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

  

• 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

  

• 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

  

• 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

  

• 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

  

• 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

  

• 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

  

• 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

  

• 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

  

• 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

  

• 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