Hello Omni Talk Fans! Anyone remember Jim ‘Wash Out’ Pfaffenbach from Hot Shots? Well, if Headline #1 takes off, I worry there could be many people out there that start suffering from a similar affliction.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Amazon develops AI-powered smart glasses for delivery drivers, offering hands-free package scanning, turn-by-turn navigation, and hazard detection to streamline deliveries.
- Albertsons completes rollout of Afresh’s AI-powered inventory management across all bakery and deli departments, tackling complex ordering challenges for perishable items.
- Starbucks pilots assistant store manager positions in California, Illinois, and Texas, with plans to add the role to every North American location in 2026.
Plus, a video clip of Wash Out and my latest Wrambling on all the things I think I think about retail over the last quarter.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Amazon Develops AI-Powered Smart Glasses for Delivery Drivers
Amazon is developing AI-powered smart glasses for delivery drivers to enable hands-free package scanning, turn-by-turn navigation, and proof-of-delivery capture. Using computer vision and cameras, the glasses display hazards and delivery information, aiming to reduce delivery times by keeping critical data in drivers’ line of sight. (Read More)
2. Albertsons Completes AI-Powered Fresh Rollout with Afresh
Albertsons Cos. has completed the rollout of Afresh’s AI-powered Fresh Replenishment solution across all bakery and deli departments. The technology, which uses data modeling to optimize ordering and inventory for perishable items, aims to improve stock availability and product freshness while enhancing the customer shopping experience. (Read More)
3. Starbucks Expands Leadership with New Assistant Store Manager Roles
Starbucks is piloting assistant store manager roles across select U.S. locations, with 90% filled by internal promotions. The company plans to add at least one assistant manager to every U.S. and Canadian store in 2026, creating thousands of leadership positions as part of its broader turnaround strategy. (Read More)
4. Target Announces 1,800 Corporate Job Cuts Amid Stagnant Sales
Target plans to eliminate approximately 1,800 corporate positions to address stagnant sales performance. The announcement came from newly appointed CEO Michael Fiddelke, who officially takes over in 2026. These cuts represent Target’s first significant round of layoffs in a decade, primarily affecting corporate headquarters staff in Minneapolis. (Read More)
5. Pinterest Introduces Tool to Reduce AI-Generated Content in User Feeds
Pinterest has launched a “tuner” tool allowing users to reduce AI-generated content in their feeds across categories like beauty, art, fashion, and home decor. Available on Android and desktop (iPhone coming soon), the feature won’t eliminate AI content entirely but lets users control AI presence in eligible image Pins. (Read More)
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Be careful out there,
— Chris, Anne, and the entire Omni Talk team
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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.