Future Trends Influencing Grocery Shopping

Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology demonstrates how AI, computer vision, and sensor fusion - similar to what you’d see in autonomous vehicles - can radically transform the way we shop. Instead of waiting in a checkout line, customers simply pick items off the shelf and leave, while the system automatically bills them. Yet with any shift toward automation, there’s the question of how it impacts employment and community economics. If fewer cashiers and clerks are needed, the ripple effects on the local job market can’t be ignored. Additionally, some consumers worry about privacy - advanced tracking systems gather a lot of data on purchasing behaviors, raising concerns over how, where, and for what purpose that data is used. Still, there’s no doubt this is just the beginning of technology-driven changes in retail. Beyond cashier-less shops, we might soon see: - Personalized In-Store Experiences: AI-driven recommendations could pop up on screens or apps as you walk through aisles, guiding you to products based on past purchases or dietary preferences. - Augmented Reality (AR) Fitting Rooms: Try on clothes virtually, see how furniture fits in your living room - without physically moving a thing. - Automated Inventory & Restocking: Shelves that monitor stock levels in real time and reorder items as needed, helping stores avoid both stockouts and over-ordering. - Drone & Robot Deliveries: As last-mile delivery becomes faster, we may see robots handling short-distance delivery or drones zipping packages straight to a customer’s doorstep. What do you think the next big change will be? Is it further automation, more personalization, or something else entirely? #innovation #technology #future #management #startups

The Death of the Endless Aisle: Why the Future of Retail Is Curated, Not Crowded For the last decade, the “endless aisle” was the mantra of every omnichannel retailer — infinite options, ultimate convenience, and unlimited scroll. But choice is no longer empowering. It’s paralyzing. We’re witnessing a structural shift away from abundance and choice. Over-consumption is out and thoughtful collection/ re-use is in. The AI onslaught demands 'you should know enough about me... so choose for me'. As privacy slips away, we want something in return. We want our AI shoppers to declutter and anticipate our wants and needs. 👗 IRL retail is making a comeback — not as inventory hubs, but as immersive, high-touch experiences. Stores today are more like galleries: intentional, beautiful, and edited. 📱 Influencers are becoming the new boutique owners — trusted curators of taste, helping consumers navigate not just what to buy, but how to live. 📉 Search is dying. In its place? Feeds, personalities, and personalized agents that simplify, recommend, and reduce friction. 🍽️ Menus are shrinking (The Cheesecake Factory is out... tasting menus are in). Shelves are less cluttered. Brands are learning that saying less — and offering less — can mean selling more. 👬 Social/ community shopping is pervasive. I buy what my most stylish friends recommend and share with me. Why now? We’re seeing a broader shift toward control, order, and clarity. In an age of rising authoritarianism and algorithmic saturation, people crave boundaries, not boundlessness. The winners in the next retail era won’t be those who offer everything — they’ll be the ones who offer the right thing at just the right moment. Curation is not just a trend. It’s a strategy,a form of trust and a great thing for cash-flow preservation in a world of higher interest rates (that's the retailer in me). Fewer, better and more thoughtful purchases ahead...

Yesterday, Kellogg Company's CEO Gary Picnick said something I think we’re all feeling: a noticeable acceleration in consumer interest in health and nutrition. At the FoodHealth Company (formerly bitewell), we’re seeing it in real time. Our data shows that in staple categories (like peanut butter, cereal, yogurt or frozen entrees) when health information is clear and accessible, 30% of shoppers swap to a healthier choice — even if it costs up to 2X as much. To make that health-price tradeoff for important items, they're backing away from extras - chips, candies. American shoppers are starting to take a more European mentality of quality over quantity. Our retail partners are feeling it too. Over 50% of shoppers now expect their primary grocery store to actively support their healthy eating journey with digital tools that make nutritious choices easier (Drug Store News). Ten years ago, even five years ago, brands hated nutrition ratings and rankings. They pushed hard against them. Today? They’re leaning in. The best brands see what’s happening. They know consumers are paying attention. And they’re reformulating or acquiring to meet the moment. Because when consumer behavior changes this fast, transparency isn’t just a trend — it’s a strategy. (Thanks Deena Shanker for inspiring this post)

Retail brands are working to bridge online and in-person shopping experiences as they focus on meeting customers where they are. CNBC interviewed a dozen top retail industry executives for their predictions on what the industry will look like in the next five years and the most common answers included the need for experiences, personalization, and the use of AI, which experts anticipate transforming the customer journey.     I often refer to AI as augmented intelligence for its capacity to advance our thinking, and this seems to be the sentiment among major retailers as well. Yael Cosset, CIO at Kroger, predicts the biggest transformation from AI will be for store associates. It’s not about replacing the work they do, but augmenting it so they’ll have more time to interact with customers. Michelle Gass, CEO of Levi Strauss, sees the potential to utilize AI with stylists, who are already getting to know their customers and their purchase history and can use the technology to enhance the experience.     From enhancing search functions, to improving sizing information to reduce return rates, to using predictive analytics to forecast demand, it’s fascinating to think about the endless applications AI will have in the retail space and how it can enhance the in-person and digital experiences. This piece has additional insight from executives across the sector—what are your retail industry predictions for the next five years? https://lnkd.in/ggPPkDja (https://lnkd.in/ggPPkDja)

🚀 Kroger just launched a dedicated E-commerce Business Unit. What does this mean for the future of grocery retail in the U.S.? In a bold and strategic move, Kroger has created a standalone unit focused entirely on e-commerce, consolidating all digital customer experience teams under the leadership of Yael Cosset, their EVP and Chief Digital Officer. The goal? ✔️ Drive growth ✔️ Simplify operations ✔️ Accelerate automation ✔️ Deliver a more personalized and seamless online shopping experience 📈 With over $13 billion in digital sales in FY2024, Kroger is signaling that digital is no longer an accessory—it’s a core pillar of business strategy. But Kroger isn’t alone in this race. 🏪 Walmart, the nation’s largest grocer, crossed $100 billion in global e-commerce revenue in 2023, leveraging AI, robotics, and last-mile innovation to redefine fulfillment at scale. 🛒 Amazon, with its hybrid model via Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods, continues to blur the lines between physical and digital, offering same-day delivery, personalized subscriptions, and unmatched Prime loyalty integration. 📱 Instacart has positioned itself as the “Switzerland” of grocery e-commerce, partnering with major retailers to deliver a plug-and-play digital solution backed by real-time shopper insights. 🤖 Meanwhile, companies like Albertsons, Target, and Costco are investing heavily in curbside pickup, micro-fulfillment centers, and digital loyalty ecosystems to stay in the game. 💡 The common thread? Digital is not just a channel—it’s an entirely new operating model. It requires rethinking org structures, talent, data flows, and customer engagement from the ground up. 🌍 In an era where time is the new currency, shoppers are demanding faster, more convenient, and personalized experiences. The winners in grocery will be those who combine physical scale with digital agility. So here's the question: Is your organization treating e-commerce as a strategic growth engine—or just another function on the org chart? The grocery revolution is well underway. And it’s digital, fast, and fiercely competitive. Let’s embrace it with curiosity, courage, and customer obsession. #GroceryRetail #Ecommerce #Kroger #Walmart #Amazon #DigitalTransformation #CustomerExperience #RetailInnovation #Omnichannel #Leadership #FutureOfRetail #DataDriven #Strategy

🚀 Revolutionizing Grocery Shopping with Insta-Cart's Caper Cart at Kroger! 🚀 As an innovation enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for groundbreaking technologies that transform everyday experiences. Recently, I had the chance to test Instacart-Cart's Caper Cart, founded by Lindon Gao, York Yang, and Ahmed Beshry at my local Kroger in Westerville, Ohio – not far from our first Wendy's FreshAi pilot location. I'm excited to share my experience and some thoughts on the future of this amazing technology. Why the Caper Cart Stands Out Caper Cart is an AI-powered smart shopping cart designed to make grocery shopping faster, easier, and more interactive. With features like real-time cost tracking, easy coupon management, and the ability to skip the checkout line, it's poised to revolutionize the grocery industry. Key Takeaways from My Experience - Cost Awareness: Real-time spend tracking helps customers manage budgets effectively. - Coupon Management: Simplifies saving on purchases. - Skip the Line: Scan as you shop and avoid checkout queues. - Interactive Feedback: Audio and visual cues ensure items are correctly added. Opportunities for Improvement - Barcode Visibility: Clearer instructions for scanning barcodes. - UI Clarity: More prominent prompts for non-technical users. - Learning Curve: Intuitive tutorials to ease the transition for first-time users. The Future of Grocery Shopping Using the Caper Cart sparked my imagination about its potential. Here are some exciting possibilities: 🔍 Wayfinding Assistance: Guide customers to specific aisles or items, making shopping more efficient. 💊 Prescription Alerts: Notify customers when their prescriptions are ready for pickup, saving extra trips. 🌟 Personalized Recommendations: Offer product suggestions based on location and shopping history. 🍎 Nutritional Info & Suggestions: Provide real-time nutritional information and healthier alternatives. 💸 Dynamic Pricing & Promotions: Implement dynamic pricing strategies for perishable items to reduce waste and offer great deals. 📋 Enhanced Shopping List Integration: Sync with digital shopping lists for a seamless experience. 🎙️ GenAI Voice Shopping Companion: Imagine a voice-activated assistant that helps customers find products, answers questions about inventory, and suggests recipes based on cart items. The Caper Cart has immense potential to revolutionize the grocery shopping experience, and I'm excited to see where the team takes it next. To the Insta-Cart and Caper Cart product teams, I hope my insights spark new ideas and contribute to the evolution of this fantastic technology. #innovation #foodtech #AI #QSR Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Wendy's Company or its affiliates. While I am employed by The Wendy's Company, this article reflects my personal research and interests.

🛍️ Fresh from #NRF2025, I can’t stop thinking about another kind of "walk out" that’s quietly redefining retail... 🎯 Plot twist: Remember when it seemed like #Amazon was stepping away from its Amazon Go stores? The reality is quite different—and fascinating. 1️⃣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Those convenient grab-and-go stores at airports or on university campuses? Chances are, they’re powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology. From Hudson News to college convenience stores, Amazon's tech is quietly reshaping retail, even without the Amazon branding. 2️⃣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐞: ⚡ 8 seconds: Average time to grab a drink at stadium stores. 🏪 300+ third-party stores are using this technology. 🎓 100+ university campuses have implemented the solution. 🔍 𝐌𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡: I was part of the first wave of testers at Amazon Go stores in San Francisco. I tried everything to outsmart the system—grabbing extra items, moving products around—just to see how it worked. Those early iterations weren’t perfect (shoutout to the offshore validation teams! 😅), but they laid the groundwork for something extraordinary. 💡𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: What seemed like a failure was actually Amazon's massive real-world beta test. Fast forward to now—#GenAI and advanced sensors have transformed this into a scalable, game-changing solution. 🎮 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥: As highlighted at NRF2025—and emphasized by Doug Herrington, CEO of Amazon Worldwide Stores—AI is revolutionizing retail in ways we haven’t seen since the internet boom. Just Walk Out is positioned perfectly to lead this AI-driven transformation. 🤔 What’s next? Could this tech expand into clothing stores or beauty retailers? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #RetailInnovation #FutureOfRetail #RetailTech #Innovation Ted Levine Lindsey Mazza Tim Bridges Kees Jacobs Bridget Blaize Renata Melnyk Kevin McCurdy Heidi Bonjean Aparna Galiasso

7 Disruptions Changing Shopping Forever. ***TRIGGER WARNING*** Am I excited, or am I worried about AI? If you think of AI as ChatGPT, you’re just excited. You miss that Chat is the UI for 𝘯𝘰𝘯-𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 users. You see it as little more than a cute search engine. You miss what’s running through hundreds of companies. Spreading, growing faster than we can understand it. Salesforce and Notion and Slack and Wendy’s. Walmart and Kroger and Amazon and IKEA. It’s running beneath the surface of every Fortune 500. Logistics, freight routes, forecasting, banking… It’s not the AI that we 𝘴𝘦𝘦 that’ll disrupt. It’s the AI that we 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦 that changes everything. The Biggest Companies, all racing for dominance. It isn’t just Big Tech anymore. It’s also Big Retail. And when we 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵 the future of shopping. There’s a very little real analysis to be done. Big Tech is telling us if we bother to listen. Here’s what shopping will look like in 5 years. (According to Tech already being piloted.) 𝟭. 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗼𝘂𝘁. - US lags behind UAE, Japan, where it’s common. - Whole Foods, Whattaburger, Steak N Shake, Cali Express. 𝟮. ‘𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁’ 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀-𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆. - AI ‘brains’ will coordinate / control store ops. - Shelves will talk to stock systems will talk to DC’s. 𝟯. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. - Brands will see stock by store in real time. - Marketers will control store promos from a PC. 𝟰. 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆. - At 10% of the cost of human delivery, it’s growing fast. - Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, Pizza Hut, Chic Fil A, UPS… 𝟱. 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 ‘𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀’ 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲). - RFID tags now, then just electronic prints. - Tags communicate shelf life & location to a store “brain”. 𝟲. 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. - Programs coming from Walmart, Amazon, Target, IKEA, etc. - Virtual try-ons, product education, experience. 𝟳. 𝗡𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀. - Sam’s, Walmart already announced mass rollout. If you don’t believe it, you’re not paying attention. Virtually all of this is already here in pockets. Maybe get ready, or partner with someone who is. As the wise poet Olivia Newton-John said. “𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭.” What do you think? Are you nervous about AI, excited, or both. ——— 🔹We drive velocity in Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, Albertsons, Costco, Walmart, Sprouts, and More. 🔹We grow Amazon Sales. 🔹DM me or book an appointment for help. #ecommerce #retailmedia #retailgrowth #retailvelocity #cpg #cpgbrands #instacart #futureofretail #retailtech #shoppermarketing #Amazonconsulting #Amazon #AmazonGrowth #Grocery #GroceryTech #DoorDash