Retail Grocery Updates: BJ’s and Hy-Vee’s Growth Plans, Walmart’s Digital Store Pivot, and Albertsons’ New Wellness App
“Our club openings in Davenport and McDonough are part of our continued growth within the Orlando and Atlanta markets, respectively,” said Bill Werner, executive vice president, strategy and development, at BJ’s Wholesale Club, in a statement. “Additionally, the opening of our club in La Vergne represents the first of what will be multiple locations in the greater Nashville market. We can’t wait to welcome our newest BJ’s members this year and help provide these local communities with unbeatable value and incredible savings.”
Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee, Inc. is also expanding its footprint, adding two new stores in Wisconsin, with the Janesville store featuring a reimagined grocery layout. Hy-Vee has also opened up a new store in Oregon.
The more than 97,000-square-foot Janesville store will have a significantly larger tech focus with all-digital shelf labels, displaying product information and pricing, along with more than 50 televisions featuring Hy-Vee products, promotions, and services. Additionally, the store will have digital kiosks available, allowing consumers to order cakes and fresh prepared foods and access Hy-Vee Financial Services. Lastly, the store will also feature new mobile payment tech with Hy-Vee Scan & Go in addition to its self-checkout options.
Additional highlights include a new dining experience with a large food hall including a full-service bar, a full-service bakery and delicatessen, a Pair eyewear kiosk, and a Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits department with a walk-in beer cooler and climate-controlled wine room, among other offerings.
The new Janesville Hy-Vee will create more than 631 local jobs, including 146 full-time positions.
Walmart
Walmart is taking a different approach as it continues to pivot toward a new store model. The company recently announced it would be closing several stores across multiple states in response to financial underperformance.
According to sister brand Retail Leader, these include some stores in Albuquerque, NM; Homewood, IL; Plainfield, IL; Milwaukee, WI; and Pinellas Park, FL — with a closing date of March 10. Walmart will also be closing its Chicago-area pick-up-only concept stores in Lincolnwood and Bentonville, IL, on Feb. 17.
Those who sign up will receive $25 off an upcoming grocery purchase (redeemable across Albertsons’ banner stores). Participants can also earn additional points by completing additional actions like setting a health goal or responding to a health recommendation.
“We are introducing Sincerely Health with a singular intention to improve lives,” said Omer Gajial, chief digital officer and EVP Health at Albertsons Cos. “As a grocery and pharmacy retailer committed to the health and wellness of our communities, we are empowering customers to have a connected and personalized view of their health across food, nutrition, activity, mental well-being and pharmacy services, enabling them to make more informed choices.”
- Kroger & Albertsons
Talks of a merger still remain, with plans to sell between 250 and 300 stores reportedly on the table to alleviate U.S. antitrust concerns, according to sources cited by Reuters.
Kroger and Albertsons operate a total of 4,996 stores and according to these sources, the stores they may sell could be worth more than $1 billion — located across all regions where they operate, such as the Pacific Northwest, Southern California, Phoenix, and Chicago.
The two companies filed to merge in early 2024, announced last year. This would establish a significant, nationwide presence that could reshape the supermarket environment if approved.