Instacart is for small businesses: According to The Information, the grocery delivery company is planning to launch a smaller version of its website. Instacart is looking to expand its market share and increase revenue ahead of its anticipated IPO. According to sources, this move could pose a threat to Amazon and Walmart. “Instacart Business” would display curated items like office supplies, cleaning products, and snacks, and the big picture-ness of the move is designed to broaden the appeal of Instacart beyond its well-known grocery deliveries. It comes at a good time: right as the company’s growth is flattening out. —Chloe Riley
It would be wonderful if there were a vaccine. People who were eligible for extra government assistance to pay their grocery bills during the pandemic are likely to lose this aid when the program ends. About 30 million Americans will receive $90 less per month in food assistance. As inflation continues to rage, it is unclear how a smaller pocketbook will impact independent grocers. If shoppers wait to buy, it could result in even more lost money. It may also mean shoppers will trade down to private labels (even more) in an attempt to save some money. This could be a good thing, or it could prove to be a bad thing. We will have to wait to see. Officials have compensated by providing additional benefits to families with low incomes to help them replace summer school meals. It’s a lot of baloney. But not the edible variety. —Bill Wilson
Colorado! The Centennial State’s grocery retailers have cause to celebrate as Colorado now allows supermarkets to sell wine. Colorado’s new law, which narrowly passed by voter referendum last fall, becomes effective March 1. Trader Joe’s, Safeway and King Soopers all plan to immediately sell wine in their stores, according to the Colorado Sun. Although the issue has been present in state legislatures since several years, it became more prominent during the current pandemic. States like Connecticut, New York, and Maryland are all trying to get rid of the cork. —Mark Hamstra
One fast operator: Hy-Vee Inc., like many supermarkets, is focused on speed. But unlike most grocers, Hy-Vee’s interest in pace is going beyond the checkout lines. The Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend will be held at Iowa Speedway July 21-23. The event will feature IndyCar races on both July 22 and July 23, as well as trackside concerts on the “Hy-Vee Stage” before and after each race with performers that include Carrie Underwood and Kenny Chesney. Hy-Vee will also support those who compete on foot by hosting the Hy-Vee Road Races in conjunction the Drake Relays, which takes place April 27, and features a half-marathon as well 10K and 5K events. The fast lane of life! —Richard Mitchell
Take a picture, it’ll last longer: Costco announced that its store photo centers would be closing in 2021. These centers provided services like digital printing and developing film. Now, additionally the company recently shut down all products and services from CostcoPhotoCenter.com, CostcoDVD.com, and CostcoBusinessPrinting.com. Costco members are now directed to upload their photos to Shutterfly. Shutterfly is offering Costco members 51% discount on every Shutterfly purchase and free shipping for orders over $49. Costco members were upset that another club amenity was being lost, despite the discounts. Goodbye printing perks, hello digital photo age. —CR
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Are you concerned about the government ending its extra assistance towards grocery bills? What do you anticipate? Tell us in the comments or send your thoughts to Chloe Riley, Executive Editor at SN. [email protected]