Mark Hamstra

CONTRIBUTOR

About Mark

Mark Hamstra is a freelance business writer with experience covering a range of topics and industries, including food and mass retailing, the restaurant industry, direct/mobile marketing, and technology. Before becoming a freelance business journalist, Mark spent 13 years with Supermarket News, most recently as content director, where he was involved in all areas of editorial planning and production for print and online. Earlier in his career he also worked as a reporter and editor for other business publications, including Financial Technology, Direct Marketing News, Nation’s Restaurant News and Drug Store News. \nAreas of expertise include:\n• Company financial performance\n• Technology deployments\n• Supply chain strategies\n• Product marketing, merchandising and procurement\n• Retail real estate, design and construction\n• Labor issues

Latest—

Digital Shelf Labels Light up Big and Small Retailers' Bottom Lines

Technology facilitates faster price changes and aids online order pickers for merchants ranging from mega-retailer Walmart to local Tennessee grocery Tate Family Foods.

Mushrooms Emerge as Growth Opportunity Across the Grocery Landscape

Startups including Pan's, Meati, and Renude create products that tap into the fungi's healthy attributes amid consumer demand for plant-based food options.

Demand for Restaurant-Style Meals at Home Drives Grocery Opportunities

Supermarkets are elevating their food offerings to replicate outside dining experiences, including via full-service, in-store restaurants, executives told CO—.

Wonder CMO on How Partnerships With Walmart to Chef Bobby Flay Are Key to Growth for the Digital Food Hall

Daniel Shlossman on how big retailers and high-profile chefs from Marcus Samuelsson to José Andrés are incentivized to help serial entrepreneur Marc Lore’s ‘fast fine’ dining concept grow.

Health and Wellness Disruptor Hims & Hers Finds New Niches to Fuel Growth

COO Melissa Baird on how personalization and AI tools have become core pillars for expanding the company’s specialized services, from heart health to weight management treatments.

Remote Work Presents Opportunities (and Challenges) for Suburban Restaurant Growth

How fast-casual chains including DIG, CAVA, and Sweetgreen are expanding successfully in suburban markets.

Mastercard, Affirm, and Klarna Lean Into SMB and Millennial Market Demands to Unlock Growth

Execs from the financial services firms on easing access to capital for small businesses, expanding buy now, pay later options, and driving cost savings via AI to fuel growth.

Businesses Large and Small Tap Multibillion-Dollar Retail Media Network Trend for Growth

In-store platforms from DICK’s Sporting Goods to Instacart expand to provide advertisers more access to consumers in the final stages of their purchasing decisions.

New Tech Helps J.C. Penney Meet Its Workers’ Financial and Scheduling Needs

Chief Human Resources Officer Andre Joyner on how the retailer’s new employment solutions app boosted supply chain employees’ feelings of empowerment and job satisfaction.

Companies Embrace Tech to Hyper-Personalize Travel Experiences

Companies From Hilton Hotels to Vail Resorts and United Airlines are allowing customers to personalize their own experiences.