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Krispy Kreme’s stock soared over 13% after announcing expansion talks with Walmart, Target, and McDonald’s. The doughnut chain aims to significantly increase its market reach by potentially adding more retail locations nationwide.
Krispy Kreme Eyes Nationwide Expansion with Walmart, Target, and McDonald’s Amid 13% Stock Surge
Krispy Kreme announced its plans to potentially expand its presence in Walmart stores nationwide as part of its broader growth strategy, which already includes partnerships with Target and McDonald’s.
On August 8, Krispy Kreme's market capitalization experienced a significant surge, with its stock skyrocketing over 13%. This remarkable growth was fueled by robust financial results and the company's relentless expansion efforts.
Krispy Kreme's ambitious expansion plans include a potential nationwide presence in Walmart stores. The company's doughnuts are available in 25% of Walmart's locations. CEO Josh Charlesworth's ongoing discussions with Walmart aim to extend this partnership nationally, which could significantly increase Krispy Kreme's market reach.
In addition to Walmart, Krispy Kreme is also in talks with Target to expand its reach further. This expansion aligns with Krispy Kreme’s strategy of operating as a producer and distributor of doughnuts sold in thousands of groceries, convenience stores, and restaurant locations globally. The company sells doughnuts through 8,000 access points in the U.S. but aims to increase that number significantly.
Critical to this expansion are Krispy Kreme’s “hubs,” its traditional shops where doughnuts are made and then delivered daily to kiosks, known as DFD doors, within retailers. A nationwide partnership with Walmart would be a significant milestone for Krispy Kreme, as Walmart accounts for about 25% of grocery sales in the U.S.
Krispy Kreme Expands McDonald’s Partnership to 12,000 Locations, Boosting Nationwide Growth Plans
Krispy Kreme also leverages its partnership with McDonald’s to support this growth. As Restaurant Business Magazine shared information, the company has been testing the use of McDonald’s locations as additional points of access for doughnuts, with plans to expand this partnership to more than 12,000 McDonald’s locations by the end of 2026. This expansion and new partnerships with retailers like Walmart and Target could see Krispy Kreme products available in nearly 23,000 locations across the U.S. by 2026.
Furthermore, Krispy Kreme recently sold a majority stake in Insomnia Cookies, providing the financial resources needed to open more hubs to support its distribution network.
Charlesworth confirmed that the McDonald’s partnership is progressing well. By the end of the year, Krispy Kreme doughnuts will be available in over 1,000 McDonald’s restaurants, primarily in the Midwest.
Krispy Kreme’s growth is supported by its ability to generate buzz through marketing initiatives. The company’s Southern Sweets Doughnut Collection, launched in May, which included the Dolly Dazzler doughnut inspired by Dolly Parton, contributed to 27 billion media impressions. These specialty doughnuts and a relaunched loyalty program helped drive organic revenue growth of 16% and a 22% increase in digital sales.
