Lucy Stultz

The latest twist in the Kroger-Albertsons merger saga is fueling more uncertainty about whether this deal will ever get done. On July 25, the retailers and the state of Colorado all agreed to an order to again delay the proposed $24.6 billion merger between The Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos. The order grants a temporary injunction, and Kroger and Albertsons now must wait until a September trial to see whether they can move forward with their plans to merge. #groceryretail #mergersandacquisitions

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A wonderful article on Costco is able to continue to surprise customers with value in prices and in its focussed offereings and make the customers as its most loyal shoppers. Costco's "treasure hunt" strategy, offering unexpected and unique finds, contributes to customer loyalty. Costco attracts affluent shoppers, with an average household income of $100,000 for U.S. members. Costco strategically places orders with suppliers to prioritize their products and offer lower prices. Costco offers a narrower assortment of products compared to competitors, reducing the tyranny of choice for shoppers. Despite its reputation for bargains, Costco also offers high-end items to appeal to upper-middle-class shoppers. The Costco formula of offering value for money and a unique shopping experience has cultivated loyalty among its customers. Costco Wholesale warehouses are designed to overwhelm first-time visitors with sensory overload and a lack of signage. Despite the initial challenges, Costco has a loyal customer base with 128 million members worldwide. Costco's warehouses are run with military precision, and every detail of merchandise selection, store layout, and pricing is designed to turn first-timers into loyalists. The Kirkland Signature line is a key part of Costco's merchandising strategy, generating a significant portion of their revenue. Membership fees drive most of Costco's profits, and membership growth is vital for sustaining their low prices and supplier clout. Costco has nailed the science, and art, of retail like virtually no competitor. #costco #modernretail #winningstrategies #customerloyality #customerexperience

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According to a Progressive Grocer article that published this week “Majority of Shoppers Won't Buy Nonfood Items at Grocery Stores” Acosta SVP Shannon Hodock states “We believe grocery retailers have an exciting and expansive opportunity to capture and grow HBC and GM sales. "Strategically, retailers need to create a targeted 'get on the grocery list' campaign for their shoppers, incorporating a holistic omnichannel strategy and a customized marketing plan as they tackle the three key challenges to overcoming current perceptions and shopping habits." For these retailers looking to capitalize on “gateway” categories and seek growth and grow share of impulse sales than ECRM should be in your playbook. You can check out our GM/Non-Food solutions programming in link below. We have also seen a great uptick in new items within our RangeMe discovery platform within these categories. https://lnkd.in/eCuH9gVJ #nonfoods #generalmerchandise #impulse #seasonal #grocery

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Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Saturday, May 11: 📉 Consumer sentiment plunged to the lowest level in six months as price increases reaccelerated, according to the latest University of Michigan survey of consumers, released Friday. 🏬 JCPenney remains profitable and could open new stores. Holiday and full-year sales fell, and net income plunged. But the CEO of one of the retailer’s owners says its ongoing profitability could merit an expansion. 🛍️ The retail industry is going through a tough time as it copes with inflation-weary consumers and a rash of bankruptcies, prompting chains to announce the closures of almost 3,200 brick-and-mortar stores so far in 2024. 💊 The Vitamin Shoppe  has announced that subscribers to its telehealth service will have access to weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Rybelsus. 🏪 99 Cents Only Stores in Texas may soon morph into Ollie's Bargain Outlet, Inc. or Dollar Tree Stores as competitors of the California-based retailer find discounted real estate in the bankruptcy liquidation. 👕 On average, Britons bought three items of clothing from secondhand retailers in 2023, with young adults buying 5.3 items on average, compared to 1.7 items for those aged 55 and over. 🥫 Weis Markets plans to begin construction on six new stores this year that will open in 2025, according to a company earnings release. This marks a significant uptick in openings for the company compared to the past few years. 👜 Hermès has asked a US judge to dismiss a "far-fetched" class-action lawsuit accusing it of forcing shoppers to spend thousands of dollars on goods before having a chance to buy one of its Birkin handbags. 🇨🇦 Canadian Tire Corporation Tire has reported a drop in first-quarter retail sales in its first quarter, citing a “challenging consumer demand environment” as Canadians continue to cut back on non-essential spending. 🥣 The outlook for yoghurt looks particularly sour as Americans’ love affair with the creamy, fermented dairy product is over. That's one reason General Mills is looking to sell its yoghurt business. 🍄 Meati Foods is set to add 2,000 retail locations within Kroger's family of stores by April, expanding its presence in the market. The company offers alternative protein products made from mycelium, or mushroom root. 🍍 A new variety of a rare, high-end pineapple is now available to purchase in the US. Del Monte is introducing Rubyglow pineapples, a new variety of the tropical fruit, to the US market. 🎌 Japan's consumer spending shrank for the 13th consecutive month in March, according to government data. This poses challenges for policymakers who are aiming for self-sustaining economic growth. 📦 The Commerce Department reported that US wholesale inventories fell 0.4% in March, having risen 0.2% in February. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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Kohl’s Corp. has partnered with Instacart to offer same-day delivery from all of its 1,172 U.S. stores. Customers can now receive Kohl’s merchandise in as little as an hour through Instacart, with pricing matching in-store prices and the ability to accumulate Kohl’s Rewards. Kohl’s is categorized as an Apparel & Accessories retailer by Digital Commerce 360 and offers a variety of products, including home decor, skin care, and pet items, all available through Instacart. Kohl’s is No. 23 in the Top 1000. The database is Digital Commerce 360’s ranking of the largest North American online retailers Kohl’s Corp. reported net sales declined in both its fourth quarter and fiscal 2023 ended Feb. 3, 2024. Q4 net sales declined 1.1% to $5.7 billion, despite an extra week of trading this year compared to Q4 2022. Kohl’s saw growth in net income. Online sales declined 10% in the quarter but improved as the quarter progressed, with December and January sales only down "mid-single digits" year over year. Instacart's partnership with Kohl’s is part of a series of agreements with retailers, including Hy-Vee and Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG), to offer same-day delivery and expand delivery capacity. Additionally, Instacart announced a partnership with Uber to deliver Uber Eats orders to Instacart customers. #kohl's #instacart #samedaydelivery

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When we nurture vendors to partners, off-price retail transformations become a one-team game. Building a continuous flow of exciting value propositions is a loop that we all play a role in. When optimized, it becomes a thing of value creation beauty. #teamwork

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What's the headline from recent retail earnings transcripts from Walmart, DICK'S Sporting Goods, The TJX Companies, Inc., and more? Value wins. The macroeconomic environment played a role in crowning the season’s winners. Value is top of mind for consumers as they look to stretch their budgets. Read on below for more insights: https://lnkd.in/gCvZghbY

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I enjoyed chatting with Inside Retail US about the FTC’s attempts to block the Tapestry x Capri Holdings Limited merger. As I told them, the decision does a great disservice to the retail industry and to American companies trying to create brand houses to rival those in Europe – at least in terms of scale. More importantly, however, the case is based on extremely poor logic and a misreading of how the market works. The FTC is meddling in areas that it doesn’t adequately understand. It all too often operates in a theoretical bubble that is divorced from reality. More of my views in the article… https://lnkd.in/eqXTmefT #retail #retailnews #regulation #luxury #handbags

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Another top-line miss: General Mills General Mills reported today its Q4 results: - Net sales were down 6.4% to $4.71 billion, reflecting unfavorable net price realization/mix and lower pound volume - Those results included a three-point headwind from a comparison against favorable trade expense timing in the prior year, which impacted net price realization and mix - Organic net sales were down 6% to miss the consensus estimate of -3.3%, and slowed from the FQ3 trend - The decline in organic sales was driven by the trade expense timing comparison, a reduction in retailer inventory, and a headwind in international segment results - Volume was 2% lower during the quarter, led by a 6% drop in the North America Retail segment and 7% decline in the Pet segment - Price/mix fell 4% during the quarter, driven lower by a 10% decline in the International segment General Mills expects now 2025 organic sales to be 0% to +1% vs. the consensus estimate of +1.2%. "As we move into fiscal 2025, our top priority is to accelerate our organic net sales growth, and specifically our volume growth, by delivering remarkable experiences across our portfolio of leading brands," stated CEO Jeff Harmening Time to refocus for all on organic (volume) growth Exciting times To read our last publication on how to accelerate organic (volume) growth: 𝗙𝗠𝗖𝗚 𝗖𝗘𝗢𝘀: 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 (𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲) 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘆 - 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗭𝗕𝗕 𝘁𝗼 𝗭𝗕𝗚® (𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱-𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵) https://lnkd.in/eV5d39VE 𝗧𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝘀 & 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗠𝗖𝗚 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: https://lnkd.in/ea4gy65y #fmcg #cpg Nestlé The Coca-Cola Company PepsiCo AB InBev Unilever Procter & Gamble Mondelēz International Kraft Heinz L'Oréal Danone The HEINEKEN Company Bel Reckitt Kenvue Sanofi Haleon Pernod Ricard Diageo General Mills Campbell's JDE Peet's Carlsberg Group Ferrero Henkel Mars Lindt & Sprüngli Kellanova Shiseido Bayer | Consumer Health https://lnkd.in/ehYwq5sR

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I recently sat down with our ECRM & RangeMe partner Wayne Bennett and discussed how Walmart develops suppliers. We covered everything from recruiting events to resources for onboarding to how we want suppliers to grow alongside us. Check out our conversation below 👇.   #WalmartSourcing #SupplierDevelopment

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🎙️ **Podcast Recommendation!** 🎙️ I love when a morning podcast fills your cup for the day! Just finished listening to an incredible episode of **The Backroom with Retail Dive: Lee Peterson and the hard truth about retail stores** where they discuss what brick and mortar stores need to do to survive in a digital age. One standout concept that really resonated with me is the idea of a **"Flagship Mentality"** for all stores. Here are my biggest takeaways: 🏬 **Flagship Mentality:** To thrive, every store should be considered a flagship. It's about creating an in-store experience that is enjoyable and preferable to online shopping. Remember, we need to make people want to visit the store since they no longer have to. 🛠️ **Components of Flagship Mentality:** 1. **The Power of Store Associates:** The most overlooked, and often first cut, part of retail is the store associate. Well-trained and engaged associates can be the difference between gaining or losing a customer. Their impact is underestimated. 2. **Additional Services:** Offering unique services that add value to the shopping experience. These services may be the differentiator between an online experience! 3. **Superior Design and Environment:** Crafting a store layout and ambiance that is both inviting and memorable, and makes you want to come back! Incorporating these elements can transform any store into a destination, making the experience differentiated and special. Don't miss this episode if you're in the retail industry – it's a good one! 🚀 #Retail #CustomerExperience #FlagshipMentality #StoreAssociates #RetailDive #PodcastRecommendation

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Hello Retail Friends,   I cannot stress enough how important fresh products are to grocery retailers. When it comes to inventory planning, “point solutions” that lack end-to-end integration and only address store-level planning simply are not enough!   Retailers need proven, multi-echelon planning solutions that extend beyond the store - unifying, automating, and optimizing planning in stores, DCs, and omnichannel. This is the only way to get crucial visibility and insight across the end-to-end value chain.   https://lnkd.in/ej53RsFV #supplychain #grocery #freshproduce How to improve retail fresh food inventory management | RELEX Solutions Tackle fresh food inventory management challenges head-on with the right strategies and robust planning software. www.relexsolutions.comhas context menuCompose

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Check out this incredible BPN set at the Scheels store in Colorado Springs! Awesome partnership and retailer to work with! 🙌 Question for brand representative's that have a large portfolio, 50+ skus and 3+ product lines... Would you prefer to have your products "brand blocked" meaning all of your product lines together in one location? OR... Have the retailer segment the set by different product types and have each of your product lines in their respected sub-category (ie. your whey proteins with the protein set, your electrolytes with the hydration set etc)? How about for consumers...which way would you prefer to shop these products!? #retail #planogram #categoryassortment

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Kohl's is partnering with Instacart for same day delivery. This latest initiative is part of a wider pattern at Kohl’s of doing things with third parties. Amazon returns came first. Then Sephora. Then Babies-R-Us. Now same day delivery with Instacart. The partnerships don’t hurt Kohl’s in any way and some, like Sephora, do help generate revenue. But they also don’t fix the many issues with the core business. In the case of same day delivery, I doubt it will move the dial much at all. Why? Well, from our data, among Kohl’s existing customers fast online delivery currently ranks 20th in the list of reasons why people opt to shop at Kohl’s. Kohl’s doesn’t score badly here, it’s just not that important to shoppers. This is most likely because a lot of the things Kohl’s sells are not needed urgently, and people are broadly satisfied with current delivery speeds. Among those who do not use Kohl’s, online delivery being too slow is 26th in the list of reasons people don’t shop the chain. Only 5% of non-shoppers identify it as a reason for not shopping at Kohl’s; and less than 1% say it is the main reason. In other words, faster delivery will not activate many new customers and will not drive existing ones to spend more. It's a distraction - albeit not a deeply unhelpful one - from the main problems. Thanks to Modern Retail for including my thoughts in the article linked in the comments. #retail #retailnews #fastdelivery #samedaydelivery #ecommerce

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Walmart exceeded expectations for quarterly earnings and revenue. The company experienced significant e-commerce growth, with a 22% increase in its U.S. business. Walmart's grocery business benefited from the widening gap between the price of cooking at home and eating out. The convenience offered by Walmart attracted more high-income shoppers, with its delivery business surpassing store pickup in terms of volume. Walmart reported earnings per share of 60 cents (adjusted) compared to the expected 52 cents, and revenue of $161.51 billion compared to the expected $159.50 billion. Net income for Walmart increased to $5.10 billion, or 63 cents per share, compared to $1.67 billion, or 21 cents per share, in the previous year. Walmart's same-store sales for Walmart U.S. increased by 3.8%, excluding fuel, and same-store sales for Sam's Club rose 4.4% year over year, excluding fuel. E-commerce sales for Walmart U.S. grew by 22% year over year, driven by store pickup, delivery of online orders, and the company's third-party marketplace. Walmart's profits were boosted by newer businesses like advertising and its subscription-based membership program, Walmart+. The company's global advertising business grew by 24% during the quarter, with 26% growth in the U.S. segment. #walmart #earnings #retail #ecommerce

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What happened to Newness in the Toy Industry? 🤔 As a parent, I've noticed a concerning trend lately – a lack of new, exciting products for our kids. My children, true toy enthusiasts, are struggling to find that spark of excitement in the aisles. And trust me, they're ready to spend those hard-earned dollars from generous grandparents and aunties on something special! With many movie releases delayed or scrapped altogether, the usual inspiration for toy purchases has run dry. But it's not just about the movies; there's something deeper at play here. According to Circana's latest report, 2023 saw a 10% decrease in the number of new toys hitting the shelves. This slump led to a 13% decline in sales for these products. Innovation, once the lifeblood of our industry, is facing a double-digit drop, and the repercussions are clear. But it's not all doom and gloom. Circana's data also sheds light on a fascinating shift in consumer behavior – one driven by inflation. Toys priced above $30 are losing ground, while the $5-$9.99 range is seeing a resurgence. It's a clear signal: affordability matters, perhaps now more than ever. With Summer approaching quickly, and the holidays following, here is to looking forward to see what companies take advantage and find ways to get creative and spread joy and laughter for kids everywhere!! #ToyIndustry #Innovation #Newness #CircanaInsights #MarketTrends #AffordableToys #Parenting #KidsToys #ConsumerBehavior Great insight by Richard Derr and a must read! Click below for full article!!

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