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—
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Schnucks Utilizes Technology to Meet Demand for Locally Sourced Food

As consumer demand for locally sourced food grows amid the pandemic, the supermarket chain is leveraging a digital market to bring produce from small farmers to its stores.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

The Pandemic Is Reshaping Discussions About What Workers Need

Managers of remote employees need to boost soft skills, empathy and ‘mental health literacy,’ according to executives from Microsoft, The Adecco Group and more.

GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

Starbucks Expands No-Contact Offerings During Pandemic

The coffee giant leans into new opportunities like grab-and-grow locations and digital commerce in light of COVID-19.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Bissell Is Leveraging Livestreaming to Sell Overseas

Iconic vacuum company tests live product demonstrations by ‘key opinion leaders,’ China’s answer to influencers in the U.S., on Alibaba’s Tmall marketplace site.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Businesses Capitalizing on the Rise of Remote Work

Pandemic spurs increased opportunities for companies offering self-care perks for remote employees, like at-home fitness classes, better-for-you foods and anxiety and insomnia relief.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

The Frozen Food Industry Is Getting an Upscale Makeover

Organic and higher-end brands are luring younger consumers to the freezer case — helping retailers log hefty sales gains in store and online, too.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Warehouses Increase Robotic Automation Amid COVID-19

Companies seek e-commerce efficiency and worker safety through robotics.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Walgreens Uses Technology to Serve Customers Amid COVID-19

The drugstore chain’s chief digital officer and other tech executives discuss accelerating digital innovation amid coronavirus and beyond as a ‘new normal’ evolves.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Office Depot's New Tech Aims to Improve Customer Experience

Mobile tools facilitate curbside pickup and contactless delivery during COVID-19 pandemic.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Facial Recognition Tech Gains Traction During COVID-19

As fast-food chains like CaliBurger test facial recognition technology to expedite customer orders, the tech is also being used to take body temperatures to help keep workplaces safe amid COVID-19.