News Briefs

Fashion retailer Lacoste is utilizing a new AI tool to help spot counterfeit products.

The France-based retailer has partnered with Cypheme, a French technology company, to deploy Vrai AI, an anti-counterfeit technology that can detect fake products based on just a picture of a specific detail of a product or label through visual analysis. Lacoste is the first company to utilize the technology, according to Cypheme.

The technology, which will be used by employees in Lacoste’s warehouses, examines microscopic visual details of a specific feature of the product and can differentiate a real from a fake, in a similar way to how a human expert would. For Lacoste, Cypheme’s Vrai AI tool uses the famous crocodile logo to identify fake items among a wide variety of Lacoste products.

[READ MORE: Four Ways AI is Humanizing the Retail Experience]

“Today, according the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, counterfeiting represents 2.5% of the world’s trade, or $461 billion, and puts low-quality goods on the market, generating risks for health, well-being, security and safety,” said Hugo Garcia-Cotte, CEO of Cypheme. “Implementing anti-counterfeiting technologies helps brands combat piracy, secure operations, enhance revenue and improve customer engagement, however they do not stop at just that, they have a much larger impact, helping shape safer societies overall.” 

Founded in 1933, Lacoste operates 76 stores in the United States.

Publix reported gains in earnings and sales for its third quarter.

Net earnings increased 31.7% to $1.1 billion for the quarter ended Sept. 28, compared to $833 million in 2023. Earnings per share increased to $0.33 per share, up from $0.25 per share in 2023.  

Sales rose 4.9% to $14.6 billion. Comparable store sales increased 3.4%. The company estimates sales for the quarter increased 0.6% due to the impact of Hurricane Helene.

“During the last several weeks, many of our associates and customers have faced difficult times with Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “I’m so proud of our associates for the comfort they bring to our customers and their fellow associates.”

Effective Nov. 1, Publix’s stock price increased from $16.46 per share to $18.05 per share. (Publix stock is not publicly traded and is made available for sale only to current Publix associates and members of its board of directors.)

The grocer's sales for the nine months ended Sept. 28, 2024 were $44.2 billion, a 4.3% increase from $42.4 billion in 2023. Comparable store sales for the nine months increased 2.5%.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 255,000 associates, currently operates 1,383 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky.

A prescription drug savings platform is now directly selling and fulfilling orders for eligible prescription and over-the-counter medications online.

This new GoodRx capability enables consumer health and pharmaceutical brands to integrate their offerings directly within the the company’s platform. Previously, customers could only purchase prescription medications with a GoodRx discount via a partner pharmacy retailer.

In addition, GoodRx, which reduces prices on nearly 200 prescription medications by an average of 40%, is entering the over-the-counter medication market for the first time with non-prescription contraceptive provider Opill.

"We are thrilled to launch our e-commerce solution with Opill, an initiative that underscores our mutual commitment to more accessible healthcare," stated Dorothy Gemmell, chief commercial officer at GoodRx. "This new feature will provide patients with a simple, seamless way to obtain their eligible medications, building on how GoodRx has already made prescription medications more affordable and accessible for millions of consumers. It also paves the way for other OTC brands and pharma partners to leverage our platform’s reach to expand market presence, increase consumer access to essential medications and ultimately help drive growth."

GoodRx partners with drugstore retailers including Walgreens. The company also collaborates with diabetes care provider Sanofi to offer access to Lantus (insulin glargine injection) 100 Units/mL in the U.S. for a discount price of $35 for a 30-day supply, directly competing with reduced-cost insulin programs offered by Amazon and Walmart. 

[READ MORE: GoodRx takes on Amazon, Walmart with discount insulin coupons]

An Atlanta-based quick-serve chain is planning to grow its footprint in the City of Brotherly Love.

Zaxbys, known for its chicken fingers, wings and signature sauces, has announced a franchise agreement to open 10 locations in the Philadelphia area over the next five years. The first two are slated to open next year.

"The chance to bring Zaxbys to Philadelphia is both exciting and meaningful," said George Abdelmessieh, a seasoned franchise owner who also operates over 30 Dunkin’ locations across southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. "I recognize that Zaxbys is a strong brand with an excellent product. These values align with the principles I've relied on to build my other franchise businesses. Bringing Zaxbys to Philly is something I'm building not only for my community, but also for my family, creating a legacy I hope will benefit my children and grandchildren."

Abdelmessieh said he was drawn to Zaxbys by his daughter, who experienced the chain while studying at Emory University in Atlanta. He and his team are currently securing sites across the Philadelphia area in preparation for next year's openings. 

The expansion in Pennsylvania is just the latest East Coast growth for Zaxbys. Also this month, the recently announced plans to enter two new states: Maryland and New Jersey. 

"Zaxbys is thrilled to enter the Philadelphia market, and we couldn't ask for a better partner than George to lead the way," said Mike Mettler, chief development officer of Zaxbys. "George's decades of experience and dedication to building strong franchise operations make him the perfect fit to introduce our brand to Philadelphia. We're excited to see the impact his leadership will bring."

Founded in 1990, Zaxbys operates over 950 locations in 17 states.

Walmart Inc.’s Mexico and Central America business unit is utilizing artificial intelligence to streamline store workflows.

Walmart de México y Centroamérica, the largest retailer in Latin America, is implementing the Quorso Co-Pilot AI workforce management tool across its 2,850 Bodega Aurrera and Walmart Supercenter stores.

"Walmart de México y Centroamérica uses technology to simplify our associates' work and to improve the customer experience," said Walmart Mexico portfolio manager Leonardo Golfin. "Quorso is a valuable partner in our desire for continuous improvement."

The retailer will leverage Quorso technology in an effort to digitize and simplify activities for its store associates and managers. The AI-based solution is designed to analzye terabytes of retail data to create personalized priorities for each field and store leader. 

Utilizing the tool, field leaders can help prioritize what to focus and act on, and then measure their impact.  

"Walmart de México y Centroamérica has a reputation as one of the best operators globally," said Quorso CEO Julian Mills. "We are delighted to partner with them and help them to implement our new technology across their store network."

Walmart Mexico operates in six countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua. The company operates 3,631 stores and clubs in 696 cities, as well as 31 distribution centers in the region. In Mexico, it operates under the Bodega Aurrera, Walmart Express, Walmart Supercenter and Sam’s Club banners.

[READ MORE: Walmart Mexico bolsters retail media capabilities]

Meijer is looking to bring on construction suppliers across multiple trades as its gears up for a busy 2025 and beyond.

The Michigan-based discounter will host an open call for new construction services companies to be considered for its upcoming 2025 and 2026 construction projects. Qualified companies must be able to perform work within Meijer’s six-state footprint — Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky — and specialize in earthwork, landscaping, paving, concrete, roofing, floor painting, metal stud/drywall, fixturing, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, electrical, traffic signals and other general skilled trades.

Companies of all sizes can apply here from Nov. 1 - 30 for consideration. Interested vendors can register here for a virtual information session on Nov. 13. The session will provide more background on the opportunities and qualifications, and include a Q&A portion for any further questions.

"With many upcoming projects under development, we're excited to continue the expansion of our construction partners and invite companies of all sizes to join our roster," said Roger Whitford, director of construction at Meijer. "We look forward to working alongside these great companies to enhance our customers' in-store experience." 

[READ MORE: Meijer expands footprint with three new stores] 

Once applications are submitted, Meijer will review them to ensure suppliers are qualified. Accepted suppliers will be notified and included in the retailer's communication of future construction project opportunities.  

“We are dedicated to cultivating a supplier base that reflects our current and future needs," said Carla Hendon, director of supplier inclusion & indirect procurement at Meijer. "This open call represents a significant opportunity for companies of all sizes, across multiple trades to collaborate and grow with us." 

Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., Meijer operates more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets and express locations throughout the Midwest.