Deep Dive: Page 3

Industry insights from our journalists


  • Shopping cart in store
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    Permission granted by Veeve
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    Smart carts get a charge from Amazon and COVID-19

    More retailers are looking at the technology thanks to the pandemic and the online retailer's endorsement, but high costs could stymie a broader rollout, experts caution.

    Krishna Thakker • Aug. 31, 2020
  • Cheetah grocery app
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    Grocery apps get smart during the pandemic

    Adoption has skyrocketed in recent months, and now retailers are considering how to update mobile platforms that have become a critical part of the store experience.

    Jessica Dumont • Aug. 3, 2020
  • Less is more: Why retailers and CPGs are moving toward selling fewer products in stores

    As the coronavirus pushes some items off supermarket shelves, the food industry is finding a smaller selection reduces consumer confusion, boosts sales and trims expenses for grocers.

    Christopher Doering • July 20, 2020
  • Heinen's
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    Courtesy of Heinen's
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    Heinen's rolls out Sally the salad-making robot

    Could a machine that dispenses fresh, custom-made bowls be a lifeline for retailers trying to boost their prepared food sales?

    Jeff Wells • July 13, 2020
  • Grocers ponder the future of their self-service stations

    More than three months after shutting down, salad bars and hot bars are burning a hole in retailers' bottom lines. Getting them up and running safely and profitably is a major challenge, according to retailers, consultants and other sources.

    Sam Silverstein and Jeff Wells • June 25, 2020
  • private labe
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    Christopher Doering/Grocery Dive
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    Private label prospects brighten as recession hits cash-strapped consumers

    Even before the pandemic, sales growth in the sector was forecast to outpace that of national brands for the fourth straight year, according to IRI.

    Christopher Doering • June 17, 2020
  • Bi-Lo sale clears the way for Southeastern Grocers to energize Winn-Dixie. But will the competition be too much?

    The company's sale of 62 stores will add much-needed investment capital as it turns its focus to Florida, analysts said.

    Sam Silverstein • June 5, 2020
  • 6 strategies for grocers preparing for the new e-commerce future

    Retail experts share insights into how food retailers can retool their online operations in response to the pandemic.

    Sam Silverstein and Jeff Wells • May 26, 2020
  • Walmart
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    Courtesy of Walmart
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    How companies are helping vulnerable shoppers

    A growing number of retailers and service providers are concluding that dedicating store hours for pregnant, elderly, disabled and other at-risk shoppers is not enough.

    Krishna Thakker • May 11, 2020
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    Jeff Wells/Grocery Dive
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    How grocers are filling the mealtime void during the pandemic

    As homebound consumers re-connect with cooking and look for new prepared options, grocers are seizing the opportunity to once again become America's preferred meal providers.

    Jessica Dumont • April 27, 2020
  • Local Foods
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    Courtesy of Local Foods
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    Should grocery stores go dark?

    As safety concerns mount, a handful of retailers across the country have temporarily converted their stores to pickup and delivery service only. More may follow suit.  

    Jeff Wells • April 3, 2020
  • Grocers race to keep their front lines trained and healthy

    As staffing surges, companies are trying to balance rapid onboarding with new health and safety measures, from better sick leave policies to four-day work weeks. 

    Jessica Dumont • March 23, 2020
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    Lucky's Market
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    Specialty grocers aren't looking so special anymore

    On the heels of three rapid-fire bankruptcies, experts say companies need to take a hard look at their positioning in the marketplace and realize the days of blazing nationwide growth may be over.

    Jessica Dumont • March 2, 2020
  • Amazon Go Grocery
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    Courtesy of Amazon
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    Is Go Grocery a game changer for Amazon?

    Experts agree the checkout-free store is a technical marvel, but they questioned its ability to promote regular shopping trips and attract interest to license its system to other retailers.

    Jeff Wells • Feb. 26, 2020
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    Jeff Wells
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    For in-store farms to succeed, finding the right balance is key

    High-tech growing operations promise to efficiently supply retailers with greens. But the bigger payoff may be in offering shoppers a bit of food theater.

    Lauren Manning • Feb. 6, 2020
  • Discovery is lost in e-commerce. How can grocers improve?

    The concept is core to bigger baskets and impulse buys online, but most companies have missed the mark, experts say. 

    Jessica Dumont • Jan. 27, 2020
  • 4 grocery markets to watch in 2020

    With legacy players digging in and newcomers looking to shake things up, expect some pitched battles in the months ahead.

    Jessica Dumont • Jan. 13, 2020
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    Kroger
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    6 grocery trends to watch in 2020

    Simplifying apps, evolving in-store dining and expanding micro-fulfillment will be on the menu for retailers in the year ahead, experts say.​

    Jeff Wells, Jessica Dumont and Krishna Thakker • Jan. 6, 2020
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    Photo illustration by Michelle Rock/Grocery Dive; photographs via Getty Images
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    From food halls to ghost kitchens, collaboration is on the menu for grocers and restaurants

    While both can siphon dollars from the other, the right partnerships could boost operational efficiencies, drive brand awareness and elevate food offerings.

    Jeff Wells • Nov. 21, 2019
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    Photo illustration by Michelle Rock/Grocery Dive; photographs via Getty Images
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    Restaurants are creeping into grab-and-go. Should grocers worry?

    Grocers have traditionally owned the space, but customer demand for convenience is driving growth — and more competition — in new places.

    Krishna Thakker and Jessica Dumont • Nov. 20, 2019
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    Photo illustration by Michelle Rock/Restaurant Dive; photographs via Getty Images
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    Delivery from aisle 5: How grocers are threatening restaurants' off-premise business

    Grocery and convenience stores are delivering meals via third-party platforms, but may not have the right expertise and menus in place to compete with restaurants — yet.

    Julie Littman • Nov. 19, 2019
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    Shipt
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    Does the gig economy have a future in grocery stores?

    On-demand labor is now an integral part of e-commerce and promises to fill stocking, merchandising and other jobs, but high turnover and a changing industry could check its lofty ambitions. 

    Jeff Wells • Nov. 7, 2019
  • Tech workers aren't interested in grocery — or are they?

    Contrary to popular belief, grocers can be attractive workplaces for software developers, data scientists and other digital talent. But first, retailers need to hone their pitch.

    Krishna Thakker • Oct. 30, 2019
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    Walmart
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    Walmart's last mile around the world

    From tricycles to drones, the retailer is casting a wide net to find out how shoppers want to receive their goods.

    Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 29, 2019
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    Fotolia
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    From BJ's to ButcherBox: A retired retailer finds new life in the startup world

    Mike Billings thought he was done after 25 years running BJ’s meat and seafood department. Then he got an offer to help build a new operation from the ground up.

    Jeff Wells • Oct. 29, 2019