Core Insights - The adoption of electronic shelf labels is increasing in grocery stores across America, with a projected growth of the global market from $1.85 billion in 2024 to $7.54 billion by 2033 [1] - Walmart plans to implement electronic shelf labels in 2,300 stores by 2026, which will significantly reduce the time required for price updates from two days to minutes [2] - Concerns have been raised by lawmakers regarding the potential for grocery stores to implement dynamic pricing, which could lead to price increases during high demand periods [3][4] Industry Growth - The electronic shelf label industry is expected to experience significant double-digit year-over-year growth in the foreseeable future [2] - Dynamic pricing enabled by electronic shelf labels could potentially reduce food waste by up to 21% [5] Company Responses - Kroger has stated that it does not engage in surge pricing and uses electronic shelf labels to better manage inventory and lower prices on perishable items [5] - Amazon has confirmed it has no plans to utilize surge or dynamic pricing [6]

Core Viewpoint - The federal government shutdown has prompted investors to seek stable companies with consistent demand and dividend payments, such as Tractor Supply and Kroger, which provide essential goods regardless of political conditions [1][12]. Tractor Supply - Tractor Supply, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., reported a 4.5% increase in net sales to approximately $4.44 billion in its second quarter, with comparable-store sales up 1.5% [4]. - The company maintains a full-year sales growth guidance of 4% to 8% and comparable sales growth of flat to 4%, targeting an operating margin of 9.5% to 9.9% [4]. - The CEO expressed confidence in the company's model, highlighting strong demand in core categories like pet and livestock feed, which are resilient during economic uncertainty [5]. - The board increased the quarterly dividend by 4.5% to $0.23 per share, marking 16 consecutive years of dividend increases, alongside a stock repurchase plan of $325 million to $375 million for 2025 [6]. Kroger - Kroger's second-quarter same-store sales, excluding fuel, rose by 3.4%, with e-commerce sales increasing by 16%, driven by pharmacy and fresh categories [8]. - The company raised its full-year guidance for same-store sales growth to 2.7% to 3.4% and adjusted earnings per share to between $4.70 and $4.80 [9]. - Kroger approved a 9% increase in its quarterly dividend, marking the 19th consecutive year of dividend hikes, and is executing a $5 billion accelerated share repurchase program [10]. - Despite its focus on essential products, Kroger faces risks such as price competition and pharmacy reimbursement pressures [11]. Investment Appeal - Both Tractor Supply and Kroger offer essential products and reliable dividends, making them attractive options for investors seeking stability during uncertain times [12]. - Tractor Supply has a dividend yield of 1.6%, while Kroger's yield is 2.1%, providing a steady income stream for shareholders [13].

Core Insights - Kroger is expanding its delivery capabilities by partnering with DoorDash's DashMart Fulfillment Services, which will allow the grocer to reach urban areas where its stores are not present [4][9] - The partnership builds on Kroger's existing relationships with DoorDash and other delivery services, enhancing its e-commerce strategy [8][9] - DashMart, launched five years ago, now operates over 100 locations and provides a fulfillment service for retailers, allowing them to offer quick delivery without significant infrastructure costs [6][7] Group 1 - Kroger is utilizing DashMart facilities for online order fulfillment, indicating a shift towards using stores for picking and packing e-commerce orders [3] - The fulfillment service will enable Kroger to offer groceries and household items through DoorDash, joining other retailers like CVS and Party City [9] - The announcement follows Kroger's expansion of DoorDash delivery to all 2,700 of its stores, highlighting the grocer's reliance on third-party delivery services [9] Group 2 - DoorDash's DashMart provides a "turnkey model" for retailers, allowing them to enhance their digital presence without incurring high costs for new infrastructure or technology [7] - The timeline and specifics of when Kroger will start utilizing DashMart facilities remain unclear, as the partnership is still in its early stages [5] - Kroger's previous collaborations with DoorDash include sushi and floral delivery, and it also has a long-standing relationship with Instacart and Uber for delivery services [8]

Core Insights - GoodRx has launched a brand medication savings solution called RxSmartSave in collaboration with Kroger, available at Kroger pharmacies in 35 states [2][3] - The program aims to reduce friction at the pharmacy counter, helping consumers access savings on medications, including copay cards and unique cash prices for brand medications not typically covered by insurance [3][4] - GoodRx's initiative is designed to enhance the economics for pharmacy partners while improving patient relationships and medication affordability [4][6] Company Strategy - GoodRx is focused on integrating eCommerce with digital prescriptions and expanding its Integrated Savings Program (ISP) to better serve consumers and the healthcare system [6] - The company aims to improve healthcare affordability and accessibility through strategic partnerships and initiatives [6][7] - GoodRx's collaboration with Kroger is part of a broader strategy to support pharmacies in navigating the evolving healthcare landscape [3][4] Consumer Benefits - The RxSmartSave program allows Kroger customers to instantly access savings when picking up medications, addressing the issue of prescription abandonment due to frustration at the pharmacy [3][4] - GoodRx provides a platform that complements insurance by filling coverage gaps, making it easier for consumers to save time and money on medications [7]

Economic Indicators - US MBA mortgage applications fell by -12.7% in the week ended September 26, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -1.0% and the refinancing sub-index down -20.6% [1] - The September ISM manufacturing index rose +0.4 to a 7-month high of 49.1, exceeding expectations of 49.0 [6] - The September ADP employment change unexpectedly fell by -32,000, marking the largest decline in 2.5 years, while August was revised lower to -3,000 from +54,000 [5] Market Reactions - Stocks initially moved lower due to the US government shutdown, but later recovered, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 reaching new all-time highs [2][4] - The dollar index fell to a one-week low, while gold prices climbed to a record high amid risk-off sentiment [2] - Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks, with over 22% of S&P 500 companies providing guidance for Q3 earnings that are expected to beat analysts' expectations [8] Sector Performance - Pharmaceutical stocks rallied, with AstraZeneca closing up more than +9% and Eli Lilly up more than +8%, driven by hopes from Pfizer's deal with the US government [15] - Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks also saw gains, with Super Micro Computer closing up more than +9% and Micron Technology up more than +8% [16] - Grocery retailers declined after Amazon announced a new private-label food brand, leading to Dollar Tree and Dollar General closing down more than -4% and -3% respectively [22] Upcoming Economic Data - Weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to increase by +7,000 to 225,000, and August factory orders are expected to rise by +1.4% month-over-month [9] - September nonfarm payrolls are anticipated to increase by +51,000, with the unemployment rate expected to remain unchanged at 4.3% [9]

Group 1 - DoorDash is expanding its grocery delivery partnership with Kroger, making Kroger the largest grocer available on the DoorDash app [1][2] - The original partnership began in 2022, initially offering limited items such as sushi and flowers from select Kroger stores [2][3] - Starting October 1, DoorDash will provide delivery of Kroger's full grocery assortment from all 2,700 US stores [2][3] Group 2 - DoorDash launched grocery delivery in 2020 with several partners, including Fresh Thyme and Meijer, and previously partnered with Walmart until 2022 [3] - Kroger operates stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia under various brands, including Ralphs, Smith's, and Harris Teeter [3][4] - DoorDash serves as a commerce platform connecting merchants, consumers, and independent contractors both in the US and internationally [4]

Core Insights - Kroger Health and Hy-Vee are co-hosting the second annual Nourishing Change Conference from June 2-4, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, aimed at improving health outcomes nationwide [1][12] - The conference will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and an Emerging Brands competition to support health-focused entrepreneurs [2][3] Company Overview: Kroger Health - Kroger Health operates over 2,200 pharmacies and 220 clinics across 35 and 9 states respectively, serving more than 17 million customers annually [4] - The organization employs 23,000 healthcare practitioners and promotes the concept of "food as medicine" to prevent disease and enhance health [4] Company Overview: Hy-Vee - Hy-Vee operates more than 560 business units across nine Midwestern states, generating over $14 billion in annual sales [5] - The company is recognized for its quality, variety, and customer service, employing over 70,000 individuals [5]

Core Insights - Kroger has expanded its grocery delivery partnership with DoorDash, enabling delivery from 2,700 Kroger locations across the US starting October 1, 2025 [1] - The collaboration will allow DoorDash customers to access Kroger's full range of grocery items, including fresh produce and private-label goods [1][4] - The companies aim to enhance retail media strategies and explore new delivery models leveraging Kroger's store network and DoorDash's technology [2] Company Strategies - Kroger's chief digital officer emphasized the initiative as a step towards simplifying customer shopping experiences and expanding access to high-quality grocery assortments [2] - DoorDash's president highlighted the convenience of on-demand delivery for millions of customers, providing access to Kroger's full assortment at affordable prices [4] - Kroger has established a dedicated e-commerce division to streamline its digital customer interface [4] Market Performance - DoorDash reported that over 25% of its global monthly active users purchased from new categories, including groceries, in Q2 2025 [3] - Kroger's e-commerce sales reached $13 billion in 2024, indicating a strong digital presence [5] - The partnership is expected to drive more traffic and enhance data utilization for retail media business [3]

Core Insights - DoorDash is expanding its partnership with Kroger to include 2,700 new stores, enhancing delivery services for fresh foods, essential items, and Kroger's private label products starting October 1 [2][3] - The collaboration aims to meet consumer demand for on-demand delivery while providing value and savings, as Kroger has been one of the most requested grocers on DoorDash's platform [2] Company Developments - The updated partnership will allow access to Kroger's private label offerings, which have gained popularity due to economic pressures and inflation, leading consumers to seek budget-friendly options [3] - Kroger plans to reintroduce paper coupons to cater to older customers and those less digitally savvy, aiming to simplify promotional offers and make deals accessible to a broader customer segment [4][5] Market Trends - The grocery sector is witnessing a surge in grocery orders through DoorDash, indicating a shift in consumer purchasing behavior towards online grocery shopping [2] - The rise of private-label brands is attributed to major retailers expanding their assortments to include premium and specialty segments, driven by consumer demand for cost-effective alternatives [3]

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #AccessWireless--i-wireless, LLC, owners of Access and Kroger Wireless, has selected Telgoo5 to power next-generation wireless services for its brands. ...