How much would Kevin Mallister's famous grocery list in Home Alone cost today. Well, in 1990, Kevin picked up 10 items for just >> 1983. >> A half gallon of milk and orange juice, a loaf of bread, a microwave, mac and cheese, a TV dinner, toilet paper, dryer sheets, cling film, and laundry detergent, which is now extortionate, and a toy soldier.So the total cost for this today $55.79%. ...

Core Insights - Kroger's stock rose 3.4% following the release of its fourth quarter and full-year 2025 earnings, contrasting with a decline in the S&P 500 and Dow [1] Financial Performance - Full-year earnings per share (EPS) reported at $1.54, a significant drop from $3.67 the previous year, primarily due to a $2.5 billion impairment charge related to the automated fulfillment network; adjusted EPS grew by about 9% when excluding this charge [2] - Identical sales without fuel increased by 2.4% in Q4, consistent with 2024 results, while e-commerce sales grew by 20%, exceeding $16 billion for the year; gross margins improved to over 23% due to reduced supply chain costs and lower shrink [3] Future Guidance - For 2026, Kroger estimates identical sales growth of 1% to 2% and adjusted EPS between $5.10 and $5.30; underlying growth expectations, excluding the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, are closer to 2.3% to 3.3% [4] - The company announced a new $2 billion share repurchase authorization, following a completed $7.5 billion buyback program, indicating management's confidence in cash flow; free cash guidance for 2026 is projected at $2.7 to $2.9 billion [5] Market Position - Kroger's stable performance in the grocery and pharmaceutical sectors, despite limited opportunities for new store openings, positions it favorably in a volatile market, appealing to investors seeking reliability [6]

Core Insights - The rising cost of groceries is driving consumers to seek out discount retailers like Aldi and Walmart, with higher-income shoppers increasingly turning to these stores [2][11] - Aldi has announced plans to open over 180 new stores by the end of the year, aiming for a total of 2,800 stores by the end of 2026 and 3,200 by the end of 2028 [4][6] - Aldi's expansion could significantly impact competitors like Costco, which relies on membership fees and private-label products to attract customers [10][13] Company Strategies - Aldi is focusing on expanding its presence in new markets and enhancing its online shopping experience, which may attract more customers [6][14] - Costco reported a 92.2% membership renewal rate in the U.S. and Canada, but experienced a slight slowdown in renewals, indicating potential challenges ahead [11] - The competition between Aldi and Costco is intensified by Aldi's low-cost model, which does not require an annual membership fee, making it more appealing to budget-conscious consumers [10][13] Market Trends - Inflation has led to significant changes in grocery shopping habits, with 88% of Americans altering their shopping behaviors due to rising prices [16] - American families spent an average of $310 more on groceries in 2025 compared to 2024, marking a 4% year-over-year increase [16] - Grocery prices rose by 2.4% nationally in December 2025 compared to the previous year, with the Western U.S. experiencing a 1.1% increase, the largest monthly rise since 2022 [16]

Core Insights - Amazon is piloting ultra-fast grocery and essential item delivery in Philadelphia and Seattle, aiming for delivery within 30 minutes or less [2][3] - The program utilizes smaller fulfillment centers located near customers to enhance efficiency and safety [3] - Delivery fees are set at $3.99 for Prime members and $13.99 for non-Prime customers, with an additional $1.99 fee for orders under $15 [4] Industry Context - Amazon is focusing on faster delivery options to compete with Walmart, Target, Uber Eats, and Instacart [5] - The retail landscape is shifting as consumers prioritize essential items due to economic pressures, with a significant portion of consumers struggling to pay bills [6][7] - Online grocery sales for Amazon have increased as more customers turn to digital channels for everyday purchases, indicating a shift towards value in recurring essentials [8]

RT Agnieszka de Sousa 🍒 (@AggieDeSousa)The #MAHA plan for kids is a boost for American #milk producers.Check out the latest Business of Food newsletter from @Kristinapet:https://t.co/b6asII1WLX ...