WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee is reinstating its reserved shopping hour for customers considered “high risk” for COVID-19, the company said Monday. The move is in response to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the retailer’s eight-state operating region. The reserved hour will be offered at all Hy-Vee locations from 7 a.m. to
NEW YORK — With numbers of new cases of the COVID-19 virus setting records in the United States, it is no surprise that a new study by Hartman Group and FMI – The Food Industry Association reveals that American grocery shoppers remain concerned about their vulnerability to the disease. The good news for the grocery
Lynne Fruth, president of Fruth Pharmacy, tells this week’s Video Forum about how the COVID-19 pandemic has made the drug chain’s contributions to the communities it serves more important than ever. Issues covered include Fruth’s coronavirus testing initiatives, efforts to expand pharmacy’s role in health care, and the threat to the profession posed by
WASHINGTON — When a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, retail pharmacies will play a critical role in getting it to American consumers. On Friday the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a partnership with large chain pharmacies and networks that represent independent pharmacies and regional chains. The program, which covers about 60% of
ZAANDAM, the Netherlands – Ahold Delhaize posted net sales of €17.8 billion (about $20.9 billion) in the third quarter. That is an increase of 6.8%, or 10.1% at constant exchange rates. Comparable sales growth (excluding gas) was up 12.4% in the United States and 7.5% in Europe, the company said Wednesday. Net consumer online sales
CHICAGO — The arrival of colder weather and the resurgence of COVID-19 has consumers rethinking their holiday plans. People will hold smaller gatherings if they gather at all; they’ll buy more turkey and fewer whole birds, and they’ll avoid celebrating at restaurants, although they will continue to get take out. These are the findings of
CINCINNATI — Kroger Health has launched rapid antibody testing across its family of pharmacies. This move expands the company’s existing portfolio of in-clinic and at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests, to help inform patients if they have previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kroger Heath has remained committed to helping people
WASHINGTON — U.S. grocery shoppers remain concerned about COVID-19 seven months into the pandemic, according to a new study by Hartman Group and FMI — The Food Industry Association. But despite their worries, many say they are eating better and see their primary food stories as health and wellness allies. The survey of 1,001 U.S.
CHICAGO — Nearly half (49%) of U.S. consumers say their personal finances are poor, according to the latest dunnhumby Consumer Pulse Survey. That’s a 20% increase from July. And a majority of consumers (68%) said the economy as a whole isn’t good either, and 91% said they are closely watching store prices. The survey also
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Retailers have struggled to deliver outstanding customer service during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI.) “From the onset of COVID-19, consumer expectations of retailers took a massive hit,” ASCI managing director David VanAmburg said. “Customers braced for delayed packages, empty grocery store
WASHINGTON — CVS Health and Walgreens will work with the federal government to provide free COVID-19 vaccinations to residents of long-term care facilities once vaccines becomes available, the companies announced October 16. “Protecting the vulnerable has been the No. 1 priority of the Trump administration’s response to COVID-19, and that commitment will continue through distributing
NEW YORK – A majority of holiday shoppers will avoid brick-and-mortar stores this year because of the threat of the coronavirus, according to a new consumer survey. The survey also suggests that consumers will be spending less this year and doing relatively more holiday shopping online. Those venturing into stores will be paying attention to