News Briefs

Einstein Bros. Bagels is leveraging its new store prototype — and the nation’s growing appetite for bagels — to drive big growth in the coming years.

The country’s largest retail bagel chain plans to open more than 300 new locations across the United States by 2030. The expansion is being driven by Einstein’s “Elevate the Morning” refreshed store design, which prioritizes freshness, speed and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 

The format is engineered to scale quickly without compromising the quality guests expect from Einstein Bros., according to the company. The design blends premium finishes, warm neighborhood character and layouts that make every visit “easy and enjoyable,” with the fresh-baked bagel case placed front and center.

"We've spent years perfecting a highly scalable store model that delivers fresh, high-quality breakfast with the convenience today's guests expect, and now we're accelerating that model across the country," said Jessica DePetro, CEO of Einstein Bros. Bagels. "We are at an inflection point for both our brand and the broader bagel category.”

Einstein said its growth comes as the U.S. bagel category has reached $5.8 billion, increasing approximately  5% per year. Over half (52%) of Americans eat bagels at any time of day.  

Among the chain’s rewards members, those under 35 drove a 22% year-over-year increase in store visits, indicating that “a new generation is claiming their morning routine at Einstein Bros.,” the company said.

Einstein Bros. Bagels operates more than 700 locations throughout the United States. The company is part of Panera Brands, whose other brands include Panera Bread and Caribou Coffee.

A Midwest retailer is slashing prices on select food essentials with the Independence Day weekend around the corner.

Through July 7, Meijer is discounting more than 100 private label brand items up to 50%, including Meijer brand food, drinks and picnic supply favorites for the summer months such as hot dog and burger buns, potato chips, lemonade, freezer pops, s'mores supplies, paper plates, napkins and charcoal. Customers can view all discounted items here.

In addition, Meijer is offering new ways for customers to earn more mPerks rewards program points on their purchases, which can be used for fuel discounts at Meijer Express stations. On select weekends beginning June 26-28, customers can earn four-times the mPerks points on the purchase of certain brands through the retailer's "Pump up the Points" promotion.

"Sharing food with family and friends is important here in the Midwest, and we are proud to provide our customers outstanding value and quality," said Don Sanderson, chief merchandising & marketing officer at Meijer. "These promotions ensure our customers can save money while sharing a great meal together." 

[READ MORE: Meijer expands in three states — here are the locations]

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., Meijer operates more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets and express locations throughout six Midwest states.

Target Corp. is turning shopping trips also into charging opportunities via its expanding fast-charging network in its store parking lots.

With more than 300 electric vehicle charging locations at its stores across 42 states, the discounter hosts one of the largest retail charging footprints in the U.S. by ports, according to data from Paren, an EV charging data platform. Target has 35 more sites currently under construction, and another 100-plus sites in development. 

In a blog on its website, Target said that customers frequently call out EV charging in their feedback as an added convenience that enhances their shopping experience. The company's stores host a variety of charging station types, with most open to all EV models.

[READ MORE: Target opening 11 stores in July — here are the locations]

Target said the charging stations are another example "of how we’re integrating sustainable practices throughout our operations while meeting evolving guest needs."

All five grocery brands operated by Ahold Delhaize USA have expanded their customer personalization capabilities.

During the past year, all five banners operating a combined nearly 2,000 stores under the U.S. subsidiary of Dutch supermarket conglomerate Ahold Delhaize – Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop – have been leveraging data and insights to deliver timely, relevant interactions. 

By embedding personalization at the center of their omnichannel marketing and loyalty strategies, the companies are attempting to create more seamless experiences and strengthen long-term customer relationships.

"We're focused on delivering meaningful value in ways that feel personal and relevant for customers," said Meghan Galligan, VP of omnichannel marketing, Ahold Delhaize USA. "By scaling personalization, we're helping our brands strengthen loyalty with their customers and create more seamless experiences."

Ahold Delhaize USA's personalization capabilities are supported by technology partners including Sagarmatha, which helps enable scalable targeting and campaign execution for all five brands. All five banners also share a proprietary digital and e-commerce platform which serves as the foundation of the company’s digital ecosystem, supporting e-commerce, digital engagement and personalized customer experiences for each brand.

Banner-specific examples include Food Lion obtaining real-time visibility into curbside pickup customer arrivals using the Flybuy AI-based location engine; as well as Stop & Shop letting in-store shoppers activate all weekly circular digital coupons and personalized offers via kiosk.

[READ MORE: Stop & Shop set to complete 'Savings Station' kiosk rollout]

Ahold Delhaize USA banners will continue to invest in personalization as part of the company’s “Growing Together” strategy which focuses on delivering relevant experiences that deepen customer trust and deliver long-term growth.

A leading online delivery platform is entering a new category.

DoorDash users nationwide can now shop more than 200,000 auto parts and accessories delivered on-demand through AutoParts.com on the DoorDash app. Through AutoParts.com on DoorDash, consumers can browse for parts matched to their specific vehicle and have them delivered in under an hour, on average. 

To order from AutoParts.com, users simply open the DoorDash app or website, search “AutoParts.com,” find the parts they need based on year, make and model, and check out for on-demand or scheduled delivery. Parts on the platform from some of the largest independently-owned automotive parts stores in North America, and orders are fulfilled via on-demand delivery by Dashers.

[READ MORE: DoorDash launches AI-based app search feature]

”What's exciting about DoorDash is the scale and what it returns to local economies: more volume through neighborhood stores, more earning opportunities for drivers in those communities, and the exact part at your door on-demand,” said Rich Keller, founder and CEO of AutoParts.com. “It's a win for everyone in the chain.”

AutoParts.com is available on DashPass, DoorDash's membership program that offers $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders from thousands of restaurants, grocery, convenience and retail stores nationwide. 

To celebrate the new partnership, DoorDash users can enjoy 20% off orders with a subtotal of $60 or more (up to $20 off) from AutoParts.com on DoorDash using promo code AUTOPARTS from now through June 30.

Founded in 2013, DoorDash has expanded to more than 40 countries. Across DoorDash, its international arm Wolt, and its U.K. subsidiary Deliveroo, the platforms now support more than 400,000 advertisers.