5 things: Do you know about the Aldi Aisle of Shame?

There really is no shame in it: Reddit users are calling Aldi’s clearance section the “Aisle of Shame”, and if you happen to be in-store, you need to steer your cart wheels in its direction, which is usually somewhere in the center. Aldi rotates products of both the edible and non-edible variety in the aisle often and offers huge discounts, pushing one Redditer to scream that if you see something you want: “Do not think about it, buy it!” Many grocers offer clearance offers, but do they have a special place for them that comes with an affectionate name? Experts, however, warn that the “Aisle of Shame” is where savings go to die, and caution shoppers not to void money saved by shopping at Aldi on clearance items. So it’s best not to shop until you drop. —Bill Wilson

Some great tech advice: This year’s National Grocers Association conference kicked off with The Technology Summit, which served as a congress of ideas on how to use systems to improve store performance, reduce waste, and engage customers. Much of the discussions focused on recent topics in the news, like AI and analytics, the connected store, retail media, and supply chain disruptions. Speakers also shared their specific advice to retailers battling competitors of all sizes both physically and digitally. Bill Lipsky of UNFI said that more than anything else, independents must own the relationship with the shopper and should ask for help from wholesalers to make it happen. Eran Harel of AppCard recommended attendees focus on the tech solutions that can make them different than the stores down the street. Perhaps the most poignant statement came from Bob Perry of NBCUniversal, who said supermarkets need to be reinvented because “It’s not your dad’s industry.” —Ron Margulis

The booze news: Drinking alcohol while you shop? Publix has seen strong success with a concept it debuted in 2018, Pours, that provides a gathering hub for customers and serves beer, wine, coffee, and other beverages. At least two more Pours locations are planned for the near future, including one in Tampa. Out west in Colorado, starting in March, both grocery stores and convenience stores will be able to sell wine, something they weren’t able to do prior to a November ballot initiative. Both grocery and convenience stores with a license to sell beer can also begin selling wine as of March 1. That’s approximately 1,900 licensees as of this month, according to the Department of Revenue. Those stores will also be able to offer beer and wine tastings. Raise a glass. —Chloe Riley

A charity case: Loblaws Inc. has a marketing campaign asking shoppers to donate to certain causes. Its heart is certainly in the right place, but many are not showing much affection towards the charitable push. Shoppers have taken to social media, and are not pulling punches. “I know [Loblaws] posted record profits, but would you give even more of your hard earned money to us so we can get a tax write off?” mocked one poster, referring to a sign in a Loblaws store asking for a $2 donation to the President’s Choice Children’s Charity. Rumor is that cashiers who bring in the most donations receive a free lunch. It’s probably not by candlelight, but, then again, Loblaws is showing it has heart, right? Grocery chains asking for more money from shoppers is probably not the best idea during inflation, but where should they draw the line? —BW

Wendy’s chili, coming to grocery: The skies have parted and the gods are feeling generous. That’s right: why wait in a drive thru line when you can head over to your nearest grocery store to grab a bowl, err, can of Wendy’s Chili? ConAgra Brands announced during its Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference that the chili will soon be rolling out into grocery stores. And apparently, it’s already a thing, as it’s been spotted on social media, on shelves, and on Instacart. This chili will be sold in a 15-ounce can meant to be heated and served and, according to the label, is made from beef, tomato purée, beans, onions, and peppers. Now, the real question: when are we going to see baked potato in a can?? —CR

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Grocery chains asking shoppers for money towards charitable causes probably isn't the best idea during inflation, but where should they draw the line? Let us know in the comments below, or email your thoughts to SN Executive Editor Chloe Riley.