News

Ahold, Delhaize shareholders approve grocery merger
Ahold shareholders have overwhelmingly approved the company`s proposal to merge with Delhaize Group.

Ahold is buying Delhaize for $11 billion in a deal announced last year that will create one of the largest food retailers on the U.S. East Coast, as Ahold operates Stop & Shop and Delhaize operates Hannaford and Food Lion.
Report: Instacart cuts costs, hikes fees
Reducing expenses and increasing prices are two ways for a company to make money, and Instacart is reportedly doing both.

According to the San Francisco Business Times, Instacart is reducing how much drivers get paid for each delivery, as well as the commission paid on each item. In the San Francisco market, the pay per delivery will be reduced 63% to $1.50 from $4.00, while commission per item will be cut 50% to 25 cents from 50 cents.

Fresh Market eyes fresh future under Apollo ownership

The Fresh Market has agreed to be acquired by a private equity firm several months after the retailer said it would initiate a review of strategic alternatives and a possible sale.

The struggling grocery chain said it has entered into an agreement with Apollo Global Management, LLC whereby it will acquire The Fresh Market for approximately $1.36 billion. The Fresh Market has been struggling with declining sales through several quarters, and customers have complained about high prices. Recently it had launched an effort to promote "lower prices."
Report: Nordstrom IT staff cuts go deeper

The technology department at Nordstrom continues getting smaller.

According to Geekwire, Nordstrom has laid off 120 IT employees. The cuts follow 10 technology staff reductions the retailer made at the beginning of March. All the layoffs have been part of an organizational restructuring and leveling of IT spending.
Retailers eye Outback for digital inspiration

Some of the best ideas regarding customer service in the digital age are coming out of the food service world with a recent example involving a new app and loyalty program from Outback Steakhouse.
Rite Aid kicks off annual Children's Miracle Network fundraiser

Rite Aid's 22nd annual Miracle Balloon campaign for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals is now underway, the company announced Monday. From now through April 30, Rite Aid customers can support their local children's hospital by purchasing $1 paper Miracle Balloons at any Rite Aid store.
How retailers can win with omnichannel returns

Customers’ heightened expectations for a seamless experience are creating new profit pressures for retailers, including coping with increased return volumes. Shedding light on the new supply chain challenges associated with executing an omnichannel strategy is a new series of whitepapers from reverse logistics leader Genco. Learn more.
Hibbett Sports strikes out in Q4

Weather related closures and tax refund delays hit Hibbett Sports hard in the fourth quarter, as the retailer posted a drop in same store sales.
eBags unpacks digital innovation

Specialty online luggage retailer eBags is on a mission to offer customers the most advanced and immersive experience possible.
After ‘exceptional’ year, Smart & Final set for record expansion

Smart & Final’s value oriented brand of food retailing is resonating with shoppers and that has the company eyeing roughly 40 new stores in 2016.