Behind Amazon’s plan to open new grocery stores

Amazon is planning to launch a new grocery business that is separate from its current Whole Foods Market and e-commerce operations — and here’s why Forbes thinks its a good idea.

While this new move seems to be a bit of a head-scratcher, Forbes Contributing Author Neil Stern believes there are a few “prime” reasons for Amazon to pursue such a strategy — starting with the idea that the company could further expand its private brands. The company is already off to a good start, with roughly 7,000 products that make up its private brand portfolio. However, only 2 percent of those products are food and beverage items.

Stern, a frequent speaker at events hosted by the Private Label Manufacturers Association, specializes in strategic planning and the development of new retail concepts for McMillanDoolittle, a Chicago-based retail consulting firm.

To read his Forbes article, click here.