Walmart grocery penetration hits a record 72%, dunnhumby study reveals
Walmart’s penetration rose six percentage points year over year, marking the largest gain among all retailers tracked in the quarterly study.
Scot Meyer
AI adopters face ‘sovereignty trade-off’
In an AI-mediated marketplace, Sebok suggested, that distinction may be the difference between relevance and invisibility.
People Who Made a Difference: Ed Morgan, President, The Emerson Group
“My job is about supporting our leaders,” Morgan says. “Ensuring they have what they need to deliver the best possible outcomes for the brands we represent.”
April Showers to launch ‘Magic Makers’ entrepreneur talk show on AfroLandTV
The new series, which debuted on January 19, spotlights founders behind consumer brands that have scaled into national retail distribution.
Doug McMillon receives Lifetime Achievement Award
It’s that rare blend of innovation and integrity, scale and humanity, that makes McMillon a fitting recipient of Mass Market Retailers’ and Chain Drug Review Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dollar General is Mass Retailer of the Year
The foundation of the retailer’s resurgence lies in the unglamorous but essential work of fixing stores, cleaning aisles and ensuring shelves are stocked.
Indicators belie deeper economic truth
AI investment has been a major growth engine for the U.S. economy.
Walmart and Google announce an agentic AI e-commerce integration at NRF's "Big Show"
The announcement came Sunday at the National Retail Federation’s “Big Show,” where Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, joined John Furner, Walmart’s incoming CEO, on stage to discuss the retailer’s transformation and the role artificial intelligence will play in its future.
Retailers should matter to legislators
Two issues in particular — credit card “swipe fees” and organized retail crime (ORC) — illustrate how slow congressional action and regulatory inertia are costing businesses and consumers alike.
Consumers are resilient, and divided
For nearly one-fifth of consumers, though, the holidays will mean cutting back — constrained by stagnant incomes and persistent unease about the economy’s direction.
A new top item on shopping lists: Health
Wellness is also redefining product innovation. Functional foods and beverages are booming, from probiotic yogurts to protein-infused waters and “mental wellness” drinks designed to improve mood or focus.
Coffee Chat: Pascal Houdayer, Boiron
Boiron’s CEO on integrative Health, homeopathy and the future of holistic care.
Senators voice support for PBM reform
Sens. Ron Wyden (D., Ore.) and Mike Crapo (R., Ind.) joined pharmacy advocates from the across the country at a rally on Capitol Hill this morning to press members of Congress to pass meaningful PBM reform as soon as possible.
Craig Jelinek to step down as Costco CEO
Costco Wholesale Corp. chief executive officer Craig Jelinek intends to step down from that role, effective January 1, 2024.
AI among the hot topics at this year’s Industry Day
Two short spans of time — one just over 7 seconds and the other just under 15 minutes — were among the many talking points at The Emerson Group’s 2023 Industry Day last week. The day-long event brought together retailers and suppliers, brand innovators and other thought leaders to discuss the future