A leading meal kit provider has been purchased by a company founded by the former head of e-commerce of Walmart. Following a definitive merger agreement it entered in early October, Blue Apron has been acquired by food and restaurant startup Wonder Group for about $103 million. Wonder Group says this purchase is a step on its way to the development of a “mealtime super app.” Blue Apron customers within Wonder delivery zones can now have their subscription boxes delivered by Wonder couriers for no additional cost. Service to Blue Apron customers will continue as normal... Toys “R” Us is set to open its second U.S. flagship under its new owners. The iconic toy retailer is opening an 11,000-square-foot store this week at Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. It’s the second brick-and-mortar location under WHP Global, which acquired the brand in 2021, and the first to open under a new partnership with Go! Retail Group. The partnership includes the opening of up to 24 Toys “R” Us flagships in prime locations across the nation.
Pizza Hut has a new merch offering. The brand’s Collectible Seasoning Duet Box Set features two new spice blends, along with a limited-edition shaker, designed to closely resemble Pizza Hut’s faux Tiffany-esque stained glass lamps. The “Make it Pepperoni” seasoning is a spicy (and surprisingly vegan) topping that “captures the … flavors of Pizza Hut’s signature pepperoni,” according to a release. The topping can be used on everything from popcorn, pasta and avocado toast to ice cream, says the chain. The “Everything Pizza Shake” combines multiple pizza toppings into one shaker, such as oregano, red pepper flake and parmesan... McDonald’s is teaming up with one of the most recognizable footwear brands in the world, announcing a partnership with Crocs for the companies’ first-ever collaboration. The collab includes a full line of shoes, socks and Jibbitz charms, and is available in multiple countries at select retail locations and on Crocs. com. The line includes a classic clog to limited-edition clogs inspired by McDonald’s characters Grimace, Birdie, and Hamburglar. McDonalds and Crocs social media channels will drop when certain Crocs go on sale.
Kroger’s latest holiday campaign features a video starring the retailer’s Kroji characters telling a story about how food can forge connections across cultures. The company is also releasing a Holiday Remix playlist in its stores and on Spotify and will continue its Holiday Table cuisine exchange program on social media in collaboration with Dentsu Creative... Meanwhile: Kroger is expanding its presence in Central Ohio with the addition of a Kroger Marketplace location in the Columbus suburb of Plain City. Kroger officially broke ground on the 123,000-square-foot store on Nov. 9, with the location expected to open by the end of 2024.