The fight for grocery dollars is heating up. Retailers that offer shoppers the right assortment of products at the lowest prices are likely to win. In order to keep dollar and discount stores from stealing share, other retailers need to borrow their pricing and merchandising strategies to connect with cash-strapped consumers.
Unilever plans to cut 7,500 jobs and separate its ice cream unit: Its embrace of a less-is-more approach to drive growth echoes similar efforts by Oatly and Hasbro.
Wonder raises $700 million to fund its expansion efforts: The Marc Lore-led food delivery startup is aiming for nearly 100 locations by the end of 2025.
Ulta looks internationally for growth as US competition heats up: Promotional activity is rising as retailers rush to capitalize on the lipstick effect.
McDonald’s positions itself as a place to score a cheap meal: That’s familiar terrain for the fast-food giant, which should help convey that message to consumers.
Dollar General plans to open 800 stores this year: That’s a stark contrast to rival Family Dollar, as the retailer is well-positioned to benefit from consumers’ growing cost-consciousness.
Family Dollar’s struggles stem from its own missteps: While several value-oriented grocers thrive as consumers pinch pennies, stumbles lead this discounter to shrink its footprint nearly 12%.
Following performance measurement is the most important factor in allocating budget to retail media, according to 56% of US consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers, per a December 2023 survey from Skai and Path to Purchase Institute.
Last year, Kroger found success embracing omnichannel shoppers and personalizing digital promotions, which helped it grow its identical sales (without fuel) 0.9% YoY. Looking ahead, the retailer is counting on its digitally engaged customers to fuel its retail media network, which Kroger expects to grow 20% next year.
Value is top of mind for grocery-shopping consumers: Aldi, Dollar General, Grocery Outlet, and Walmart will open more stores to attract cost-conscious shoppers.
2024 is a marquee year for sports advertising: AB InBev cited a strong summer for beer as it and other marketers plan spending.
Private label unit and dollar sales reached a record in 2023: Store brands accounted for roughly 1 in 5 products purchased last year.
Kroger is bullish on the year ahead: The grocery chain expects 20% growth in its retail media business, and its identical sales without fuel to rise 1.75%.
Nearly a third (32%) of US consumers plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, per Numerator. Of those, 91% say they expect to buy something for their St. Patrick’s celebration, with food and alcohol being the top items purchased.
Olipop is looking to raise funds at a valuation of over $800 million: The fast-growing soda brand looks to build upon the following it has on TikTok and Instagram.
Biden launches task force to take on unfair pricing: The goal is to push companies to offer greater price relief to consumers as shrinkflation and other tactics take their toll.
Whole Foods Market will open small-format stores: But it isn’t clear whether the 7,000- to 14,000-square-foot locations will satisfy consumers’ appetite for healthy groceries.
On today's podcast episode, we discuss what comes after the end of search as we know it, what generative AI (genAI) is best at today, who the right partner for Paramount+ is, what Ikea's plans to save the mall entail, the most popular alcoholic drinks in the US, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of reports editing Rahul Chadha and analysts Ross Benes and Max Willens.
Knowing how price-sensitive consumers are at this moment, brands need to be extra cautious how they position themselves and their messaging. Otherwise, they could risk angering or alienating consumers, as evidenced by the reaction to recent comments from executives at the WK Kellogg Co and Wendy’s.
Cava and Sweetgreen deliver healthy Q4 growth: Consumers’ appetites for fast, healthful food is driving the two QSR chains to expand.