FRIDAY 5: Albertsons’ Lawsuit Against Kroger Unsealed; Dollar Tree gets new CEO

Next-level shelf intelligence is among the technological innovations in retail poised to make a difference in 2025.

3. How will retail innovation shape up for 2025?

PG released its 2025 Retail Innovation Outlook this week, taking a look at the key technological innovations poised to revolutionize the grocery industry. Not only does technology become more physically present in supermarkets, but it also creates more relevant experiences for both shoppers and business partners.

Read more about next-level shelf intelligence, retail media, customer experience and more.

Speaking of innovation, readers this week were interested in news about Sam’s Club’s futuristic new store in Grapevine, Texas. The fully digital store introduced the concept of the “dance floor”, an omnichannel showroom that gives customers a new way to interact with goods. Where registers once stood, there is now an expansive space that integrates digital and personal shopping. Members can explore online exclusives, use Scan & Go to add items to their cart, and have purchases shipped directly to their front door—all within an expansive environment Sam’s Club designed for convenience and discovery.

4. Walmart equips employees with body cameras

Walmart has begun providing store-level partners with body cameras to carry as part of a pilot program at some of its US locations, according to CNBC. Walmart confirmed that it is testing the technology in one market and will evaluate the results before making long-term decisions.

Body cameras and the footage they collect are commonly touted as a way to prevent shoplifting, but Walmart intends to use the technology for worker safety, not as a loss prevention tool, according to a person familiar with the program.

5. High level promotions at Ahold Delhaize USA, Dollar Tree, more

A wave of c-suite promotions made news this week, including Ahold Delhaize USA’s appointment of Greg Finchum to the role of president of Food Lioneffective from May 2025. The news comes a week after Meg Ham announced that she will step down from the leadership role.

Dollar Tree, meanwhile, has permanent elevated Michael C. Creedon, Jr., to the role of CEO of the company. Creedon stepped into the interim role after Rick Dreiling left the company due to health issues in early November.

Grocery Outlet also made a move in its c-suite, appoints Christoper Miller as CFOwith effect from 6 January. Miller joins Grocery Outlet from Shamrock Foods Co., where he was CFO. In late October, Grocery Outlet’s former CEO and current chairman Eric Lindberg was named the company’s interim president and CEO. Lindberg stepped into the role following RJ Sheedy’s departure from the position and the resignation of the company’s board.