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WGB Week in Review: The Strength of New Consumer Habits
Albertsons' CEO remarks, new data indicate the shift in U.S. food spending could have lasting and positive effects for the industry. Albertsons Cos. CEO Vivek Sankaran shook off that a long-awaited return to the public markets didn't land with the splash its sellers had hoped behind confidence that the shift to food-at-home was already changing consumer habits to the long-term benefit of the food-at-home channel—a stance echoed in several new consumer studies also released. There were also signals that social disruption was far from behind us, from companies aligning to demand more accountability in social media to another tragic shooting at a retail site. Those stories and more are highlights from the week of June 29, as covered by WGB:
1 Min Read
Photograph: Shutterstock
Albertsons CEO Makes a Case for a Long-Term Shift in Food Spending
By Jon Springer on 06/28/2020
In an interview with WGB, Vivek Sankaran discusses his vision for the company, the sustainability of the food-at-home shift, and why even a recession may not stop it.
Vivek Sankaran, CEO, Albertsons Cos.
“I don’t know the answer of when this all ends, but as I think about what is likely and what is less likely, I think we’ll all be eating more at home.”
Wegmans Pulls Plug on the Pub
By Jennifer Strailey on 06/30/2020
In another sign of the times, and what could be the fate of many grocerant concepts in the coming months, Wegmans has decided to permanently close all of its Pub locations.
More Consumers Shopping for Food Both Online, In-Store During Pandemic: Retail Feedback Group
By Kristina Hurtig on 06/29/2020
Retail Feedback Group’s 2020 U.S. Online & In-Store Grocery Shopping Study finds trend higher among younger consumers, as well as lower satisfaction overall due to out-of-stocks.
62%
Amount of online grocery shoppers who used more than one shopping site over the past three months, compared with 38% who used just one
Can Grocers Make the Most of Their Good Fortune?
By Jon Springer on 07/02/2020
A panel of influential industry leaders anticipate long-term benefits from the abrupt food spending shift but warn of adjustments ahead.
Walter Robb, former co-CEO, Whole Foods Markets
“One thing we’re seeing across all retailers is less trips. And in retail, the trip is precious, just precious.”
Albertsons, Target Join Social Media Ad Ban
By WGB Staff on 06/30/2020
Food companies and retailers say they hope an ad-ban can spark social media giants to responsibly police online hate speech.
Joe Caldwell, Spokesman, Southeastern Grocers
“We are standing in solidarity with businesses participating in the Stop Hate for Profit campaign that share our commitment to freedom, equality and justice.”
Walmart, ‘Heartbroken’ After Warehouse Shooting, Lauds Workers for Saving Lives
By Jon Springer on 06/29/2020
Weekend incident at a California distribution center could have been worse, U.S. CEO John Furner says in a memo.
14
Number of active-shooter incidents at retail sites since 2007, according to the FBI
Ann Arbor Independent Grocer to Introduce Robot Delivery
By Kat Martin on 06/30/2020
A three-wheeled self-driving robot is now making grocery deliveries.
Schnucks Opens First EatWell Location
By Kat Martin on 06/29/2020
The new natural and organic format debuted in Columbia, Mo., in a former Lucky's location.
Coin Shortage Prompts Meijer to Ban Cash at Self-Checkout
By Kat Martin on 06/29/2020
As the economic impact of the pandemic slows the flow of coins, the National Grocers Association calls for federal action.
Stop & Shop Moves to Meet Online Sales Surge
By Jon Springer on 07/01/2020
50 new pickup sites, three new warerooms and more stores offing Instacart will help the retailer meet an online sales surge.
150
Pick speed, in units per hour, of a typical grocery wareroom, according to Scott DeGraeve of Locai, or about 2.5 times faster than those picked in stores
Kroger Health’s COVID-19 Home Test Kit Gets FDA Emergency Use Authorization
By WGB Staff on 07/01/2020
Through a partnership with Gravity Diagnostics, Kroger Health plans to process more than 60,000 tests per week by the end of July.
How Trader Joe’s Invented Cookie Butter Beer
By Jennifer Strailey on 07/02/2020
From its newest hard seltzers to its dessert-style beers inspired by some of its most popular packaged goods, Trader Joe's talks product development in the adult beverage space.
Catherine Rhodes, product developer, Trader Joe's
“Trader Joe’s is cookie butter headquarters so we couldn’t have an OK Cookie Butter Beer. It had to taste just as good as what’s in the jar.”
Albertsons' Private Label Seafood Reaches Sustainability Milestone
By WGB Staff on 07/01/2020
The retailer’s Bistro and Open Nature lines will soon display the Responsible Choice logo for sustainable sourcing.