Retail Daily

Two members of Congress have introduced a bipartisan bill that creates a federal framework for the regulation of CBD. The number of U.S. convenience stores slightly decreased for the second year in a row. And AI agents are expected to dominate the grocery retail network by 2030.  ⁠Click here to learn more about our CRU event!

A lawsuit against Whole Foods over a tobacco surcharge levied against some employees can proceed, ShopRite is reportedly buying three stores from co-op members, and Alltown Fresh has launched its Love Your Breakfast (and Your Heart)! campaign. ⁠Click here to learn more about our CRU event!

Lidl US parts ways with its fifth CEO in less than a decade. Supermarkets are swamped ahead of a massive storm expected this weekend. And Buc-ee’s plans to make its Nebraska debut. ⁠Click here to learn more about our CRU event!

Smithfield Foods is buying hot dog brand Nathan’s Famous for about $450 million. Maryland lawmakers introduce legislation aimed at preventing dynamic, surveillance-based grocery pricing. And consumers are less concerned about rising grocery prices than they were a year ago, one survey says.  ⁠Click here to learn more about our CRU event!

Private-label sales set a record in 2025. Sunoco has acquired 36 convenience stores from Pops Mart Fuel. And Meijer will offer customers online medical visits without health insurance.  

Wawa is closing its first and only digital convenience store. Food Lion is expanding its presence in the Carolinas. And Walmart on Friday unveiled a raft of executive changes.

Kroger continues to expand its partnerships with third-party delivery companies. Kwik Trip has two new candy bars. And subscription service company ButcherBox makes its retail debut at Target.

The Credit Card Competition Act is reintroduced. U.S. fresh produce sales are expected to grow modestly through 2026. And Casey’s General Stores is expanding its goodstop sub-brand in Iowa.

Grocery prices have increased the most in over three years, a new bill could extend the deadline on the looming hemp-THC product ban, and Sam’s Club reaches its 100% Made Without standard for its private label line. 

QuikTrip is further expanding its footprint in Kentucky. Grocery technology firm Simbe launches an update of its shelf-scanning robot. And Walmart and drone-delivery specialist Wing said they plan to expand the aerial delivery service to several major metro markets. 

Instacart is now being chased by New York’s Attorney General. 7-Eleven has new breakfast offerings. And the prices for everyday consumer goods, including food and beverages, rose for the 10th straight month in December. 

The Save Mart Companies names a new president and chief executive officer. Alltown Fresh convenience stores launches its first merchandise and apparel line. And Save A Lot will remove seven artificial dyes from its private-label products.

 Casey’s rolls out a new employee-developed pizza. Amazon has a new Dash Cart. And California retailers now have a state-approved list they can use to determine which tobacco products can be legally sold in the state.

Chestnut Group names a new CEO. Seven & i Holdings, 7-Eleven’s parent company, enters 2026 with a renewed focus on growth, customer value and organizational transformation. And Afresh has a new chief revenue officer

SNAP restrictions are now in place in some states. The convenience store industry is in mourning following the deaths of two prominent figures. And Kroger says it will be making a comeback in the Houston area. 

There’s going to be a new CEO at bp. CSP has announced the finalists in its 2026 Category Manager of the Year Awards. And Walmart and PepsiCo are accused of collaborating on a price-fixing scheme

Ahold Delhaize USA will be closing 6 fulfillment centers. Informa Connect and NexChapter release details of a retail media event. And Publix launches a new prescription savings tool.

Convenience stores are increasingly becoming meal destinations. The lawsuits over how Kroger handles promotions and overtime pay are not going away. And several fuel and convenience associations ask the Trump administration to support the year-round sale of E15 gasoline.

The trial of a former Market Basket CEO is about to begin. Pepsi looks to reduce prices and eliminate some products. And kratom-related products are now illegal in Ohio.

Prepared food and dispensed beverage sales are up at Casey’s General Stores. Costco enjoyed a boost from fresh-food sales. And thieves reportedly stole thousands of dollars from customers’ gift cards at a Giant Eagle store in Pennsylvania.

Amazon expands same-day grocery delivery service. Ahold Delhaize USA is coming under fire on how it is dealing with methane and greenhouse gas emissions. And Casey’s General Stores will start rebranding CEFCO convenience stores.

Freedom Oil Co. sells its 27 convenience stores to Mizpah Ventures, CVS Health uses its Investor Day as a megaphone for the retailer’s success, and a new study says Instacart’s AI pricing tools are making some grocery orders more expensive. 

President Trump goes after foreign food producers in an attempt to lower food prices. 7-Eleven, Inc. and its parent company, Tokyo-based Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd., have reached a settlement in an FTC lawsuit. And grocery ecommerce sales continue to surge. 

Kroger will pay Ocado $350 million as it closes some automated warehouses. Anheuser-Busch plans to acquire BeatBox. And Mars Inc. has received unconditional approval from the European Commission for its pending acquisition of Kellanova.

Target makes a move to try to keep up with Amazon and Walmart. Kwik Trip opens a second distribution center. And Grocery Outlet revises its fourth quarter earnings due to the pause in SNAP benefits.