EQUITY RETAIL BLOG

Whole Foods to launch value-focused format

It was widely reported last week that Whole Foods plans to launch a new value-focused format that will be “unlike anything that currently exists in the marketplace,” according to Co-CEO Walter Robb. Robb added that the company has already begun negotiating leases, is building a team to focus exclusively on the new concept, and expects a […]

Analyst says Albertsons IPO speculation is premature

The supermarket trade publications have been buzzing with reports about an Albertsons IPO now that the Safeway merger has taken place. However, a Wall Street analyst told Supermarket News last week that the reports are probably premature. The analyst cited the difference in the two companies’ go-to-market strategies, and the fact that Safeway has a loyalty […]

Weis plans for $92 million in capital spending

Weis announced late last month that they plan to invest $92 million in capital spending this year to grow and upgrade its stores, information technology systems and supply chain. According to Chairman Jonathan Weis, there are 12 store projects underway and another 23 in active planning stages. There is also a major upgrade planned for […]

Aldi on the verge of changing the grocery landscape

A Forbes article published last month characterized Aldi as a nuisance to many of America’s most venerable food retailers and manufacturers, and called it a major force that is on the verge of changing the grocery retailing landscape. The story cited Aldi’s strategy of selling largely its own privately branded knockoffs of established American foods, […]

Report says more Philadelphians have access to groceries than in 2005

A recent report from The Reinvestment Fund (TRF), a community development financial institution based in Philadelphia, found that many more Philadelphians live near a full-service grocery store compared to 10 years ago. In fact, the number of residents without access to a grocery store dropped 56 percent. Nationwide, the number of residents without grocery access […]

Walgreens to cut 200 U.S. stores

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. reported earlier this month that it plans to close 200 drug stores in the U.S. as part of an overall plan to cut $500 million in costs. The cost cutting plan also includes a corporate reorganization. The merger between Walgreens and Alliance Boots, operator of the U.K. chain Boots as well as a […]

Wegmans rated best supermarket by Consumer Reports

In Consumer Reports‘ annual ranking of supermarket brands, Wegmans once again came out on top. In all, 68 supermarket brands were ranked based on responses from more than 62,000 Consumer Reports subscribers. Traditional supermarkets, warehouse clubs, supercenters and limited assortment stores were included in the study. The top rated supermarkets, which also included Publix and […]

Lidl preparing for entry into U.S. market

A Supermarket News story reported last week that German retailer Lidl is ramping up for its entry into the U.S. market by establishing new U.S. offices, advertising job openings and meeting with suppliers in Europe to determine their ability to distribute to the new stores. Although Lidl parent company Schwarz Group confirmed 2018 as the […]

Toys R Us Might be Changing Up the Store Strategy

Struggling toy retailer Toys“R”Us Inc. appears to be shaking up its bricks-and-mortar strategy, adding play spaces to its stores and reportedly shuttering its iconic Times Square location. The Wayne, N.J.-based company has not confirmed the closure of the 110,000-sq.-ft. flagship store, but it has confirmed the lease expires in 2016 and that it’s evaluating options. Meanwhile, […]