COVID-19 at Retail

Ice Breakers Pairs Mints With Masks During Pandemic

The brand of the Hershey Co. created a lighthearted campaign that initially thanks consumers for wearing a mask when around others, but also cautions them to think about the possibility of the consequences of their own bad breath.

Robotics Company Introduces AI-Powered Mask Detection Tool

Robotic Assistance Devices' new tool is integrated into its Health Screening system and can be used to automatically prevent people who are not wearing masks from entering buildings.

June Online Grocery Sales Jump to $7 Billion

The coronavirus — and its impact on shopping — clearly is not slowing down e-commerce grocery gains, per a June study.

A Retailer's Guide to Refining Contactless Fulfillment

Senior vice president of AI and cloud solutions at digital consultancy Mobiquity shares what retailers should consider as demand for contactless delivery and curbside pickup has skyrocketed.

Target’s Long-Range Plan Is Just Four Weeks

Target chief executive officer Brian Cornell said he doesn’t know what the future will hold after seeing the U.S. rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest, so he’s not planning too far ahead.

TPN Study Shows How COVID-19 Has Affected BOPIS Use

A new report from TPN compared surveys of shoppers from mid-2019 with ones taken in April 2020 to show how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their behavior.

H-E-B's Yellow Coupons Go Digital

Smartphone-wielding shoppers can now scan the yellow coupons H-E-B commonly places throughout stores to redeem at checkout via the recently revamped My H-E-B mobile app.

Shoppers Show Purchase Shift From Comfort to Value

Consumers turned to comfort such comforts as ice cream and alcoholic beverages in the first phases of the pandemic, but the second half of 2020 could bring a renewed focus on value.

Kellogg, Coke Play Esports

Major CPGs are beginning to invest in competitive gaming, employing tactics they’ve historically used with sponsorships of major sporting organizations like the National Basketball Association and Major League Soccer.

Walgreens' Weekly Circular Goes Digital-Only

Walgreens is suspending distribution of its Sunday print circular as of June 7 due to “consumer behavior shifts” brought on as a result of COVID-19.

Jewel-Osco Morphs In-Store Event into Virtual Cooking Class

The grocer has had to rethink in-store events that typically aim drive in-store traffic in light of COVID-19, including this month’s grilling-themed "Chop and Shop" event.

Entertainment: The Hot New CPG Currency

Sheltering-in-place consumers are trying out new products and brands to help alleviate boredom. Brands that can leverage the power of novelty have an opportunity to convert new loyalists to the cause.