As grocery chains face mounting pressure from inflation-weary shoppers and growing competition, some in the industry are starting to rely on AI to protect margins without losing customers.
Traditional levers to protect profits or drive sales, like raising prices or running blanket promotions, are becoming less effective as shoppers split trips across multiple retailers in search of value. That dynamic has helped drive market share gains for discounters like Dollar General and warehouse clubs like Costco, forcing traditional grocers to rethink how they compete.
Many are turning to more targeted, tech-enabled strategies to balance affordability with profitability. One emerging approach is using data and AI to adjust pricing on perishable inventory, especially items nearing their “best-by” dates. Historically, about 30% of food in American grocery stores is thrown away each year, and some experts estimate that translates to nearly $18.2 billion in lost value.
Now with years of high inflation and a recent spike in gas prices making it harder for households to afford food, companies are trying to assume less of that loss, otherwise referred to as “shrink”.
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“We see AI as a meaningful opportunity to both improve the customer experience and drive productivity across our business,” said Kroger Chairman Ronald Sargent on the company’s most recent quarterly earnings call. “We’re already seeing results from more competitive pricing.”
According to a Deloitte study, 89% of people are shopping for discounts and deals. Numerator data shows that shoppers are visiting 23% more retailers to purchase their groceries.
That makes setting the right prices at the right time more crucial than ever.
Still, making the right real-time pricing decision requires a break from traditional playbooks. Platforms like Flashfood are helping grocers dynamically price those items, which could aid them in limiting losses from food waste.
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“Not only is everyone now a value shopper, but shoppers have the information and resources available to find the best deal,” said Flashfood CEO Jordan Schenck. “This raises the stakes in terms of competition between grocers, because they’re now competing with value-specific retailers.”
This has created a unique paradigm shift for grocers who have seen increased competition from other retailers, Schenck said, and a pressure to figure out how to create value without eroding their brands through yellow sticker markdowns and discounting.
Flashfood connects shoppers with local grocery stores to purchase food nearing its best-by date at a discount. Users browse, purchase, and pay for items directly through the app, then pick up orders from a designated “Flashfood zone” fridge in-store.
Kroger’s Flashfood app.
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Courtesy: Kroger
Flashfood says it helps grocers to sell fresh food by converting what would have been shrink into incremental revenue. The company is expanding to more than 100 additional Kroger stores this month, building on a footprint that already spans more than 2,000 locations across North America.
The pitch is that retailers don’t have to choose between offering affordability to shoppers and boosting their margins. By using AI to target discounts precisely, rather than marking down an entire category, Flashfood says stores can improve sell-through while reducing waste. The end goal is more sales of perishable food and less product ending up in landfills.
Flashfood says its partners, which include Kroger but also regional chains like Piggly Wiggly, Loblaws and Gelson’s, and have reduced shrink by an average of 27% while also driving incremental traffic. Shoppers using the app make nearly four additional trips per month on average and spend about $28 more per visit on full-priced items beyond their discounted purchases, according to the company.
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Advertisement for Kroger’s Flashfood app.
Courtesy: Kroger
At the same time, the data generated from these systems is giving retailers deeper insight into consumer behavior by identifying what products will sell, at what price and at what point in their shelf lives. That’s especially important in categories like fresh foods and bakery, where margins are tighter and spoilage risk is higher.
“Grocery stores have some of the best personalized data, but not all grocery stores know what to do with the data,” said Roth Capital Partners analyst Bill Kirk. “Kroger has been at the forefront of recognizing the importance of their data and the insights that can be derived.”
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Kirk has a buy rating on the stock and $78 price target, higher than its Thursday closing price of $67.77.
Bridging that gap between surplus inventory and value-seeking shoppers is emerging as one of the clearest opportunities grocers are trying to cash in on to improve profitability.
Mumbai: Exporters on Friday urged the government to remove the cap on interest subvention, saying the current level of support is inadequate to cushion the sector amid rising global trade uncertainties.
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) expects the government to revisit the structure of the subsidy scheme to provide more meaningful relief to businesses facing higher borrowing costs and volatile export demand, a top official added.
“We are expecting the government to remove the cap that they have put on the interest subvention. The government is providing a small 75 per cent interest subvention with a cap of 50 per cent which is grossly inadequate,” said Ajay Sahai, Director General and CEO, FIEO. Last month, the government amended guidelines for interest subvention support for pre- and post-shipment export credit under Rs 25,060 crore export promotion mission.
Nearly nine in 10 people admit to checking their ex’s Facebook profile after a breakup, according to recurring research that continues to circulate widely in 2026, even as broader cyberstalking statistics show technology playing an ever-larger role in monitoring former partners.
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The often-cited 88% figure stems from earlier academic studies, including research from the University of Western Ontario and psychologist Tara Marshall’s work at Brunel University, which found that a vast majority of Facebook users engage in what researchers call “interpersonal electronic surveillance” or simply “Facebook stalking” of former romantic partners. While no major new global survey in early 2026 has precisely replicated that exact percentage for Facebook alone, the behavior remains common and appears undiminished in the age of Instagram, TikTok and other platforms.
Experts say the habit persists because social media offers easy, low-effort access to an ex’s life updates, new relationships and daily activities without direct confrontation. Checking profiles can provide a temporary sense of control or closure — or fuel jealousy and prolong emotional recovery.
Recent data on cyberstalking paints a broader picture. As many as 7.5 million people in the United States experience cyberstalking each year, with technology involved in about 80% of all stalking cases. Social media platforms account for a significant portion of monitoring tactics, with 43% of federal cyberstalking cases involving social media according to analyses of reported incidents.
A 2025 study from University College London found cyberstalking growing faster than traditional forms, rising 70% over several years to affect about 1.7% of surveyed adults in the most recent period. In the UK and similar jurisdictions, cyber-enabled behaviors often include repeated viewing of social media feeds, stories and posts from ex-partners.
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Younger adults and certain demographic groups show higher vulnerability. Women and LGBTQ+ individuals report elevated rates of both victimization and monitoring behaviors. Studies consistently indicate that women are statistically more likely than men to check an ex’s social media, often seeking emotional processing or reassurance, though both genders engage in the practice.
Post-breakup surveillance can have measurable psychological effects. Research links frequent checking to delayed healing, increased anxiety, depression and difficulty forming new relationships. The dopamine hit from discovering new information about an ex can mimic addictive patterns, making it hard to stop even when users recognize the harm.
In one older but frequently referenced survey, 56.5% of Americans admitted glancing at an ex’s profile at least once a month, with even higher rates among those in new relationships or marriages. A 2021 NortonLifeLock study found 49% of Gen Z and millennials in romantic relationships admitted to stalking an ex or current partner online.
No comprehensive 2026 survey has produced a dramatically different number for Facebook-specific “stalking,” suggesting the 88% figure — while possibly inflated by self-reported university samples — still resonates because the underlying impulse remains strong. With Facebook maintaining a massive user base of over 3 billion monthly active accounts worldwide, the platform continues to serve as a primary digital archive of personal lives.
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Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has introduced privacy tools over the years, including tighter controls on who can view stories, limited profile access and options to restrict former contacts. Yet enforcement relies heavily on users proactively blocking or unfollowing exes, steps many delay due to curiosity or lingering attachment.
Psychologists recommend practical strategies to break the cycle. Experts advise blocking or muting ex-partners immediately after a breakup, deleting old messages and photos, and setting time limits on social media use. Some suggest a full digital detox or using apps that track and restrict access to specific sites during vulnerable periods.
Relationship counselors note that social media amplifies normal post-breakup curiosity into compulsive behavior. What once required driving past an ex’s house or asking mutual friends now happens with a few taps, lowering the barrier and increasing frequency.
Broader stalking statistics from the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey highlight that more than 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience stalking in their lifetimes, with former intimate partners among the most common perpetrators. Technology has made surveillance easier and less detectable, blurring lines between harmless curiosity and harmful patterns.
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Cyberstalking cases often escalate when monitoring shifts from passive viewing to active harassment, such as sending unwanted messages, creating fake accounts or spreading rumors. Law enforcement agencies report that social media evidence plays a growing role in stalking prosecutions.
For platform operators, balancing user engagement with safety remains challenging. Features like “Close Friends” lists and restricted accounts help, but determined individuals can often find workarounds through mutual connections or public posts.
Mental health professionals emphasize that occasional checking does not equate to clinical stalking, but persistent behavior that interferes with daily life or causes distress warrants attention. Therapy focused on attachment styles, cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness can help users regain control.
As social media evolves, newer platforms introduce fresh risks. Instagram Reels, TikTok videos and Stories provide real-time glimpses into an ex’s life that feel more immediate than static Facebook posts. Cross-platform monitoring has become common, with users checking multiple accounts daily.
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Despite growing awareness, the 88% statistic continues to go viral in 2026 because it normalizes a behavior many feel privately ashamed of while offering reassurance that “everyone does it.” Viral Instagram and TikTok posts referencing the figure often spark discussions about moving on, digital boundaries and the psychology of breakups.
Experts caution against complacency. Even if most people engage in light surveillance, the cumulative emotional toll can be significant. Studies show that those who monitor exes report lower self-esteem and higher rumination compared with those who cut digital ties.
For those currently tempted to check, counselors offer a simple test: Would this action help me heal, or is it feeding unresolved feelings? If the latter, it may be time to implement stricter boundaries.
As Facebook and other platforms refine privacy settings and artificial intelligence tools flag suspicious activity, users still hold primary responsibility for protecting their peace of mind. Blocking an ex is not petty — it is often an act of self-care that research links to faster emotional recovery.
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In 2026, with billions still active on social media daily, the temptation to peek at an ex’s life remains powerful. The enduring popularity of the 88% claim reflects both how widespread the habit is and how difficult it can be to resist in an always-connected world.
Whether the precise number has shifted slightly or not, one reality stands clear: digital footprints of past relationships linger long after the romance ends, and learning to step away from the screen can be one of the healthiest choices in the healing process.
Chris Bosworth is leading figure in the UK’s cargo aviation sector
18:46, 17 Apr 2026Updated 18:50, 17 Apr 2026
Cardiff Airport.(Image: Cardiff Airport)
Cardiff Airport’s strategy of driving cargo traffic levels has been boosted with the appointment to its board of former managing director of Airport Coordination (ACL), Chris Bosworth.
Mr Bosworth has over three decades of aviation industry experience, including senior leadership roles at British Airways World Cargo, where he led commercial development across global freight markets.
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He has played a key role in shaping cargo strategy, advancing digital booking solutions and supporting major capacity investments. As well as being managing director of ACL he has held advisory and consultancy positions across the aviation sector, giving him a broad perspective across airlines, airports and air freight operations.
Widely recognised for his expertise in air cargo strategy and commercial development, e has a strong track record of driving growth across complex global logistics networks, positioning him to support Cardiff Airport in unlocking its cargo potential. He is a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport.
Mr Bosworth said: “I am delighted to join Cardiff Airport at such an important time in its development. The airport has strong foundations and clear potential to grow its cargo offering significantly. I look forward to working with the board and executive team to help realise this opportunity and deliver long-term value for the region.”
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Cardiff Airport chief executive Jon Bridge, said: “Chris’s appointment strengthens our leadership team as we focus on growth and development. His extensive cargo expertise and industry insight will be invaluable as we enhance our capabilities and develop Cardiff Airport’s position within the air freight market.”
Chairman of the airport, Wayne Harvey said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris to our board bringing his extensive knowledge and experience. We are at a very exciting stage in the airport’s development and I have no doubt that Chris will play a significant part in our journey.”
Last year European Cargo launched its second UK base at the Rhoose-based airport.
The Welsh Government recently saw off a legal challenge from Bristol Airport over it subsidy plans of £205m to the airport over the next decade. Bristol’s argument that the subsidy to the airport, which the Welsh Government acquired for £52m from Abertis in 2013, breached the Subsidy Control Act, was rejected in a judgment from the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
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The subsidy, though a matter for the next Welsh Government and the following administration, has been structured equally between providing support to attract new airlines and towards non terminal related investment, including aviation repair and overhaul.
Last year the airport increased passengers by 9% to 963,000.
Shares of Maase Inc. skyrocketed more than 31% Friday, climbing to $9.84 in midday trading on the Nasdaq as investors piled into the small-cap stock following its recent strategic shift toward becoming a full-stack artificial intelligence player through the completed acquisition of China’s Huazhi Group.
Maase Inc Stock Surges 32% to $9.84 on AI Acquisition Momentum and Market Enthusiasm
The stock jumped $2.37, or 31.62%, by 1:45 p.m. EDT, marking one of the sharpest single-day gains in recent sessions for the volatile name. Trading volume surged well above average as retail traders and momentum investors reacted to ongoing enthusiasm around the company’s pivot from traditional financial technology and wealth management services into high-growth AI infrastructure and applications.
Maase Inc., formerly known as Puyi Inc. or Highest Performances Holdings Inc., has aggressively transformed its business model through a series of acquisitions in 2025 and 2026. The most significant catalyst remains the March 30 completion of its purchase of 100% equity in Times Good Limited, which controls Huazhi Future (Chongqing) Technology Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries, collectively known as the Huazhi Group.
The deal, initially announced in January and valued at approximately RMB1.1 billion (about $152 million), was paid through a combination of newly issued Class A ordinary shares and cash. Management described the transaction as a pivotal move that elevates Maase from a “scenario operator” focused on financial services to an “AI industry player” with full-stack, self-controlled capabilities in computing power, algorithms and intelligent applications.
Huazhi Group brings expertise in high-performance computing infrastructure, proprietary AI algorithms and solutions for smart governance, enterprise digital transformation and energy optimization. Company executives have signaled plans to integrate these assets tightly with Maase’s existing operations, targeting applications in urban intelligence, commercial networks and industrial efficiency within China’s rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.
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The acquisition closed on March 30, resulting in the issuance of 87,400,144 Class A ordinary shares to the sellers. As of that date, Maase had approximately 442 million ordinary shares outstanding, with the new shareholders holding about 19.77% of the equity but only 7.93% of the voting power due to the company’s dual-class structure.
Friday’s explosive move builds on earlier gains triggered by the deal’s announcement and completion. Shares had already shown strength in March and early April as investors bet on the AI narrative amid global enthusiasm for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The stock has traded in a wide 52-week range between roughly $2.41 and $14.00, reflecting both the high-risk nature of its transformation and the potential rewards of successful execution.
Before the AI pivot, Maase operated primarily as a financial technology services provider in China, offering wealth management, insurance agency and claims adjusting services. The company, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Chengdu with additional operations in Qingdao, has used a series of strategic deals to diversify. Earlier transactions included entries into new-energy technologies, healthcare and wellness, and even a premium tea producer, though the Huazhi move represents the clearest bet on high-growth tech.
Analysts and market observers remain divided on the stock’s long-term prospects. The company’s financials show modest revenue from its legacy segments, with recent reports indicating challenges in scaling traditional operations amid China’s evolving regulatory and economic environment. However, bullish voices highlight the potential for Huazhi’s assets to drive future top-line growth and improved margins if integration proceeds smoothly.
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Short interest in Maase dropped significantly in March, falling 18.3% to just 3,579 shares as of March 31 — representing only 0.2% of the float and a short-interest ratio of about 0.5 days to cover. The decline suggests some bearish positions were covered as positive acquisition news circulated.
Maase’s market capitalization has fluctuated with its share price volatility but recently hovered in the low billions following the latest rally. The company maintains a relatively small public float, which can amplify price swings on news or increased trading interest.
Beyond the Huazhi deal, Maase has pursued other growth initiatives. In late March, a subsidiary completed delivery of mobile charging robots valued at RMB3.2 million, expanding its footprint in intelligent hardware for the southwest China market. Earlier moves included acquisitions in new-energy technologies and healthcare, illustrating management’s serial approach to reshaping the business.
Risks remain substantial. As a China-based entity listed on Nasdaq via American Depositary Receipts or sponsored shares, Maase faces geopolitical tensions, regulatory scrutiny over cross-border deals and potential U.S. investor concerns regarding variable interest entity structures or accounting transparency common among Chinese firms. Integration challenges with newly acquired businesses could also pressure near-term results.
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The stock’s recent performance has drawn attention from retail traders active on platforms tracking small-cap momentum names. Friday’s surge occurred amid broader market interest in AI-related plays, even as many larger technology stocks traded more modestly.
Maase did not immediately release new commentary on Friday’s trading action. Its most recent official updates focused on the successful closure of the Huazhi transaction and integration plans. Executives have expressed confidence that the combination will create a vertically integrated AI ecosystem spanning computing infrastructure, algorithms, hardware and operational services.
For investors, the story centers on execution. Can Maase successfully leverage Huazhi’s capabilities to generate meaningful revenue and profitability in the competitive Chinese AI sector? Or will the transformation dilute focus on legacy financial services while adding operational complexity?
The company’s history includes multiple name changes and strategic shifts, underscoring its adaptability but also raising questions about long-term consistency. Earlier segments in insurance agency and wealth management provided steady but modest revenue, while the new AI direction promises higher growth potential at the cost of greater uncertainty.
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As trading continued Friday, technical analysts noted the stock breaking above recent resistance levels on heavy volume, potentially signaling further short-term momentum if buyer interest persists into next week. Longer-term charts show the shares remain well off their 52-week highs, leaving room for recovery — or additional volatility.
Broader market context also plays a role. With artificial intelligence dominating investor conversations globally, even smaller companies announcing AI-related moves can experience outsized reactions. Maase’s pivot aligns with this theme, though its scale and execution track record differ markedly from established AI leaders.
Looking ahead, investors will watch for updates on post-acquisition integration, any new partnerships or pilot projects involving Huazhi technology, and eventual financial reporting that reflects the combined entity. Quarterly results could provide the first concrete metrics on how the AI assets are contributing to overall performance.
For now, Friday’s 31% surge underscores the high-beta nature of Maase shares and the market’s willingness to reward perceived strategic repositioning in the red-hot AI space. Whether the momentum sustains or fades will depend on the company’s ability to deliver tangible progress beyond press releases.
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Maase Inc. operates in a dynamic environment where technological ambition meets the realities of execution in China’s regulated markets. Its latest rally reflects hope that the Huazhi acquisition marks the beginning of a successful new chapter — one that could transform a modest financial services player into a meaningful participant in the global AI revolution.
Evercore ISI senior managing director Mark Mahaney analyzes Netflix and Meta on ‘Varney & Co.’
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings will not seek re-election to the company’s board.
He is currently the chair of the streaming entertainment giant’s board of directors.
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“Reed Hastings has informed us that he will not stand for re-election to our Board when his current term expires at the Annual Meeting in June, in order to focus on his philanthropy and other pursuits,” the company wrote in a recent Securities and Exchange Commission report.
Netflix co-founder and CEO, Reed Hastings, is in Sydney to meet with executives of other subscription streaming services, Feb. 25, 2022. (Wolter Peeters/Fairfax Media via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“Reed built a culture of innovation, integrity and high performance that defines who we are today. His vision and leadership pioneered how the world is entertained, and his legacy and impact are not only felt by all of us at Netflix, but by audiences around the world. On behalf of the Board and our shareholders, we extend our deepest thanks for his extraordinary leadership and service,” Netflix added.
Rich Greenfield of LightShed Partners and LightShed Ventures told CNBC that Hastings’ exit “is spooking investors.”
The Netflix logo is seen on the roof of an office building in Los Angeles, California, on April 16, 2026. (Michael Yanow/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The company’s stock price took a nosedive after the market close on Thursday, falling about 10% as of Friday morning prior to the market open.
Hastings noted, “Netflix changed my life in so many ways, and my all‑time favorite memory was January 2016, when we enabled nearly the entire planet to enjoy our service.”
Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix Inc., during the Allen & Co. Media and Technology Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“My real contribution at Netflix wasn’t a single decision; it was a focus on member joy, building a culture that others could inherit and improve, and building a company that could be both beloved by members and wildly successful for generations to come. A special thanks to Greg and Ted, whose commitment to Netflix’s greatness is so strong that I can now focus on new things,” he added, referring to the company’s co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters.
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