Seattle-based Jones Soda Co. announced a key expansion of its retail footprint with the addition of 210 Meijer stores in six Midwest states. The agreement adds a new marquee regional retailer to Jones Soda’s portfolio, it says.

As eCommerce shopping rates are on the rise, experts note that mass merchandisers that capitalize on strategic product placement, variety, and ease of locating and purchasing product will come out on top. 

British philosopher Alan Watts once said, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance.” As the American retail landscape continues to change, it seems as though mass merchandiser chains are joining this “dance.”

More than 20 years ago, Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer began carrying its first craft brew. Today, the retailer remains committed to the growing industry and supporting up-and-coming local breweries across the Midwest, it says.

The world of retail is ever-changing, and retailers continually have to innovate and adapt to the changing times and consumer.

During the recession, private-label products enjoyed increasing popularity as consumers looked for new ways to save on everyday purchases during the economic downturn. In fact, U.S. consumers spent $120 billion on private-label products during the past year, marking a year-over-year increase of 2.1 percent, according to Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI). However, this growth now seems to be leveling off, and this small uptick was largely driven by price increases, it reports.