Hello Omni Talk Fans! Walmart once again shows it has its eye on the ball.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Walmart partners with Avery Dennison to deploy RFID sensor technology in its meat, deli, and bakery departments, enabling item-level freshness tracking and automated markdown decisions while advancing its sustainability goals.
- Starbucks quietly tests “Coffee Loop,” a back-to-basics rewards pilot offering select members a free coffee for every nine purchased, as the company works to reverse six consecutive quarters of declining comparable store sales.
- Toys R Us accelerates its comeback with over 30 new flagship and seasonal stores opening ahead of the holidays, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s growth since emerging from bankruptcy.
Plus, former Walmart EVP Marybeth Hays joined us for 5 Insightful Minutes on the future of merchandising in the age of improved shelf intelligence, and I also give you my favorite movie quote ever about coffee.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Walmart Pioneers RFID Technology for Real-Time Fresh Food Tracking
Walmart and Avery Dennison have pioneered breakthrough RFID sensor technology that tracks freshness in meat, deli, and bakery departments despite cold, moist conditions incompatible with RFID. The innovation enables real-time inventory management, reduces food waste, improves labor efficiency, and marks transformative advancement in grocery retail operations. (Read More)
2. Starbucks Tests ‘Coffee Loop’ Digital Punch Card Program
Starbucks is testing Coffee Loop, a “buy nine, get one free” rewards program for select U.S. members, echoing traditional punch cards. This pilot aims to revitalize the struggling Rewards program amid declining comparable store sales and membership numbers, returning to simpler engagement methods after more complex gamification attempts. (Read More)
3. Toys R Us Expands with 30+ New Stores for Holiday Season
Toys R Us is opening over 30 new stores across the U.S., including flagship locations and seasonal holiday shops, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s growth. The expansion comes as the toy retailer continues its comeback after filing for bankruptcy in 2017, with WHP Global taking control in 2021. (Read More)
4. E.l.f. Launches Shoppable Livestreams on Twitch with Amazon Ads
E.l.f. Cosmetics becomes the first brand to test shoppable livestream ads on Twitch, allowing users to purchase products directly during streams. Powered by Amazon Ads, the integration aims to streamline the marketing funnel and boost social commerce adoption in the U.S., launching ahead of the holiday season. (Read More)
5. LVMH Explores Sale of 50% Stake in Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty
LVMH is exploring selling its 50% stake in Fenty Beauty, co-owned with Rihanna, working with investment bank Evercore. The inclusive makeup brand generated approximately $450 million in 2024 sales and could be valued between $1-2 billion. Launched in 2017, Fenty Beauty offers products for diverse skin tones. (Read More)
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— Chris, Anne, and the entire Omni Talk team
Omni Talk® is the retail blog for retailers, written by retailers. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga founded Omni Talk® in 2017 and have quickly turned it into one of the fastest growing blogs in retail.