5 trends shaping the grocery store of the future

To compete in the Amazon era, grocers have to strike a tricky balance between meeting evolving consumer demands and driving operational efficiency, writes Gerard Szatvanyi of OSF Commerce.

By Gerard Szatvanyi • July 3, 2019

Stop & Shop introduces 'Free-Days' to boost in-store visits, app use

Following a disruptive strike in April, the company aims to reestablish customer loyalty and differentiate itself in the competitive Northeast. 

By Jessica Dumont • July 2, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Grocery loyalty

Food retailers are depending on techniques designed to build and maintain connections with customers as they strive to stand out.

By Grocery Dive staff

Fairway Market digitizes local food sourcing

The New York-based grocer has partnered with startup Forager to streamline ordering and payment, and to help add more suppliers.

By Jennifer Sweeney • June 27, 2019

Walmart tests autonomous delivery vans for 'middle mile'

"Milk runs," or routes between business locations, are routine and require little decision-making on the part of a driver.

By Emma Cosgrove • June 20, 2019

Albertsons gives self-checkout a 2nd chance

Several years after it began removing self-checkouts, the retailer is adding kiosks and upgrading the technology in stores where it currently exists.

By Krishna Thakker • June 18, 2019

Ahold Delhaize opens new tech office

The 30,000-square-foot facility in Massachusets includes an innovation lab and incubator to help cultivate retail-focused tech solutions.

By Lauren Manning • June 18, 2019

Publix to launch mobile payment feature

While the retailer hasn't confirmed a timeline for rollout, customers can pay for groceries through the app, which could speed up the checkout process.

By Krishna Thakker • June 13, 2019

Ocado makes more tech-focused food investments

Following its investment in meal-assembly robotics, the online grocery company will provide funding and expertise to two indoor farming ventures.

By Lauren Manning • June 11, 2019

Jet adds dietary preferences for shoppers

The company is the first U.S. retail partner for U.K. technology company Spoon Guru, which uses artificial intelligence and tags to personalize the shopping experience.

By Krishna Thakker • June 11, 2019

E-commerce drives hot demand for cold storage space, report says

Total square footage could increase by nearly 50% over the next five years, according to CBRE. 

By Lauren Manning • June 6, 2019

Are shoppers ready for multimedia meal kits?

Chefs' Menu and So Yummy have partnered on a line of in-store kits that include QR codes linking to videos with cooking instructions and culinary tips. 

By Lauren Manning • June 5, 2019

The last yard: The final logistics frontier

The last yard takes an item not just to the porch or the shipping dock, but to the refrigerator, the sales floor or a specific spot on the manufacturing plant line where it will be used.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • June 3, 2019

Walmart launches 'Fast Lane' checkout

The technology is being introduced at an urban prototype store in Toronto, which will also feature an upgraded grocery offering and extended aisles.

By Jessica Dumont • May 31, 2019

Coinstar machines will now sell bitcoin

Coinme, a blockchain financial tech company, has partnered with Coinstar to sell bitcoin at 2,200 in-store kiosks across 21 states and Washington, D.C.

By Krishna Thakker • May 28, 2019

Walmart names Amazon, Microsoft veteran as CTO

Suresh Kumar held various positions overseeing Amazon's retail systems technology and most recently led display, video, app ads and analytics at Google.

By Samantha Schwartz • May 28, 2019

Uber's grocery delivery business now has a home

An engineering hub in Toronto will play a "pivotal role" in the still-developing effort, according to the company, including product development and go-to-market strategy.

By Krishna Thakker • May 23, 2019

Can technology extend grocers' reach into food deserts?

Several pilot programs are addressing the problem in innovative ways, but their effectiveness and ability to scale remains questionable.

By Jessica Dumont • May 22, 2019

Schnucks to reward shoppers chain-wide

The Midwest grocer first introduced the app-based loyalty program last summer and has continued to upgrade and expand it for all customers.

By Jennifer Sweeney • May 17, 2019

Canada's No Frills gives gaming a try

The discounter has launched a video game that allows players to earn loyalty points that they can redeem in real life.

By Lauren Manning • May 16, 2019

Target taps startups for summer mentorship

From sustainable food packaging to AI-optimized fresh food supply chain technology, food businesses will be well-represented in the retailer's accelerator and incubator programs this year. 

By Jennifer Sweeney • May 8, 2019

Inside Kozmo.com's online grocery comeback

The company shut down in 2001 but returned to the marketplace a year ago in Los Angeles. Now it's profitable, and new owner Barnaby Montgomery has his eye on expansion.

By Christopher Doering • May 6, 2019

Wegmans becomes the latest grocer to pilot scan-and-go

The company is testing its SCAN app at a store in Rochester, New York, and will introduce the technology at more locations if the trial is successful.

By Lauren Manning • May 6, 2019

Walmart names new head of food safety

Sara Mortimore, who will oversee global compliance, brings nearly 30 years of expertise to the company.

By Jennifer Sweeney • May 6, 2019

Albertsons: We're not 'playing catch-up' in e-commerce

While the chain hasn't forged a transformative deal like other large-scale competitors, executives say it’s making incremental moves to stay ahead.

By Jeff Wells • April 25, 2019

Walmart reveals first 'intelligent' lab store on Long Island

Equipped with cameras, sensors, interactive displays and major processing power, the souped-up Neighborhood Market aims to take efficiency and customer experience to new heights.

By Jessica Dumont • April 25, 2019