April 9, 2019
4 Changes to Watch in the Grocery Business Right Now
Many years ago, I spent a summer working construction. One day the crew boss told me to pick up all the nails that had been dropped on the site (I was clearly unskilled labor) before quitting time. By 1:30 it was obvious to me there was no way I was…
January 9, 2019
5 Food Retailer Forecasts for 2019
Have you ever waited in line at Starbucks for your order to be ready, then watched someone waltz in the door and go straight to the pick-up counter, where their drink was ready waiting for them? After I had this happen a few times I asked my daughter (a serious…
November 14, 2018
Meal Kit Watch: On the Way Out or Here to Stay?
While the meal-kit industry has gained momentum, progress hasn’t come without a fair share of challenges. High customer acquisition costs, low retention rates, and operational inefficiencies have strained industry pioneers like Blue Apron and many others. As competition grows to more than 150 meal kit options, companies are testing new…
June 19, 2018
The Future of the Supermarket is Here
Every supermarket chain has a weekly ad meeting where the items and prices for the next week’s circular are decided. When I worked on the Vons ad account (before they were acquired by Safeway) I used to attend these meetings, every Tuesday at 7am. I am not a morning person.…
March 14, 2018
Grocers Scramble in the New World of Amazon
Just one year ago the Food Marketing Institute estimated that online shopping for food and beverages would reach $100 Billion by 2025. Now they predict that number could be reached by 2022. There has been such a flood of activity that the tipping point has been reached.
