Month: September 2013

Amazon’s online grocery service, AmazonFresh, is gaining ground with customers who want to restock their pantries without leaving home. But Amazon’s true focus is building its transportation capacity, according to Jim Tompkins, CEO of Tompkins International, in a new podcast titled “What Business Is Amazon In? The Answer Will Change Your Thinking.”“Amazon is not in the grocery business,” says Tompkins. “They are in the technology business, the retail business, and for 51 percent of all Americans, they are in the transportation business.” …

Jewel-Osco is getting rid of self-checkout lanes from some of its stores. Jewel said its an effort to reconnect personally with all of its customers despite the higher costs the shift entails. …

Relay Foods, an online market for sustainable food and everyday groceries, has rolled out a new "Drop Spots" program, allowing D.C. area apartment buildings to provide residents with free concierge grocery delivery. The program offers real estate management groups a cost-free way to help residents avoid the challenges of grocery shopping in D.C. by offering on-site delivery. Drop Spots save residents from the time and stress of travelling to distant grocery stores without overtaxing apartment staff. …

Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. and its group of grocers and operators submitted the winning bid at Tuesday’s Belle Foods bankruptcy auction. The winning bid was nearly $16.13 million plus the discounted purchase of the inventories of many of the stores. …

Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey predicted Wednesday that lawmakers will approve a bill next session to allow wine to be sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. …