News Briefs

The Kroger Co. is leveraging a next-gen platform to analyze up-to-date consumer data for optimized decision making.

The grocery conglomerate is leveraging the Tastewise consumer insights solution to obtain actual data about its customers with a one-minute turnaround time. In order to maintain a competitive edge, Kroger determined it needed to anticipate emerging trends and consumer demands, validate ideas before investing resources into them, and align product offerings with evolving consumer preferences.

By partnering with Tastewise, Kroger has gained access to current data that helps it identify and explore new opportunities and ensure its promotional and merchandising efforts match dynamic consumer preferences. Aligning its product offerings with consumer preferences helps Kroger ensure that products connect with their target audience and enhance customer satisfaction.

Specific areas where Kroger applies Tastewise include crafting dynamic product offerings with consumer preferences in mind to enable effective adaptation to developing trends.

The retailer also utilizes the Tastewise platform to help make informed decisions throughout the development process for new products and initiatives and enhances decision-making with data-based evidence.

According to Kroger, results from the Tastewise implementation include faster validation of ideas and more efficient product development, saving time and thousands of dollars on concept testing.

[READ MORE: Kroger extends retail media network to in-store screens]

Based in Cincinnati, The Kroger Co. operates approximately 2,800 stores under a variety of banners across the U.S., including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick 'n Save, Metro Market and Mariano's.

Netflix is getting set to debut its most ambitious physical experience to date.

The streaming and entertainment giant will unveil its immersive Netflix House concept later this year, with locations at King of Prussia Mall, located in the Philadelphia suburb of King of Prussia, and Galleria Dallas in Dallas. Spanning more than 100,000 sq. ft., Netflix House will bring some of the company’s most popular shows and movies to life,  including Wednesday, Squid Game, One Piece, Stranger Things and A Knives Out Mystery franchise. In 2027, Netflix House will expand with a third location, in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip at BLVD Las Vegas. 

The Netflix House locations at King of Prussia and Galleria Dallas will both include Netflix Bites, a casual restaurant with food and craft cocktails playing on popular Netflix stories and characters, as well as a store featuring exclusive merchandise that will be updated regularly. But some of the experiences will differ by location.

“At Netflix House, you can enjoy regularly updated immersive experiences, indulge in retail therapy, and get a taste —  literally — of your favorite Netflix series and films through unique food and drink offerings,” stated Marian Lee, Netflix’s chief marketing officer, in a release in June 2024. “We’ve launched more than 50 experiences in 25 cities, and Netflix House represents the next generation of our distinctive offerings. The venues will bring our beloved stories to life in new, ever-changing, and unexpected ways.”

Netflix is expecting big crowds for its new concept. The company is encouraging fans to sign up for its waitlist for presale tickets before the general public.

In February. Netflix Bites opened at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Described as a one-year culinary residency, the restaurant (pictured in accompanying photo) offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner — with each menu item inspired by a hit Netflix show or movie.

Sales of gift cards are expected to rise this year as consumers look for a convenient way to buy gifts while controlling spending.

That’s according to a new survey from branded payments provider Blackhawk Network (BHN), which found that consumers plan to purchase 10% more gift cards this year compared to 2024. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed by BHN said they plan to buy gift cards this year.

The survey revealed that four-in-five consumers had purchased a gift card in the past 12 months. Of those who purchased at least one, 78% of consumers reported buying a physical gift card, while 47% reported buying a digital one.

Mass merchants and grocery stores are the most common places that consumers buy gift cards, given they are most likely to have “large, organized and well-stocked” displays with a variety of options.

Digital gifting has seen significant year-over-year growth, according to the BHN survey, as one-third of Gen Z and millennial consumers have already purchased gift cards via messaging platforms. Nearly 60% of younger consumers expressed interest in using this channel.

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“Gift cards have become valuable financial tools for consumers navigating economic uncertainty, offering flexibility, convenience, and value that other gifting options often can’t match,” said Jay Jaffin, chief marketing officer at BHN. “Growth in eGifts and preference for purchasing and delivering gifts via app or social media networks indicates a continued shift toward digital-first shopping, particularly among younger consumers. We’ve also seen significant adoption of AI to personalize and streamline shopping experiences, alongside a growing consumer preference for sustainable gift card options. Brands that align with these trends can capture greater consumer spending and build deeper customer loyalty.”

BHN polled 2,000 American consumers in February 2025 for its survey.

High prices at the grocery store have consumers spending more time looking at the products they buy.

A new consumer survey from global data standards organization GS1 US showed that more than three-quarters (76%) of consumers want more information about products due to higher food costs, with 71% saying that they are reading labels more closely and often. Additionally, two-thirds (66%) said they would scan a QR code on food packaging to access information such as freshness, ingredients and shelf life.

The survey found that a third (33%) of U.S. adults expect to pay more for food this summer compared to last summer due to inflation. Nearly half (47%) expect to pay the same, which GS1 US says suggests that 80% of consumers report feeling no relief from high grocery prices.

[READ MORE: Survey: 85% of global consumers worried about grocery prices]

"Shopping behaviors are shifting, and consumers are scrutinizing products and labels more than ever at the point of purchase to ensure they align with their preferences and budgets," said Bob Carpenter, president and CEO of GS1 US. "Consumers want more transparency, and our digital world can provide real-time access to the information they seek. QR codes powered by GS1 are emerging on product packaging to help shoppers retrieve more-trusted real-time product details via a smartphone scan – supporting smarter, more confident decisions at the shelf."

In addition to spending more time analyzing the products they buy, high costs also have consumer shopping at multiple different retailers. A recent survey from Upside revealed that nearly 80% of retail customers are "uncommitted," meaning they shop across different locations and formats and prioritizing their own needs over brand loyalty. On average, consumers surveyed by Upside said they visit three grocery stores, five restaurants, and two gas stations per month.

LGBTQ+ consumers want brands to support them during Pride Month (June), but some have reservations about the motives for doing so.

That’s according to a new survey from "cultural intelligence engine” Collage Group, which revealed that more than half (53%) of LGBTQ+ Americans say it’s more important now for brands to celebrate cultural holidays and Pride Month compared to two years ago. Forty-five percent of those surveyed say they would reduce or stop purchasing from a company that stopped celebrating a diversity holiday or month.

When a given company includes a cultural holiday in its advertising, 39% of LGBTQ+ consumers are skeptical of the brand’s sincerity and motives. However, 63% said if LGBTQ+-focused advertising only happens during or around Pride Month, it makes the campaign insincere. Fifty-seven percent say that a company only promoting the LGBTQ+ community in advertising during Pride Month feeds into stereotypes, and 55% say it is not representative of the “real” community experience.

Almost half (44%) of those surveyed believe it is important for all brands to celebrate Pride Month, while 22% say only certain brands should celebrate.

[READ MORE: Minority consumers more likely to support companies with DEI programs]

More than half (55%) of those surveyed say that of the brands that have Pride Month marketing/ads, their focus should be on teaching about the community. The same amount (55%) say those brands should focus on celebrating the impact of LGBTQ+ Americans, and 51% say the focus should be on celebrating diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.

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Tailored Brands operates more than 1,000 stores across banners including Men’s Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Moores and K&G Fashion Superstore.