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Miami Herald
9 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Major grocery chain confirms closure of five locations
While running a grocery business was never easy, lately it seems even harder. We all need groceries every day, but unfortunately, not everyone can afford them. Over the last few years, grocery chains have been hit hard, starting with the Covid pandemic, which hugely impacted supply chains and overall purchases. Brick-and-mortar stores are also battling vast e-commerce competition. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter In addition, businesses are dealing with higher labor and operational expenses, rising food prices, inflation, and tariff challenges that directly impact consumers' wallets and direct their preferences. Managing volatile customers' appetite is more than challenging. Consumer preferences are often changing, even without the threat of rising prices due to tariffs. In 2024, the highest number of grocery stores closed since 2020. Cresight Research CEO Deborah Weinswig says consumers not only want the best price, but also have less patience for disorganized stores with out-of-stock items and poor customer service, writes Business Wire. Cresight Research projects there will be approximately 15,000 retail store closures this year, versus anticipated 6,000 openings. We've already seen plenty of closures in the first half of the year. So who is surviving? According to University of Pennsylvania Marketing Professor Barbara Kahn, there is no single reason for the closures, since grocery is a business with slim profit margins. However, she says it doesn't necessarily mean the current situation will result in only small independent grocers closing. Related: US government wants to make healthier eggs illegal On the contrary, she says smaller stores that actually listen to their customers might end up as winners, writes Patch. Huge grocery chains often close several underperforming stores but also open new ones in better locations. When a large chain closes a few stores, it doesn't necessarily mean the company is struggling; it signals that it is adjusting operations to maximize profits. Walmart, Amazon Fresh, Piggly Wiggly, Safeway, Dollar General, Shaw's, Winn-Dixie, and others are among the large grocery chains that closed some locations this year. In April, Walmart confirmed the permanent closure of at least five stores in California, two locations in Georgia, and stores in Maryland, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Colorado. At the same time, the giant retailer announced plans to open 159 locations over the next few years. More Retail: Amazon partners humiliate customers over adult diaper deliveriesDanone recalls YoCrunch because it might kill youTrader Joe's brings back beloved candy after recall, scandal Earlier this year, Amazon closed a Whole Foods Market store in Seattle's Capitol Hill area seven years after opening it. It also closed an Amazon Fresh grocery store in Federal Way, Wash., less than three years after it opened. Last month, one of the largest supermarket chains in the country, Kroger, announced plans to close 60 stores over the next 18 months. Here are the latest locations under the Kroger umbrella to close. In 2014, Kroger (KR) acquired a popular Southern supermarket chain, Harris Teeter, in a $2.5 billion deal. The acquisition helped Harris Teeter keep many locations that would likely have been closed during or right after the pandemic. Related: Walmart announces generous offers rivaling Target As of January 2025, Harris Teeter had 262 stores across seven states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Washington, Delaware, and Maryland. According to Blanquivioletas, This summer, Harris Teeter confirmed the closure of five locations across three states: Maryland 11845 Old Georgetown Rd., Rockville, Maryland – closed by July 20 North Carolina 5563 Western Blvd., Raleigh, North Carolina – closed by July 20 Virginia 8200 Crestwood Heights Dr., McLean, Virginia – closed by July 20950 S. George Mason Dr., Arlington, Virginia – closed by July 203600 S. Glebe Rd., Suite W100, Arlington, Virginia – closing by Aug. 4 At the end of June, Harris Teeter announced a 25% to 50% discount on a wide range of products such as frozen goods, cosmetics, hair care items and more across the stores set to close. This suggests the store at 3600 S. Glebe Rd W100 in Arlington is still offering discounts. The company noted it doesn't plan any layoffs, meaning employees will have a chance to relocate to other stores. Harris Teeter stated that the above locations were carefully selected for closure as part of a strategic market review. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Amazon suffers major Prime Day labor problem
Amazon (AMZN) just wrapped its annual Prime Day event, and according to the retailer, it was its biggest Prime Day ever. Amazon opted for a longer Prime Day than usual this year, making it four days long, which probably helped Amazon quite a bit with what it calls "record sales" - although it did not disclose the exact amount it made. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Amazon also emphasized that its independent sellers broke sales records, which is likely highlighted in hopes of combating negative press collected earlier this year about the impact of tariffs on small businesses that operate on Amazon. It quoted the small beauty brand Olivia Garden, who told Amazon, "Prime Day 2025 was our most successful Amazon shopping event since launching our store in 2019," per co-owner Anne Maza of the small business Olivia Garden. Related: Amazon faces troubling allegations from angry customers So perhaps Amazon has proved that its sheer retail power can overcome even the fear of tariffs. Give people enough great deals, offer them for longer than usual, and they'll still come. That said, Amazon did struggle with one problem during Prime Day that may point to a flaw in the company's operational prowess. Amazon wanted this Prime Day to be huge, and clearly was aware that the demand from customers could potentially outweigh its ability to handle it. So Amazon sent a Slack message to thousands of Amazon employees working in the New York area to ask them to volunteer to help with Prime Day, per reporting from The Guardian. More Retail: Huge retail chain suddenly closing hundreds of storesMajor retailer scores huge benefit from Joann bankruptcyHome Depot, Target, Ulta and more strike back at retail crime The ask said the company needed corporate volunteers to work two-hour shifts between 10 am and 6 pm on Tuesday through Friday in Brooklyn, where an Amazon warehouse provides grocery delivery services. The message also stated that volunteers would help to pick items, prepare carts, pack boxes, and prepare bags of groceries, and promised to "boost morale with distribution of snacks." Related: Amazon CEO makes a seemingly impossible promise However, employees were also told they could step into conference rooms as needed to take meetings and calls, as they were still expected to maintain their regular job duties. This is not the first time Amazon has done this, according to a statement from Amazon spokesperson Griffin Buch. "This support is entirely optional, and it allows corporate employees to get closer to customers while enabling our store teams to focus on the work that's most impactful," Buch said. While Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has said he's bullish about Amazon's grocery business, the company has certainly had a challenge finding its footing in the space, as Amazon Fresh has had its share of struggles in the past. In 2023, Amazon suspended the opening of new Amazon Fresh stores, closed several locations in London, and laid off employees. The company also further brought Whole Foods executives into the fold. Ex-Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel moved to Amazon in 2022 to head up its grocery division, while 30-year Whole Foods veteran Karen Christensen now leads North America Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go. For Prime Day 2025, Amazon prepared several deals to entice customers to use Fresh, including a free 90-day trial for new customers and $30 off deliveries for current members. However, some critics complain that Amazon Fresh has an identity issue that discounts won't solve. "Amazon became successful being an innovator offering better buying options for buying goods. It looks like Fresh was started as a follower in a low-margin, highly competitive industry where they have no advantage on buying the branded items they sell," writes Sax Maritime president Joseph Sabbage in a story for Supermarket News. "The consolidation of Amazon's retail locations will only show improved returns if changes are made, especially at Fresh," Sabbage continued. "If they continue to open and operate Amazon Fresh stores without major changes they will continue to lose money." Related: An unpleasant change is coming to Amazon Prime The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Amazon asks corporate workers to ‘volunteer' help with grocery deliveries as Prime Day frenzy approaches
Corporate employees of Amazon were asked on Monday to volunteer their time to the company's warehouses to assist with grocery delivery as it heads into its annual discount spree known as Prime Day. In a Slack message reviewed by the Guardian that went to thousands of white-collar workers in the New York City area from engineers to marketers, an Amazon area manager called for corporate 'volunteers to help us out with Prime Day to deliver to customers on our biggest days yet'. It is not clear how many took up the offer. The ask came the day before Prime Day kicks off. The manager said volunteers are 'needed' to work Tuesday through Friday this week, in two-hour shifts between 10am and 6pm in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, where the company operates a warehouse as part of its grocery delivery service, Amazon Fresh. Corporate employees seconded to the warehouse would be tasked with picking items, preparing carts and bags of groceries for delivery, packing boxes on receiving carts, and working to 'boost morale with distribution of snacks', though they would be allowed to step into a conference room to take meetings and calls, according to the message. The manager noted such an effort would help 'connect' warehouse and corporate teams. Amazon routinely hires thousands of extra warehouse workers in advance of its annual Prime Day sale, which sees the massive online retailer discount thousands of goods, creating a surge in orders and demand for delivery. Amazon Fresh, available to Prime subscribers but separate from Amazon subsidiary Whole Foods, is also offering discounts this week during Prime Day, such as a free 90-day trial of the delivery services and $30 off of deliveries for current members, while maintaining its same-day or next-day delivery service. New York is one of Amazon's busiest areas in the US. An Amazon spokesperson, Griffin Buch, said this is not the first time 'grocery corporate' employees have been 'invited to volunteer' with fulfillment. 'This support is entirely optional, and it allows corporate employees to get closer to customers while enabling our store teams to focus on the work that's most impactful,' Buch said. Amazon Fresh has faced turbulence in recent years. Amid cost-cutting efforts in 2023 and a struggle to turn a profit on grocery delivery, CEO Andy Jassy closed several physical Amazon Fresh locations and laid off hundreds of employees in the segment. Amazon has laid off more than 27,000 employees overall since cost-cutting efforts began in 2022. A week ago, Jassy spoke on CNBC of a future at Amazon where drones and even robots were used to fulfill and deliver goods to people. 'Over time, as we expand the use of robotics in our fulfillment centers, we will have robots doing fulfillment and transportation for us,' he said.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Friday Checkout: Amazon's in need of Prime Day grocery volunteers
This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter. The Friday Checkout is a weekly column providing more insight on the news, rounding up the announcements you may have missed and sharing what's to come. Amazon reportedly asked its corporate New York City-area workers to take on grocery-focused tasks during Prime Day. The catch: They're requested in the warehouses to serve as 'volunteers.' The Guardian reported Monday that thousands of Amazon office employees in the metropolitan area received a Slack message that said the company was in need of 'volunteers to help us out with Prime Day to deliver to customers on our biggest days yet.' Sent out on Prime Day Eve, the message from a manager said the company 'needed' employees to work in two-hour shifts in a warehouse in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood from Tuesday to Friday — the same period as Prime Day — The Guardian reported. The report added that Amazon operates a warehouse tied to its Amazon Fresh grocery delivery service. The workers would be tasked with picking items, preparing bags of groceries for delivery, packing boxes on receiving carts and working to 'boost morale with distribution of snacks,' The Guardian reported, citing the Slack message. But never fear! The workers are permitted to step into a conference room to take meetings and calls, The Guardian reported. An Amazon spokesperson told The Guardian that this isn't the first time 'grocery corporate' employees have been 'invited to volunteer' in fulfillment operations, underscoring that participation is optional. It appears Amazon did not consider the chaotic nature of Prime Day when reconfiguring its grocery executive team. Kroger revises its digital-only coupons After facing backlash from a consumer advocacy group, the grocer has been working in recent years to make it easier for in-store shoppers to access deals that were once only available online. Kroger's latest effort includes adding printed 'Weekly Digital Deals' flyers at store entrances or customer service desks at some of its stores, KOMO News reported earlier this week. 'We're focused on … making prices easier to get. So rather than a customer having to get out their phone to [clip a] digital coupon in-store, we're trying to make the customer experience in-store much easier for them to access [Kroger's] good prices,' CFO David Kennerly told investors in June. Gelson's turns up the dial on tech The Southern California grocery chain is adopting Upshop's total store platform across all of its locations, according to a Monday press release. Gelson's Market is aiming for the technology to marry its forecasting, total store ordering, production planning and real-time inventory processes with local demand dynamics. The retailer will first focus on reducing food waste and optimizing its fresh food production with the goals of enhancing quality, minimizing shrink and streamlining back-of-house production. What's summer without watermelon? Earlier this week, the Independent Grocers Alliance announced a partnership with the National Watermelon Promotion Board to launch a shopper marketing and retailer education campaign to improve watermelon awareness during the second half of 2025. The multimedia campaign will leverage IGA's retail media network, digital circulars and in-store promotions to feature watermelon as 'a healthy, fun, and versatile option for summer and holiday meals,' the announcement noted. An unconventional stock-up trip One diehard fan of H-E-B's tortillas was flying with precious cargo in their carry-on: 200 H-E-B tortillas. 'All these people and no one knows I have 200 H-E-B tortillas in my backpack,' TikTok user @annathecolossaltitan shared while standing in the boarding line for aflight. The video quickly went viral, racking up more than 79,000 likes and garnering more than 12,000 shares. It even caught the attention of H-E-B, which commented, 'Gotta keep those in the carry on. Don't want to chance them getting 'misplaced.'' In case anyone reading this is interested in trying this, the Transportation Security Administration's website lists bread as carry-on approved. Recommended Reading Amazon restructures grocery leadership as it further integrates Whole Foods Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Best Amazon Prime Day home and kitchen deals
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Save up to 50 per cent and collect an exclusive promo code This Amazon Prime Day Singapore, some of the most worthwhile savings are happening in the home and kitchen aisle. With up to 50 per cent off appliances and tools, this year's offers include standout picks from trusted brands like Dyson, Philips, Ninja and more, all available from now until Jul 14. Look out for vacuum deals that take the effort out of cleaning, air fryer deals for healthier meals with less oil, and time-saving pressure cookers and multicookers. From compact gadgets to high-performance appliances, these Amazon Prime Day home deals offer real value on items that make everyday life easier. Collect your exclusive Amazon Prime Day promo codes *New codes* Get extra $10 off with $50 minimum spend on Limited codes available. Collect promo code Amazon Fresh: Get $20 off when you spend $60 on your first order. Valid from Jul 8-14, 2025. Limited codes available. Collect promo code Here are some highlighted Prime Day deals in the sale: Up to 40 per cent off Philips Up to 40 per cent off Tefal, SharkNinja, KitchenAid and WMF Up to 40 per cent off SMEG Up to 30 per cent off Dyson Up to 25 per cent off Delonghi Keep scrolling for the best Amazon Prime Day home deals actually worth adding to cart. Amazon Prime Day sale: Top editor's picks Best Amazon Prime Day vacuum deals Shark Hydrovac Wet and Dry Cordless Vacuum, $299.99 Original price: $649 (54 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON The Shark Hydrovac WD210 streamlines your cleaning routine with its 3-in-1 design that vacuums, mops and self-cleans simultaneously. Suitable for multiple surfaces, it features an antimicrobial brushroll, LED headlights and up to 30 minutes of cordless runtime. Shop Now Dyson V12 Origin Vacuum Cleaner, $529 Original price: $749 (29 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON The Dyson V12 Origin offers the brand's signature power in a sleek, lightweight cordless design. It delivers up to 60 minutes of consistent cleaning performance, with a tangle-free brush bar that picks up dust, hair and debris easily. Shop Now EuropAce Super Cyclone Vacuum, $101.19 Original price: $209 (52 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON With its robust 2,000W motor and cyclone separation system, the EuropAce EVC 3201W doesn't just pick up dust — it keeps it from swirling back into your space. A built-in HEPA filter traps allergens, while its thoughtfully designed dust bucket makes post-clean clean-up refreshingly fuss-free. Shop Now Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni Roboto Vacuum and Mop, $1,359 Original price: $1,599 (15 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON This high-performance robot vacuum and mop lifts fine dust, hair and stains with 18,000Pa suction and a self-washing roller mop. It maps rooms with precision, scrubs floors with hot water and dries itself. Truly a low-maintenance clean. Shop Now Roborock QR 798 Robot Vacuum, $559 Original price: $1,099 (49 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON This advanced robot vacuum combines deep cleaning with automatic mop washing, drying and dust emptying. Its smart dock even refills the water tank mid-clean, while a detachable base makes maintenance fuss-free. Great for larger homes seeking clean floors with minimal effort. Shop Now More on this topic 10 best robot vacuums for easy cleaning at home Best Amazon Prime Day air fryer deals Ninja Double Stack XL Air Fryer, $279 Original price: $349 (20 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON Designed for compact kitchens and big appetites, this 9.5-litre air fryer features vertically stacked drawers that save space while cooking for up to eight. With dual heat zones, four-layer cooking and automatic settings across both drawers, it delivers fast, even results without crowding your countertop. Shop Now Philips 9000 Series Air Fryer XXL, $189.99 Original price: $399 (52 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON This smart air fryer turns weeknight cooking into a one-tap affair. Rapid Air tech swirls hot air for crispy results with up to 90 per cent less fat, and the 7.2 litre basket suits family sized portions. Shop Now Philips 1000 Series NA120/09 Air Fryer, $69.99 Original price: $119 (41 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON This compact 4.2L Philips air fryer cooks fries, nuggets and vegetables evenly with minimal effort. Easy to clean and sized for smaller kitchens, it's a practical pick for two to four servings. Shop Now More on this topic Best air fryers to buy: Top picks for budgets, families and small kitchens Best Amazon Prime Day pressure cooker and multicooker deals Panasonic 4L Pressure Cooker NF-PC400KSH, $159 Original price: $199 (20 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON From weekday soups to weekend family meals, this pressure cooker makes home cooking easier. With 12 auto menus, adjustable pressure settings and a roomy 4-litre capacity, it handles everything, from rice to rendang, all in one pot, with less mess and more flavour. Shop Now Tefal Home Chef Smart Electric Pressure Cooker, $95.99 Original price: $139 (31 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON With 15 pre-set programmes and functions like sous-vide, abalone, and sauce thickening, this electric pressure cooker makes everyday meals more effortless. The generous 6-litre capacity suits family cooking, while easy-to-clean parts and a one-touch pressure release keep things safe and fuss-free in the kitchen. Shop Now Ninja Foodi 11 in 1 SmartLid Multicooker, $429 Original price: $608 (29 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON With 11 functions in one pot, this multi-cooker handles everything from air-fried spring rolls to slow-cooked stews and even homemade yogurt. Reviewers say it's surprisingly intuitive, despite the range of features, and the SmartLid makes switching modes simple. Clean-up is easy, and you'll likely need fewer pots - or appliances - than before. Shop Now Best Amazon Prime Day knife set deals Wusthof Classic Cook's Knife Set, $144.72 Original price: $199.12 (27 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON A trusted choice among chefs, this German-made set includes an 8-inch cook's knife and a 3.5-inch paring knife, forged from high-carbon stainless steel for lasting sharpness. The full-tang handles are sturdy, balanced and built to withstand daily prep without fading or cracking. Shop Now Joseph Joseph Elevate Carousel Knife Set, $79.15 Original price: $175 (55 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON This compact, rotating set includes a paring, serrated, Santoku, chef's and bread knife, all made from Japanese stainless steel. Weighted handles with built-in rests keep blades off the counter, while magnetised slots and a non-slip base make the carousel as functional as it is tidy. Shop Now Zwilling J.A. Henckels Unity Daily Self-Sharpening Knife Set, $66.57 Original price: $105 (37 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON With just two essential knives, a 13cm petty and 18cm Santoku, this compact set covers most daily prep. The self-sharpening block keeps blades honed with every use, while the seamless stainless steel design is dishwasher-safe, hygienic, and easy to handle in any kitchen. Shop Now Best Amazon Prime Day cookbook deals Agak Agak: Everyday Recipes From Singapore, $26.01 Original price: $33.84 (23 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON This isn't just a cookbook — it's how a lot of us actually cook. Lee Shu Han brings together recipes that feel familiar yet fresh, from kaya toast and nasi goreng to ox cheek rendang and chilli crab spaghetti. There's heart and humour in the way she writes, and plenty of room for you to tweak things 'agak agak', just like mum does. Shop Now Umma: A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes, $32.50 Original price: $73.50 (56 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON Part heartfelt memoir, part practical cookbook, this mother-daughter collaboration offers over 100 Korean recipes rooted in family tradition. Sarah Ahn teams up with her umma, Nam Soon, to share everyday dishes, fermentation know-how, and cooking tips passed down through generations. Shop Now Cook This Book: Recipes and Techniques That Actually Teach, $24.47 Original price: $54.50 (55 per cent off) Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON If you were hooked on Bon Appétit's YouTube channel during its heyday, you'll know Molly Baz. In her cookbook, she teaches home cooks how to really cook, not just follow a recipe. Expect unfussy techniques, bold flavours (see: chorizo chickpea carbonara), and QR-linked videos that walk you through trickier steps. Shop Now All prices are accurate at the time of publication.
