Kroger to acquire Albertsons; TikTok and Netflix ad rollouts

Kroger is set to acquire Albertsons for $24.6B

After reports circulated on Thursday, the news is official this morning: Two of the country’s largest supermarket chains are combining in an acquisition deal that will further reshape an already-fast-changing grocery landscape. As far as new advantages of the combined company, Kroger and Albertsons point to a combined footprint of nearly 5,000 stores across 48 states, as well as the ability to bolster supply chain, delivery and retail media.

TikTok's new ad features tie pay to engagement, show movie times

TikTok World is bringing brands together this week, and the short-form video platform’s team is taking the opportunity to share updates for advertisers, creators and developers. New features seek to more closely connect what a brand pays for an ad with how a user engages it, allow movie studios to feature location-based listings and create better connections for branded content opportunities on the TikTok Creator Marketplace.

Inflation update: Core CPI, online grocery prices hit new highs

This month’s inflation data from the US Commerce Department showed little change in the conditions consumers are facing, and delivered new 40-year-highs at a time when the Federal Reserve is taking aggressive action to try to bring prices down. Food inflation is still particularly elevated, affecting both ecommerce and the wider economy.

Netflix shares details on ad-supported plan, immersive store

A pair of announcements this week show how Netflix is taking a bigger step into commerce. The streaming platform said it is launching its $6.99-a-month plan that will include ads with content on November 3. Meanwhile, it opened a new popup store in Los Angeles where merch from popular Netflix shows will be available to buy.

With supply chain slowdowns, how can brands navigate viral trends?

Can goods move at the speed of the internet? It’s a constant challenge in ecommerce, and one that has only been brought further into relief by the supply chain challenges of the last year. Vogue Business spotlights how fashion brands face particular strain due to a lack of transparency, and considers how product digitisation could help brands pursue viral trends sustainably.

Tweet of the Day 🐦

Were you forwarded this email by a friend or colleague?