Private-label retail sales in the United States reached a record $282.8 billion across all outlets in 2025, an increase of more than $9 billion from 2024, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association, citing recently released Circana Unify+ data.“Private-label growth reflects a shift in consumer priorities, as retailer-owned brands increasingly compete—and win—on value, quality, health and sustainability, not just price," said Peggy Davies, president of PLMA.Store-brand sales increased nearly th ...

A year ago, I would have said making further updates was the only way forward for Amazon Fresh. But after a very interesting year of digital innovation for Amazon in 2025, I think option two is becoming a more viable way forward.What should Amazon do with its Amazon Fresh grocery chain? It either needs to make deeper adjustments and scale the brand, or it needs to cut bait to put its resources elsewhere. It can’t continue to run a middling operation with just a few dozen locations.Whole Foods has grown unde ...

Core Viewpoint - Rosen Law Firm is reminding investors who purchased securities or sold put options of Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. during the specified Class Period of the upcoming lead plaintiff deadline for a class action lawsuit [1][2]. Group 1: Class Action Details - Investors who purchased Sprouts securities or sold put options between June 4, 2025, and October 29, 2025, may be eligible for compensation without any out-of-pocket fees through a contingency fee arrangement [2]. - A class action lawsuit has already been filed, and interested parties must move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff by January 26, 2026 [3]. Group 2: Law Firm Credentials - Rosen Law Firm emphasizes the importance of selecting qualified counsel with a successful track record in securities class actions, highlighting its own achievements, including the largest securities class action settlement against a Chinese company and being ranked No. 1 for securities class action settlements in 2017 [4]. - The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors, securing over $438 million in 2019 alone [4]. Group 3: Case Background - The lawsuit alleges that defendants provided misleading information regarding Sprouts' growth potential for fiscal year 2025, claiming resilience in customer base despite macroeconomic pressures while concealing adverse facts that indicated a potential slowdown in sales growth [5]. - The misleading statements led to investor damages when the true state of Sprouts' growth potential was revealed [5].

Core Insights - Amazon has launched its first Amazon Now site in the U.K., providing quick delivery services for groceries and everyday essentials [1][3] - The service allows for deliveries in as fast as 30 minutes in the Southwark area of London, following similar tests in Seattle and Philadelphia [3][4] Group 1: Quick Commerce Expansion - The initiative began in May 2025, originating from discussions in Bangalore about learning from markets like India and the UAE to bring quick commerce to Europe [3] - Amazon's operations lead for EU quick commerce highlighted the successful launch of the service for London customers [2][3] Group 2: Operational Strategy - Amazon is utilizing smaller, specialized facilities for efficient order fulfillment, strategically located near customer residences and workplaces [4] - This strategy aims to enhance employee safety, reduce delivery distances, and enable faster delivery times [4] Group 3: Retail Strategy and Competition - Amazon announced a new 229,000-square-foot megastore in Chicago, merging elements of a supermarket, big-box retailer, and showroom [6][7] - The size of the store indicates Amazon's view of physical retail as a critical component of its ecosystem rather than just a complement to eCommerce [7] - Physical stores provide advantages such as immediacy, sensory engagement, and serve as fulfillment hubs, returns centers, and data collection points [8]

Core Insights - The Raley's Companies is closing two grocery stores in California due to expiring leases and performance reviews, impacting approximately 95 employees [4][5][6] Company Overview - Raley's was established in 1935 and has expanded to operate over 235 locations across seven states and four Tribal Nations, employing more than 20,000 people [2] - The company operates under multiple banners, including Raley's, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, and others [3] Store Closures - The Raley's store in Roseville, California, will close on January 27, 2026, after 34 years of service, affecting around 45 employees [4] - The Nob Hill Foods store in Mountain View, California, will also close, impacting approximately 50 employees [5] Community Impact - The company reassures the Roseville community that it will continue to operate several nearby locations and encourages customers to shop at those stores [7] - Raley's expresses gratitude to its loyal customers and emphasizes its commitment to the community despite the closures [8]

Company Overview - Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. is a leading U.S. grocery retailer specializing in fresh, natural, and organic foods, targeting health-conscious consumers seeking natural, organic, and specialty grocery products [9][10] - The company operates a network of stores across the United States, generating revenue primarily from in-store grocery sales, with a focus on perishables and a differentiated product assortment [9][10] Financial Performance - For the trailing twelve months, Sprouts Farmers Market reported revenue of $8.65 billion and net income of $513.45 million, with a five-year revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% [5][7] - As of January 15, 2026, shares of Sprouts Farmers Market were priced at $81.51, reflecting a 62.6% increase over the prior year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 by 45.9 percentage points [7] Investment Activity - PENN DAVIS MCFARLAND INC disclosed an increase in its position in Sprouts Farmers Market by purchasing 51,516 shares during the fourth quarter of 2025, with an estimated value of $4.62 million [2][3] - The quarter-end value of PENN DAVIS MCFARLAND INC's position in Sprouts Farmers Market decreased by $915,227 to $17.83 million, accounting for 1.71% of the fund's assets under management (AUM) [3][6][7] - The position was previously 1.9% of the fund's AUM as of the prior quarter, indicating a slight reduction in its relative size [7]

Executive Changes - Walmart announced significant executive changes, promoting David Guggina to president and CEO of Walmart U.S. and Latriece Watkins to president and CEO of Sam's Club U.S. [1] - Seth Dallaire was appointed as executive VP and chief growth officer for Walmart Inc. after serving in the same role at Walmart U.S. [1] Leadership Transition - Kathryn McLay, president and CEO of Walmart International, will step down at the end of the month, with Chris Nicholas succeeding her [2][5] - John Furner, the incoming president and CEO of Walmart, emphasized that these promotions reflect the company's culture of opportunity and strong leadership [2] Focus on Innovation - The leadership changes are partly driven by the rapid impact of artificial intelligence on retail, prompting Walmart to centralize its platforms for enhanced capabilities [3] - The new leadership team includes individuals with backgrounds from outside traditional retail, aiming to foster innovation while maintaining operational excellence [4] Executive Backgrounds - Guggina's experience in ecommerce and supply chain operations positions him well to drive Walmart's growth strategy [8][9] - Watkins has a long history with Walmart, having started as an intern in 1997 and held various leadership roles [9] - Nicholas previously served as COO of Walmart U.S. and has extensive financial experience within the company [10] Strategic Goals - Dallaire's new role will encompass global enterprise platforms, including Walmart Connect, Walmart+, and the global Marketplace platform, indicating a strategic focus on expanding revenue streams [10]

Core Insights - Uber Technologies, Inc. and The Kroger Co. have launched nearly 2,700 Kroger Family of Companies stores on Uber Eats, Uber, and Postmates, allowing customers nationwide to shop for groceries and household essentials with on-demand delivery [1][3] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration aims to enhance access, choice, and value for millions of households, expanding beyond existing offerings like floral and sushi shops to include full store assortments from various Kroger banners [3] - Customers can schedule deliveries at their convenience, reflecting the evolving needs of consumers [5] Group 2: Promotional Offers - To celebrate the launch, Uber is providing discounts of up to 50% off the first order from selected Kroger banners, with additional benefits for Uber One members, including $0 Delivery Fee on eligible orders [4][8] Group 3: Company Backgrounds - The Kroger Co. serves over 11 million customers daily through a variety of retail food stores and eCommerce platforms, employing more than 400,000 associates [6] - Uber, since its inception in 2010, has facilitated over 68 billion trips and continues to innovate in the movement of people and goods [7]

Core Viewpoint - The Kroger Co. is recognized as one of the best food stocks to buy in 2026, with varying price targets and ratings from different financial institutions [1][2][3]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Deutsche Bank has resumed coverage of Kroger with a price target of $75 and a Buy rating, citing a mixed outlook for 2026 influenced by food disinflation and consumer focus on value [2]. - Barclays has reduced its price target for Kroger from $75 to $68 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating, indicating expectations for improvement in the food retail industry by 2026 [3]. Group 2: Market Conditions and Expectations - The outlook for Kroger is shaped by factors such as reduced government handouts and a focus on value among consumers, with potential tailwinds from significant stimulus expected in the first half of 2026 [2]. - The anticipated growth in discretionary product markets and expected consumer tax savings and interest rate reductions could provide a slight boost to Kroger's performance [3].

BELVIDERE, NJ, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edible Garden AG Incorporated (“Edible Garden” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EDBL, EDBLW), a leading provider of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) solutions and sustainable, locally grown organic produce, today announced that Woodman’s Markets is now carrying Pickle Party™, the Company’s line of fresh, fermented, Kosher, and Non-GMO pickles and krauts. The launch further expands Edible Garden’s presence in the Midwest and provides increased consumer acces ...