All articles tagged with #retail
Target removed a Halloween costume from shelves after criticism that it resembled racist caricatures, apologized, said the design was offensive and has been discontinued, and pledged to review its processes to prevent a repeat.
Dick's Sporting Goods shares fell after it cut its full-year outlook, citing a challenging retail backdrop; the move comes as the Q2 earnings season winds down and Nvidia remains a market focal point, with earnings for S&P 500 companies seen rising about 50% year over year on AI-driven momentum, while investors await updates from other retailers like Dollar Tree and Kohl's.
Apple is reorganizing its brick-and-mortar stores this fall to make room for upcoming home devices, with changes focused on the perimeter “Avenues” displays and new accessory bays. The updates aim to showcase a rumored HomePod with Display (HomePad) and an upgraded Apple TV, while signaling a dedicated space to demonstrate how the hub fits into HomeKit setups. Rumors also point to faster chips and a tvOS-based OS powered by Siri AI, plus potential design tweaks like a 7-inch display.
Walmart’s latest quarter shows solid fundamentals despite a stock pullback driven by lofty expectations and decelerating US same-store sales. The core business remains strong: Sam’s Club and Walmart US sales rise, international results are improving, and global e-commerce is up about 23%. Management notes ongoing consumer pressure but remains confident in serving customers, while analysts like Jefferies remain bullish on Walmart’s competitive position against Amazon. The dip appears due to high expectations rather than a deterioration in core fundamentals.
Publix is removing the 10-item limit on its express checkout lanes across all stores after a Miami-based pilot, giving customers with more than 10 items the option to use express lanes; self-checkout remains available for quicker purchases and the change aims to reduce wait times and improve the shopping experience.
Walmart said quarterly sales grew at the slowest pace in over six years, with comparable-store sales up 2.6% excluding fuel, as US shoppers pull back amid higher fuel prices; the retailer plans to use up to $3 billion in tariff refunds to fund ongoing price cuts (rollbacks) that have boosted transactions, especially in food and staples. The environment remains uneven with lower-income shoppers cutting back, and margins could be pressured by ongoing automation and warehouse investments, though management notes some rollbacks could become permanent and points to memberships and advertising as additional growth areas.
Walmart will begin accepting NFC tap-to-pay options, including Apple Pay, at U.S. stores starting Aug. 24, with a full rollout to all locations by the end of 2026 and to gas stations by mid-2027. This replaces the existing Walmart Pay QR system and brings Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay to checkout, while Walmart Pay remains available. Apple Pay has been available in Walmart’s Canada stores since 2020, with Mexico plans not disclosed.
U.S. retailers including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and TJX reported quarterly results after receiving about $5 billion in IEEPA tariff refunds, with Walmart alone at $2.9 billion. The refunds largely boosted gross profits or funded bonuses rather than passing savings to shoppers; while some executives cited price reductions, most did not report broad discounts. Economists note tariffs continue to push consumer prices higher, even as companies book the windfall and investors cheer.
Walmart posted 2.6% U.S. same-store sales growth in Q2, below the 3.8% forecast, as higher fuel costs and softer consumer spending weighed on results; revenue rose 3.4% overall, with e-commerce up 24% and in-store traffic up modestly. Price cuts funded by tariff refunds helped, and Walmart raised its full-year net-sales outlook to 4–5%, though shares fell as investors weighed a mixed earnings backdrop amid inflation pressures.
American brands that once rode China’s growth are losing ground as domestic competitors surge, consumers become price-sensitive, and locals adapt faster. Nike’s China business has deteriorated, Starbucks faces fierce discount competition from Luckin Coffee, and GM’s China operations have weakened amid a rising wave of local automakers and a shift toward new energy vehicles. Brands that localize, offer genuine value, and optimize distribution—like Lululemon and Ralph Lauren—are faring better, underscoring the need for more local capability rather than simply exporting global models.
Walmart topped revenue and earnings estimates for the quarter with about $187.9 billion in sales and adjusted EPS of $0.81, but U.S. same-store sales rose only 2.6%—below expectations—driving a ~9% drop in the stock as shoppers faced higher fuel costs. E-commerce grew 23% and the company maintained guidance for modest growth in the coming year, aided by tariff refunds and price investments in key categories.
Walmart missed quarterly comparable sales for the first time in about five years as shoppers pull back amid higher gas prices, sending shares down about 6% in premarket trading. The retailer still nudged up its full-year net-sales growth target to 4–5% and highlighted strength in its e-commerce and Walmart Connect ads (e-commerce +24%, advertising +43%), though store traffic slowed and price cuts continued (11,000+ items in Q2). U.S. Q2 same-store sales rose 2.6% versus 3.8% expectations; average ticket rose 1.1% (vs 3.1% a year ago). Excluding Inflation Reduction Act effects, core U.S. comps rose 3.4%, the slowest since early-2022. Third-quarter adjusted EPS guidance is 62–64 cents (below consensus of 68 cents), with net-sales growth for the quarter guided to 3–3.75%.
Walmart topped quarterly revenue and earnings estimates, reporting about $187.9 billion in revenue and adjusted EPS of $0.81, but shares fell around 6% in premarket trading after U.S. same-store sales rose 2.6% vs. a 3.7% forecast. E-commerce growth was strong (about 23%), aided by promotions, while cheaper drug prices dampened health-related growth; excluding health & wellness, core merchandise growth was around 3.4%. The company raised its guidance: next quarter net sales up 3.0%–3.75%, fiscal 2027 revenue up 4%–5% with adjusted EPS of $2.80–$2.87. Tariff refunds could add roughly 0.5% of U.S. sales, a potential tailwind, and Walmart signaled it will continue price investments to counter inflation.
Walmart is expected to report its fiscal Q2 2027 results before the bell, with consensus at about 74 cents per share on roughly $186.8 billion in revenue, signaling how the U.S. consumer is faring amid a widening income split. The company has cautioned about a weaker full-year outlook, while analysts note tariff refunds and tariff-driven price moves may have influenced the quarter. Walmart will discuss tariff refunds’ impact during its 8 a.m. ET earnings call.