Trends & External Forces Walmart’s Healthcare Rx: Higher Wages The New York Times this morning reports that Walmart said yesterday that “it was increasing the wages for 7,700 of its pharmacists and opticians, as it expands its health business and seeks to retain the workers in a competitive environment. “The retailer said the raise would push the average annual salary of the more than […] MorningNewsBeat June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 < 1 min read Health & WellnessWalmartAssociatesSustainabilityStore LocationResults & InvestmentBrick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Dollar/Value DG posts higher sales and earnings GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. – Dollar General Corp. today said net sales increased 6.8% in its first quarter. Same-store sales were up 1.6%. Operating profit declined slightly, to $740.9 million, and diluted earnings per share declined 2.9% to $2.34 as the retailer confronted a macroeconomic environment that was “more challenging than expected,” according to Jeff Owen, Dollar […] MMR June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 3 min read Dollar GeneralResults & InvestmentBrick and MortarShoppersEconomyOperations & Supply ChainCustomer ExperienceExecutivesDept. ApparelTechnology & InnovationPredictions and ForecastsStore LocationSustainabilityAssociates 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Walmart makes waste reduction move as it eyes more sustainable omnichannel fulfilment network Walmart is adopting new measures designed to reduce the amount of packaging waste associated with online orders. This includes moving from plastic to recyclable paper mailers, right-sizing cardboard box packaging, giving customers the option to consolidate shipping on e-commerce orders, opting out of single-use plastic bags for online pickup orders and last mile delivery efficiencies […] Retail Technology Innovation Hub June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 2 min read Technology & InnovationWalmartSustainabilityAIData & InsightsDeliveryShoppersOmnichannelPackagingBrick and MortarOperations & Supply ChainExecutivesBOPISPredictions and ForecastsAmazon 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Dollar/Value Dollar General Workers Push For Safer Working Conditions While Dollar General is opening stores at an extraordinary pace, at the rate of about 1,000 a year, there seems toi be growing discontent within its workforce. CNN reports this morning that “following repeated violent incidents and federal workplace safety violations at stores, some Dollar General workers and labor advocates are calling for stronger safety […] MorningNewsBeat June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 2 min read Dollar GeneralAssociatesBrick and MortarHealth & WellnessUnileverExecutivesEconomyData & Insights 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Your Views: Continuing Promises We’ve spent a lot of time here on MNB talking about the problems – and, I would argue, the continuing promise – of America’s cities, which prompted one MNB reader to write: In a very recent interaction with a woman who said she would not come into downtown Minneapolis, fearing crime, and thus remaining in […] MorningNewsBeat June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 3 min read AssociatesMergersGovernmentKrogerCompetitionShoppersAlbertsons / SafewayAcquisitionUnileverBrick and MortarHealth & WellnessMarketing: TradePricing & PromotionsTarget 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Stores & Formats New approaches are needed to deter organized retail crime Retailers and lawmakers have to develop new approaches if they are serious about taking a bite out of organized retail crime rings. Going after and heavily punishing boosters, the people who steal merchandise from stores, has proven ineffective and the INFORM Consumers Act does not require online marketplaces to certify that goods sold on their… […] RetailWire June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 < 1 min read ConsumersGovernmentMeta (Facebook)Brick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Technology & Innovation Walmart making its fulfillment network more sustainable BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Walmart has announced new measures designed to make its online orders more sustainable. Recognizing that its customers have hundreds of millions of packages shipped from Walmart each year, the retailer said Thursday that it is making it easier for customers to reduce plastic waste, for example. Moving forward, nearly all orders shipped […] MMR June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 3 min read Technology & InnovationAIWalmartSustainabilityShoppersDeliveryBrick and MortarOmnichannelOperations & Supply ChainExecutivesPackagingESG and CSRBOPISPredictions and Forecasts 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Technology & Innovation Six Flags preps first amusement park micro market launch featuring Amazon Just Walk Out technology Six Flags is set to become the first theme park operator to pilot Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, with the aim of reducing wait times for customers wanting to purchase food and drinks. It will soft launch the tech at its theme park in New Jersey on 1st June. A similar roll-out is planned later […] Retail Technology Innovation Hub May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 2 min read Technology & InnovationTech: CashierlessAmazonInternational - UKPartnershipsCoca ColaMarketing: SocialTwitterShoppersDept. GroceryDept. FreshBrick and MortarStore LocationDept. BeverageDept. BakeryDept. Perimeter 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Retail Operations Ingka Group boosts Ikea omnichannel credentials as it snaps up supply chain technology provider Made4net Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group (the largest owner and operator of Ikea stores in 31 countries) has acquired Made4net, a US-based supply chain software solution provider. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. It says that the move will increase the capacity needed for a successful end-to-end customer offering, making it […] Retail Technology Innovation Hub May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 2 min read OmnichannelOperations & Supply ChainShoppersMarketing: SocialTechnology & InnovationTwitterResults & InvestmentBrick and MortarAssociatesExecutivesData & Insights 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Department: Nonfood At Home Taps Walmart Vet for Top Merchandising Role At Home has named Jeff Evans as President and Chief Merchandising Officer, effective June 19. Evans will leverage 32 years of industry experience including ecommerce, brand building, product development, sourcing and identifying business opportunities, to help the home décor retailer advance its business. Evans has held senior leadership positions at Walmart for 15 years, most […] Retail TouchPoints May 31, 2023June 1, 2023 < 1 min read WalmartMerchandisingExecutivesShoppersDept. ApparelMarketing: SocialOmnichannelData & InsightsDept. NonfoodDept. Toys & GamesPredictions and ForecastsStrategyBrick and MortarAssociates 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights A Different Angle On The Mean (?) Streets of American’s Cities We’ve spent a lot of time here on MNB talking about America’s troubled cities, and the impact that urban issues – especially vandalism and theft – are having on retailers. But in the last couple of days, there have been a number of stories examining the issue from a different point of view. • The […] MorningNewsBeat May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 4 min read Technology & InnovationAIAssociatesCOVID19ShoppersBrick and MortarData & InsightsEconomyDept. NonfoodStore LocationRestaurantsHealth & WellnessStrategyConsultingLegal & CriminalStreamingResults & InvestmentPredictions and ForecastsMarketing: BroadcastDept. GroceryInternational - UKInclusivityExecutivesDept. BeverageDept. Adult BevUnilever 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Merchandising Albertsons Rebrands ‘Signature’ Private Label Assortment The grocer is rolling out its Signature SELECT brand that features a new logo and packaging design to stores across the U.S. StoreBrands May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 < 1 min read Owned Brands (Private Label)MerchandisingAlbertsons / SafewayPackagingMarketing: BrandBrick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Shopper & Customer Q&A with Top Event Producer: Lessons from the Buzziest Media Activations Crystal Anderson got her start in events during her time at Tough Mudder and went on to help produce some of the most frequently cited experiential activations in the retail industry: The Museum of Ice Cream and 29Rooms. These “selfie factories” were consumers’ “first foray into people stepping out from behind their phones and being […] Retail TouchPoints May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 3 min read ConsumersMarketing: SocialTechnology & InnovationDept. FreshDept. PerimeterESG and CSREconomyAcquisitionStrategyStreamingTrends: RetailIndustry Conferences and EventsPartnershipsDept. FrozenStore LocationData & InsightsBrick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Stores & Formats Convenience stores expected to enjoy June sales boost Convenience stores and supermarkets should see an increase in sales in June with warmer weather boosting business, according to NIQ (formerly Nielsen). The consumer intelligence company made its prediction as its figures revealed that UK supermarkets enjoyed a 12.3% increase in takings for the four weeks to May 20 compared to the same period last […] Talking Retail May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 < 1 min read Brick and MortarWeatherPredictions and ForecastsInternational - UKInsight ProvidersConsumersBig Data 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Media & Marketing The Future of Retail: Rethinking Digital Signage to Improve the In-Store Experience Expectations are never-ending in the retail industry. They’re also ever-changing — even more so in light of recent events. People have different mindsets when entering a brick-and-mortar store. Some people are certainly cautious about in-person interactions, so they’re often in the store for a specific reason. Others might have just stopped in out of happenstance, […] Retail TouchPoints May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 4 min read Marketing: OOHTechnology & InnovationConsumersMarketing: SocialBrick and MortarShoppersMarketing: In StorePredictions and ForecastsTrends: RetailSustainabilityCustomer ExperiencePricing & PromotionsDept. NonfoodThick DataStrategyDept. ApparelPartnershipsMerchandisingHoliday & EventsDept. FreshData & InsightsUnilever 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights The Future of Retail Media is Digital and Omnichannel If one were to dig deep enough into the Library of Congress’s old audiovisual vaults, one would find a wealth of content from the 1950s and 60s about the ‘home,’ ‘city’ or even ‘highways’ of the future. For all of the myriad social problems of that period, it was also a period of intense economic […] Rethink Retail May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 5 min read Technology & InnovationAIOmnichannelPredictions and ForecastsShoppersData & InsightsMarketing: Retail MediaBrick and MortarConsumersTrends: RetailMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationSustainabilityDept. NonfoodTech: IoTMarketing: In StoreEconomyMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionExecutivesOperations & Supply ChainReturnsCompetitionMerchandisingCOVID19Pricing & PromotionsESG and CSRTrends: MarketingGovernmentMarketing: BroadcastStore LocationMarketing: OOHBOPISTech: Cashierless 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Dollar/Value Aldi UK teams with Polytag to gain access to real-time packaging lifecycle information Aldi UK has partnered with recycling technology company Polytag. It will trial the deployment of Polytag’s invisible UV tags onto its packaging, starting from July. With the company’s unique readers installed at the Biffa Teeside recycling centre, Aldi will get insights on the quantity of its packaging that is actually recycled and be able to […] Retail Technology Innovation Hub May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 2 min read PackagingInternational - UKAldiSustainabilityLidlTechnology & InnovationDept. FreshMarketing: SocialData & InsightsBrick and MortarTwitterDept. HBCDept. GroceryDept. NonfoodHealth & WellnessExecutivesPredictions and ForecastsResults & InvestmentDept. Perimeter 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Department & Category Marks and Spencer blasted by elderly customers as it goes cashless in automated cafes Marks and Spencer has come under fire from disgruntled elderly customers after closing traditional counters in eight digital cafes, including at two of the retailer’s megastores. With orders placed via touchscreens, staff are now focused on making food and drinks rather than taking orders, with customers alerted when their order is ready. Elderly shoppers have […] Retail Technology Innovation Hub May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 2 min read ShoppersMarketing: SocialTwitterBrick and MortarInternational - UKTechnology & InnovationDept. GroceryLegal & CriminalInclusivityAssociates 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Shopper & Customer How Personalization Increases Customer Loyalty (and Sales) As the economic climate becomes increasingly volatile, more focus has been placed on the consumer. Customers are what keep brands afloat and their behavior can make or break a business. This has always been true, but as we continue to face more uncertainty, many companies are starting to shift their strategies to place more of […] Ronit Eliav May 30, 2023May 31, 2023 2 min read ShoppersMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationTechnology & InnovationStore LocationMarketing: In StoreOperations & Supply ChainExecutivesEconomyConsumersBrick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Next-Gen DTC: 4 Tips for the New DTC Growth Journey It’s been more than a decade since the direct-to-consumer (DTC) business model forever changed the world of consumer brands. With an iconic cohort of industry disruptors, including Warby Parker, Casper, and Harry’s, the model paved the way for an explosion of businesses built upon direct and authentic relationships with their customers and, in some cases, […] Alex Song May 30, 2023May 31, 2023 4 min read AITechnology & InnovationData & InsightsAcquisitionShoppersConsumersCompetitionSustainabilityMerchandisingResults & InvestmentTargetCOVID19Dept. ApparelReturnsWarby ParkerESG and CSRDept. NonfoodMarketing: SocialTrends: RetailAmazonBrick and MortarTech: AIMetaversePredictions and ForecastsExecutivesOperations & Supply ChainMarketing: In Store 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Shopper & Customer Kroger To Accommodate Smartphone-Challenged Shoppers. For Now. Earlier this month, Kroger said that it would eliminate its use of print advertising and coupons because of declining newspaper circulation and many newspapers eliminating their print editions. Kroger said that it the ads for Kroger stores and subsidiaries, including Ralphs, Fred Meyer and King Soopers, would shift online, with printed copies available in stores. […] MorningNewsBeat May 30, 2023May 31, 2023 2 min read ShoppersKrogerMarketing: TradePricing & PromotionsMarketing: In StoreBrick and MortarMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionCompetitionConsumers 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Department: Food Larger fresh assortments take center stage at remodeled stores A Raley’s store in Reno, Nevada, has an expanded made-to-order salad bar among its new options, while a soon-to-open Natural Grocers store in Amarillo, Texas, boasts a bigger produce section. Grocery Dive May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 < 1 min read Dept. FreshBrick and MortarNatural GrocersDept. PerimeterDept. Natural / Organic 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
CPG: Beverage Amazon’s Cashierless Checkout Tech Makes Inroads at Events Venues Amazon is continuing to expand the reach of its Just Walk Out (JWO) cashierless checkout tech with a particular focus on events-based venues. Two Six Flags theme parks will feature new cashierless stores where fans can buy park essentials without waiting in line, and at the Coors Field stadium in Colorado, fans can now purchase […] Retail TouchPoints May 30, 2023May 31, 2023 3 min read AmazonTechnology & InnovationTech: CashierlessShoppersBrick and MortarCPG: Adult BeverageDept. Adult BevGovernmentCoca ColaMarketing: SocialInternationalDept. BeverageWhole FoodsStore LocationRestaurantsConsumersDept. BakeryDept. FreshExecutivesInternational - UKMarketing: In StorePricing & Promotions 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Mass Your Views: Why The Content Guy Is Going To Hell I’m conflicted about continuing this conversation, mostly because I do not want to go down a rabbit hole from which there is no escape, and I do not want to take MNB in a direction that undermines its purpose. But, this started as a business story, and so I’m going to take the risk. Last […] MorningNewsBeat May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 4 min read TargetBrick and MortarAssociatesInclusivityMerchandisingSustainabilityMarketing: SocialMarketing: ShopperLegal & CriminalExecutivesESG and CSRDept. DairyDept. Beverage 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights MNB Welcomes A New Charter Sponsor: 11Ants MNB has initiated a new sponsorship tier that reflects what for us is a new approach to the topic – I’ve decided that I really want to forge sustained relationships with companies that have value propositions and missions in which I believe and that, in turn, believe in MNB’s value proposition and mission. My goal […] MorningNewsBeat May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 2 min read Data & InsightsShoppersMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionTechnology & InnovationKrogerDept. NonfoodBrick and MortarAssociates 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Department & Category Should a Restaurant Evolve into a Grocerant Regular readers of this blog know that as restaurants continue to evolve in foodservice the most likely space and best fit just might be the Grocerant Niche. That space is wide open it is not dominated by Restaurants, Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores, Drug Stores, or Dollar stores according to Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® […] Grocerant Guru May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 4 min read Dept. GroceryConsumersRestaurantsData & InsightsDept. PerimeterBrick and MortarDept. FreshDept. Fresh PreparedDept. BakeryPredictions and ForecastsShoppersAhold DelhaizeDept. BeverageThick DataMarketing: In StoreTrends: Food and BeverageAmazonKrogerDept. PaperDept. DeliMerchandising 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Why the Secret to Nailing Your E-Commerce Strategy Requires Lighting Up the Senses Have you ever compared your online shopping experiences to your in-store experiences? Physical and digital retail experiences should both be inspirational and filled with entertainment and emotion. But that doesn’t change the fact that when it comes to engaging customers and eliciting sales, physical retail has a “leg up” on e-commerce because real-world shopping experiences […] Ben Marks May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 4 min read Technology & InnovationAIConsumersShoppersData & InsightsMarketing: In StoreLowesDept. NonfoodWalmartStrategyDept. ApparelMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationTargetMerchandisingReturnsBrick and MortarTech: AR and VRTech: AIStore FormatMetaverseOperations & Supply Chain 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Shopper & Customer Casey’s General Store Evolving with Consumers Grocerant niche Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh prepared food continues to garner customers, drive top-line sales, and bottom-line profits. Regular readers of this blog have been reading about the continued success that Casey’s General Stores have had ever since the first test experiment they had with pizza. What a 15-year run it has been. According to […] Grocerant Guru May 30, 2023May 31, 2023 4 min read ConsumersShoppersCasey's General StoresOmnichannelDept. GroceryMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationBrick and MortarData & InsightsTechnology & InnovationMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionDept. PerimeterTech: AIPepsiCoMarketing: BrandPartnershipsMarketing: SocialMarketing: OOHUbereatsAIDoorDashFood DeliveryDept. FuelCustomer ExperienceDeliveryDept. FreshDept. Fresh PreparedAcquisition 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Department & Category All Food Retailers Need to Remember Earth Day is More than just One Day a Year Time and time again restaurants, convenience stores, service delis, and all fresh food retailers need to remember that consumers continue to have a growing top-of-mind awareness of all things sustainable. Within the grocerant niche the ‘halo’ of better-for-you is a driving factor in the path to purchase according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at […] Grocerant Guru May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 2 min read Dept. GroceryConsumersSustainabilityMarketing: SocialThick DataHoliday & EventsESG and CSREconomyTwitterDept. FreshMeta (Facebook)Data & InsightsGovernmentMarketing: ShopperPartnershipsRestaurantsTechnology & InnovationBrick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Department: Food Restaurants, C-Stores, Deli’s It’s Not too late to start with Online Ordering When you think about selling a meal or meal component, have you continued to say no way, not at all, or I tried it and it did not work for me? Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® wants you to rethink your position. Ask yourself why us and why now? […] Grocerant Guru May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 3 min read ShoppersBrick and MortarUnited Dairy FarmersDept. GroceryDept. DeliDept. Fresh PreparedGoogleMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionRestaurantsDept. FreshDept. FuelMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationDeliveryCOVID19Dept. PerimeterBOPISData & InsightsDept. BakeryMarketing: In StoreDept. FrozenDept. BeverageDept. DairyDept. Natural / OrganicDept. RefrigeratedMerchandisingPartnershipsPepsiCoTechnology & Innovation 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Shopper & Customer Shopper & Customer Trends & External Forces Adventure and novelty identified as 2023 flavor trends Kerry’s Flavor Insights report reveals 2023 foodservice consumer trends. Written by Food Business News June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Shopper & Customer Channel: Ecommerce & Digital Media & Marketing Shopper & Customer Trends & External Forces Instacart piloting ‘favorite shopper’ feature The feature, which allows consumers to single out their preferred in-store shoppers to fulfill future orders, will roll out in the coming weeks among select users. Dive Brief: Instacart said in a Tuesday blog it will pilot a feature for customers that lets them select their favorite personal shoppers to fulfill online orders. Select customers and personal shoppers […] Written by Grocery Dive May 31, 2023June 1, 2023 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Stores & Formats Merchandising Owned Brands (Private Label) Stores & Formats Albertsons gives its Signature private brands a single identity The grocer is bringing its Signature Farms, Signature Care and Signature Cafe private labels under its flagship Signature Select brand and has launched a new advertising campaign to promote the expanded product line. Dive Brief: Albertsons announced Wednesday it is bringing its Signature Farms, Signature Care and Signature Cafe private label products under its flagship Signature Select […] Written by Grocery Dive May 31, 2023June 1, 2023 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Associates & Employees Department: Nonfood Technology & Innovation Trends & External Forces Associates & Employees More Than 1,700 Amazon Employees Plan Walkout Today From the Seattle Times: “More than 1,700 Amazon employees have pledged to walk off the job on Wednesday, demanding more flexibility with remote work and more attention on Amazon’s climate impact. “Of the 1,726 employees who had signed on to participate by Tuesday afternoon, about 830 plan to physically walk out of offices in Amazon’s […] Written by MorningNewsBeat May 31, 2023June 1, 2023 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Delivery Channel: Ecommerce & Digital Department & Category Department: Food Data & Insights Technology & Innovation Instacart begins nationwide rollout of ChatGPT search tool The tool allows customers to find products as well as recipes, food prep tips and more using “natural language” instead of keyword-based searches. Dive Brief: Instacart announced Wednesday it has begun the rollout of an artificial intelligence powered search tool that leverages ChatGPT called Ask Instacart. The company said the new capability will scale to all […] Written by Grocery Dive May 31, 2023June 1, 2023 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked