Thrivvy

📰 Ripe Report No. 10: Target to Roll Out Transformative GenAI Technology to Its Store Team Members Chainwide

Target is set to launch a new generative AI-powered chatbot called Store Companion across nearly 2,000 stores by August. This tool, designed to assist store associates with on-the-job process questions, aims to streamline operations and enhance customer service.

Key Features of Store Companion:
◼ Available on store associates' handheld devices to provide instant answers to process-related questions.
◼ For example, team members can input prompts like "How do I sign a guest up for a Target Circle Card?" and "How do I restart the cash register in the event of a power outage?" and receive instructions and resources in seconds.
◼ Acts as a coach for new and seasonal employees, offering on-the-job learning resources.

Target is also enhancing its digital experience with GenAI-powered product display pages and guided search capabilities. This technology will provide personalized customer search results and summarized product reviews, making it easier for consumers to find what they need.

Guided Search:
◼ Allows guests to use conversational language to discover a broader range of relevant items.
◼ For example, a search for "summer party" will return a broader range of items, from party supplies and invitations to outdoor tableware, meat for grilling, a variety of snack and drink ideas, and more.
◼ Helps shoppers remember commonly forgotten items like sun protection and outdoor games.

Curious to know—have you explored Target’s new Guided Search yet? Do you find this more intuitive compared to the traditional item-by-item search?

💬 Drop us a comment or send us a message with your thoughts!

Check out Target's news release (link in comments) and stay tuned for more updates on how to shop smart with Thrivvy (www.shopthrivvy.com).

📰 Ripe Report No. 09: Walmart Launches bettergoods, a New Private Brand

Walmart has introduced bettergoods, a private label offering high-quality, chef-inspired food at unbeatable prices. With 300 items focused on culinary experiences, plant-based options, and “made without” products, most items are priced under $5.

Bettergoods Overview:
◼ Price Range: Most items under $5, ranging from $2 to $15.
◼ Product Focus: Culinary experiences, plant-based options, and "made without" products.
◼ Product Categories: Frozen, dairy, snacks, beverages, pasta, soups, coffee, and chocolate.

Private label sales are at an all-time high, accounting for nearly 21% of grocery industry unit sales in 2023. Consumers increasingly see store brands as differentiated, quality items rather than just lower-cost national brand equivalents. This move by Walmart aligns with the trend of grocers releasing new private label brands as shoppers continue to value price over loyalty.

🛒 Impact on Thrivvy Shoppers: As Walmart expands its private brand portfolio with bettergoods, Thrivvy users can look forward to more options for high-quality, affordable groceries. This trend in consumer habits is why we started Thrivvy—to help families find quality products for the best deal by using our app to compare prices on hundreds of thousands of products with the click of a button.

💬 How do you feel about Walmart's new bettergoods brand? Have you tried any of their products yet?

Drop us a comment or send us a message with your thoughts!

👀 Check out Walmart's news release (link in comments) and stay tuned for more updates on how to shop smart with Thrivvy (www.shopthrivvy.com).