5 things: Instacart pushes into Amazon and Walmart territory

Instacart for small business: The grocery delivery giant is gearing up to launch a version of its site tailored to small businesses, according to reporting from The Information. The move could mean a challenge to big guns like Amazon and Walmart as Instacart looks to capture new market share and boost revenues ahead of its long-anticipated IPO (which informed sources say could happen as soon as market conditions improve). “Instacart Business” would display curated items like office supplies, cleaning products, and snacks, and the big picture-ness of the move is designed to broaden the appeal of Instacart beyond its well-known grocery deliveries. It comes at a good time: right as the company’s growth is flattening out. —Chloe Riley

If only there was a vaccine for this: Those who received extra government aid to help with grocery bills during the pandemic will soon lose that aid as the program expires. Almost 30 million Americans will now have about $90 less a month in food aid. With inflation still raging, it remains to be seen how a lighter pocketbook will impact grocers, especially independents. It could translate to even more lost dollars if shoppers hold off on buying, or it may equate to shoppers trading down to private label (even more than they already are) in another attempt to save money. So it could be good, could be bad: we'll have to wait and see. Officials are making up for it by offering extra benefits through a new program providing money to low-income families to replace school meals during the summer. Overall, it feels like a lot of baloney. And not of the edible kind. —Bill Wilson

Cheers to Colorado: Grocery retailers in the Centennial State have reason to celebrate, as Colorado joins the growing ranks of states that allow supermarkets to sell wine. Colorado’s new law, which narrowly passed by voter referendum last fall, becomes effective March 1. Trader Joe’s, Safeway and King Soopers all plan to immediately sell wine in their stores, according to the Colorado Sun. The issue has been cropping up in state legislatures for several years, but accelerated during the pandemic when at-home imbibing soared. States including Maryland, New York and Connecticut are also seeking to pop the cork. —Mark Hamstra

One fast operator: Like many supermarket companies, Hy-Vee Inc. is focusing on speed. But unlike most grocers, Hy-Vee’s interest in pace is going beyond the checkout lines. The retailer is the title sponsor of the Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend at Iowa Speedway on July 21-23. The event will feature IndyCar races on both July 22 and July 23, as well as trackside concerts on the “Hy-Vee Stage” before and after each race with performers that include Carrie Underwood and Kenny Chesney. Hy-Vee also is supporting those who compete on foot with the Hy-Vee Road Races being held in conjunction with the famed Drake Relays on April 27, featuring a half-marathon, 10K and 5K events. Life in the fast lane! —Richard Mitchell

Take a picture, it’ll last longer: In 2021, Costco announced it was closing its store photo centers, which provided services like developing film and printing digital photos. Now, additionally the company recently shut down all products and services from CostcoPhotoCenter.com, CostcoDVD.com, and CostcoBusinessPrinting.com. Members have now been directed to transfer their photos to online photo company Shutterfly, which is giving Costco members 51% off every Shutterfly order, plus free shipping on orders over $49. Even with the discounts, many Costco members voiced their displeasure with the loss of yet another club amenity in a recent Reddit thread. Goodbye printing perks, hello digital photo age. —CR 

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Are you concerned about the extra government aid towards grocery bills ending? What are you anticipating? Let us know in the comments below, or email your thoughts to SN Executive Editor Chloe Riley at [email protected].