Albertsons Looks to Store Remodels and Technology to Juice Growth
Albertsons announced a $1.8 billion capital‑expenditure outlay for fiscal 2025 and plans to raise that to $2 billion‑$2.2 billion in fiscal 2026. The retailer remodeled 94 stores, opened nine new locations last year, and expects store openings to increase 50% next year. It is also betting on technology, deploying AI‑driven pricing, demand‑forecasting, and supply‑chain tools to boost margins. Finally, its loyalty program grew 12% to 51 million members, fueling higher transaction frequency and spend.
Inside Giant Food’s Strategy for Linking Healthy Eating with Affordability
Giant Food, an Ahold Delhaize subsidiary, has launched a weekly 10‑minute podcast called “This Week at Giant” that blends nutrition advice with the chain’s current promotions. The audio shows, hosted by the retailer’s Healthy Living team, highlight discounted items and demonstrate...
How Grocers Can Embrace the ‘Promiscuous Shopper’
Grocery shoppers have abandoned single‑store loyalty, with only 1% sticking to one retailer and the average American visiting at least two stores weekly. Upside research shows over 90% of shoppers are “uncommitted,” chasing price above brand affinity. Victor Kimble of...
Grocery Price Growth Cools as Overall Inflation Surges
U.S. grocery price growth decelerated in March, with food‑at‑home inflation easing to a 1.9% year‑over‑year increase, down from 2.4% in February. The broader consumer price index, however, jumped to 3.3% as gasoline surged more than 21%, driving overall inflation higher....
The Friday Checkout: Grocery Industry Hits Back at Electronic Shelf Label Controversy
The Food Industry Association (FMI) is pushing back against political criticism of electronic shelf labels (ESLs), arguing the technology eases labor shortages rather than eliminating jobs. FMI’s director Michael Green emphasized that banning ESLs would force grocers back to slower,...
Kroger Colluded with Trucking Companies via No-Hire Agreements, Lawsuit Alleges
A lawsuit filed Thursday alleges that Kroger instructed major trucking firms—Swift Transportation, U.S. Xpress and Werner Trucking—to enforce a no‑hire agreement that barred former Quickway drivers from employment. The complaint describes the arrangement as a “gentlemen’s agreement” aimed at suppressing wages...
Ahold Delhaize USA Joins Responsible Labor Initiative
Ahold Delhaize USA announced it has become a member of the Responsible Labor Initiative (RLI), an international group that tackles human‑rights risks in global food and beverage supply chains. The membership grants the grocery giant access to grievance mechanisms, risk‑assessment tools and...
Food City Appoints New CFO
Food City announced the promotion of Paul Cox to senior vice president and chief financial officer, succeeding Eddie Neely who is retiring after five years in the role. Cox, a veteran of the parent company K‑VA‑T Food Stores since 1983,...
How Traditional Grocers Are Trying to Narrow the ‘Value Gap’ with Discount Competitors
Traditional grocery chains are abandoning generic low‑price messaging in favor of targeted promotions, private‑label price comparisons, and longer‑term discount programs. Surveys show only 13% of shoppers trust these stores to offer the lowest prices, prompting retailers like Wegmans, Kroger and...
Why Loyalty Programs Can’t Afford to Overlook Aging Consumers
Many loyalty programs target younger consumers with gamification, yet older adults will comprise nearly one‑quarter of the U.S. population by 2060 and represent a high‑value spending segment. EY’s 2026 Loyalty Market Study shows only 7% of consumers aged 55+ belong...
Associated Wholesale Grocers Names New COO
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) named Joe Kelley as its new chief operating officer, effective May 4. Kelley joins from Kroger, where he most recently served as senior vice president of retail divisions and previously led King Soopers & City Markets. The...
Hannaford Unveils Redesigned Private Label Line
Hannaford, a banner of Ahold Delhaize USA, has launched a redesign of its private‑label packaging, swapping the previous graphics for a simpler look featuring bold red block lettering. The overhaul, which took roughly a year of consumer research, is being rolled out...
Ahold Delhaize USA Debuts Employee App
Ahold Delhaize USA has rolled out ADUSA Connect, a new mobile app for its store‑level associates. The platform aggregates curated news, company resources, and an internal social wall where employees can post updates and interact. Launched in early April, the app is...
The Friday Checkout: Can Raley’s Still Become a Super-Regional Grocer?
Mike Teel has been reinstated as CEO of The Raley’s Companies, marking his third tenure leading the family‑owned grocer. The firm, which acquired Bashas’ in late 2021, now operates 117 stores—seven fewer than at the time of the merger. While...
Grocers Focus on Steep Discounts for Easter
Major U.S. grocers are rolling out aggressive Easter promotions, with Amazon, Kroger, Sam’s Club and Walmart‑owned stores offering deep discounts on ham, lamb, eggs and prepared meals. Amazon’s Whole Foods Prime members can get up to 30% off bone‑in spiral‑cut...
