Albertsons Companies news

In our latest report, we look at the initiatives retailers are putting in place as they strive to improve online grocery profitability following a year of accelerated growth. Five areas of focus for improved profitability  Following rapid growth last year, which saw grocery ecommerce sales almost double in the US to just under $70bn, in 2021 retailers are laser-focused on improving channel ...

Albertsons, the third-largest US grocery retailer, is partnering with Google to bring innovative technology to the omnichannel customer experience. Developing “the world’s most predictive grocery engine” Building on their existing relationship, the companies have launched several new enhancements which are designed to make the shopping experience easier and more exciting. These include inte...

Albertsons’ president and CEO, Vivek Sankaran, recently spoke at Citi’s Retail Madness Virtual Conference. We look at how the third largest US grocery retailer is adapting in 2021 after a year of significant change and the rise of a more digitally engaged consumer base. 1. Economic resilience has shifted earlier expectations of a tough trading environment The pandemic accelerated business t...

We look at how US food and drugstore retailers are playing a pivotal role in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across the country as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program (FRPP). Vaccine distribution exceeds over 71m people With over 71m people having received at least one vaccine dose, representing over 20% of the population, the US has made significant progress with its distribu...

Albertsons, the third-largest grocery retailer in the US, has partnered with Tortoise, a logistics automaton firm, to pilot a remote-controlled zero-emission delivery cart in Northern California . Contactless delivery solution The pilot is being led by the retailer’s Safeway division. The cart, powered by Tortoise, is equipped with a camera and a speaker. Travelling at 3mph, it is guided th...

Last September, Albertsons opened the latest iteration of what it refers to internally as Pavilions 2.0, which features a new décor package for its upscale banner. We look at how fresh foods are being executed across three departments. Remodeled store The store, located in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles, is an expanded version of an older Pavilions. This banner forms part of t...

We review Albertsons’ third quarter performance and the progress it’s making against its four strategic priorities. Q3 key numbers Sales and other revenue up 9.3% to $15.4bn Identical store sales increased 12.3% Digital sales growth of 225% Operating income up 25.1% to $258.5m Gaining millions of new households The pandemic continues to drive elevated demand across the r...

Albertsons’ Jewel-Osco division is testing an automated pickup kiosk for online grocery orders in the Chicago market. Partnership with Cleveron The retailer has partnered with Estonia-based Cleveron to pilot the automated and contactless grocery pickup kiosk. Located at a Jewel-Osco store in Chicago, customers can select the “Kiosk PickUp” option when placing their order. Cleveron is one of...

We look at how several of the leading US retailers are supporting the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine. Walmart supporting healthcare workers in rural areas This month, Walmart has started to administer the Moderna vaccine to healthcare workers (Priority 1A) in New Mexico. Store locations have been selected to support its administration in more rural areas. Given the vital role its stores, ...

Albertsons, the third-largest food retailer in the US, has rolled-out a new contactless payment tool across its store network. Contactless payment Albertsons Pay has been launched within the retailer’s just for U loyalty app. It provides shoppers with a safe, secure and contactless way for shoppers to pay in-store. They can also apply discounts and earn rewards within the app. It has been r...