Supermarket/Grocery

RPAI acquires Avondale Plaza
Redmond, Washington - Retail Properties of America, Inc. announced the purchase of Avondale Plaza, a 39,000-sq.-ft. neighborhood shopping center in Redmond, Washington (Seattle MSA). The center is located on Avondale Road, and is anchored by PCC Natural Markets. The purchase price was approximately $15 million.
The Container Store and more opening stores at Westchester’s Ridge Hill
Yonkers, New York - Forest City Ratner Companies, owner and developer of Westchester’s Ridge Hill in Yonkers, New York, announced that The Container Store will occupy 25,000 sq. ft. on Market Street across from The Whole Foods Market Yonkers.

Thanksgiving costs 34% less at Walmart

Walmart customers shopping for a traditional Thanksgiving meal can plan a 10-person dinner for $32.64, or 34 percent less than average, according to the nation’s largest farm group.
Apple Pay expands presence in supermarkets to include Bi-Lo, Shaw’s, Jewel Osco and more

New York - Apple is expanding its Apple Pay across hundreds of supermarkets. Associated Food Stores, Shaw's Supermarkets, Jewel Osco, Albertson's and Bi-Lo Holdings have joined Whole Foods Markets, which was one of the original Apple Pay launch partners, to accept the new payment option. Bi-Lo Holdings, parent company of Bi-Lo, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, said it is now suporting Apple Pay across its entire southeastern footprint.
Microsoft, Retail Realm partner on Dynamics solution

Redmond, Wash. — Microsoft and Retail Realm are partnering to launch the Microsoft Dynamics Retail Essentials with Retail Realm product, which represents Microsoft's first major push into the SMB marketplace with a new solution. On new install, this retail-specific solution installs with the Retail Realm add-on embedded.
BJ’s new Mastercard programs ups offerings

New York — BJ's Wholesale Club’s Mastercard program ups the ante in the wholesale club credit card category. The new My BJ's Perks MasterCard will offer members 10 cents off per gallon of BJ's gas, up to 5% back on purchases in-club and at BJs.com, 2% back on eating out and non-BJ's gas purchases, and 1% back on purchases made everywhere else MasterCard is accepted.
BJ’s club Mastercard raises the bar on rewards

BJ's Wholesale Club has introduced a Mastercard program that ups the ante in the wholesale club credit card category. The My BJ's Perks MasterCard will offer members 10 cents off per gallon of BJ's gas every day, up to 5% back on purchases in-club and at BJs.com, 2% back on eating out and non-BJ's gas purchases, and 1% back on purchases made everywhere else MasterCard is accepted.
Nielsen – Private label perception among consumers mostly positive

New York, N.Y. - Perceptions about private label are overwhelmingly favorable. Almost three-quarters of global respondents (71%) say store-brand quality has improved over time, according to a new study by Nielsen.
Price is a primary driver of purchase intent among 70% of global respondents, but quality is important, too. Two-thirds (67%) believe private labels offer extremely good value for money.
Winn-Dixie says 'yes' to Apple Pay

Following in the footsteps of other major retailers, Bi-Lo Holdings, the parent company of Winn-Dixie, Harveys and BI-LO grocery stores, has announced that it will begin accepting Apple Pay in its retail locations.

“Customers want a shopping experience that is convenient, easy and secure,” said Bert DuMars, vice president of digital marketing at Bi-Lo Holdings. “Bi-Lo Holdings is prioritizing digital mobile solutions for our customers, and Apple Pay is an exciting first step in our journey.”
Deloitte: Consumer spending dips in October

New York -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index marginally dipped in October after two months of consecutive increases. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending. The Index, which comprises four components--tax burden, initial unemployment claims, real wages and real home prices--decreased to 4.1 in October from 4.4 the prior month. Highlights of the Index include:
Omnichannel: What you need to know for 2015

If you think embracing omnichannel is tough, you’re not alone. According to the third annual Retail Insight industry benchmark report, 94% of retailers, suppliers and logistics firms surveyed haven’t executed a longterm omnichannel strategy, and 37% don’t even have one.
Ralphs Grocery to hire 1,200 new employees across Southern California

Los Angeles -- Ralphs Grocery Co. said it will hire to fill an estimated 1,200 permanent positions at its stores in Southern California. Ralphs currently employs more than 19,000 associates at its stores in the region.