Bringoz Industry Weekly 10/27

rocery eCommerce sales soared in September. Walmart is launching same-day pharmacy delivery nationwide. 7-Eleven is planning to open over 600 large-format, food-focused convenience stores in North America by the end of 2027. Read about these stories and more in our weekly industry news roundup.

Grocery eCommerce sales totaled $9.5 billion in September, an increase of 27% compared with the same period in 2023, Brick Meets Click and Mercatus reported. All three online grocery fulfillment channels posted double-digit growth in September, with delivery leading the way. Delivery has powered growth in the grocery eCommerce sector since earlier this year, and the channel built on that momentum last month as it posted sales of $3.9 billion, a 50% year-over-year increase. Read more.

Walmart has begun integrating prescription medications into its delivery offerings in six states, with plans to expand to 49 states by the end of January 2025. When the program is fully deployed, customers will be able to choose from a suite of delivery options that include same-day scheduled delivery, on-demand delivery and express delivery within 30 minutes. Delivery is free for members of the Walmart+ membership program and $9.95 per order for non-members. Read more.

7-Eleven is planning to open over 600 large-format, food-focused convenience stores in North America by the end of 2027. These locations will showcase more contemporary facilities with a larger product assortment and expanded food and beverage offerings. 7-Eleven is leaning into foodservice as a means to help improve its financial standing in North America, especially in the U.S., where it has taken a significant financial blow this year amid economic headwinds. Read more.

Smartphones have become an essential tool in transforming the way consumers browse, compare, and purchase gifts during the busiest shopping season of the year. From driving eCommerce growth to enhancing in-store experiences, smartphones have completely changed the dynamics of holiday sales. Here’s a look at how smartphones are impacting holiday shopping, and what this means for retailers and consumers alike. Read more.

Looking ahead to the holidays, consumers are looking for ways to make their shopping experience as convenient and efficient as possible. One trend that has been growing in holiday shopping is buy online, pickup in-store (BOPIS). Here’s a look at why BOPIS has become a popular option for consumers during the holidays and how retailers can capitalize on this trend to enhance the customer experience. Read more.

From hospitals and clinics to laboratories and pharmacies, every touchpoint in the healthcare sector relies on effective logistics. This is particularly important for life-saving drugs requiring special handling and transportation to maintain effectiveness. The past few years have witnessed a rise in the demand for pharmaceutical delivery services. Here’s a look at some factors driving pharmaceutical delivery demand. Read more.