Supermarket/Grocery

NRF: Holiday sales up 4% to $616.1 billion, biggest increase since 2011
Washington, D.C. -- Total holiday sales, which include November and December sales, increased 4% to $616.1 billion, the highest since 2011, according to the National Retail Federation. The total was in line with NRF’s projected forecast of 4.1%. In addition, non-store holiday sales grew 6.8% to $101.9 billion.
Shoppers push holiday sales up 4%
Confident consumers stocked up on gifts and other merchandise over the 2014 holiday season, helping boost overall holiday retail sales to their highest level since 2011.

According to the National Retail Federation, December retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, decreased 0.9% seasonally adjusted month-to-month, and 4.6% unadjusted year-over-year. The significant drop in gasoline prices in the month of December brought down much of the month-to-month growth.

Retail Rap: The Brandscape Ahead

While there were some reported ups and downs over the course of last year’s holiday shopping season, the early takeaway is that the season was, in the end, positive. While we’ll have to wait for hard numbers for more detailed insight, and while definitive conclusions might be a bit much to draw at this point, it does seem to me like the increased length of the ever-expanding holiday shopping season didn’t have any appreciable negative impact.
Online grocery delivery startup Instacart gets $220 million infusion

New York -- The fast-growing online grocery delivery startup Instacart confirmed it has raised $220 million in a funding round led by the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. This latest round of funding values the San Francisco-based company, founded in 2012, at a whopping $2 billion, according to various reports.
Marsh Supermarkets to launch first iBeacon platform for new Apple Watch

Indianapolis -- In what is described as the first iBeacon-wearable integration at retail, Marsh Supermarkets and inMarket have announced the deployment of a closed-loop iBeacon platform that will enable Apple Watch users to receive interactive alerts and other content on their devices based on their proximity to the beacons. The platform will be rolled out throughout Marsh’s 75 stores.
Japan’s Muji department stores to install NCR’s new self-checkout solution

New York -- Verifone announced that Delhaize America has selected Verifone’s multi-media, EMV and NFC-capable MX 925 payment terminals to enhance consumer engagement at the point of sale across all of Delhaize America’s U.S. locations.
Former Family Dollar COO named president and COO of Fred's

Memphis -- Discount general merchandise chain Fred’s has named Michael K. Bloom as its president and COO, effective immediately. Until recently, Bloom held the same position at Family Dollar Stores Inc.; he resigned in early January after just over two years in the position and could be owed as much as $4.8 million in severance by Family Dollar, according to an SEC filing.
Fresh Market CEO out, company seeks new leadership

The Fresh Market is heading into the new year with fresh leadership changes at the top.

The specialty grocery retailer announced that Craig Carlk, president and CEO, and a member of the board of directors, has left the company and has resigned as a member of the board.

The board has appointed Sean Crane, executive VP and COO, as interim CEO while the company evaluates candidates to replace Carlock.
Tops Friendly Markets to close 27 pharmacies

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — Tops Friendly Markets, a grocer in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and western Vermont, is closing pharmacy departments in 27 of its 162 locations this month and transferring pharmacy prescriptions and inventory to five CVS/Pharmacy and 22 Rite Aid locations near each affected store.
Whole Foods speeds omnichannel efforts

Whole Foods Market plans to cater to the health-focused community of obstacle racers with a new omnichannel partnership.

The natural and organic foods supermarket will connect with consumers via Spartan Race’s “Food of the Day” platform, beginning in 2015. Spartan Race is an obstacle racing company that facilitated over 130 races in 17 countries last year.
Heinen’s and Symphony team on customer analytics and loyalty management solution

New York -- Grocer Heinen’s has teamed with Symphony EYC to adopt customer-driven retailing operations that stretch from shopper, throughout the store and back to the warehouse.
Marsh Supermarkets, inMarket launch Apple Watch iBeacon experience

INDIANAPOLIS and LOS ANGELES — In what is being touted as the first iBeacon-wearable integration at retail, Marsh Supermarkets and inMarket have announced the deployment of a closed-loop iBeacon platform, enabling shoppers with smartphones and Apple Watch to have their favorite apps come alive in-store.