EQUITY RETAIL BLOG

The Latest Blow to Retail Healthcare

Walmart’s Decision to Close Health Centers and the Implications for Retail Healthcare In a recent announcement, Walmart revealed its decision to shutter its Walmart Health centers and virtual care business, citing an unsustainable business model in primary care. This move marks a significant shift in the landscape of retail health clinics and underscores the challenges […]

Kroger adds stores to divestiture list as it tries to gain support for Albertsons merger

In an effort to appease regulators who have sued to block its proposed $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons, Kroger announced yesterday that it has updated its plan to divest hundreds of stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers. Kroger’s new plan calls for the divestiture of 579 stores, which is 166 more than originally proposed. Company Chairman […]

Amazon to abandon cashierless payments in grocery stores

Amazon announced that in a response to customer feedback it is discontinuing its “Just Walk Out” technology at Amazon Fresh grocery stores in the U.S. The “Just Walk Out” technology uses artificial intelligence to enable shoppers to take items off the shelf, walk out of the store, and have the bill charged directly to their […]

FTC claims larger grocers used pandemic to increase profits

The Federal Trade Commission released a report last week accusing large grocers like Walmart, Amazon and Kroger of using pandemic-era supply chain disruptions “as an opportunity to further raise prices and increase their profits, which remain elevated today.” The report also claims that consumers were hit with skyrocketing prices for groceries and shortages on products […]

Aldi leads fastest growing grocers of 2023

According to a report by JLL, the fastest growing grocers opened 253 stores and added 8.4 million square feet of new space last year. Aldi was the most aggressive grocer in terms of expansion, opening 109 locations. The report listed other fast-growing grocers, including the following: Publix – 38 new stores in 2023 Sprouts Farmers […]

Whole Foods launching urban small-format concept

Whole Foods announced that it is planning to open “quick-shop” small format stores ranging between 7,000 and 14,000 square feet in urban neighborhoods. The stores will be called Whole Foods Market Daily Shop and the first location is slated to open later this year at 1175 Third Ave on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. […]

Spring Is In The Air!

Small Business Owners’ Optimism Reaches 22-Year High As we approach spring, there’s a prevailing sense of optimism. There are many strong indicators, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq marking their best February performance since 2015, and the Dow exhibiting its strongest showing since 2021. Notably, inflation appears to be easing, as reflected in the 2.4% […]

Philly Displays Robust Retail Sector

In the evolving landscape of Philadelphia’s commercial real estate market between the first quarters of 2020 and 2024, distinct trends have emerged in major property sectors—retail, industrial, multifamily, and office. Contrary to expectations, the retail sector displayed remarkable resilience amid the pandemic, benefiting from robust consumer spending and restrained new construction. Strong spending from consumers, […]

FTC files lawsuit to stop Kroger-Albertsons merger

The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit Monday to block the proposed Kroger – Albertson $24.6 billion merger, claiming it would be an “anticompetitive” deal that would create a monopoly. Attorneys general from Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Wyoming joined the lawsuit. AGs in Washington and Colorado […]

Fresh produce now sold at more than 5,000 Dollar General stores

Earlier this year Dollar General reported that it now offers fresh fruits and vegetables at more than 5,000 locations. The company operates more than 19,000 stores in 48 states with plans for continued expansion. Former Dollar General CEO Jeffrey Owen announced the company’s intention to offer fresh produce in at least 5,000 stores by the […]