News Briefs
- 5/6/2025
Albertsons expands e-commerce offering for business customers
Albertsons Companies Inc. is making its business e-commerce platform available across more than 2,000 of its stores.
The Idaho-based grocery conglomerate is now making its online business-to-business service available via banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls and Star Market.
The platform offers businesses, K-12 schools, local government and community organizations, and residential programs of all sizes a seamless way to order essential food and break room supplies, as well as cleaning and paper products.
The Albertsons business service also offers same-day delivery, flexible payment options, white-glove service, free business account, no minimum purchase, no online markup and an online tax-exemption. New business customers can save $30 on their first purchase.
“Albertsons Cos. is well-positioned to meet the needs of business customers, so they can spend their time running the business, not errands,” said Stephen Menaquale, senior VP of e-commerce for Albertsons Cos. “We saw an opportunity in the market to reach this important customer base and foster customer growth by leveraging our extensive store network and diverse product selection. E-commerce is a top priority for Albertsons Cos., and the enhancement of our business platform underscores its critical role."
Albertsons is increasing its participation among a crowded roster of consumer-facing retailers that also operate a dedicated platform selling targeted products to businesses, schools and non-profits, including Amazon, Walmart, JCPenney, Staples, and Office Depot.
Other areas where Albertsons is attempting to expand its range of products and services include digital health, where it provides the Sincerely Health digital health and wellness platform.
[READ MORE: Albertsons takes on Amazon, Walmart with digital health offering]
(Photo courtesy of Albertsons)
- 5/6/2025
Woof Gang opens first Wisconsin location
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has expanded into a new Midwestern state.
The specialty retailer of exclusive gourmet treats, food and supplies for pets along with professional dog grooming services has opened its first store in Wisconsin in the city of Brookfield, a suburb of Milwaukee.
At the debut Wisconsin store, guests can find professional, salon-style pet grooming delivered by trained, passionate groomers, a curated selection of all-natural, exclusive Woof Gang treats, and a “warm, neighborhood environment” focused on pet wellness.
The milestone marks the brand’s official entry into its 27th state, with plans for over 70 new store openings this year. Woof Gang is aiming to expand its footprint in Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
“Entering Wisconsin is an exciting milestone for us,” said Ricardo Azevedo, CEO of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. “Following an incredible year of growth in 2024, we are continuing that momentum in 2025 by bringing Woof Gang to even more pet-loving communities. Brookfield is a perfect match for our brand – a vibrant neighborhood where we can deliver our signature grooming experience, premium treats and heartfelt service.”
Last year, Woof Gang opened over 50 new stores, quadrupling its historical annual average and entering 10 new states and Canada.
[READ MORE: Woof Gang to open its first stores in California]
Founded in 2007, the company currently has more than 450 locations open or under development.
- 5/6/2025
Home Depot Foundation raises disaster relief funding by $5.5M
The Home Depot Inc. continues increasing its monetsry support of nonprofit organizations dedicated to natural disasters.
In honor of National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 4-10), the home improvement giant’s Home Depot Foundation has committed to invest more than $5.5 million to non-profits that assist with preparation for, response to, and recovery from natural disasters.
This funding from Home Depot comes in addition to the $3 million the retailer committed in January 2025 for wildfire response in Southern California and brings the foundation's support to $8.5 million so far for the 2025 disaster season.
[READ MORE: Home Depot increases SoCal wildfire aid]
"In 2024, our country experienced more than 27 natural disasters that incurred at least $1 billion each in losses," said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. "It's important that we not only work with our partners to provide relief in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but also to help these communities prepare before a storm hits by making them more disaster-resistant."
Funding will go toward non-profit agencies assisting with disaster preparation, response and recovery across the U.S, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands, including Mercy Corps, Operation Blessing, Rebuilding Together New Orleans, Team Rubicon, American Red Cross, Convoy of Hope, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, World Central Kitchen and Habitat for Humanity International.
As a result, The Home Depot Foundation will help support efforts including including pre-positioning supplies, purchasing bulk food and delivering shelter, as well as financial and emotional support for families impacted by natural disasters.
- 5/6/2025
Gopuff launches GoXL bulk shopping assortment
Gopuff has announced that it is “going big.”
The Philadelphia-based consumer delivery service has launched GoXL, a new bulk assortment offering that aims to make it easier and more affordable for customers to stock up and save on groceries. GoXL offers more than 300 bulk-sized essentials and multipacks with low per-unit pricing available for delivery in as fast as 15 minutes.
"Now more than ever, customers are seeking ways to stretch their dollar further," said Carly Bickerstaff, VP of merchandising at Gopuff. "So, we're leveraging Gopuff's unique model to quickly deliver on our customers' needs by launching a bulk assortment and cutting prices to deliver even greater value when it's needed most."
Customers can now take advantage of great value on all their groceries with GoXL. For example, Basically Large Roll Soft Toilet Paper is priced at $11.99 for a 12-pack, compared to $5.39 for a 4-pack for a 27% savings per roll. Smucker’s Uncrustables PB & Grape sandwiches drop from $1.99 each to just $0.99 each when purchased in a 10-count pack for 50% per-unit savings. Other GoXL deals include Chobani Nonfat Greek Yogurt (12% savings when buying a 4-pack), Nissin Cup Noodles Chicken Flavor (11% savings on a 12-pack), and Barbells Protein Bars (16% savings).
[READ MORE: Gopuff makes brand partner ads shoppable]
For a limited time, customers can get 5% GoCash back on their GoXL purchases. GoCash will be loaded to customers’ accounts after their purchase and can be used like a gift card.
GoXL is the second innovation Gopuff has launched this year. In February, the company debuted a group ordering feature to streamline the process of ordering items for multiple customers in a single delivery.
Founded in 2013, Gopuff serves hundreds of cities across the U.S. and U.K.
- 5/6/2025
Family Dollar, Uber Eats launch delivery partnership
A new discount retailer has joined the Uber Eats platform.
More than 5,000 Family Dollar locations are now live on Uber Eats across the United States. Customers can shop for a wide variety of everyday items, including cleaning supplies, pantry staples, beauty products, baby care items and more, delivered directly to their door, on-demand or scheduled.
“By partnering with Uber Eats, it’s now even easier to access essentials from the comfort of home,” said Bonita Price, chief merchandising officer for Family Dollar. “Expanded access at an incredible value goes a long way in helping our customers save time and do more, especially in underserved communities.”
Uber says the new partnership marks a milestone for the company’s mission to make everyday essentials “more accessible and affordable.” To mark the launch, Uber Eats is offering 40% off of orders $30 or more (up to $25) from Family Dollar with promo code FAMILY40. Uber One members can enjoy further exclusive benefits, including $0 delivery fees on eligible orders.
“As millions of people look to stretch their wallets without sacrificing convenience, we’re proud to welcome Family Dollar to the Uber Eats platform,” said Hashim Amin, Uber’s head of grocery and retail in North America. “This partnership expands affordable access to everyday items while giving people even more ways to shop smart, save time, and stay on budget.”
Family Dollar's addition to Uber Eats comes weeks after Dollar Tree announced it would be selling Family Dollar to Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management for $1 billion.
[READ MORE: Dollar Tree selling Family Dollar for $1 billion to private-equity investors]
- 5/5/2025
Alo Yoga to open at upcoming Hudson's Detroit development
A major upcoming mixed-use development in downtown Detroit has secured its first official retail tenant.
Alo Yoga is the first retailer to sign on to the Hudson’s Detroit project, a two-building $1.4 billion development from real estate firm Bedrock. According to the Detroit Free Press, the store will be located in the 12-story "office block" building, which will become home to the new General Motors headquarters later this year.
The other Hudson's building, a 49-story skyscraper, is set to feature condos and a luxury hotel when it opens in 2027. Hudson’s Detroit broke ground in 2017 at the former site of the historic J.L. Hudson department store, which was demolished in 1998.
Alo, known for its high-end athletic and athleisurewear and accessories, is expected to open its downtown location this summer. Its only other Michigan location is at Somerset Collection Mall in Troy.
[READ MORE: Alo Yoga takes ‘sanctuary’ at Mall of America]
"Detroit is brimming with purpose and Alo's dedication to wellness and community complements the city's vibrancy and growth,” said Naumann Idrees, Bedrock’s senior VP of leasing in a statement on LinkedIn. “As the inaugural retail tenant at Hudson's Detroit, we welcome Alo and embrace this as a significant moment for the city."
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Beverly Hills, Calif., Alo currently operates 71 locations worldwide.
(Image credit: Bedrock Detroit)