Sponsored By

WGB Week in Review: The Hits Keep Coming

A rebirth at Earth Fare, new moves at Kroger, and Walmart+ reportedly nears launch time. By now old pros at tackling the operations challenges that came with the onset of a newly revived coronavirus threat, U.S. food retailers this week revealed some of their plans to move ahead. Kroger made significant C-suite moves and is ushering new partners, providing a revamped in-store radio broadcast and media planning. Walmart is reportedly expected to launch its Prime competitor. Those stories and more are highlights from the week of July 6 as covered by WGB.

Jon Springer, Executive Editor

July 10, 2020

1 Min Read
Earth Fare storefront
Photograph courtesy of Earth Fare

Inside the Deal to Save Earth Fare

Earth Fare storefront

By Jon Springer on 07/02/2020

When the natural foods chain he helped build collapsed, Randy Talley hustled to find new investors and old colleagues to save Earth Fare.

Read more

Dennis Hulsing, CEO, Earth Fare

“It’s a concept that has deteriorated over the last couple of years, but I knew that they had a heck of a face, a heck of a strategy and I think, a heck of a following.”

Kroger Appoints Stuart Aitken as Chief Merchant; Yael Cosset to Oversee Analytics

By Jon Springer on 07/07/2020

The moves, which underscore the retailer's commitment to data, coincide with Joe Grieshaber's upcoming retirement.

Read more

Kroger Spins a New Tune

Kroger

By Jon Springer on 07/08/2020

The retailer’s new store audio provider balances revenue generation and shopper engagement while capturing "the sound of the brand."

Read more

Paul Brenner, president, audio out of home, Vibenomics

“That’s the legacy we’re trying to overcome: make it engaging, make it fun, but then automate it, digitize it and give it something the advertiser can get a better result from.”

What Will a Walmart Membership Look Like?

wWalmart boxes being shipped

By Jon Springer on 07/10/2020

Amid reports of an imminent launch, Walmart+ could be a vehicle for the retailer's future vision.

Read more

The Multiple Shopping Behaviors of the Pandemic

Woman grocery shopping with mask

By Kat Martin on 07/02/2020

Archer Daniels Midland’s Ana Ferrell shares insights into the bifurcated world of consumer shopping behaviors during the pandemic.

Read more

Ana Ferrell, VP and head of marketing of North America, Archer Daniels Midland

“In the aftermath of the March/April timeframe, we are seeing consumers much more pragmatic in their behaviors. This is something that we’ll likely see as more of a consistent pattern from an economic standpoint until a new variable comes in.”

How Lidl Slowed Inflation on Long Island

Lidl surprises

By Jon Springer on 07/08/2020

A new pricing study commissioned by Lidl illustrates how competitors are adjusting, item by item, to the discounter's Long Island arrival.

Read more

14.9%

Price reductions on select items at Long Island Aldi stores in proximity to opening Lidl units, according to a UNC-Kenan-Flagler study.

Meijer Opens 5 New Supercenters

Meijer new store

By Kat Martin on 07/09/2020

The new stores are operating under adjusted hours due to the pandemic and are maintaining strict safety measures.

Read more

How to Beat Amazon in the Grocery Game

fTakeoff Technologies

By Jennifer Strailey on 07/07/2020

A new report from Takeoff Technologies reveals what online grocery shoppers value most and how retailers can best compete profitably in the channel.

Read more

Timothy Laseter, University of Virginia

“Amazon’s relentless pursuit of speed has forced a tradeoff contracting its positioning on both expansive variety and low cost. The shift reflects an inherent challenge: Retailers need to be close to the end customer to achieve fast delivery.”

The Supermarket Experience: It's Time to Integrate

Online physical grocery shopping

By Doug Madenberg on 07/07/2020

Findings from Retail Feedback Group’s latest study indicate an opportunity for food retailers to rethink the customer experience, the author says.

Read more

39%

Shoppers reporting that an employee positively impacted their last shopping experience, according to a Retail Feedback Group study.

Kroger Selects Integrated Media Partner to Advance Fresh for Everyone Campaign

Kroger storefront

By WGB Staff on 07/08/2020

Dentsu Aegis Network will create a team responsible for media planning and buying across all media channels for the retailer and its family of brands.

Read more

Eyeing ‘Pandemic Fallout,' BJ’s Resumes New Club Growth

BJs storefront

By Jon Springer on 07/09/2020

The membership club says it will open in Chesterfield, Mich., on July 31.

Read more

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like