The Coronavirus Pandemic: Complete Coverage

Complete Coverage

• Seattle Debates ‘Premium’ Pay for Grocery Delivery Workers

  Instacart comes out hard against the proposal

  

• Albertsons Distributes Final COVID-19 Bonuses

  Additional $2-per-hour appreciation pay ended June 13

  

• Ahold Delhaize Brings a Fresh Focus to Human Rights

  Food retailers increasingly speak out against racial injustice

  

• Whole Foods, Costco, Trader Joe’s Most Trusted on Health and Safety

  Ipsos study includes data from thousands of mystery shops during pandemic

  

• What Comes After the Big GrubHub Deal?

  More food delivery consolidation, cost challenges seem likely

  

• Food Retailers Earn Pandemic Respect From Shoppers

  New Harris poll ranks customer response to businesses during outbreak

  

• FMI Offering Feeding Assistance Toolkit

  Resources address shoppers’ worries about feeding their families

  

• Whole Foods, Costco, Trader Joe’s Most Trusted on Health and Safety

  Ipsos study includes data from thousands of mystery shops during pandemic

  

• Instacart Readies for Online Grocery Domination

  New $225M infusion to accelerate even more growth

  

• Rakuten Ready Offers Contactless Playbook

  Resource guide aimed at retailers, grocers, restaurants

  

• Meijer Customers Can Now Collect $65M in Bottle Returns

  Will accept used beverage containers with conditions

  

• FMI Charts Shopping Changes Wrought by Pandemic

  Online purchasing, food consumed, in-home meal prep, dining all affected

  

• Majority of Grocery Shoppers Can Now Find Preferred Foods

  Out-of-stock situation easing, NPD Group found

  

• Sam's Club Accelerates Curbside Pickup

  Service will be available at all clubs by end of month

  

• Chewy Takes a Big Bite of Pet Sales in Q1

  CEO says e-commerce grocery boom will stick

  

• Shutdowns Hurt Dollarama Sales in Q1

  COVID-19 restrictions ding sales of Easter merchandise

  

• Media Company Donates 100+ Hand Sanitizer Billboards

  Aim is to support Feeding America at chain supermarkets, drug stores

  

• Hy-Vee Backs Racial Unity and Equality

  Latest grocer to contribute funds, time to aid cause

  

• Reading the New Retail Tea Leaves

  Returns, discounts and local commerce to play bigger roles in 2020

  

• KeHE Holds Virtual Holiday Show

  Proprietary platform enables attendees to connect as they would in person

  

• Post-Pandemic Retail Comes Into Focus

  Most retail executives expect permanent changes in favor of digital

  

• Retail Groups Issue ‘Open Letter to Industry’

  Aim is to help smaller suppliers whose ‘nonessential’ products build baskets

  

• Hy-Vee Launches ‘Find Your Smile’ Wellness Campaign

  Summer program is designed for children

  

• United Supermarkets Debuts Location-Based Pickup Service

  FlyBuy enables grocer to maximize efficiency, meet demand

  

• Campbells, Smucker and B&G Foods See COVID-19 Sales Surge

  Momentum for brands continuing

  

• Target Directs $10 Million to Racial Equality Efforts

  Retail chain also donates products and services

  

• Meal Industry Set for Big Growth and Innovation

  A new report predicts $19.92 billion meal-kit revenue by 2027

  

• Rosie Solves Independent Grocers' COVID-19 Needs

  E-commerce company sees a 900% increase in store signups

  

• Impossible Foods Launches DTC Site

  The Impossible Burger parent plugs into a broader direct-to-consumer trend

  

• Food Lion Launches 'Summers Without Hunger'

  Grocer teaming up with customers, CPG brands and Feeding America

  

• Costco E-Commerce Sales Up 108% in May

  Warehouse giant's online grocery boom is sticking

  

• PLMA Names Peggy Davies Acting President

  Appointment follows death of Brian Sharoff

  

• H-E-B Takes a Stand for George Floyd

  Texas chain investing $1 million in racial equality fund

  

• Village Super Market Reports Pandemic Gains

  Revenue and digital sales increase for the grocery chain

  

• Natural Products See Significant Sales Spike

  Channel saw as much as 78% growth in mid-March

  

• Retail Foodservice Infrastructure Ensures Safety

  This critical category is evolving as the nation reels amid the coronavirus pandemic

  

• H-E-B Tops Customer Satisfaction Pandemic Ranking

  Shoppers demand safety measures, ease up on loyalty programs

  

• Shoppers Want a Return to Normal

  Acosta research looks at when normal arrives and what it may look like

  

• Bi-Lo Expands Grocery Services via Instacart

  Customers gain more access to same-day food deliveries

  

• Blue Apron Readies for a Rebound

  Teams up with chef to leverage new meal kit demand

  

• Pantry Loaders Boost Food Sales at Big Lots

  Plans to launch expanded food, consumables assortment in September

  

• Retailers Earn Praise for Pandemic Responses

  But a new Forbes lists also notes problems for businesses

  

• Aramark Brings Pop-Up Groceries to Hospitals

  The temporary stores have gained traction during the pandemic

  

• Pandemic Shoppers Crowd Costco's Website

  Q3 e-commerce sales spike 66.1%

  

• SpartanNash Logs Q1 Sales Hike

  Pandemic helps fuel consolidated double-digit increases

  

• E-Commerce Sales Records Shattered in May

  Grocery reaches $6.6B, according to Brick Meets Click's monthly report

  

• C&S Wholesale Grocers Donates Masks and Food Aid

  Its pandemic relief efforts also include employee assistance

  

• Stop & Shop Extends Pandemic Pay Increase

  Food retailer also wants its workers classified as essential

  

• Hy-Vee Hosts Virtual Triathlon Benefiting Kids With Cancer

  Annual event with the Pinky Swear Foundation goes online for 2020

  

• COVID-19 Can't Slow Dollar General's Expansion

  Target of 1,000 openings in 2020 remains on track

  

• Plant Based World Canceled in 2020

  Decision came after first postponing as a result of COVID-19 impact

  

• Dollar Tree Is Ready for Liftoff

  Growth initiatives back on track after impressive Q1

  

• IRI, Coresight Launch Pandemic Retail Research

  New reports will cover e-commerce, grocery, CPG and other areas

  

• Dollar General Donates $2M to Save the Children

  Supports learning and food during nationwide school closures

  

• Amazon to Deliver 6M Meals With Local Food Banks

  Service heads to Houston, with plans for 25 U.S. cities by year end

  

• Wegmans Moves to Protect Its Biggest Fans

  Grocer puts in place measures to moderate crowds at store openings

  

• Albertsons, DoorDash Aid United Way Home Delivery Program

  Ride United expands to get more food to needy

  

• Consumers Bring the Foodservice Experience Home

  Deli growth is coming on a platter with charcuterie, cheese

  

• U.S. Consumers Feel Safer About In-Store Shopping

  But many shoppers say they will stick with online retail for the time being

  
• Sponsored

  Robots Come to Retail: The Path to Autonomous Floor Cleaning

  Major retailers are applying sophisticated robotics technologies across a broad range of use cases and have made cleaning robots a core element of their facility operations strategies.

  

• Healthier Treats Gain More Important Role

  Items seen as necessary indulgences during an unprecedented public health crisis

  

• Facebook Ups Its Food Donation Game

  The move comes as food retailers increase pandemic charity efforts

  

• Target Turns Instagram Into Another Storefront

  Company becomes first mass retailer to offer Instagram Checkout

  

• How Would a Delayed Prime Day Impact Retail?

  Amazon reportedly will move the annual event to September

  

• New Stores, Brands Win Converts During Pandemic

  Magid study shows experience is paramount

  

• BJ’s Wholesale Club Membership Spikes

  Records 27% Q1 comp increase

  

• Schnucks Presents Drive-Thru Graduations During COVID-19

  Curbside ceremonies taking place for St. Louis-area high schools

  

• Ocean Spray Dives Into DTC Commerce

  Pandemic encourages more brands to sell directly to consumers

  

• ADT, Instacart Team on Mobile Solution

  Shoppers to have direct, in-app access to emergency response services

  

• Kroger Food-Relief and Anti-Waste Push Hits the Big Time

  The retailer has donated more than 1 billion meals since 2018

  

• CVS Opening Additional Test Sites

  Drug chain will have 1K operational nationwide by month’s end

  

• Target Ramping Up Digital Grocery Strategy

  ​​​​​​​Q1 e-commerce sales up 141%, food sales rise 20%

  

• Pandemic Supply Chains Gain Sharper IRI Focus

  The market research group launches CPG Supply Index

  

• Snacks Shift Toward the ‘New Normal’

  Even so, Frito-Lay finds consumers keeping some snacking habits

  

• Alimentation Couche-Tard Suspends Foodservice Initiative

  C-store operator focused on digital priorities for now

  

• Blanc Display Group Expands PPE Line

  Company has been at forefront of retail PPE response

  

• Consumer Brands Launch Coalition for Smart CBD Regulation

  Law enforcement, industry groups join forces

  

• Walmart Grocery Drives 74% E-Commerce Growth

  Walmart delivers record-setting Q1 performance to rival Amazon

  

• Solving the Sanitation Challenge

  Best practices and new solutions for food retailing during a pandemic

  

• Bureau Veritas Launches Safety Standard for Retail

  Program designed to help businesses operate safely amid COVID-19

  

• Stop & Shop Debuts Grow & Learn Program

  Grocer helps kids get into gardening with free seed pods, activity booklet

  

• Alltown Fresh Rolls Out Fresh Crates, Meal Prep Kits

  4 new contactless offerings reduce shopping, cooking time and promote social distancing

  

• Southeastern Grocers Raises $1.28M in $5 Hunger Relief Bags

  Contactless program supports area food banks

  

• Kroger Boosts Employee Pandemic Bonuses

  The food retailer also offers quicker paydays for workers

  

• Hannaford Seeks to Hire 2K Workers

  Associates would work in grocer’s New England and New York stores

  

• Grocery Sales a Bright Spot in Dim April for Retail

  Federal figures show massive retail pandemic declines

  

• Pandemic Fuels Wine Sales at Grocery

  E. & J. Gallo and The Wine Group see strong category uptick

  

• Grocery Pricing in a Pandemic

  Leverage science-based pricing to provide fair prices while protecting margins

  

• Giant Eagle Cooks Up Star-Studded Series

  4 famous foodies teach family-friendly online culinary classes

  

• Publix Discontinuing ‘Senior Hours’

  Grocer emphasizes its in-store social-distancing measures

  

• Tyson Lowers Beef Prices for Food Retailers

  The move follows price spikes for meat, eggs and other grocery items

  

• Kroger Hires More Than 100K in 2 Months

  Will end $2 Hero Bonus for employees on May 17

  

• Touchless Grocery Payments Attract Fresh Capital

  Shopic raises $7.6 million toward tech push involving smaller retailers

  

• Health Mart Pharmacies Offer Free COVID-19 Testing

  Gristedes Supermarket, in Brooklyn, N.Y., among locations

  

• Why Ghost Kitchens May Be the Future of Foodservice

  Idaho startup accelerates food delivery innovation

  

• Wegmans Makes Transparency a Pandemic Priority

  Grocer warns shoppers of 'price fluctuations'

  

• UNFI Sees COVID-19 Sales Surge

  Wholesaler announced 12% sales increased for period ended May 2

  

• Rite Aid Turns to Instacart to Expand Grocery Deliveries

  Food retailers are expanding pandemic delivery options

  

• NGA Supports Proposed Tax Holiday for Frontline Workers

  Indie grocer trade group endorses House AG CHAIN Act

  

• Walmart's Employee Bonuses Near $1B

  Pledges an additional $390M to reward associates during COVID-19

  

• Grocery Prices Jump to Highest Mark Since 1974

  Meat and egg prices lead the April price increases

  

• Stater Bros. Extends Hourly Employee Wage Incentive

  Program will now run through May 31

  

• The Auto-Replenishment Grocery Era is Here

  Acosta report shows shoppers turning to subscriptions to avoid out-of-stocks

  

• Grocery Outlet Sees Double-Digit Q1 Sales Growth

  Discount retailer aims to thrive in post-pandemic business climate

  

• Publix Answers Call for Increased Delivery

  Partnering with ScriptDrop to offer a convenient option for prescriptions

  

• Pepsi Launches DTC Sites for Pandemic Shoppers

  Challenges abound as more brands embrace direct-to-consumer sales

  

• Meijer Makes Massive Donation of Face Masks

  The 750,000 KN95 masks go to hospitals, police and others

  

• Giant Co. Doubles Funding for Small Food Businesses

  $500K going to provide relief in Pennsylvania during COVID-19 pandemic

  

• Independent Grocer Adopts Toshiba Self-Checkout, POS Systems

  Tech deployed, integrated by TRUNO

  

• Smart & Final Switches to a Single Line

  New checkout process implemented to ensure social distancing

  

• ShopRite, P&G Host Virtual Guest Teacher Series

  Sports-oriented effort is partnership with ProCamps

  

• Natural Grocers Reports Sales and Private Label Gains

  Food retailer’s expenses increased due to hiring, other factors

  

• Stop & Shop Honors Nurses With Grocery Deliveries

  H-E-B and other grocers also offer rewards to health care workers

  

• Trump Signs Executive Order Promoting U.S. Seafood

  Move supported by industry coalition

  

• Shoppers Mob Ingles Markets for Pandemic Supplies

  Q2 same-store sales skyrocket 17.5%

  

• Resetting Grocery

  How retailers can manage uncertainty for the coming recovery

  

• Hy-Vee Rolls Out 2-Hour Express Grocery Pickup

  Retailer also ups time slots, internet assortment

  

• Giant Food Kicks Off Virtual BBQ

  Event that normally draws 100,000 people altered during COVID-19

  

• COVID-19 Craziness Impacts Costco in April

  Closure of key departments and cheap gas hurt overall comp increase

  

• Ahold Delhaize USA Ups Omni Investments

  Online sales surge at U.S. division in Q1

  

• Lidl’s U.S. Expansion Targets Atlanta Area

  The German discount grocer is investing heavily in fulfillment

  

• Publix Reaches Milestone in Produce, Milk Donations

  Grocer has purchased more than 1M pounds of fruits and veggies, 100K gallons of milk

  

• H-E-B, Others Celebrate National Nurses Week

  Flower deliveries, chalk art and free products among the tributes

  

• FMI, The Seam Create Food Industry Exchange

  Digitized supply chain platform connects retailers/wholesalers with sellers

  

• Albertsons Ramps Up E-Commerce Strategy

  Partners with Nuance on live chat for online grocery orders

  

• Will Online Grocery Shoppers Prefer Amazon or Walmart?

  A new report details the sharp rise of food retail e-commerce

  

• CBA Forms Critical Infrastructure Supply Chain Council

  Move unites industry groups to address short- and long-term issues

  

• Food Retailers Face Pandemic Price-Gouging Lawsuits

  One large grocer calls the claims “meritless”

  

• Grocery Coupons Shine During COVID-19

  Digital redemptions reach new highs according to new research

  

• Big Y Freezes Prices on 10K Items

  Program to aid financially strapped shoppers to last until July 1

  

• HelloFresh Reports Pandemic Revenue Growth

  Meal kit providers enjoy increasing demand as outbreak continues

  
• Sponsored

  The New Normal: Reinventing Grocery Retail Loyalty Programs

  Explore how grocers and retailers can implement a more dynamic loyalty program and strategy to account for our new normal

• Quotient, Shipt Team on Digital Coupons

  Effort provides millions with savings on e-commerce purchases

  

• Sprouts Farmers Market Reports Pandemic Revenue Gains

  The food retailer continues to make investments in pay and other areas

  

• Hy-Vee Latest to Limit Meat Purchases

  Kroger, Albertsons, Costco among those that have already done so

  

• Robots Deliver More Groceries to Homebound Shoppers

  Pre-pandemic robotics trend gains steam during the outbreak

  

• Food Retailers Protecting a Larger Mobile Workforce

  Surge in e-commerce delivery has grocers examining current systems

  

• Restaurant Depot Opens Doors to Individual Consumers

  The pandemic is blurring some of the lines in the broader food industry

  

• Southeastern Grocers Launches Hunger Relief Bags

  Program gives shoppers way to make $5 donation to food banks

  

• Impossible Burger Comes to Kroger

  The plant-based food parent company also selling cookbook

  

• Giant Co. Gives $3M to Local Schools

  Donation made through grocer’s A+ School Rewards program

  

• Independent Grocers Adopt Touch-Free Technology

  Associated Wholesale Grocers partners with FutureProof Retail on mobile checkouts

  

• Weis Markets Sees Q1 Customer, Sales Surge From Coronavirus

  Company ups replenishment shipments

  

• Costco Imposes Meat-Purchase Limits

  Kroger, Albertsons among those that have also imposed their own limits

  

• FMI Ushers In Virtual Midsummer 2020 Event

  8-day agenda allows for meeting flexibility

  

• Walgreens Amps Up Drive-Thru Grocery Program

  Grocer now offering 'order ahead' click-and-collect customer experience for select retail products

  

• Hy-Vee Adopts Platform to Communicate With Associates

  Retail Zipline also donates $25K to grocer’s food bank campaign

  

• People Counting Technology Beyond COVID-19

  The pandemic has sparked a huge need for occupancy-monitoring technologies that will have long-term benefits

  

• Kroger Offers COVID-19 Tests to Grocery Workers

  Food retailers have expanded their pandemic testing programs

  

• ShopRite Introduces #EssentialThanks Campaign

  Effort enables shoppers to thank supermarket associates and others, help fight hunger

  

• Giant Food Challenges Customers to Be #HealthyAtHome

  New virtual program organized by the grocer's licensed nutritionists

  

• Food Retailers Protecting a Larger Mobile Workforce

  Surge in e-commerce delivery has grocers examining current systems

  

• Denny’s Introduces Meal Kits, Grocery Delivery

  Restaurant chain among many nongrocers to enter biz during pandemic

  

• Kroger, Albertsons Limiting Some Meat Purchases

  Processor challenges come at a time of increased demand

  

• Publix Sees $1B Coronavirus Impact, So Far

  Sales increase 16% in the first quarter of 2020

  

• BJ's Beefs Up Employee Bonuses During COVID-19

  Wholesale club also giving additional pay for each hour worked

  

• Grocery Delivery Brands See Surge in Social Media Engagements

  Mentions up by an incredible 28,000%

  

• Natural Grocers Extends Pay Increases

  Retailer providing masks, hand sanitizer to employees

  

• Walmart Launches Express Grocery Deliveries

  The new service could help shoppers avoid delivery logjams

  

• Whole Foods to Give Shoppers Masks

  First grocer to provide customers with PPE for free

  

• Grilling Season Is Not Canceled

  As outdoor barbecues start to sizzle, a look at what's going on the grill and why

  

• Dollar General Sweetens the Employee Bonus Pot

  Calls increase to pay food retailer workers more during the pandemic

  

• Walmart Pays Out $180M in Early Associate Bonuses

  Mega-retailer has also hired 200K associates

  

• Albertsons Has Amazing Start to 2020

  March and April identical store sales increased 34%

  

• Amazon to Spend $4B in COVID-19 Costs

  Reports record Q1 physical and online sales

  

• Costco Imposes Customer Face Mask Rule

  Food retailers are increasingly backed by state mandates on face masks

  

• Harris Teeter, Suppliers Feed Hungry Consumers

  Food banks receive more help from food retailers

  

• Kroger Throws Dairy Farmers a Lifeline

  Grocer will process and donate milk to Feeding America food banks

  

• Loyalty Programs Profit from Technology Upgrades

  Grocers are enhancing or completely reimagining what they offer

  

• KeHE Aims to Slash Food Waste

  Natural food company partners with Spoiler Alert

  

• Whole Foods Reserves 1st Hour of Pickup for At-Risk Customers

  Move follows designating in-store shopping hours for demographic

  

• Kroger Launches Stay-at-Home Event Program

  Virtual ice cream social kicks off campaign

  

• Retailers Face Consumer Safety Worries as Economies Reopen

  Deloitte report finds high level of shopper anxiety

  

• Smart & Final Supports Restaurants, Hospitals

  Serving meals to 5 Southern California hospitals

  

• Independent Grocers Rise to the Pandemic Challenge

  Deliveries and other services could help shape their post-pandemic world

  

• 99 Ranch Market Adapts to Pandemic Retailing

  Asian grocery chain launches diverse e-commerce offering

  

• Blue Apron Fails to See COVID-19 Sales Bump, Yet

  Meal kit company reports first quarter net revenue decreased 28% year-over-year

  

• Workforce Innovation: Food Retailers Navigate a Labor Maelstrom

  Skyrocketing demand for groceries during a public health crisis has created an immediate need for more workers

  

• Stop & Shop Calls on Shoppers to Boost Store Safety

  The food retailer releases new ad campaign, asks for its workers to be treated as first responders

  

• Grocers, Meat District Join in ‘Feeding the Frontlines’

  Hy-Vee, Winn-Dixie, Smart & Final, Ralphs, Stater Bros. among participants

  

• Online Grocery Sales Soar Over March Records

  April e-commerce up an additional 37%

  

• Consumers Less Worried about Panic Shopping as Pandemic Drags On

  Food and beverage anxieties take a significant dip

  

• Food Retailers Take Lead on COVID-19 Testing

  Kroger, Walmart, others aim to process more than 1.5 million tests per month

  

• Hy-Vee Mandates Face Masks for Employees

  Food retailers are increasingly getting behind the push for masks

  

• Kroger Implements DailyPay Solution

  Initiative allows workers access to pay as it’s earned

  

• Sobeys' Ocado-Powered Fulfillment Center Goes Live

  The first automated facility of its kind in North America

  

• Higher Frozen Food Sales Could Last Beyond COVID-19

  AFFI survey points to new, returning customers in category

  

• SpartanNash Launches Restaurant Meals to Go

  Grocer partnering with local restaurants to support them, amp up its retail foodservice offerings

  
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  Customer First Retail and COVID-19: Life After the Curve

  Join experts from dunnhumby and Retail Leader’s Mike Troy as they discuss how to adapt your Customer Strategy now for life after the curve, and possible implications for Customer Engagement, Category Management, and Price & Promotions.

• Union Workers Ratify Agreements With Raley’s Banners

  Contracts provide enhanced health care benefits, COVID-19 safety protocols

  

• Big Lots Reports Pandemic Sales Bump

  Some retail sales are growing as shopping habits change

  

• N.Y. Looks to Mandate Hazard Pay for Retail Workers

  Additional $30 to $75 per shift

  

• Grocers Extend Hours, Boost Wages

  H-E-B and Stater Bros. now offering consumers more time to shop

  

• Associated Food Stores Getting 37K Cloth Face Masks

  Donated items received via public-private partnership

  

• NRF and RILA Offer Safe Shopping Blueprint

  The nation's top two retail trade groups worked together on broad-based plan

  

• Giant Food Offers Online Health Services During Pandemic

  Grocer's consumer health options were growing before the outbreak

  

• Walmart Makes Helping Your Neighbors Easier

  Mega-retailer partners with Nextdoor on assistance program during COVID-19

  

• Union Promotes #ShopSmart Campaign

  UFCW urges consumers to help keep grocery workers safe, stores open

  

• FMI Praises SNAP's Rapid Expansion

  Hopes for additional authorized retailers to offer online program

  

• Hershey Joins Push to Make Face Masks

  CPG operators are stepping up pandemic relief efforts

  

• Food Lion Tackling Childhood Hunger During COVID-19

  Partners with school districts delivery meals

  

• Sam’s Club Offers Financial, Marketing Boost to Small Businesses

  Food retailer seeks to help customers and suppliers

  

• How Zoom Can Help Grocers During COVID-19

  PCC Community Markets is offering online cooking classes

  

• House Bill Aims to Aid Food Store Workers Amid Pandemic

  Legislation would establish federal tax holiday for certain individuals

  

• H-E-B, Winn-Dixie Join Nonprofit’s Voucher Program

  Brighter Bites aims to support food-insecure families during pandemic

  

• Weis Markets Offers Virtual Nutrition Counseling Platform

  Healthie launch includes free nutrition counseling sessions

  

• Kroger Expands Free COVID-19 Testing

  Its drive-through testing is now available in six states

  

• Hy-Vee Sees Huge Growth Beyond Groceries

  Hair and beauty products skyrocket during stay-at-home mandates

  

• H-E-B Speeds Up Grocery Delivery

  No membership fee or minimum order required

  

• Instacart Is Adding 250,000 More Shoppers

  Also launching wellness checks, extending benefits

  
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• Restaurants and Food Suppliers Face a New Pandemic Challenge

  New study carries implications for food retailers

  

• Target Gleans 275% Growth in Digital Channels

  E-commerce shines during COVID-19 as retailer extends additional employee benefits

  

• Giant Co. Hiring 3,000 More Associates

  Grocer also rolls out tech, website, app enhancements

  

• Marketing During a Pandemic

  How grocers and brands should be promoting items at this time

  

• Shoppers Trend Toward Simple Amid COVID-19

  Peapod, HelloFresh and other e-commerce players address supplier relationships, increased demand

  

• Meet the New American Grocery Shopper

  Acosta report studies pandemic, post-pandemic consumer

  

• Food Retailers Open Hospital Pop-Up Stores

  7-Eleven opens up shop in a Dallas medical center

  

• Albertsons Sweetens Pandemic Pay and Charity Efforts

  Food Retailers Keep Increasing their Food Bank Donations

  

• Publix Buying From Farmers to Feed Hungry

  Produce, milk donated to Feeding America

  

• ECRM Meets Event Adversity With Virtual Innovation

  Blending digital and physical offerings – when physical is possible again

  

• Big Lots Celebrates Employees, Raises Money for Pandemic Relief

  The retailer is among those offering more worker pay

  

• Xmas Tree Company Shifts to Bulk Grocery Delivery

  Balsam Provisions’ profits will be donated to food banks

  

• Kroger Creates Coronavirus Crisis Guide

  Blueprint provides actionable recommendations for retail and other sectors

  

• NRF Pushes for Federally Backed Retail Pandemic Insurance

  Economic protection could guard against COVID-19 second wave

  
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  Rising to Today’s Grocery Sanitation Challenge: Driving Success Through Best Practices & Robotics

  Join us for this webinar to learn the latest retail cleaning best practices that decrease the risk of disease transfer and improve safety, while maintaining the store image that customers expect.

• Amazon Wins Fresh Chance for More Food Delivery

  U.K. ruling could lead to more food and grocery power for Amazon

  

• Meijer Thanks Employees With Local Meals

  Grocer also supporting independent restaurants struggling due to COVID-19

  

• FreshDirect Partners on Prepared Meal Line

  Portion of proceeds of RA Kitchen to benefit New York Common Pantry

  

• Cardenas Markets Donates to Food Banks

  Grocer’s foundation establishes $250K fund

  

• Natural Grocers Bucks Reusable Bag Trend

  Some stores have banned the shopping bags over fears of COVID-19 spread

  

• Kroger Marketplace, Frayt Team on Same-Day Delivery of Home Furnishings

  21 locations provide contactless service

  

• Publix Starts Mandating Masks for Employees

  Will provide PPE while supplies last

  

• Stew Leonard’s Joins Push to Make Grocery Workers Essential Labor

  Kroger Co. and Albertsons Also Back the Growing Food Retail Push

  

• Walmart Changes Course on Face Coverings

  New mandates for associates at both Walmart and Sam's Club amid COVID-19

  

• Americans Don’t Fear Shopping in Stores, Will Pay More for Items

  Survey reveals frozen foods, cleaning products and toilet paper still popular

  
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• Dollar General Takes on Pacific Northwest Food Retailers

  The chain continues its expansion plans despite economic circumstances

  

• Northgate Market Makes Staying Home Easier

  New multimedia platform offers recipes, tips, activities and inspiration during the coronavirus

  

• Kroger Boosts Pandemic Charity Efforts

  Food retailers give more help to senior citizens, health care workers and others

  
• Sponsored

  Optimizing & Launching Online Grocery During COVID-19

• The Fresh Market Sees 11% Coronavirus Sales Boost

  N.C. grocery chain says baskets up 25%

  

• Publix Doubles Food Bank Donations

  Additionally, reusable bag sales go to the Arbor Day Foundation to plant trees

  

• Kroger Launches Grocery Pickup for SNAP Recipients

  The food assistance payments program is making digital inroads

  

• Walmart Hiring 5,000 People Per Day

  Has onboarded 150,000 associates during COVID-19, now wants 50,000 more

  

• Fresh Thyme Steps Up Pandemic Safety Efforts

  Food retailers are boosting health checks and other protection measures

  

• Food Retailers Set More Customer Limits for Stores

  Grocery shopping days could be assigned via consumers’ last names

  

• Amazon’s Letter to Grocers

  Bezos says company mission is to focus on grocery delivery as a way to cut its carbon footprint

  

• Increasing Demand for Industrial Cold Storage

  COVID-19 is driving the need of an additional 75 to 100 million square feet in the U.S.

  

• Karns, Other Grocers Rush to Mandate Masks

  Food retailers are figuring out how to best impose pandemic protections

  

• Costco, Instacart Begin Prescription Delivery

  COVID-19 drives the new offering from 200 warehouse locations

  

• Sprouts Farmers Market Beefs Up Instacart Pickup Offering

  Coronavirus fuels expansion as more customers turn to online ordering

  

• OpenTable Is Now for Groceries, Too

  App rolls out reservation system for grocery shopping

  

• Grocery Offers Bright Spot During Dismal March

  Sales dichotomy seen between essentials and nonessentials amid COVID-19

  

• Pandemic Promises Payment Changes for Grocery Stores

  Time to prioritize touchless transactions

  

• Raley's Opens Flagship Sacramento Store

  New location gives the community two nearby grocery stores during the pandemic

  

• Southeastern Grocers Covers Shopping Bills for Emergency Workers

  Surprised customers during special shopping hours on Monday

  

• Grocery Employees Support Customer Limits

  UFCW polls union members, introduces #ShopSmart campaign

  

• Amazon Wait-Lists Grocery, Resumes Nonessential Shipments

  Also cuts some Whole Foods Market hours

  

• Kroger Offering Free COVID-19 Testing in Ky.

  Grocer to also provide medical staff, PPE and signup portal

  

• Why Grocers Should Expect Another Run on Meat

  Smithfield warns of shortages due to outbreak at plant

  

• Tom Hanks, Doug McMillon Thank Grocery Heroes

  Hanks hosted SNL, Walmart bought ad

  

• ​​​​​​​The Fresh Market Asks Shoppers to Cover Faces

  Grocer did not detail enforcement protocol

  

• H-E-B Feeds the Frontlines Tackling COVID-19

  Providing more than 75,000 meals to health care workers

  

• The Giant Co. Helping Small Food Businesses in PA

  $250K emergency grant program launched

  

• Instacart Beefs Up Support Ranks

  Company hiring as many as 18,000 customer service specialists

  

• Workers’ Compensation Goes Virtual Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

  Online solutions playing critical roles in training, claims, treatment

  

• Hy-Vee Provides Online Ordering Via Mealtime To Go

  Selection varies by store

  

• Grubhub, 24 Hour Home Care Delivering Food to Elderly

  New service lets users order without smartphone or internet

  

• Retired ShopRite Operator Dies of the Coronavirus

  Steve Ravitz was 73

  

• Are Grocery Circulars Dead?

  Meijer, Target and others suspending their print ads due to COVID-19

  

• U.S. Senator: Grocers' COVID-19 Measures Not Enough

  Markey asks FDA, CDC to issue new guidelines for workers, customers

  

• H-E-B Doubles Delivery, Increases Senior Support

  Service launches in 75 new Texas markets within 1 week through Favor

  

• Instacart Aims to Keep Up With Customers

  Delivery service launches new 'Fast & Flexible' and 'Order Ahead' delivery options

  

• The Coronavirus Run on Supplements

  Consumers are also stockpiling vitamins

  

• Buehler’s Lets Customers Determine ‘Best Time to Shop’

  Website feature prevents overcrowding in independent grocer’s stores

  

• Panera Debuts Grocery Delivery Service

  Shoppers can order pantry staples along with soups, salads, sandwiches

  

• How Grocers Can Better Serve Seniors Online

  Websites, apps must be designed to encourage use among this group

  

• Albertsons, UFCW Want Grocery Workers Classified as First Responders

  Grocer, union team up on New York Times ad campaign

  

• Ahold Delhaize Gets 34% Coronavirus Bump

  Will report first quarter sales on May 7

  

• Giant Food Goes One-Way, Too

  Also limiting shoppers to 20% of capacity

  

• Stop & Shop Teams Up With Uber

  Half-price rides to the grocery store during special senior shopping hours

  

• Tech Will Help Supermarkets Navigate Next Phase of COVID-19 Marketplace

  3 ways to balance sometimes competing forces and enable grocers, consumers to adapt

  

• Kroger Implements Aggressive COVID-19 Measures

  Will limit store capacity, test 'directional shopping'

  

• US Foods Provides Distribution Support to Retailers Nationwide

  Company deploys 700+ associates to help keep food supply moving

  

• Touchless Grocery: The New Rules of Retail

  Learn how to specifically implement recommendations by the CDC, WHO, OSHA and other health authorities within your grocery stores.

• FMI, Eightfold.ai Create Talent Exchange

  Platform matches furloughed, laid-off employees with jobs

  

• The New Normal Will Be Anything But

  We know peoples’ attitudes and expectations have been greatly impacted, we just don’t quite know all of the ways how

  

• As Panic Buying, Foot Traffic Decline, Basket Sizes Continue to Grow

  Catalina also IDs top 3 categories: flour, baking mixes, cleaning products

  

• Publix Goes Contactless

  No-touch payment option in all stores

  

• Independent Grocer Helps Local Businesses Sell Food

  Homeland partners with Oklahoma City eateries, food trucks, meal producers

  

• H-E-B Bringing Restaurant Meals In-Store

  Takeout meals part of effort to help the local restaurant industry

  

• Instacart Distributes Employee Safety Kits

  Complete with items to fight COVID-19

  

• Vermont Tells Big-Box Stores to Stop Selling ‘Nonessential’ Items in Person

  Directive could have huge implications for retailers across U.S.

  

• Wakefern Donates Trailers to Move Medical Equipment

  Cargo to supply N.J. pop-up hospitals

  

• H-E-B, Other Grocers Rush to Distance Shoppers

  Measures include capacity limits, 1-way aisles, fewer checkouts

  

• Amazon Enforces Sweeping New Measures

  Temperature checks, health and safety audits at Whole Foods Market stores, too

  

• What U.S. Grocers Can Learn From Their European Counterparts

  Trends abroad can inform American supermarkets’ responses during pandemic

  

• Rouses, Others Closing Stores for Easter Sunday

  Hard-working associates get additional paid holiday

  

• DoorDash Launches Grocery Delivery From C-Stores

  Partners with more than 1,800 food retailers

  

• Shoppers Flocking to C-Stores for Groceries

  NACS survey details pandemic pivot

  

• Kroger Stockpiles Huge Sales

  March sees 30% increases due to coronavirus outbreak

  

• Coronavirus Sparks Labor Unrest in Grocery Sector

  Workers at Amazon, Whole Foods, Instacart demand greater protections, pay

  

• Kroger Institutes ‘Hero Bonus’ for Frontline Associates

  Move comes on top of earlier one-time payment

  

• When Grocery Stores Go Dark

  An unexpected consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic

  

• Walmart Starts Taking All Employees' Temperatures

  Mega-retailer also rolls out a '60-20-100' framework during the coronavirus

  

• Walgreens Bolsters Delivery Services

  Drug store chain partners with Postmates at more than 7,000 stores

  

• Dollar Tree Reports Stunning COVID-19 Sales

  But discounter withdraws outlook amid pandemic 'uncertainty'

  

• A Coronavirus Food Crisis?

  Farmers scrambling to redistribute produce, shore up labor pool

  

• Whole Foods Market Workers Plan Walkout

  Demand hazard pay, increased sick leave and free testing

  

• Consumers Changed by Coronavirus

  4 weeks of surveying Americans shows their concerns

  

• Teamsters Reach Agreement With US Foods, Safeway

  Temporary pact keeps supply chain moving, warehouse workers employed

  

• Instacart Defends Safety Measures, Changes Tipping Procedure

  Order volume up 150%

  

• Grocers Support Health Care Providers, First Responders

  Offering store discounts, special shopping times

  

• Here's How Much More Meat Americans Are Buying

  Sales are surging as Americans hunker down at home

  

• Walmart Touts No-Contact Services

  Payment, pickup/delivery options available

  

• Amazon Begins Temperature Checks at Warehouses

  At least 17 workers reportedly have COVID-19

  

• Rethinking Shopper Engagement During the COVID-19 Crisis

  Join a virtual roundtable on Tuesday, March 31

  

• How Grocers Can Handle the Online Grocery Surge

  COVID-19 has dramatically altered the playing field

  

• Walgreens Introduces Drive-Thru Grocery Shopping

  Drug chain moves quickly to respond to COVID-19 demand

  

• Will Record Online Grocery Sales Continue After COVID-19?

  New research asks first-time ecommerce adopters their plans

  

• DoorDash Leads Free Grocery Delivery Program for Seniors

  2,000+ stores nationwide participating in effort

  

• Grocers, Meet Your New Competitors

  Restaurants, other entities enter grocery business

  

• Lidl Rolls Out Coronavirus Benefits Package

  Retailer will cover hospitalizations, testing and treatment

  

• How Walmart Is Helping Suppliers During the Pandemic

  Moves to speed up the on-boarding process

  

• NGA, United Fresh Help Independent Grocers Procure Produce

  Orgs connecting retailers with distributor communities

  

• How Target Plans to Beat Back COVID-19

  ​​​​​​​Retailer scaling back investments to focus on response to pandemic

  

• Walmart Employees Choosing Payday

  COVID-19 leads to early wage option, added safety measures

  

• ASA, RILA Offer Staffing Resource

  Directory addresses need for retail workers during COVID-19 pandemic

  

• Panic Buying Triggers New Reality for Grocery Supply Chains

  Need for supplier collaboration heightened amid chaos

  

• Raley’s Banners, Union Reach Tentative Agreement

  Contract includes COVID-19 response compensation

  

• H-E-B Rolls Out Grocery Delivery Service for Seniors

  Effort helps protect vulnerable population during pandemic

  

• Albertsons Adds Social Distancing Measures

  Also partners with major businesses to offer jobs to furloughed employees

  

• COVID-19 Shows the Promise of Retail Health

  This is retail’s time to shine, to advance the ball when it comes to consumer health

  

• Hy-Vee, Other Grocers Temporarily Alter Return Policies

  Nonperishable items not accepted; no rainchecks on out-of-stocks

  

• Instacart Is Going on a Massive Hiring Spree

  Pandemic-related demand prompts 300,000 new job openings

  

• Dierbergs Installs Plexiglass Windows to Aid Social Distancing

  One of several grocers to adopt measure in response to coronavirus pandemic

  

• How COVID-19 Is Affecting Your Retail Operations

  You asked, we answered, and 70% of you cannot keep store shelves stocked

  
• Sponsored

  WEBINAR: Coping With COVID-19 — The Grocery Industry in Action

  Join top grocery execs for a candid conversation on Thursday, March 26

• Kroger Rewards Workers During Crisis

  Grocer will pay bonuses, expand sick leave

  

• U.S. Flower Industry Facing ‘Complete Ruin’

  The coronavirus outbreak positions fresh blooms as low priority for shoppers

  

• Amazon Rallies Its Troops to Fight COVID-19

  ​​​​​​​Retailer hiring 100,000 to aid new ecommerce strategy

  

• Walmart, Target Rush to Reward, Hire Workers

  Retailers go on hiring, spending spree amid sales crush

  

• Dollar Tree, Family Dollar Want 25K More Associates

  Many retailers boost hiring to keep up with demand during the coronavirus outbreak

  

• Food Industry Considered Essential to Infrastructure in COVID-19 Response

  FMI cheers move as way to help serve customers during crisis

  

• Sysco CEO Vows to Support America’s Grocers

  Top foodservice distributor in major pivot

  

• Thank You! An Open Letter to America’s Food Retailers

  Throughout its 98-year history, Progressive Grocer and the industry we proudly serve have witnessed some dark days and challenging times.

  

• Are Grocery Employees Emergency Workers?

  3 states designate them as such, providing child care coverage

  

• Hy-Vee Provides Unprecedented In-Store Virus Protection

  Window panels installed, reusable bags temporarily banned

  

• UNFI Gives Workers a Raise

  Also establishes new safety protocols during the coronavirus outbreak

  

• NRF Urges Trump to Clarify Retail Closures

  Group asks for national guidance on 'essential retail'

  

• Industry Groups Team Up to Secure Food Supply

  FMI, IFDA want to streamline process to get products to consumers

  

• SpartanNash Strives to Keep Military Commissaries Stocked

  Company also hiring displaced workers to meet skyrocketing demand

  

• Natural Grocers Thanks Employees With Boosted Benefits

  Grocer offers per-hour raise, bonuses during coronavirus pandemic

  

• COVID-19: How Is It Affecting Your Retail Operations?

  Progressive Grocer wants to hear your experiences in dealing with the impact of the coronavirus across your operation

  

• Asian Grocer Leverages Outbreak Opportunity

  iFresh acquires majority stake in protective mask company

  

• NRF Urges White House to Bail Out Retailers

  Letter asks for loans, payroll assistance during COVID-19 crisis

  

• Baldor Offers Home Delivery to Consumers

  Wholesaler/distributor’s unprecedented move to last for duration of pandemic

  

• During Coronavirus Outbreak, FDA Issues Temporary Policy on FSMA On-Site Audits

  Aim is to minimize food supply chain disruptions

  

• H-E-B Commits $3M to Nonprofits Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak

  Funds given to Texas organizations helping vulnerable communities and conducting COVID-19 research

  

• Walmart Gives $25M to Fight COVID-19

  Funds to go to prevention/management, food access, community response

  

• Grocers Catering to Seniors, People With Disabilities

  Dollar General, Stop & Shop among those designating certain shopping hours amid COVID-19 concerns

  

• UPDATING: Industry Events Affected by Coronavirus Outbreak

  Check here for continually updated calendar of industry events

• Kroger Ramps Up Hiring, Philanthropy During Pandemic

  2 workers in Colorado and Washington state test positive for COVID-19

  

• Sprouts, Other Retailers Delay New Store Openings

  Grocers also reducing store hours to restock, clean amid COVID-19

  

• Eating in the Age of the Coronavirus

  Guilty pleasures, comfort foods rule; produce still safe

  

• Customers Changing Course Due to Coronavirus

  Report shows 89% feel safer eating food from grocery stores than restaurants

  

• Retail Trade Groups Support Coronavirus Emergency Declaration

  Drive-up COVID-19 testing sites proposed in partnership with retailers

  

• Grocers Continue to Respond to Coronavirus

  Several move to reassure customers; others donate food

  

• How Coronavirus Is Changing Grocery

  ​​​​​​​Labor, other operational policies revamped

  

• Coronavirus Sales a Bright Spot for UNFI

  Details hottest selling categories in Q2 report

  

• Walmart Unveils Updated Coronavirus Policy

  Move follows Kentucky associate testing positive for illness

  

• CPG Industry Asks Attorney General to End Coronavirus Price Gouging

  CBA calls practice “threat to public health”

  

• FMI to Host Coronavirus Webinar

  Recommendations for retail, wholesale and food industries

  

• Coronavirus Helps Sales Soar at Costco

  Throngs of shoppers buying staples boost Q2 earnings

  

• Kroger Limits 'Coronavirus-Fighting' Products

  Hand sanitizer, cold and flu remedies make the list

  

• Shoptalk, Groceryshop Rescheduled

  Shoptalk will take the place of the September event, which will then move to spring

  

• Seafood Expo Postponed Due to Coronavirus

  Event was scheduled to take place March 15-17 in Boston

  

• How Coronavirus May Affect Grocery Shopping Habits

  Ecommerce is a natural choice for concerned consumers, but could this lead to a permanent shift in how Americans buy their food?

  

• Grocers Must Assert Leadership During Crisis

  Whatever the storm, retailers always step up to help the community