News Briefs
- 12/3/2025
Weis Markets uses edge AI to enhance security at self-checkout
A regional East Coast grocer is amplifying loss prevention efforts at checkout by implementing a new artificial intelligence solution.
Weis Markets is deploying the Elera security suite from Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions across self-checkout lanes in all its 199 stores, with plans to extend the technology to dual-use and cashier lanes. Leveraging edge AI capabilities which place AI functionality directly into store devices and hardware, the Elera solution enables Weis Markets to perform real-time, on-device processing at self-checkout stations to automatically identify produce items and detect and respond to loss-related behaviors as they occur.
"Our goal is to upgrade our technology stack and invest in Elera security suite to provide a frictionless experience for our customers," said Greg Zeh, CIO and senior VP of Weis Markets. "Our customers have embraced produce recognition, with over 94% selecting to use it at self-checkout. It is already strengthening real-time loss prevention."
Weis Markets has implemented a variety of AI solutions over the years. These include deploying the Upshop platform that uses AI and machine learning functionality to streamline fresh food operations and reduce waste, the CINDE AI customer analytics platform from SymphonyAI, and most recently the Cognira PromoAI solution to gain real-time insights that will help the retailer evaluate performance and make better decisions in its promotional efforts.
[READ MORE: Weis Markets leverages AI for real-time promotions management]
"By understanding the real-world complexities of shrink, we designed a system that helps retailers like Weis Markets to enhance the shopping experience and empower associates," said Yevgeni Tsirulnik, senior VP portfolio management at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.
Founded in 1912, Weis Markets, Inc. is a Mid Atlantic food retailer operating 197 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia and Virginia.
- 12/3/2025
Walmart opens second proprietary milk processing facility
Walmart is moving ahead with efforts to bolster and increase control of its milk supply chain.
The discount giant has opened its second owned- and operated milk processing facility, located in Valdosta, Ga. The company opened its first milk processing plant in Fort Wayne, Ind. in 2018 and plans to launch its third proprietary milk hub in Robinson, Texas in 2026.
Walmart expects the new 300,000-plus-sq.-ft. facility to create more than 400 new jobs, strengthen its end-to-end supply chain for, and advance the company’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing and local sourcing. The company invested $350 million into the facility, which was first announced in 2023.
Sourcing milk directly from local dairy farmers, the Valdosta facility will process and bottle a variety of milk options — including gallon, half-gallon, whole, 2%, 1%, skim, and 1% chocolate milk — for Walmart’s Great Value and Sam’s Club Member’s Mark brands and supply more than 650 Walmart and Sam’s Clubs stores across the Southeast.
It follows the company’s investment in its first milk processing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as well as two case-ready beef facilities in Thomasville, Georgia, and Olathe, Kansas. These efforts also support Walmart’s pledge to invest $350 billion in U.S.-made products by 2031.
[READ MORE: Walmart makes major commitment to U.S. manufacturing]
“This new facility has innovation at its core,” said Bruce Heckman, VP, manufacturing, Walmart U.S. “It will bolster our capacity to meet the demand for high-quality milk, make our supply chain more resilient, and build even greater transparency around sourcing. We’re excited about what this means for Walmart customers, regional farmers, and the Valdosta community.”
Based in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart Inc. operates more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries.
- 12/2/2025
Home Depot expands Instacart delivery partnership to Canada
The Home Depot Canada is offering same-day delivery in as fast as an hour from over 175 stores across the country.
The Canadian subsidiary of Home Depot is now the first nationwide home improvement retailer available on Instacart in Canada. The collaborative service also includes Instacart's Big & Bulky solution that enables retailers to offer same-day and scheduled delivery for large items up to 60 pounds.
"Our customers continue to be our top priority, and our stores are the foundation of who we are and how we meet their needs,” said Doug Graham, VP of e-commerce and marketing at Home Depot Canada. “Expanding our digital and delivery capabilities is essential to providing Canadians a seamless and convenient shopping experience.”
To start shopping from The Home Depot Canada on Instacart, customers can visit instacart.ca/store/the-home-depot-canada or download the Instacart app on their mobile device. Home Depot began offering Instacart-fulfilled deliveries in the U.S. in May 2024.
[READ MORE: The Home Depot partners to expand same-day delivery options]
“At Instacart, we’re focused on delivering convenience and accessibility, whether it’s helping customers get their homes ready for the holiday season with décor or gathering materials for a last-minute home project over the weekend,” said Blake Wallace, VP of retail partnerships at Instacart. “We’re proud to help create a seamless shopping experience for Home Depot customers across Canada and bring more variety to the Instacart app with the addition of The Home Depot Canada.”
Through Dec. 8, 2025, Instacart customers receive $20 off their Home Depot Canada purchase of $80 or more.
- 12/2/2025
Costco sues Trump administration — wants refund of tariffs
Costco Wholesale Corp. wants a full refund of the new tariffs that it has paid so far this year.
The retail giant has sued the Trump administration for a refund of the tariffs it has paid on imported goods, should the Supreme Court rule them illegal, reported various media outlets, including the New York Times. The case, filed in the Court of International Trade, comes as the Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of Trump's tariff agenda. Other companies have filed similar suits against the administration, including eyeglass giant EssilorLuxottica, Revlon, Kawasaki Motors, Bumble Bee Foods and Yokohama Tire.
The lawsuit filed by Costco maintains that Congress, not the president, has the authority to set tariffs and that Trump, in setting the new tariffs, exceeded the authority granted to him by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The company said in a filing that it is seeking a “full refund” of all duties under the act paid as a result of President Donald Trump's executive order that imposed what he called "reciprocal" tariffs.
“Because IEEPA does not clearly authorize the President to set tariffs... the Challenged Tariff Orders cannot stand and the defendants are not authorized to implement and collect them,” the lawsuit reads.
Costco noted that government will begin finalizing (or "liquidating") its import entries on or after Dec. 15, according to Fox News, and that once an entry is liquidated, the duty amount becomes locked. At that time, importers may lose the ability to challenge or recover those charges.
Costco said that one of its entries has already been finalized and more are approaching the cutoff, prompting the company to file its lawsuit immediately, the report said.
- 12/2/2025
BJ's to open three new clubs in December — here's where
BJ’s Wholesale Club is expanding its footprint of stores to close out 2025.
The retailer will open three clubs in December: one in Springfield, Mass. (Dec. 12), one in Sumter, S.C. (Dec. 12), and one in Casselberry, Fla. (Dec. 17). All three locations will feature on-site BJ’s Gas stations, and offer the club’s selection of fresh foods, produce, full-service deli items, fresh bakery goods, household essentials, home décor, pet supplies, toys, consumer electronics and more.
The Springfield club marks the 26th club in Massachusetts and the first new location in the company’s home state in thirteen years. The club in Sumter marks the third club in South Carolina, while the Casselberry location is the 42nd club in Florida.
At each new location, BJ’s members can choose from several time-saving options, including curbside pickup, in-club pickup, and same-day delivery. Members shopping in-club can use ExpressPay through the BJ’s mobile app to scan products as they shop and skip the checkout line.
[READ MORE: BJ’s profits slide, revenues climb in Q3; two new stores to open]
“BJ’s continues to grow in communities where unbeatable value resonates,” said Bill Werner, executive VP of strategy and development at BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We’ll bring savings of up to 25% off grocery store prices every day, and we look forward to taking care of the families who depend on us.”
Headquartered in Marlborough, Mass., BJ’s operates nearly 260 clubs and 195 BJ's Gas locations in 21 states.
- 12/2/2025
Report: Pacsun to open stores in Middle East
Pacsun has entered into a deal to open its first stores outside of the U.S.
The California-based teen apparel and accessories retailer is partnering with shopping center developer and lifestyle conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim to open Pacsun stores across the region, starting early next year with a location at the Mall of Emirates in Dubai. The news was first reported by WWD.
Majid Al Futtaim operates across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It will open up to 20 Pacsun stores in key Middle East markets supported by regional e-commerce platforms and experiential activations, the report said.
Pacsun operates approximately 350 stores across the U.S. The retailer has transformed itself from a surf and skate retailer to a champion of Gen Z and Gen Alpha youth culture.
“Expanding into the UAE, one of the world’s most dynamic and youthful regions, marks a pivotal step in PacSun’s global journey, guided by a deep commitment to connecting with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, by listening to how they express themselves, connect, and influence culture,” PacSun CEO Brieane Olson said in the WWD report. “Partnering with Majid Al Futtaim allows us to bring that vision to life in a place that shares our values of creativity and mission to co-create our brand with our community."
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