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.

Areas of expertise include:
• Company financial performance
• Technology deployments
• Supply chain strategies
• Product marketing, merchandising and procurement
• Retail real estate, design and construction
• Labor issues

Latest—

Holiday Trends Your Business Should Know for Black Friday 2025 (and Beyond)

Retailers focus on value, convenience amid a cautious consumer environment.

Buy Now Pay Later Financial Services for Consumers and Businesses

Expanded offerings from buy now, pay later platforms include debit cards and retail partnerships to attract both merchants and consumers, say executives from Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay.

VenHub Founder on its Robotic, Employee-Free Retail Stores (and Empowering Entrepreneurs)

CEO Shahan Ohanessian envisions the startup’s autonomous-stores concept across consumer products — from pet supplies and consumer electronics to luxury goods.

How CPG Disruptors Are Leaning Into the Protein-Fortified Food Trend to Unlock Growth

Hot startups like Magic Spoon and David and even behemoth Starbucks are rolling out products to meet consumer demand for protein that target not only ‘gym bros’ but women too.

Autonomous Delivery for Companies Large and Small

Driverless vehicles from companies such as Zipline, Gatik, and Aurora Innovation increasingly haul goods throughout the supply chain.

CPG Veteran Taps Into Growing Appetite for Hispanic Foods at Insignia

The company seeks to streamline its product portfolio to focus on the growth of its core brands and consumer trend-led product innovation.

How Brands Are Using AI to Optimize Digital Out-of-Home Advertising

Businesses, including container company PODS and automaker Kia, are creating dynamic displays to target specific audiences that are driving up customer visits and sales.

How Brands Both Big and Small Are Tapping Reddit to Drive Business

Businesses ranging from Jack Daniel’s to Tree Amigos tree care take varied approaches to targeting specific audiences on the fast-growing platform.

Celebrity-Owned Startup MOSH Carves a Unique Niche in the ‘Functional’ Foods Market

The brand’s focus on cognitive health and appealing to women helps differentiate its protein bars, says President and COO of the startup, which was founded by Maria Shriver and her son, Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Back To School Shopping Trends Businesses Can Monetize

Companies including Target, Walmart, and Dollar General seek to provide inflation relief and stability for shoppers in a tariff-turbulent environment.