aldi gift card. [Extracted from the article]

According to the 2024 Supermarket News Fresh Foods Survey, sales in perimeter fresh categories have slowed due to inflation and economic concerns, leading consumers to be more cautious with their spending. While 48% of retailers and wholesalers reported increased sales in perimeter categories in the past year, this is a decline from the previous year's survey. However, retailers and wholesalers remain optimistic about the future, with 56% forecasting sales gains in the year ahead. Prepared foods and high-quality produce assortments have performed well, and retailers plan to expand their assortments in these areas. The expansion of fresh departments may come at the expense of center store categories for some retailers. Retailers face competition from fast-casual and fast-food restaurants, as well as club stores and online retailers. Price and convenience are key advantages for these competitors. Retailers are focusing on promotions, grab-and-go offerings, and ingredient quality to compete. Prepared foods and value-added meats have been successful in driving sales in the fresh departments. Retailers have noticed improvements in the supply chain for fresh produce, but some challenges remain, such as short shelf life and lower quality of imported fruits. Big-box stores, club stores, and dollar stores are identified as the biggest competitors in fresh departments, while natural/organic retailers are gaining as a competitive threat. Efficiency is a key goal for retailers, with reducing food waste and minimizing shrink being top priorities. Staffing concerns, food-cost inflation, and general price inflation are the main challenges faced by retailers [Extracted from the article]

Walmart captured 37% of the U.S. online grocery market in the second quarter of 2024, while supermarkets lost ground, according to a survey. Walmart's reputation for low prices and its execution of an omnichannel strategy helped attract customers looking for convenience and savings. Target also performed well, finishing the quarter with 7% of ecommerce sales. Mass retailers, led by Walmart, saw a significant increase in delivery sales, while supermarkets saw a decline. Pickup remains the preferred method for ecommerce grocery sales, but supermarkets are introducing more pickup services. [Extracted from the article]

The plant-based meat sector is facing challenges, with volume sales declining by 21% for fresh meat alternatives and 11.7% for frozen alternatives. Factors such as high prices, unfamiliar tastes, and ingredient concerns are limiting sales. However, analysts believe that the future of plant-based meats is still promising, and improvements can be made through revised merchandising strategies, product formulations, and educating consumers. Retailers should also consider offering a variety of plant-based meat options and making it easier for customers to find these products in stores. [Extracted from the article]

Coborn's grocery and liquor stores have launched a new website and mobile app to enhance the online shopping experience for their customers. The platforms offer advanced search capabilities, improved functionality, and convenient options such as pick-up and at-home delivery. The website and app also integrate MORE Rewards, allowing customers to access weekly circulars, digital coupons, and reward balances. The new Coborn's app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play, and the company plans to launch similar platforms for its other grocery and liquor banners soon. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report by NielsenIQ, the produce sector is experiencing growth due to increasing consumer interest in health-conscious eating. Despite rising product costs, unit sales of produce have risen by 1% in the past year, with dollar sales increasing by 2%. However, retailers must continue to focus on price and assortment to sustain this growth. Limited merchandising space requires retailers to reduce underperforming assortments and offer attention-grabbing limited-time items. Additionally, retailers should provide attractive prices and pertinent options for online customers. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Kroger data analytics firm 84.51° reveals that mental strain plays a significant role in food purchasing decisions. The report, based on a two-year quarterly survey, found that younger shoppers, such as Gen Z and younger millennials, have less mental energy when deciding what to eat compared to older shoppers like baby boomers. This could be due to factors such as less free time and less experience with food preparation. The report suggests that brands can cater to the needs of different consumers by simplifying choices, providing clear information, and offering user-friendly meal options. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report from Kroger-owned data analytics firm 84.51°, only 17% of grocery shoppers are knowingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with their shopping. An additional 10% are unsure if they are using AI or not. The majority of respondents (74%) stated that they are not using AI for grocery shopping. Among those who do use AI, the majority use it before shopping (93%), while shopping (82%), and after shopping (57%). Early adopters of AI use it for finding deals (71%), comparing prices (58%), creating shopping lists (44%), and meal planning (42%). [Extracted from the article]

Preliminary data from Numerator shows that 13% of shoppers who made a purchase on Amazon Prime Day bought groceries. The report also reveals that 25% of shoppers purchased home goods, 24% purchased household essentials, and 14% purchased pet products. The average order value was $60.03, with an average household spend of about $126. The majority of shoppers were high-income, suburban females aged 35 to 44, and many said that Prime Day was their primary reason for shopping. Competitors like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are also offering sales, and 53% of shoppers compared prices before making a purchase. [Extracted from the article]

According to a recent report by Grocery Doppio, nearly all shoppers (97%) who are taking GLP-1 inhibitor drugs like Ozempic have reduced their grocery spending by an average of 11% this year. The report also highlights that consumers have decreased their purchases of snacks, confectionery, prepared baked goods, and sugary beverages. In response to this trend, grocers are adjusting their product assortment, increasing health-oriented digital marketing, and providing in-store nutritional education. Overall, grocery sales have increased by 3.8% to $458.5 billion in the first half of 2024, with online sales accounting for 13.3% of all grocery sales. [Extracted from the article]

Grocery stores in Ontario were preparing to sell ready-to-drink cocktails and larger packs of beer, but a worker strike and other factors may delay the expansion. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is currently experiencing a strike by 9,000 union workers, which could impact the availability of alcohol products in grocery stores. While some stores already licensed to sell alcohol will be able to display ready-to-drink cocktails and larger beer packs, the strike and logistical issues may cause delays. The move to expand alcohol sales was originally planned for 2026 but was accelerated to this year. However, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union has expressed concerns about potential job losses due to the expansion. [Extracted from the article]

According to a survey conducted by research firm Jungle Scout, Walmart brick-and-mortar stores are the preferred destination for baby products, followed closely by Amazon and Walmart.com. Baby products were one of the fastest-growing categories on Amazon in the first quarter, with sales up 9% year-over-year. Dollar sales of baby care products across all retail segments were up 2% in the 52 weeks through May 4, with unit sales declining 5% and average unit prices rising 7.3%. The survey also found that parents are increasingly interested in the nutritional content of baby foods, with high protein and low sugar being important attributes. Online retailer Thrive Market has seen high-double digit sales growth in baby and kids' foods, supplements, and body care. Supermarket rivals like Target and Amazon are also aiming to become one-stop shops for baby care, offering not only products but also support and services for new and expectant families. [Extracted from the article]

According to FMI - The Food Industry Association's annual research analysis, the food industry is implementing innovative strategies to modernize the grocery shopping experience while facing challenges such as asset protection concerns and inflation. The report found that the industry has made significant improvements in addressing labor and transportation issues, but inflation has caused profit margins to decrease. Retailers and suppliers have seen improvements in supply chain and transportation challenges, resulting in lower out-of-stock rates. Employee retention has also improved, although asset protection and societal challenges remain concerns. Despite these challenges, retailers are investing in strategies to enhance the customer experience, such as in-store technologies and offering more grab-and-go and locally sourced items. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is also being utilized in various aspects of the food industry. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report from Numerator, 73% of consumers plan to celebrate Independence Day / Fourth of July. White consumers, those living in the Midwest, and Baby Boomers are more likely to celebrate. The report also found that 83% of consumers plan to buy food for the holiday, with brands and categories associated with picnics and cookouts expected to see the highest boosts in household penetration. The report provides data on consumer holiday intentions, including plans to gather with family and friends, grill or barbecue, attend public celebrations, and shop for food and alcohol. Beer is the preferred alcoholic beverage for Independence Day, and the majority of shoppers plan to buy from grocery or big-box stores. Traditional picnic food brands and categories see increased household penetration in the lead-up to Independence Day, with alcohol and condiments experiencing a sales boost. The report also highlights regional variations in holiday plans and category boosts. [Extracted from the article]

Over 6,000 workers at Food4Less, a grocery store chain in Los Angeles County, threatened to go on strike in early June. However, a tentative deal has been reached between the workers and Kroger, the owner of Food4Less. The details of the agreement have not been disclosed. The workers were demanding higher pay and safety improvements. According to the union, Food4Less employees receive fewer hours, benefits, and lower wages compared to Kroger-owned Ralph's stores in the same area. The workers were also concerned about temporary positions being used as a union-busting tactic. The proposed deal includes salary increases and no increase in employee health insurance costs for three years. [Extracted from the article]

Amazon Fresh has opened a new store in Eatontown, New Jersey, marking its second location in the state. The 35,000-square-foot store offers customers the opportunity to experience grocery shopping with Amazon Fresh both in-store and online. The opening comes after a year of stalled store openings and lawsuits for the online retail giant. Amazon recently announced that it would be discontinuing its use of Just Walk Out technology in favor of its AI-powered smart carts, known as Dash Carts. As of May 3, Amazon Fresh has a total of 41 locations in the United States. [Extracted from the article]

Winchester City Council in England has purchased a fleet of new trucks powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil to collect food waste in the area. The £1.8 million plan includes nine 12-tonne trucks for food waste collection and an electric collection truck. The decision was made by cabinet members to ensure timely delivery, as councils are required to provide food waste collection services by April 2026. The funding for the trucks is split between the government, which is providing £1.4 million, and the council, which is contributing £400,000. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the history and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) in the grocery industry. It explains that AI involves using data analysis to make predictions and perform tasks, while GenAI creates original content based on human input and data analysis. GenAI is seen as a potential replacement for certain white-collar jobs, but it also has limitations such as limited critical thinking and factual accuracy. The adoption of GenAI is not widespread due to challenges related to investment, security, and privacy concerns. The article emphasizes that AI still requires human input and that companies should aim to combine the capabilities of GenAI and human intelligence for optimal outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

DoorDash has expanded its alcohol delivery service to include several grocery stores and liquor stores. The company has seen a significant increase in the number of liquor stores available on its platform in the US. DoorDash has also introduced new features that allow its grocery and liquor store partners to promote their products more effectively, including sponsored products and branded campaigns for special events. These updates aim to help local merchants grow their businesses and provide more earning opportunities for Dashers. [Extracted from the article]

According to the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey, online grocery sales in May 2024 declined by 0.4% compared to the previous year, reaching $6.8 billion. This decrease was primarily due to a 6% decline in pickup order frequency and a slight decline in average order value. However, delivery sales remained relatively stable, with a 0.2% increase, and the monthly active user base for delivery expanded. The report also noted a decline in order frequency across all receiving methods. Ship-to-home sales increased by 9%, while pickup sales dropped by 3.9%. The report concluded that the growth in the monthly active user base was largely driven by the return of previously lapsed users. The supermarket sector experienced a decrease in its online customer base, while Amazon's pure-play services and mass merchandisers saw strong gains. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report from Placer.ai, traditional grocery stores have an opportunity to expand into underserved markets. While pure-play grocers face competition from dollar stores and mass merchandise retailers, they have an advantage when it comes to fresh food like produce. The report highlights that traditional grocery stores are in short supply in many communities throughout the U.S., posing a policy challenge for leaders looking to increase access to healthy food. The report also identifies regions where traditional grocers attract the most visits, such as coastal states like Oregon, Vermont, and California. Additionally, it notes that some states, like North Dakota and Mississippi, have seen growth in grocery visits, indicating untapped potential for grocery stores. Policymakers in places like Greenville County, South Carolina, are considering providing tax incentives to attract pure-play grocers. [Extracted from the article]

Sezzle, a buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) platform, has announced a partnership with Vallarta Supermarkets in Southern California, marking its expansion into the grocery sector. The Minneapolis-based tech company allows shoppers to pay off their purchases in four installments over six weeks with no interest. BNPL services like Sezzle have seen increased popularity, with grocery purchases using these apps growing by 40% year over year. Despite concerns about using credit for groceries, a survey reveals that a third of US consumers have used a traditional credit card for their latest grocery purchase. The partnership between Sezzle and Vallarta Supermarkets aims to enhance the shopping experience and financial accessibility in the grocery industry. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on an increase in automated micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) by retailers for automated fulfillment for grocery delivery. It presents views of Sylvain Perrier, president of the e-commerce grocery platform company Mercatus Technologies, on an increase in online grocery shopping. It also highlights the benefits of MFCs for retailers on business growth, as of March 2021.

The article reports that according to the FMI-The Food Industry Association's annual U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends study, coronavirus upended Americans grocery shopping with rise in online purchases. It mentions that polarization of spending is expected to drive new considerations for retailers and brands as they urgently examine the range of products being offered and the pricing dynamics within. It also mentions the comments of Scott McKenzie of Nielsen Intelligence Leader on same.

Whole Foods is responding to consumer price sensitivity by increasing promotions and making its private label goods more affordable. This indicates a shift in the upmarket grocery shopper's behavior, with some customers now choosing to spend their money at Walmart instead. Walmart has been targeting higher-income shoppers by improving its store displays and launching a new private label line. However, former Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon believes that Walmart may struggle to retain this demographic due to inflation. In Massachusetts, consumers are experiencing a significant surge in grocery prices, which is impacting affordability and forcing households to adjust their purchasing habits. The absence of a powerful supermarket chain in the region exacerbates the situation. Meanwhile, supermarkets and restaurants are converging, with many traditional grocery retailers attending the National Restaurant Show and vendors catering to both retail and restaurant establishments. Finally, in the grocery delivery business, some workers are using bots to gain an advantage, allowing them to automatically refresh screens and secure more orders. [Extracted from the article]

Walmart recently launched a new private label line called Bettergoods, which is aimed at attracting higher-income grocery shoppers. This move is seen as a way for Walmart to compete with retailers like Trader Joe's and Kroger. The Bettergoods line is targeting a different demographic than Walmart's current private label offering, Great Value, by focusing on quality food for customers in a higher income bracket. While this expansion into a new customer base may present challenges, Walmart is hoping to increase average spend and transactions by offering better-for-you products. The growth of private label brands in the market is driven by factors such as inflation, the success of discount retailers like Aldi, and the margin benefits for grocery retailers. However, the future growth of private label may not be as rapid as it has been in recent years. Overall, having a strong private label assortment and strategy is crucial for grocers to succeed in the long run. [Extracted from the article]

Schnuck Markets has joined the Ibotta Performance Network and will be partnering with the retail rewards company on research and development. Ibotta aims to create a next-generation grocery shopping experience for consumers through advanced digital offers and new in-store touchpoints. Ibotta offers rewards to shoppers who use the app at various retail operations, including Walmart, Dollar General, and Family Dollar. The CEO of Ibotta expressed excitement about the partnership with Schnuck Markets and their shared commitment to innovation. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses why households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) tend to purchase more unhealthy food. Despite the program's goal of improving food security and access to a healthy diet, research shows that SNAP households buy a larger proportion of sweetened, unhealthy foods compared to non-SNAP households. The article presents three separate studies that investigate the motivations behind this behavior, including the influence of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, food cravings, and perceptions of unhealthiness. The findings suggest that SNAP households' shopping behavior is influenced by factors beyond having extra resources, such as cravings and biased perceptions of unhealthy foods. The article concludes by suggesting that retailers could benefit from understanding the behavior and motivations of SNAP households to better serve this customer segment and improve health outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

According to Numerator data, Walmart's private label ice cream brand, Bettergoods, is more popular among Gen Z shoppers compared to the retailer's Great Value brand. The main reasons for this preference are taste, natural and organic options, and nutritional facts. Additionally, 78% of Bettergoods ice cream buyers said they would purchase it again, and 46% find it to be a better value compared to other ice cream brands. Bettergoods appeals to both low- and high-income groups, with low-income homes being 34% more likely to purchase it and high-income homes being 20% more likely. However, 71% of those who bought Bettergoods ice cream were unaware that it was owned by Walmart. [Extracted from the article]

According to the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey, online grocery sales increased by 4.4% in April, reaching $8.5 billion. This growth was primarily driven by an increase in ship-to-home grocery delivery. Pickup sales also saw a 2.1% increase, and average order value rose, despite a decline in active monthly users. Delivery sales experienced a 4.3% increase, thanks to an expansion in monthly active users across all age groups. Mass retailers like Walmart played a significant role in this growth by expanding their delivery services. Ship-to-home sales saw a double-digit increase of 10.2% compared to the previous year, driven by a substantial increase in average order volume. However, order frequency declined for monthly active users in this category. Ship-to-home sales accounted for 18.7% of online grocery sales, while pickup and delivery made up 43% and 38.3% respectively. The report also highlighted the shift of shoppers to mass retailers like Walmart, with traditional grocers capturing a smaller share of online orders. The report suggests that grocery executives should rely on technology partners to enhance the shopping experience, both online and in-store. [Extracted from the article]

Amazon is closing a grocery fulfillment center in San Francisco's Dogpatch area. The facility, which operated as an UltraFastFresh depot for last-mile grocery delivery, employed 85 workers. This closure is part of Amazon's efforts to optimize its logistics as e-commerce growth has slowed due to the pandemic. Amazon has also closed other warehouses in the city and plans to consolidate its operations into a new logistics center in Showplace Square, although it is unclear if grocery delivery will be included at the new facility. [Extracted from the article]

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved an ordinance that will impact scheduling for grocery employees. Starting in July 2025, retailers must provide schedules two weeks in advance, schedule shifts at least 10 hours apart, and compensate workers for last-minute adjustments. This rule will apply to all grocers in unincorporated Los Angeles County with 300 or more employees nationwide. The ordinance is similar to one previously approved by the city of Los Angeles in 2022 and includes features such as "predictability pay" for late schedule changes and protections against retaliation for reporting violations. Some business organizations, such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the California Grocers Association, have expressed concerns about the new requirements, citing difficulties in managing them and unnecessary complexity. [Extracted from the article]

Legalized marijuana and CBD use are becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States, with 16% of adults over 21 and 26% of those between 26 and 34 reporting recent use. A report from Numerator suggests that cannabis and CBD use have an impact on food and beverage consumption habits, making it an important topic for brands and retailers. While Canadian supermarket giant Loblaws has been pushing for access to marijuana sales, there is no known effort by U.S. grocers to open dispensaries in their stores. However, U.S. grocers are closely monitoring the $40 billion cannabis market. [Extracted from the article]

Five global grocery companies, including Ahold Delhaize and Empire Cos., have formed a venture capital fund called W23 Global to invest $125 million over the next five years in emerging grocery technologies. The fund aims to address common challenges faced by the partners, such as personalization, value chain issues, and sustainability, by supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs in developing solutions. Each of the five companies is an equal partner in the fund, and the CEOs will sit on the investment committee. The fund will focus on supporting technology companies that drive personalized experiences, create efficient value chains, and address sustainability challenges in the grocery industry. [Extracted from the article]

Walmart CEO John Furner believes that the demand for convenience is more important than price for consumers. He argues that people want to spend more time with their families and are willing to pay for convenient solutions. However, some individuals disagree, stating that the checkout process needs improvement and that convenience does not always outweigh price. Others mention the importance of knowledgeable employees and the impact of online shopping on their budget and impulse buying. One person emphasizes the importance of quality when it comes to food purchasing. [Extracted from the article]

Amazon is closing one of its Amazon Fresh stores in Seattle's Capitol Hill area in order to focus on larger locations for the concept. The store had previously been converted from an Amazon Go convenience store. Amazon is also phasing out its Just Walk Out checkout technology at Amazon Fresh stores in the U.S. The company has seen positive results from its larger Amazon Fresh redesigns in Chicago and Southern California, which offer an expanded selection and updated checkout options. Amazon plans to open more locations this year, including a second New Jersey location in Eatontown. [Extracted from the article]

New research shows that the repeal of a "blue law" in Connecticut, which prohibited alcohol sales on Sundays, had little impact on liquor stores or supermarkets. The Connecticut Food Association (CFA) is using this research to support their push for wine sales in supermarkets, arguing that lifting some alcohol sales prohibitions does not negatively affect liquor stores. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Connecticut, the Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology, and North Dakota State University, found no significant long-term economic effects on grocery and liquor stores. The only notable impact was a temporary surge in beer sales on Sundays, which the researchers attributed to the novelty of the law. The CFA has been promoting a policy change to allow wine sales in supermarkets, citing consumer support and potential positive economic impact. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report from data analytics firm Numerator, more than two-thirds of consumers plan to celebrate Easter this year. Traditional grocery stores are expected to be the most popular choice for Easter shopping, with 57% of survey respondents planning to shop there. Additionally, 53% plan to go to big-box stores and 21% plan to shop online. The survey also found that 53% of respondents plan to purchase candy and 69% plan to purchase food for the holiday. Gen Z respondents were more likely to order food for delivery or takeout, and they were also more likely to purchase alcoholic beverages, with 28% planning to buy alcohol compared to 14% of all consumers. Last year, 86% of U.S. households bought candy in the four weeks leading up to Easter, with chocolate being the most popular type. The top Easter candy sellers in 2023 were Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree, Kroger, and Dollar General. [Extracted from the article]