News Briefs

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.

Members of the Kroger loyalty program can now apply their rewards to grocery purchases.

The supermarket conglomerate is changing the name of its free Kroger Fuel Points loyalty offering to Kroger Points. Members can now redeem their points for dollars off groceries in-store and online, in addition to fuel discounts at the pump. "

Members can earn one point for every dollar spent on purchases made with a reward card in-store or online for pickup or delivery. Points can be earned on everyday purchases, qualifying gift cards and qualifying prescriptions and during special Point events.

For every 100 points redeemed, members can save 10 cents per gallon at the pump up to $1 per gallon or. $1 off grocery purchases for every 100 Points redeemed, up to $10 per day. To redeem, customers must log into their digital account on the Kroger site or app and apply points before checkout.  

During summer 2026, customers can earn extra points with these limited time offers.

• 4X points Fridays through July 24.
• 4X points July 1-4.
• Download a digital coupon to receive 4X points on Private Selection products available through July 18.

Members of the Boost paid loyalty tier will earn 2X points on purchases as well as exclusive membership benefits like free delivery. Kroger rewards program members can view their points balance and redeem rewards by logging into their digital account at Kroger.com or on the Kroger app. Customers can join for free on the Kroger website.

[READ MORE: Kroger cuts prices; boosts loyalty rewards for fuel purchases]

"We're excited to help customers stretch their budgets and give more choices in how they use the rewards they earn shopping with us," said Megan Shaffer, group VP of customer growth and strategy at Kroger. 

An upcoming 500,000-sq.-ft. shopping center in the Phoenix metropolitan area has a slate of tenants already committed.

Vestar has shared the first round of tenant commitments for Laveen Towne Center, a new retail development planned for the rapidly-growing Laveen Village community outside of Phoenix. Scheduled to break ground this fall, Fat Cats, First Watch, Petersen’s Ice Cream, Club Pilates, Zara Nails, Mountain America Credit Union, Costa Vida, V’s Barbershop, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and a national footwear retailer have committed to open at the property.

Vestar says additional leasing announcements are anticipated as the project continues to advance through planning and development.

[READ MORE: Vestar announces food and beverage brands for new Arizona project]

Located southwest of downtown Phoenix, Laveen Village has a population of approximately 55,000, with a median household income of more than $110,000. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates for 2025, the Phoenix metropolitan area is home to more than 5.2 million residents, making it the 10th largest metro in the country.

"Laveen continues to experience tremendous residential growth, and retailers are taking notice," said Kean Thomas, VP of finance and development at Vestar. "The strong leasing momentum we've achieved prior to breaking ground demonstrates the demand for quality retail and dining options in the community. We're excited to bring together a collection of brands that will serve residents' daily needs while creating a vibrant destination where the community can gather, shop, dine and connect."

Vestar’s portfolio exceeds 30 million square feet across the western United States, with an additional 3.5 million square feet under active development.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward will be hosting the grand opening of a new and larger Dick’s Sporting Goods at Ohio’s largest mall this week.

The long-time tenant at Eastwood Mall in Niles is cutting the ribbon on a next-generation format of its core store, enlarging it from 52,000 to 72,000 square feet. The new footprint features a House of Cleats, a 360-degree showcase of more than 400 cleat options and more than 1,000 styles of athletic footwear. 

Golf enthusiasts will be able to test clubs using Trackman and Foresight simulators that allow them to use state-of-the-art tracking for custom club fittings. The bigger format also features wider selections of gear for baseball, softball, soccer, football, lacrosse, and hockey.

“Dick’s Sporting Goods' major expansion and relocation is the perfect showcase for the incredible momentum happening here,” said Johnny Chechitelli, Eastwood Mall’s director of marketing and communications. “Over the past few years, tens of millions of dollars have been invested across the Eastwood Mall Complex.”

A grand opening celebration will take place June 26 - 28 at the 3-million-plus square foot mall that is owned and managed in association with Cafaro-affiliated companies.