Business Roundup: Kroger launches holistic shopping app
Kroger launches holistic shopping app
CINCINNATI - Kroger last week launched OptUP, an app that helps customers make more informed, healthier purchase decisions by “scoring” groceries purchased using nationally-recognized guidelines and providing better-for-you alternatives.
"The OptUP app is a part of Kroger's recently-launched Wellness Your Way platform in support of Restock Kroger," said Colleen Lindholz, president of Pharmacy and Little Clinic. "As part of redefining the customer experience, we are encouraging our shoppers to engage in a balanced, holistic approach to selfcare."
OptUP product scores are based on a nationally recognized dietary standard — enhanced by Kroger's registered dietitians. The product score range is from 1 to 100. Products in the green category score 71 or better and are lower in saturated fat, sodium, sugar, and calories, and may be higher in fiber, protein, and fruit/vegetable, or nut content. The yellow category range is 36 to 70 while the red category ranges from 1 to 35. Kroger's registered dietitians recommend customers have a cart mix that is at least 50 percent green category products. OptUP scores range from 0-1,000, reflecting a customer's purchase history over the past eight weeks. The ideal score is 600 or better.
"OptUP is a collaboration among our health, tech, digital, and 84.51 teams," said Yael Cosset, Kroger's chief digital officer. "The data-driven app creates a more transparent and educational experience for our customers, continuing our commitment to help Americans shop, eat, and live healthier on their terms."
Kroger will continue to improve the OptUP app, adding more features and greater personalization for customers' specific health needs and preferences.
Customers can download the free OptUP app through the App Store and Google Play store.
The Kroger Co. has nearly half a million associates who serve over 9 million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names.
New to You Consignments offers U-Haul services
FREMONT - U-Haul Company of Massachusetts and Ohio, Inc. has announced that the Fremont business New to You Consignments has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the community.
Owned by Adam and Pat Wilhelm, New to You Consignments, 202 E. State St., will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies, and in-store pick-up for boxes.
U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers a convenient, secure way to pick up and return a truck. U-Haul live verification technology allows rental transactions to be carried out entirely on a smartphone at any hour — day or night. There are no membership fees. Simply visit uhaul.com to create an online account.
Normal business hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling 419-332-4221 or visiting https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Fremont-OH-43420/024282/ today.
U-Haul and New to You Consignments are striving to benefit the environment through sustainability initiatives. Truck sharing is a core U-Haul sustainability business practice that allows individuals to access a fleet of trucks that is larger than what they could access on an individual basis.
New to You Consignments is a great place to become "U-Haul Famous." Take your picture in front of a U-Haul product, send it in and your face could land on the side of a U-Haul truck. Upload your photo through Instagram using #uhaulfamous, or go to uhaulfamous.com to submit photos and learn more.
Macy's launching nonprofit fund
NEW YORK - Macy’s, Inc. announced the launch of the North Star Relief Fund, which will provide rapid, direct financial assistance to employees during times of natural disaster or personal hardship.
The North Star Relief Fund, a designated 501(c)(3) charity, has been established with a seed contribution of $2 million from Macy’s, with ongoing support primarily from employee and corporate contributions.
“Giving back is one of Macy’s core values,” said Jeff Gennette, Macy’s, Inc. chairman and chief executive officer. “We show up in times of need, and we take care of the communities we're a part of. When our Macy's family is the community that needs support, our employees go above and beyond to care for one another, seeking ways to offer their support. This simple concept, driven by our people, is the inspiration behind our North Star Relief Fund.”
The North Star Relief Fund is designed to make it easy for employees to give back to each other when help is needed. The Fund will begin accepting donations and applications for assistance this month. Any full-time or part-time employees who are actively employed by Macy’s, Inc. are eligible for assistance and can apply on Macy’s internal website or by email. A list of qualifying events and hardships has been provided to employees, which include but are not limited to, damage to primary residence from natural disasters, non-routine or exceptional medical expenses, domestic abuse, and military deployment. Applications for assistance will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Awards are typically made within 48 hours and are decided based upon the event, the level of need and the amount of assistance requested.
This Fund was inspired by Macy’s significant relief efforts following the devastating storms of 2017, which raised and donated funds for affected communities. Going forward, the North Star Relief Fund will allow employees to support one another year-round.
“The North Star Relief Fund allows us to support those experiencing a range of life’s toughest obstacles,” said Gennette. “And now we have a way to take quick action when our employees need it the most.”
Anyone, including Macy’s, Inc. employees, vendors, customers, and community groups, may donate to the Fund. For more information visit Macy’s Community Give Back site at mygiveback.benevity.org/community.