Finances & Deals
Dollar stores grow sales as grocers grapple with weak results
Dollar General and Dollar Tree both achieved strong same-store sales growth in the latest fiscal quarter, reaching 3.5% and 3.7% respectively, while traditional supermarkets such as Kroger and Albertsons posted weak results during the same period. Both companies reported increases in traffic and average basket size, and utilized tariff refunds for pricing adjustments.
Walmart touts low prices, meal offerings as key grocery levers
In its fiscal 2027 second quarter, Walmart U.S. recorded mid-single-digit comparable sales growth in groceries, while overall U.S. comps (excluding fuel) rose 2.6%—the slowest since Q4 FY20—due to Inflation Reduction Act-related drug pricing changes. Executives highlighted widening price gaps, temporary price cuts on over 11,000 items, and new meal delivery partnerships as key strategies to counter consumer caution and high fuel prices.
Target’s turnaround gains steam as grocery sales power ahead
Target reported strong Q2 2026 earnings on Wednesday, with food and beverage sales rising 7.2% year over year to just under $6 billion. Overall net sales grew over 5% to $26.5 billion, and store comparable sales increased nearly 3%. The company credits operational improvements and a revamped grocery layout under CEO Michael Fiddelke.
UNFI to sell 3 Cub stores
UNFI has agreed to sell three Cub Foods stores in Minneapolis, Monticello, and St. Anthony, Minnesota, to franchise partner Jerry's Enterprises. The transaction, terms undisclosed, is part of Cub's efforts to become Minnesota's leading grocer. The stores will continue operating under the Cub name, with ongoing investments planned.
C&S looks to become majority owner of The Winn-Dixie Company
C&S Wholesale Grocers announced a proposed transaction to become the majority owner of The Winn-Dixie Company, with the deal expected to close in 2027. The move builds on C&S's prior acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its rebranding to The Winn-Dixie Company, and includes plans for continued store expansion and brand refresh.
Grocery Outlet’s value image is improving with shoppers, CEO says
Grocery Outlet's second-quarter results exceeded internal forecasts as the discounter's efforts to sharpen value communication and merchandising gain traction. Net sales rose 1.1% to $1.19 billion, while comparable-store sales dipped 0.3%. CEO Jason Potter noted a 70-basis-point improvement in comps versus Q1, but expects a roughly 1% hit to Q3 comps due to consumer food-safety concerns affecting produce sales.
Natural Grocers shows resilience in Q3 earnings
Natural Grocers released its third-quarter financial results on Thursday, showing resilience amid a challenging macroeconomic environment. Net sales increased 1.8% year-over-year to $334.7 million, and comparable store sales grew 1.2%, up from 0.5% in the second quarter. Company Chairman Kemper Isely stated that the ongoing "Even More Affordable Prices" campaign has solidified its value leadership position.
Tracking mergers and acquisitions in the grocery industry
After the collapse of the Kroger-Albertsons merger, merger and acquisition momentum in the grocery industry has not waned. In 2026, Kroger announced the acquisition of Giant Eagle, and regional chains such as Harps Food Stores and Ridley's Family Markets have also expanded their footprints through acquisitions. This article compiles major M&A cases since 2026 and will be continuously updated.
Ahold Delhaize USA remains an e-commerce powerhouse, but reports sluggish sales growth
Ahold Delhaize USA's e-commerce business continued its strong momentum in the second quarter of 2026, with digital sales up 14.5% year-over-year, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. However, due to the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on pharmaceutical sales, the company's same-store sales growth was less than 1%, and it lowered its full-year outlook.
Publix’s sales growth continues to slow
Publix reported second-quarter results for the period ending June 27 on Monday, with sales increasing 1% year-over-year to $15.7 billion and comparable store sales declining 0.5%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of slowing growth. Net earnings reached $1.7 billion, up over 20% year-over-year. The company stated that drug price reductions related to the federal Inflation Reduction Act and the economic environment affecting consumer spending weighed on sales growth.