Kroger scraps long-term growth targets, plans to invest in pricing and tech
Kroger announced earlier this month that it has scrapped the long-term earnings-per-share growth targets that it established in 2012. Rather, the company plans to invest in pricing and technology amid increased competition from Walmart and Amazon, as well as Aldi and Lidl. “We are re-prioritizing and accelerating investments in our ‘Customer 1st Strategy’ in order […]
Dollar stores not being hurt by big retailer price wars
Despite analysts’ fears that dollar stores could become collateral damage in the price wars being waged between big retailers like Walmart and Kroger, sales forecasts for Dollar General and Dollar Tree remain strong. Dollar General expects net sales to increase by five to seven percent for the year ending February 2, and Dollar Tree expects […]
Amazon slashes prices at Whole Foods on first day of merger, more changes to come
Media reports around the country reported yesterday that on the day Whole Foods merged with Amazon, prices were slashed on several items at stores around the country. Orange signs throughout the stores with Whole Foods and Amazon logos promised “more to come…” Price reductions – some as high as 43% – were found on items […]
Walmart partners with Google, expands Uber delivery service
Walmart and Google announced last week that a new partnership between the companies will allow shoppers to use Google’s apps and devices to shop at Walmart. According to a story in Supermarket News, Walmart customers will soon be able to link their accounts to Google and receive personalized shopping results based on past purchases using […]
Instacart to service PriceRite stores in PA’s Lehigh Valley
PriceRite Supermarkets announced yesterday that it is expanding its partnership with Instacart to include the Lehigh Valley, where the grocer has two stores – one each in Allentown and Bethlehem. Instacart already operates in the Lehigh Valley, where about 206,000 households can shop online at Wegmans, Whole Foods and Costco, and have their purchases delivered […]
The FTC approves Amazon – Whole Foods deal
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced yesterday that it has approved Amazon’s proposed acquisition of Whole Foods. The announcement comes one day after Whole Foods shareholders voted to approve the $13.7 billion deal. Amazon plans to close the deal later this year. The FTC investigated the proposed merger to determine whether it would substantially lesson […]
Walmart e-commerce grows by 60% in Q2
Walmart announced last week that e-commerce sales in the U.S. grew by 60% in its fiscal second quarter, as compared to the same quarter a year ago. “We continue to be really happy with the online grocery program,” said Investor Relations VP Steve Schmitt. “It really is a differentiated offering that we know our customers […]
Food website Eater reveals suppliers of some Trader Joe’s products
An article earlier this month in a food news website called Eater revealed the companies that produce several of Trader Joe’s beloved products. Most of the time people don’t care which companies are behind the private label brands we buy in the grocery store, but since Trader Joe’s won’t fess us, and since suppliers are sworn […]
Seven grocers in top 30 U.S. private companies
Forbes published its 33rd annual ranking of America’s largest private companies, and seven grocers landed in the top 30. (Cargill topped the overall list, with $109.7 billion in sales, followed by Koch Industries). Albertsons, with several banners including Albertsons, Safeway and Acme, is third on the overall list and the top grocer, with $59.7 billion […]
Target focusing on grocery and new delivery service
Target announced earlier this week that it hired executives from Walmart and General Mills in an effort to boost its grocery business. The company also announced that it would buy delivery logistics company Grand Junction so it could offer same-day delivery service to in-store shoppers. Target and rival Walmart are continually making efforts to compete […]