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. […]
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 […]
Wegmans planning second Manhattan store
Wegmans confirmed that it signed a lease for a 58,874 square foot former Bed Bath and Beyond store in Manhattan at 1932 Broadway. The company currently operates one Manhattan store, which it opened last year at 770 Broadway, the former site of the Astor Place Kmart. “Prior to opening our Astor Place store, we were […]
Grocery Outlet to acquire United Grocery Outlet
Grocery Outlet announced that it plans to acquire United Grocery Outlet, a discount grocer operating in the Southeast. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of this year. United Grocery Outlet, which is celebrating its 50th year in business, has 40 stores in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and Virginia. Grocery […]
Kroger pledges to lower prices and invest in stores following merger with Albertsons
As Kroger faces regulatory scrutiny over its planned acquisition of Albertsons, the company says it will lower prices following the merger. Specifically, Kroger says it will invest $500 million to lower prices following the close of the deal, and invest $1.3 billion to improve Albertsons stores. Kroger added that it invested more than $125 million […]