grocers

A supermarket has opened a pub as a workaround for liquor laws, a move that has apparently proven so successful at drawing crowds that the store now employs bouncers to manage the door. The Wall Street Journal reports on the unusual arrangement, highlighting how retailers are finding creative paths around restrictions on alcohol sales.

Kroger, Giant Eagle and DoorDash are each developing agentic AI assistants for their retail and delivery operations. Modern Retail reports on how the grocery chains and delivery platform are building these tools, which can act on a customer's behalf rather than simply answer questions. The companies' approaches and goals for the technology are the focus of coverage.

Major US grocers Walmart, Aldi and Kroger are moving in the same direction as Costco on a retail policy, according to a report from TheStreet. The story suggests the country's biggest supermarket chains are converging on a strategy pioneered by the warehouse club, prompting shoppers to discuss what the change could mean for prices and the in-store experience.

French retail group Auchan has finished a full overhaul of its supermarket network across France, according to ESM Magazine. The revamp is one of several supermarket stories drawing attention this week, alongside a US grocery store whose unusual experiment is reportedly attracting visitors flying in from other states. The stories come amid ongoing interest in how grocers are adapting store formats and services.

Aldi is processing large volumes of fresh produce through its automated distribution warehouse in the UK, part of the discounter's push to use robotics to speed up supply and cut costs. The facility handles the flow of goods to stores as the grocer expands automation across its logistics network.

Ahold Delhaize, the Dutch-Belgian grocery group, is using artificial intelligence to improve its retail media business, according to Grocery Dive. The retailer is applying AI tools to make advertising on its digital platforms more targeted and effective, a growing revenue area for grocers as brands pay to reach shoppers through store data and apps.

Kroger has taken what Grocery Dive describes as a key step forward in connecting retail media creative to digital sales outcomes. The move would let the grocery giant's advertisers measure how ad creative drives online purchases, tightening the loop between media spend and sales results in Kroger's fast-growing retail media business.

A new study finds that almost half of grocery retailers are not making full use of retail media, the advertising revenue stream run on retailers' own channels and shopper data. The findings suggest many grocers are leaving potential income on the table as retail media becomes one of the fastest-growing areas of digital advertising.

Potatoes USA has launched a new retail campaign highlighting how potatoes help increase overall basket size for grocers. Nick Bartelme detailed the initiative, which aims to show retailers that promoting potatoes can drive additional sales across the store. The campaign targets merchandising and marketing teams looking to boost shopper spend.

The Cincinnati Enquirer compares Kroger's cage-free egg commitments and progress against major rivals Walmart, Costco and Target. The piece examines where each grocery chain stands on sourcing eggs from cage-free hens, a long-running animal welfare pledge in US retail. As a Cincinnati-based company, Kroger's record is the focus of the side-by-side look at competitors' timelines and compliance.

Regional supermarket chain Big Y has appointed a retail technology professional as its new vice president of information technology. The move signals the grocer's continued investment in digital and IT capabilities as supermarkets modernize operations. Details of the appointee's background and start date have been reported by trade outlet Progressive Grocer.

Agri-Pulse's latest Farm Hands on the Potomac roundup reports several personnel moves in agriculture and nutrition policy circles. The National Grocers Association has brought on Mike Ridenour, SAM Nutrition has added Erika Wederquist, and BASF Agricultural Solutions has named Leta LaRush senior vice president for its U.S. business. The column tracks staff and executive changes across the agri-food sector in Washington.

Grocery chain Kroger has launched the Rewards World Elite Mastercard, a new credit card offering rewards to shoppers. The card, issued in partnership with Mastercard, gives customers a way to earn benefits on Kroger purchases and everyday spending. The move continues the trend of major retailers building loyalty programs around branded financial products to deepen customer engagement and capture more spending.

Retail analysts report that pork is finding a fresh sales opportunity this October, as grocers lean on seasonal demand and promotions to move the product. The roundup suggests retailers are positioning pork competitively in meat aisles for the month, though no specific chains or sales figures are cited.