News Briefs

A Midwest discount retailer’s new retail media network features include integration with a popular visual-oriented social platform.

The Meijer Media retail media network is connecting with Pinterest, online video, and connected TV (CTV). Meijer Media's integration with Pinterest will leverage the retailer’s first-party data to create personalized experiences aligned with customer preferences. Targeted ads will align with key customer events such as back-to-school, holiday shopping, and seasonal cleanups.

Pinterest also partners with the Albertsons Media Collective retail media network from grocery retailer Albertsons. Collaborating with data management platform LiveRamp, Pinterest provides data "clean rooms," a protected, third-party digital space where Albertsons combines its first-party data and Pinterest platform data in a secure environment, to help measuring the results of digital ads placed on Pinterest via the grocer’s retail media network. 

[READ MORE: Albertsons pivots from cookies in ad performance pilot with Pinterest]

Pinterest also integrates third-party promotions from the Amazon Ads program into its site, with a seamless on-Amazon buying experience for consumers.

Meijer Media's OLV and CTV strategies focus on delivering video content designed to capture attention and drive brand awareness by showcasing product innovations.

"Our new advertising offerings reflect our commitment to connecting brands with shoppers in meaningful and innovative ways," said Jeff Leitch, director of Meijer Media. "By combining creative storytelling, data-driven targeting, and strategic media partners, we're empowering brands to engage customers at every step of their journey and deliver measurable results."

Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that operates more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets and express locations throughout the Midwest.

BJ’s Wholesale Club is streamlining the process of purchasing gas.

The Massachusetts-based discount club chain is offering tap and pay as a payment option at all of its 186 BJ’s Gas locations across 21 states. Customers who are BJ’s members can now pay for their gas using the tap function of their credit or debit card or with digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Members who hold the BJ's One Mastercard will not have to scan a physical or digital BJ’s membership card before paying. Instead, one tap of a BJ's One Mastercard will simultaneously process the membership and payment. 

BJ’s One Mastercard cardholders also receive up to 15 cents off per gallon at BJ’s Gas every time they use their credit card at the pump. The retailer began offering tap and pay at its stores in 2015.

[READ MORE: Customers can tap and go at BJ’s Wholesale Club]

BJ’s also offers in-store contactless shopping via ExpressPay, which allows members to scan items as they shop and pay through the retailer’s mobile app.

"We’ve made one-stop shopping even more convenient," said Bill Werner, executive VP, strategy and development, BJ’s Wholesale Club. "Tap and Pay joins our contactless shopping services, including ExpressPay, so members can have a speedier checkout for fueling up while saving time and money."

Headquartered in Marlborough, Mass., BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. currently operates 249 stores and 186 BJ's Gas locations in 21 states.

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is touting a record-breaking year of expansion in 2024, and has its eyes on future growth.

The specialty retailer of exclusive gourmet treats, food and supplies for pets along with professional dog grooming services opened more than 50 new locations last year and expanded into ten new states, in addition to making its international debut in Canada. Woof Gang’s total store count now stands at 239 in 26 states.

Looking ahead, Woof Gang told Chain Store Age that its goal is to open more than 70 new locations in 2025, with plans to expand its footprint in California and the Northeastern United States. New state targets for 2025 include Washington, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota and Maryland.

The retailer’s growth in 2024 included significant expansions into key regions such as California, Arizona, and Idaho, marking its first major footprint in the Western U.S. In addition to Woof Gang growing its store count last year, the brand also expanded its proprietary treat portfolio with the launch of over 40 unique products across nine distinct treat lines.

[READ MORE: Pet grooming chain opens first Illinois store]

“Our success in 2024 reflects the passion and dedication of our franchisees, groomers, and team members who work tirelessly to create exceptional experiences for pets and their owners,” said Ricardo Azevedo, CEO of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. “As we expand our reach, we remain committed to providing best-in-class grooming services and gourmet treats while fostering meaningful connections in every community we serve.”

Founded in 2007, Woof Gang is based in Orlando and has more than 450 locations open or under development.

Sprouts Farmers Market is planning to grow its footprint in the Sunshine State this year.

The fresh, natural and organic foods grocer says it will bring at least seven new stores to Florida in 2025. The expansion is expected to create more than 650 jobs across the state.

Sprouts’ first new Florida location will open in St. Johns on Jan. 31. Following this opening, the company will open additional stores across the Orlando metropolitan area, St. Petersburg, and in Palm Beach County.

According to Sprouts’ website, the following locations are set to open in the coming months:

• St. Johns (120 Shops Blvd.) (Opening Jan. 31)
• Melbourne-Wickham (5185 N. Wickham Rd.) (Opening March 14)
• Largo (2156 E. Bay Dr.) (Opening March 21)
• Coconut Creek (1019 Lyons Rd.) (Opening April 25)

“The new store openings highlight Sprouts’ mission to invest in local communities and make high-quality and natural foods accessible to families,” said the grocer. “The new locations will offer Sprouts’ selection of fresh and organic produce, responsibly-sourced meat and seafood, and a wide assortment of innovative, and better-for-you products.”

[READ MORE: Sprouts to open first Wyoming store]

Headquartered in Phoenix, Sprouts employs approximately 33,000 team members and operates more than 430 stores in 24 states. 

A longstanding Canadian retailer is closing all of its locations.

Retail investment firm Gordon Brothers has announced that store closing sales are underway at all 93 Peavey Mart locations in Canada. The Canadian farm and ranch retailer is offering up to 30% off the original ticketed price on all agriculture, farm and ranch, work wear, lawn and garden, hardware and homesteading supplies and merchandise.

“Peavey Mart has long been a staple in communities throughout Canada and is the go-to retailer for agricultural and home improvement supplies,” said Durien Sanchez, managing director of retail at Gordon Brothers. “With the announcement of the closing sales, supplies are expected to sell out fast, and we encourage customers to shop early for the best selection due to the immense popularity of these stores.”

[READ MORE: Big Lots leases available for sale nationwide]

Headquartered in Red Deer, Alberta, Peavey Mart was founded in 1967. Earlier this week, Peavey Industries sought and obtained an Initial Order for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act from the Court of King’s Bench Alberta. 

The company had recently announced closures of 22 stores in Ontario and Nova Scotia, calling it an "organizational restructuring," prior to beginning store closing sales at all remaining locations across Canada. Six MainStreet Hardware stores operated by Peavey Industries will also close.

There’s been a shakeup in the executive leadership team at Starbucks.

The changes come under the watch of Brian Niccol, who took the reins of Starbucks in September. Two former executives from Taco Bell, which Niccol led from 2015 to 2018, are joining the coffee giant. Leaving Starbucks are chief supply chain officer Arthur Valdez, who joined Starbucks in 2023 from Target, and 20-year company veteran Sara Trilling, executive VP and president of Starbucks, North America.

“As we focus on our 'Back to Starbucks' plan, we need a new operating model for our retail team, with clear ownership and accountability and an appropriate scope for each role,” Niccol wrote In a note to employees on the chain’s website.

Starbucks announced the move shortly before it reported first-quarter earnings and revenue that topped analyst expectations.

In new appointments, Meredith Sandland will join Starbucks as executive VP, chief store development officer. She is currently the CEO of Empower Delivery, a restaurant software firm that works to “optimize restaurants for modern omnichannel demands,” according to a Starbucks release.

Previously, Sandland served as COO of Kitchen United and as Taco Bell’s chief development officer.

Also joining Starbucks is Mike Grams, who will take on the role of executive, North America chief stores officer. He is a 30-year veteran of Taco Bell, where he last served as president and COO.

Sandland and Grams will start in February.