Grocery
Kroger Launches Expanded Dairy Rescue Program to Support Children and Families During COVID-19
Kroger has launched an expanded Dairy Rescue Program that will look to support children and families during the pandemic. The grocery giant will process and donate around 200,000 additional gallons of milk to Feeding America food banks and community organizations. “Kroger recognizes the growing need for fresh, highly nutritious food in our community, especially for children as schools remain closed during the pandemic to flatten the curve,” said Erin Sharp, Kroger’s group vice president of manufacturing, in a Kroger press release. “At a time when dairy farmers have surplus raw milk, we’re doubling down on our mission to reduce hunger and waste.”
Amazon, Whole Foods Reserve Pick-Up Hour for Select Customers
Amazon and its grocery store brand Whole Foods have announced they are dedicating a specific pickup hour for customers who have a higher risk of getting sick. To take part in this hour, customers can go to amazon.com/wholefoods, select the pickup option, and choose their items. Then, at checkout, customers can choose the first pickup window of the day. “Now, as a way to support the most vulnerable communities during this pandemic, the first hour of grocery pickup at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide is reserved for customers 60 years and older, those with disabilities, and those whom the CDC defines as high risk,” the company announced in a press release.
Loyalty Programs
ChowNow Introduces Loyal Local Memberships, Uniting Diners and Restaurants in Mutual Support
ChowNow has announced a new Loyal Local Membership that lets customers purchase a one-year membership at bronze, silver or gold levels. In return, members can receive discounts of up to 25 percent on every order from the restaurant for a whole year. “I’m excited about these new memberships,” said Daniele Barrick, owner of Scottish Bakehouse in Tisbury, Massachusetts, in the above Yahoo Finance article. The restaurant has added 68 new members in just two weeks, resulting in over $6000 in new revenue from membership fees. “It’s a way for our regulars to feel like members of the Scottish Bakehouse family, and a way for us to continue serving our community while financially sustaining the business operations to make that possible.”
Retail
Macy’s Plans to Reopen Stores Over the Next Six Weeks
Department store brand Macy’s has said it plans to open all 775 stores in six weeks. However, Macy’s Chief Executive Jeff Gennette said in the above Wall Street Journal article that is only if the virus tapers off as predicted and governments allow it. The brand has also said it would reopen some stores this week in states that have loosened restrictions. The brand has said it will offer “no-touch” consultations and only a handful of fitting rooms will be open at any given time. “We’re not sure customers will want to use fitting rooms,” Mr. Gennette said in the above Wall Street Journal article. “We think they will buy, try on at home and return what they don’t want.”
Corporate Social Responsibility
Puffs Passes the Love to Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week
Puffs has announced it is making a $500,000 donation to AdoptAClassroom.org in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week. The brand is also creating a social media campaign to celebrate teachers by releasing a templated poem to have people put their favorite teacher’s name and subject into the poem. “We want to celebrate the teachers going above and beyond during this time, as well as their unwavering commitment to our kids,” said Eric Breissinger, Vice President, North America Family Care, in the above Yahoo Finance article. “We are committed to helping make sure that our teachers are being supported so they can continue to keep our children at ease and engaged.”