Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store
• Alliance Energy Corp. LLC launched four new methods of contactless shopping at its Alltown Fresh locations: fresh crates, meal prep & provisions, curbside pickup and delivery through Grubhub.
• Couche-Tard Inc. is still making plans to implement its Food at Scale program, but certain preparations have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Schnuck Markets Inc. announced it is introducing EatWell, A Natural Food Store by Schnucks, a new store format in Columbia, MO, focused on consumers prioritizing health and wellness, and natural foods. Schnucks’ EatWell store will open in early summer 2020 and will take up 42,000 square feet.
• The Kroger Co. has launched a free telenutrition service through its Kroger Health arm. The new online service provides guidance in selecting and preparing healthy fresh and nonperishable foods. Participants receive a complimentary virtual consultation via a two-way video chat with a registered dietitian.
• Kum & Go LLC has introduced a new mobile fuel pay program that gives customers a personalized fueling experience that lets reward members skip the keypad and activate the pump with their smartphone.
• National Grocers Association announced it will host its annual leadership meeting, the NGA Executive Conference, virtually in September.
Retail
• Ace Hardware Corp. posted record first quarter revenue, up 3.8% from the same quarter a year ago.
• Amazon.com Inc. is reportedly delaying its annual Prime Day from July to September.
• Apple Inc. plans to reopen about 100 more retail stores in the U.S. this week, with more than half offering curbside pick-up service only.
• Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. said it plans reopen 600 stores, including about 500 Bed Bath & Beyond locations across North America, along with 50 Christmas Tree Shop stores and 50 Cost Plus World Market stores in the U.S.
• BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. announced its net and comparable sales jumped more than 20% and net income more than doubled in the fiscal 2020 first quarter.
• The Home Depot Inc. posted first quarter U.S. comparative sales were up 7.1% from the same period last year.
• Indochino Inc. said that more than half of its 52 showrooms will reopen for appointments by the end of May, with the majority open in June.
• JCPenney Company, Inc. has fully reopened over 200 stores nationwide and plans to have nearly 500 reopened by June 3.
• Kohl’s Corporation reported about half of its stores have reopened and the retailer expects things to improve in the coming weeks and months.
• Lowe’s Companies Inc. reported first quarter 2020 sales of $19.7 billion, rising more than 11% from sales of $17.7 billion in the first quarter 2019. The retailer has also launched a $25 million grant program to help minority-owned small businesses get back up and running after the pandemic.
• Lululemon Athletica Inc. has re-opened more than 150 stores, and plans to re-open another 200 over the coming weeks.
• Macy’s Inc. expects most stores to reopen by late June, including its flagship Herald Square store in the heart of Manhattan in New York City.
• Pier 1 Imports Inc. opened select stores over the holiday weekend for going out of business sales.
• Target Corporation has become the first mass merchandise retailer to enable direct purchases via Instagram Checkout.
• Tractor Supply Co. is launching its first mobile app. The new app, which will launch in late June, will sync with its Neighbor’s Club loyalty program. Consumers will have access to all products, services and delivery options.
• Tuesday Morning Corp. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and expects to close approximately 230 stores in a phased approach.
Restaurant
• Denny’s Corporation will be closing 15 locations in New York due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Little Greek Franchise Development LLC has adapted their business model during the pandemic. They have been selling grocery items in addition to selling prepared meals to their local communities.
• New York City and Los Angeles have placed caps on the commissions of third-party delivery services. They are part of a larger movement to reduce the fees associated with third-party delivery during the pandemic.
• Pizza Guys Franchises Inc. is planning to expand into southern California. The brand has done well during the pandemic and is looking for partners in Inland Empire, Ventura, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego for development.
• Le Pain Quotidien has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will sell all U.S. units to Aurify Brands LLC.
• Taco Bell Corp. and its franchisees are planning to hire an additional 30,000 employees this summer while continuing to comply with CDC standards to ensure safety.
• The Krystal Co. has been acquired by the Fortress Investment Group LLC. Former President and COO Tim Ward and CFO Bruce Vermilyea are no longer with the company and Thomas Stager has taken over as President.
