CPG

Wendy’s expansion relies on nontraditional retail formats: The fast-food company plans to open up to 200 ghost kitchens in 2022 to better reach underserved markets.

Amazon’s freewheeling approach to brick-and-mortar is at an end: The retail giant closes stores as it focuses on boosting profitability and winning grocery market share from Walmart and Target.

Rapid grocery companies speed up overseas expansion, but risks remain: Uber Eats, Gopuff, and Gorillas are some of the companies looking to corner new markets quickly, before the cash runs out.

AI is used to boost crop production, but unintended consequences could be devastating: Proper algorithms and precautions can ensure agricultural AI doesn’t threaten global food security.

On this episode of Reimagining Retail, our analyst Suzy Davidkhanian hosts resident digital grocery expert Blake Droesch to discuss pandemic-induced behaviors that will continue to impact grocery sales. They also identify several features from the inaugural digital grocery benchmark study that didn't rank as high as they would have expected.

Investors—and shoppers—appreciate diversity in grocery: Specialty grocer Weee! raises $425 million to further its expansion into underserved markets.

As grocery margins shrink, Walmart looks for new opportunities: The retailer hopes investments in beauty and fashion will build cachet and encourage shoppers to spend.

Ukraine conflict could bog down various supply chains: Russia and Ukraine are a significant source for materials and energy supplies, and continued conflict and Russian sanctions will lead to shortages.

Instacart continues to diversify as competition grows: The platform’s partnership with Lowe’s allows both companies to provide greater value to consumers and catch up with rivals.

RightHand Robotics brings in $66M to expand automation: RightHand’s funding is a prelude to the sector’s growing market share that could exclude human workers.

Insider Intelligence spoke with Dorian Morris, founder and CEO of Undefined, a wellness brand focused on providing consumers with plant-based and affordable beauty products.

Amazon’s bet on brick-and-mortar grocery has yet to pay off: A new report highlights the company’s physical retail struggles, but digital grocery remains a bright spot.

Walmart Inc.’s earnings show the benefit of prioritizing value over profits: The company’s decision to keep prices low helped it maintain growth and gain market share.

According to a PayPal-commissioned poll by Maru Group in July 2021, almost three-quarters (72%) of adults in Canada said they like being able to order groceries online,

DoorDash keeps finding new growth opportunities: The delivery company rolled out a new express grocery delivery service aimed at shoppers who need a few items right away.

CPG sales growth slowed in 2021 amid supply chain woes: If shoppers can’t find what they’re looking for, they’re willing to switch to another brand.

Gopuff’s labor challenges underscore the dark side of rapid delivery: The company is likely trying to cut costs ahead of a potential IPO but must contend with increased government scrutiny and worker activism.

Across almost all product categories, US luxury shoppers are far more likely to make purchases in-store than online. Physical retail had the widest lead in the food and beverage category, followed by watches and jewelry. Digital got the upper hand in only fashion and travel, suggesting that for many tangible luxury goods, shoppers prefer to see and feel them before spending big bucks.

Price increases hit retailers and consumers hard: As inflation approaches historic highs, retailers have to decide how much of the cost can be passed on without alienating their customer base.