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News Briefs

04/11/2023

BJ’s Lowers Gas Prices in April

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BJ's Gas Teaser

Although it already touts everyday low fuel prices, BJ’s Wholesale Club has committed to help its members save on gas by offering even more value at the pump. From April 10-30, BJ’s is offering .50 cents off per gallon of gas, at a same-day fill-up, whenever members spend more than $150 on practically anything in-club or by choosing one of BJ’s pickup shopping options. Members can then redeem their gas discount at the pump on the same day.

The promotion is available at all BJ’s Gas locations. BJ’s gas stations offer regular, premium and diesel fuel options.

This isn't the only way members can save at the pump. In February, BJ’s launched a new credit card program with Capital One and Mastercard, the BJ’s One Mastercard program. Among other benefits, BJ’s One+ Mastercard cardholders can receive 15 cents off per gallon at BJ’s Gas every time they use their credit card to fuel up.

In other BJ's news, the retailer recently revealed stellar fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2022 results, marking myriad records with continued club growth, comparable club sales and all-time high renewal rates. The retailer also surpassed $1 billion in adjusted EBITDA for the first time in the company’s history.

Marlborough, Mass.-based BJ's operates more than 230 clubs, 160-plus BJ’s Gas locations and seven distribution centers in 18 states. The company is No. 26 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2022 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.

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04/11/2023

HelloFresh Introduces ‘Guardians’ Snack Kit, Recipe Series

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HelloFresh Guardians of the Galaxy Snack Adventure Kit Teaser

HelloFresh is introducing a limited-edition Guardians Snack Adventure kit containing Zarg Nut Bites, as seen in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, and Mango Milky Fizz, as seen in the most recent Guardians trailer, along with a Guardians Recipe Adventure recipe series. Both products were inspired by Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” which premieres in theaters on May 5. 

The kit offers pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards to make two servings of Zarg Nut Bites and Mango Milky Fizz at home, in addition to collectible milk cartons and a jar. Zarg Nut Bites are crushed pretzels, salted cashews, sweet Thai chili sauce and chocolate chips combined in a salty, crunchy snack with a bit of sweet heat, while Mango Milky Fizz consists of apricot jam, coconut milk, seltzer and mango bits for a bubbly, subtly sweet drink. 

[Read more: "HelloFresh Achieves Milestone FY22"]

Consumers can purchase the kit on a first-come, first-served basis, with no HelloFresh subscription required, starting April 17 at 12 p.m. EST by going online, with additional kits arriving on April 24 and May 1 at 12 p.m. EST. 

The recipe series of six, with two recipes featured per week, is now available for HelloFresh customers: 

• Terran-Style St. Louis Sandwich with Sliced Dill Pickle and Potato Rounds
• “Destroyed” Thai Chili Coconut Smash Patties with Coconut Lime Rice and Roasted Green Beans
• Galactic Beef Melts with Blue Corn Chips
• Galaxy Greens Ricotta Ravioli with Lemony Zucchini and Toasted Panko & Parsley 
• Fire-Blasted Vegan Coconut Curry Soup with Tomatoes & Cauliflower
• Crispy Orloni-Style Tilapia Tacos with Chipotle Mayo, Cilantro Cabbage Slaw, Pickled Jalapeños & Radishes

Berlin-based  HelloFresh operates in 18 international markets and is No. 50 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2022 list of the top retailers of food and consumables in North America.

04/07/2023

Walmart Names Its 1st-Ever Chief Belonging Officer

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Walmart Denise Molloy Teaser

As part of Walmart’s continued focus on creating a culture of belonging at Walmart and accelerating its culture, diversity and equity efforts, the company has hired Denise Malloy as its first-ever chief belonging officer, an evolution of the chief diversity officer position.

Joining the company on April 14 after an extensive search, Molloy will establish a strategy to ensure that Walmart is a place where everyone feels they’re welcome and belong. She will work closely with the company’s associate resource groups, officer caucus leadership teams and shared-value networks, as well as the president’s inclusion council, to accelerate Walmart’s focus on belonging throughout Walmart.

[Read more: "Walmart Reveals Growth Strategy, Next-Gen Supply Chain"]

Molloy has spent the past 17 years at Johnson Controls, a Fortune 500 company, where she helped create its award-winning culture, inclusion, equity and diversity practices. At Johnson Controls she held several key leadership roles, most recently as global head of diversity, equity and inclusion. She also worked at J.P. Morgan and Xerox.

Molloy and her husband, Paul, are relocating to Bentonville, Ark., Walmart’s headquarters city.

Each week, approximately 240 million customers and members visit Walmart’s more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites under 46 banners in 24 countries. The company employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart U.S. is No. 1 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2022 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.

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04/07/2023

Natural Grocers Rolls Out Annual Earth Month Campaign

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NG Ladybug

Natural Grocers is living up to its name, teaming up with the nonprofit Beyond Pesticides group for an initiative supporting pesticide-free green spaces. The retailer is kicking off its sixth annual Ladybug Love campaign during Earth Month and will highlight the crucial role that ladybugs play in regenerative farming and food production.

The campaign will raise funds for Beyond Pesticides’ Organic Parks Project that aims to curb the use of synthetic pesticides at parks in Natural Grocers’ communities. According to Raquel Isely, VP of marketing at Natural Grocers, the campaign has enabled the group to convert a dozen parks and playing fields to natural areas across several states. “We know that protecting these tiny, beneficial insects makes a real difference in regenerating our planet. Cleaner air, water and land make for a healthier food supply – a principle Natural Grocers has championed since 1955. We thank our customers in advance for their generosity and enthusiasm towards this cause in 2023,” she said.

Shoppers are encouraged to take or renew a pledge online to support 100% organic produce and commit to not using chemicals that harm ladybugs and other beneficial insects in their yards, gardens and homes. Throughout Earth Month, Natural Grocers will donate $1 to Beyond Pesticides for every customer pledge signed online and $2 for every Ladybug Zip Pouch sold at its stores.

Shoppers who make a pledge to the campaign between April 1-15 will receive a $5 coupon for purchases on Earth Day, April 22. Natural Grocers is also offering a $500 store gift card as a prize in a ladybug-counting contest through its store magazine.

Family-operated Natural Grocers operates 166 stores in 21 states. The Lakewood, Colo.-based natural and organic grocer is No. 95 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2022 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.

04/06/2023

Walmart Growing Electric Vehicle-Charging Network

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Walmart EV Charging Stations Electrify America Teaser

Walmart has revealed plans to build its own electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging network at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations throughout the United States by 2030. This would be in addition to the nearly 1,300 EV fast-charging stations the company already offers at more than 280 U.S. facilities (pictured). The goal, according to a blog post by Vishal Kapadia, SVP, energy transformation, is “to make EV ownership more accessible, reliable, convenient and affordable for [customers and members] across the country.” 

Added Kapadia: “With a store or club located within 10 miles of approximately 90% of Americans, we are uniquely positioned to deliver a convenient charging option that will help make EV ownership possible whether people live in rural, suburban or urban areas. Easy access to on-the-go charging is a game-changer for drivers who have been hesitant to purchase an EV for concerns they won’t be able to find a charger in a clean, bright and safe location when needed.”

[Read more: "Walmart Reveals Growth Strategy, Next-Gen Supply Chain"]

While they charge their cars at Every Day Low Price rates, consumers can pick up essentials for their families or something to eat, he noted. 

Walmart aims to help expand domestic EV-charging capacity across states, in line with the company’s other investments to transform its business and product supply chains to be more regenerative.

Each week, approximately 240 million customers and members visit Walmart’s more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites under 46 banners in 24 countries. The Bentonville, Ark.-based company employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart U.S. is No. 1 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2022 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.

04/06/2023

Pod Foods Names New President

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Michael Schall

Grocery platform Pod Foods has tapped grocery and CPG veteran Mike Schall to help lead the organization as its new president. Schall, who has more than 40 years of industry experience, will help lead the Austin, Texas-based Pod Foods through its next phase of growth.

Most recently, Schall served as managing director of the food and beverage practice at financial services and consulting firm FocalPoint Partners. His grocery experience includes a role as senior principal  of global growth and business development at Whole Foods Market, where he guided the company on a range of business initiatives, including investments, strategic partnerships, new ventures, store brand product development, sustainability initiatives and operational improvements. 

[Read more: "Pod Foods Capital Launches"]

"Joining forces with Mike marks an inflection point in our journey," said Larissa Russell, co-founder and CEO of Pod Foods. "Industry leaders are acknowledging the magnitude of change and competitive advantage of our tech-driven solutions that provide much needed speed and transparency to the supply chain."

Pod Foods, designed to help brands and retailers connect directly and transact with full-service logistics, is backed by investors including Moment Ventures, M12 (Microsoft's Venture Fund), XRC Labs and Interstate Fusion Fund. The company recently added Sprouts Farmers Market to its platform.