MMR: Mass Market Retailers - The Global Newspaper for Supermarket, Drug, Discount Chains

Kroger’s QFC tests contactless payment

SEATTLE — Kroger Co. is testing contactless payments across its QFC division here, allowing customers to use a variety of mobile devices to pay for their purchases at the checkout. The stores in the pilot program are accepting Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit

NACDS’ Anderson discusses industry, leadership

Steve Anderson, president and CEO of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and Dr. Peter Cressy, Director of Executive Programs at the George Washington Leadership Institute, have a conversation about the challenges facing associations and how leaders of today can learn from leaders of

Four more GIANT stores reach zero waste status

CARLISLE, Pa. – Four more GIANT Co. stores in Pennsylvania have reached zero waste status, which means that at least 90% of their total waste is being diverted from landfills or incineration. The company said Thursday the designation applies to a MARTIN’S Food Market in

Coronavirus boosts use of contactless payment

WASHINGTON – Consumers worried about exposure to the coronavirus are boosting their use of mobile payments and contactless credit and debit cards, according to a study released on Thursday by the National Retail Federation and Forrester. “Health experts say there is no clear evidence that

Former Walmart CEO Simon to speak at PLMA event

NEW YORK —Former Walmart president and CEO Bill Simon will be a featured speaker at PLMA’s first Virtual Washington Conference, to be held October 6-7, the association said Wednesday. Simon’s presentation will focus on Retailing and Economy, looking at the unprecedented challenges and opportunities facing

RETAIL NEWS

Rite Aid names Paul Gilbert general counsel

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has named Paul Gilbert as its general counsel and corporate secretary. Since joining Rite Aid on an interim basis earlier this year, Gilbert has played a key role in the company’s efforts to evolve into a destination for whole

ECRM Connect hits virtual conference milestone

SOLON, Ohio – ECRM reached a new milestone last month, having passed 25,000 curated meetings hosted on the ECRM Connect proprietary platform, which the company developed to enable buyers and sellers to engage in live, interactive digital meetings at scale. More than 1,100 buyers and

Walmart to host drive-in movies

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart will turn the parking lots of about 160 of its stores into temporary drive-in movie theaters beginning this month, the company said on Wednesday. Created in partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, the Walmart Drive-in experience will take place from August

Ahold Delhaize sales rise 17.1% in Q2

ZAANDAM, the Netherlands — Ahold Delhaize posted net sales of €19.1 billion ($22.71 billion) in the second quarter. That is an increase of 17.1%, or 15.9% at constant exchange rates. Comparable sales growth (excluding gas) was up 20.6% in the United States and 10.2% in

Sean Slovenski to leave Walmart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sean Slovenski, senior vice president and president of health and wellness for Walmart U.S., is leaving the company. “We are excited to continue building and expanding on what he created at Walmart,” Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner wrote in a memo to

SUPPLIER NEWS

Linda Rendle promoted to Clorox CEO

OAKLAND, Calif. — Clorox has tapped 17-year company veteran Linda Rendle to serve as its next chief executive officer. She will be promoted to that post and elected to the company’s board of directors effective September 14, the company said on Wednesday. Benno Dorer will

Gillette Venus showcases ‘skinclusive’ line

BOSTON — Procter & Gamble Co.’s Gillette Venus brand is showcasing its new Skinclusive Summer Line by Venus on the social simulation video game Animal Crossing. Venus partnered with digital designer Nicole Cuddihy to co-create new avatar designs within Animal Crossing that represent the largest

Edgewell to acquire CREMO for $235 million

SHELTON, Conn. —Edgewell Personal Care Co. has agreed to acquire the men’s grooming company CREMO for $235 million, the company said on Tuesday. CREMO, a fast-growing masstige brand with a full line of beard, hair, shave prep and skincare products, will join a portfolio of

Kellogg’s Special K Caramel Latte Pastry Crisps

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg Co. has launched a new low-calorie breakfast treat that it describes as offering “a deliciously guilt-free little lift” at 100 calories per serving. Special K Caramel Latte Pastry Crisps, launched just in time for National Coffee Month, are breakfast bars

Better Natured launches hair color that conditions

DARIEN, Conn. — Henkel North America’s Better Natured brand is introducing a permanent hair color formulated with coconut oil and a plant-milk blend of Tahitian palm, coconut and orchid milk that the company said conditions hair throughout the color process. The company described the liquid-crème