Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store
• Grocery Outlet Inc. announced it plans to begin testing online shopping within the next several months.
• The Kroger Co. reported it is working with Lyft to help customers get to and from COVID-19 vaccine appointments at its pharmacies.
• Schnuck Markets Inc. has partnered with Instacart to add more curbside pickup locations and has enabled EBT payment for pickup and delivery orders.
Retail
• Amazon.com Inc. is postponing the return of its corporate employees to its office, planning for them to return at the beginning of next year.
• Kohl’s Corporation and Target Corporation will begin requiring masks for store employees in high-risk counties in the United States.
• Rite Aid Corporation has partnered with Shipt to bring same-day delivery of nonprescription products to all of its stores.
Restaurant
• Chipotle Mexican Grill is considering the requirement of having workers vaccinated against COVID-19 if the vaccine receives full FDA approval.
• Chuy’s Holdings Inc. will be delaying their annual menu price increase until next year. Despite supply chain issues caused by the pandemic, the chain will wait until next year to determine the best course of action.
• McDonald’s Corporation has delayed the reopening of their office for over a month and they have mandated vaccination for all returning employees.
• OpenTable an online reservations site has announced that customers will be able to see all COVID-19 safety related precautions that a restaurant is taking when making reservations.
• The Wendy’s Company and their partnership with REEF technology has expanded. The fast food chain will be opening 700 delivery kitchens over the next five years with 50 locations slated to be opened this year.