India quick-commerce startup Zepto raises $665 million to capitalize on surging demand: Rapid deliveries are gaining share of the country’s nascent ecommerce market, pushing heavyweights like Flipkart and Reliance to join the fray.
Kroger grew its customer base in Q1: The grocer’s comparable sales and profits both outpaced expectations, but it faces some headwinds from its pharmacy business.
Olive Garden parent Darden Restaurants braces for slower growth: The company expects same-store sales to increase by just 1% to 2% in fiscal 2025, as lower-income diners pull back.
In part two of this two-part podcast episode, we discuss some more predictions for 2024 that are too specific to be 100% certain about but could still come true, including: what happens next when measuring retail media, Starbuck's drone delivery pilot, and how the publisher/AI relationship will play out. Tune in to the discussion with our vice presidents of content Suzy Davidkhanian and Paul Verna and analyst Max Willens.
Easing UK inflation hurts budget grocers’ momentum: Asda and Aldi lost share in June as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and upmarket players regain the edge
Since the pandemic, online ordering and delivery have become table stakes for the grocery industry. Retailers like Albertsons have begun to develop tools and capabilities that provide added value for customers, focusing on creating a more convenient experience. “Consumers think about food 226 times a day, that’s a lot of cognitive load,” said Jill Pavlovich, senior vice president of digital shopping experiences at Albertsons Cos. “So we want to take the experience from a transactional one to a helpful set of tools that can help people manage this.” Albertsons leveraged customer data to identify areas for improvement across its website and mobile app.
Consumers think twice about buying fast food when prices rise: Traffic has fallen at major QSR chains since California’s 25% minimum wage increase took effect in April.
Amazon Fresh tries to turn returns into a customer acquisition tool: Shoppers who return online purchases at the grocery store are eligible for discounts as the retailer struggles to make headway.
Starbucks launches breakfast deal to bring in value-minded customers: The coffee company is leaning on a number of ventures—including a new production studio—to restore growth.
Men’s grooming is a small but growing category to watch: TikTok and new lines from celebrities and influencers like LeBron James and Jake Paul are fueling the boom.
Inflation drove consumers to buy more store brands: But as sales remain strong, retailers look to premium private label items to foster loyalty.
Consumers' definition of value is evolving as they demand not just the lowest prices, but quality and convenience too. Gen Z beauty shoppers prioritize innovation and sustainability over price, grocery shoppers seek high-quality products at lower prices, and high fees deter online purchases. Loyalty programs should be tailored to offer consumers the kind of rewards they want most, but not at the expense of brand identity. Here are five key stats to help brands understand what consumers value and stay competitive.
Foxtrot may not have had its last dance: In an unlikely turn of events, the retailer’s former CEO bought the chain’s assets and plans to reopen about a dozen locations this summer.
Among US beauty shoppers of all ages, beauty and personal care shoppers are most likely to buy in-stores.
Fast-food chains hope value meals hook customers: While Jack in the Box, McDonald’s, and Burger King turn to promotions amid sluggish demand, consumers keep splurging on pricier options like Cava.
“Healthy” soda sales are soaring: But Poppi (and others) may need to shift their marketing messages in the wake of a class-action lawsuit arguing its gut health claims are misleading.
Building a retail media network (RMN) requires a major investment in time, talent, and money. While the largest retailers have these resources, independent and regional retailers often may not.
Dr Pepper has the right prescription to grow share: Savvy marketing, novel flavors, and a quirk in its distribution helped Dr Pepper tie Pepsi-Cola as the No. 2 carbonated soft drink brand.
Sustainability awareness is high in Asia-Pacific, where the majority of consumers are open to spending more on eco-friendly products. How can brands and retailers capitalize on the green opportunity—while also doing good for the environment?
Ulta lays out path to growth after Q1 slowdown: The retailer is leaning into loyalty, exclusive products, and influencer marketing to combat growing competition.