Last week Kroger reported results for its fourth quarter and 2015 fiscal year, which ended on January 30, 2016. Some key performance highlights: 9% identical supermarket sales growth (excluding fuel) in Q4, continuing its string of quarterly identical supermarket sales growth, now at 49 straight quarters. That’s an incredible 10+ years running. 2015 full-year identical… Read More »
It’s critical that celiacs and other gluten-sensitive shoppers conduct adequate due diligence on products and ingredients, else health risks come into play. Product and supply chain transparency is paramount. Fortunately, the gluten-free shopper journey is becoming more manageable as new technology and tools, like mobile apps, come on board. Today, tools and technology to support… Read More »
“Gluten Free Retail Tour” will be a regular feature on Gluten Free Retail HQ. We will highlight retailer initiatives in the healthy and gluten free space. First up, we take a look at Phoenix-based Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, which is opening stores fast and furiously these days. Enjoy, and we look forward to your feedback. Fresh… Read More »
Gluten Free Section ‘Yesterday’ It was a little more than five years ago that Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle revamped select stores in Columbus, Ohio – including my “home” store. A key feature in the then remodel was creating a dedicated store-in-store Health & Wellness section. As part of this initiative, the retailer added a gluten free aisle,… Read More »
Recent headlines read: “You can pre-order Girl Scout cookies online” (including gluten free Toffee-tastic™) and “Liz Lovely Gluten Free Vegan Cookies Selling For $2.50 Each.” It reminds me of just how far gluten-free products have come in a fairly short period of time. When I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease some 15 years ago, most… Read More »
We find the mass retail giant’s level of involvement in the gluten free products market a pleasant surprise. At present, a typical Walmart Supercenter devotes about an eight-foot section within the grocery department to gluten free items. A somewhat limited assortment in terms of product depth and breadth is featured in the dedicated section. But the selection is… Read More »
Target is ratcheting up its strategy of offering more health & wellness in the grocery aisles. The retailer is focused on creating a differentiated food offer that features “trendy” merchandise (e.g., protein bars, nuts, etc.) as well as an increasing assortment of organic, gluten free and other healthy options. Target not only has introduced gluten free crackers… Read More »