Hello Omni Talk Fans! In news everyone saw coming, Instacart has inked a new partnership with ChatGPT.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Instacart becomes the first grocery partner to launch an app on ChatGPT, offering end-to-end shopping and instant checkout within conversational AI.
- Walmart pilots shoppable recipe experience with Pinterest, letting users add ingredients directly to cart with real-time pricing and delivery options.
- Retail job cuts jump nearly 140% year-over-year, with 92,000 cuts announced through November as softening demand and tariff uncertainty take their toll.
Plus, our latest 5 Insightful Minutes podcast on Walmart Business with its leader, Ashley Hubka, and a movie quote that, who knew back in 2009, would eventually become par for the course.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Instacart Enables Direct Checkout Within ChatGPT Platform
Instacart integrates with ChatGPT, enabling users to shop for groceries through conversational prompts and complete purchases directly within the platform. As the first ChatGPT app offering instant checkout using Agentic Commerce Protocol and Stripe, Instacart joins retailers like Walmart, Target, and Etsy in AI-powered shopping experiences. (Read More)
2. Walmart Partners With Pinterest For Shoppable Recipes
Walmart is piloting a shoppable recipe experience with Pinterest in the U.S., allowing users to add ingredients from recipe pins directly to their Walmart cart with one tap. Key features include product swapping, real-time pricing, and preferred store selection for convenient pickup or delivery service options, rolling out over the coming weeks. (Read More)
3. Retail Job Cuts Surge Nearly 140% This Year
Retail job cuts reached 3,290 in November, up 35% from October. Year-to-date cuts totaled 91,954, up 140% from 2023, driven by softening demand, tariff uncertainty and changing consumer preferences. Major retailers including Target, Amazon and Yankee Candle announced significant layoffs, though strong holiday spending may spur temporary hiring. (Read More)
4. Schnuck Markets Deploys Domo For Real-Time Insights
Midwest grocer Schnuck Markets deployed Domo AI and data products to consolidate fragmented data from its 113 stores and departments into one centralized platform. The solution provides real-time insights and KPIs for store managers and executives, enabling agile responses like evaluating promotion effectiveness minutes after launch. (Read More)
5. Target Faces Backlash Over Black Friday Swag Bags
Target faces backlash after Black Friday customers who waited hours for free swag bags—promoted as “packed with holiday favorites”—received items including Uno cards, lip oil and single candy pouches. The first 100 customers at each store received bags, while ten lucky customers got prizes valued between $99-$350. (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.