Online Grocery Sales Jump 28%, Hit $10.5 Billion in Single Month
Online grocery sales are booming like never before. Americans spent $10.5 billion on online groceries in October, a 28% increase over last year, according to a new Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey. It marked the second straight month that year-over-year gains topped 20%.
Instacart Brings AI Shopping Carts to Local Grocers Across 8 States
Your neighborhood grocery store is getting a high-tech upgrade. Several local and independent grocers across eight states are introducing artificial intelligence-equipped Caper Carts to make shopping smarter, faster and more personalized. Bowman's Market, Maurer's Market IGA, Neiman's Family Market, Queen's Price Chopper and Soelbergs Market are among the grocers rolling out the smart carts from Instacart.
The Fresh Market Expands with New Stores in Chicago and Maryland
The Fresh Market, the North Carolina-based specialty grocery chain, has strengthened its presence with two new locations – one in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood and another in Crofton, Maryland. The new stores, numbers 162 and 163 in The Fresh Market's portfolio, are open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Aldi, Walmart, Amazon, and Target Offer Thanksgiving Deals Under $5 Per Person
Major US retailers are serving up deals on Thanksgiving meals to help families celebrate without breaking the bank. With prices on holiday staples slashed, shoppers can enjoy a traditional feast for less than $5 per person at some stores.
Target's Holiday Plan Includes Festive Stores, Interactive Pop-Ups, and Berry the Bear
This holiday season, Target is inviting customers to step into a magical world of peppermint swirls and fantastical forest creatures. The retailer is transforming its stores into immersive holiday experiences, complete with special gift shops, photo ops, and a giant huggable polar bear named Berry.
7-Eleven to Open 500 New Stores Focused on Fresh Food
7-Eleven is going big on food and "frictionless shopping." The convenience store giant plans to open 500 new "food-forward" locations across the U.S. from 2025 to 2027. The expansion builds on 7-Eleven's "Evolution" store concept, first launched in Dallas in 2019. These larger-format stores feature in-store restaurants, premium products like craft beer and cigars, and an emphasis on fresh, grab-and-go meals.
Ulta Beauty Aims for 1,800+ Stores, 50 Million Loyalty Members by 2028
Ulta Beauty unveils ambitious growth plans as it targets new beauty shoppers. The company plans to open 200 new stores over the next three years as part of its strategy to drive profitable growth and gain market share. The nation's largest beauty retailer recently held its 2024 Investor Day event, where it shared its vision for "2026 and beyond".
Lidl Updates Brand to Win More US Customers
German discount grocer Lidl is getting a colorful makeover in the U.S. The company announced it has relaunched its brand to boost name recognition and set itself apart from rivals like Aldi. The new look, developed with ad agency MONO, spans everything from in-store signage to digital ads.
Amazon Tests Small-Format Grocery Concept in Chicago
Amazon has quietly opened a new type of grocery store in downtown Chicago. Called Amazon Grocery, the 3,800-square-foot store is a testing ground for Amazon's latest experiment in brick-and-mortar retail. The first Amazon Grocery location shares a building with a Whole Foods Market, which Amazon purchased in 2017.
Convenience Stores Aim to Be the New Fast Food Alternative
The value meal promotions from various fast food chains are this year's trend of luring in value-seeking diners. Now, convenience stores are firing back with deals of their own. These retailers, better known for grab-and-go snacks and last-minute essentials, are now offering full meals at prices that rival the biggest names in burgers and fries.