Hello Omni Talk Fans! Oh boy, Instacart. I think you have some explaining to do.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Instacart faces scrutiny as Consumer Reports investigation reveals AI-powered pricing experiments charging different customers up to 23% more for identical products across major retailers.
- Amazon reaches its goal of 2,300 markets for same-day perishables delivery just four months after launch.
- The Home Depot debuts its Creator portal to connect influencers with brand partnerships and monetization opportunities.
Plus, the recording from our live webinar this week with GreyOrange’s Troy Siwek on the best way to approach your physical store digitization projects, and a quote from a film about a different PR nightmare.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Instacart’s AI Experiments Charge Customers Different Prices
Investigation reveals Instacart conducts AI-enabled pricing experiments charging customers up to 23% more for identical groceries at major retailers including Kroger, Costco, and Target. Shoppers remain unaware they’re test subjects. Despite consumer opposition—72% reject differential pricing—Instacart confirms experiments raise concerns about surveillance pricing. (Read More)
2. Amazon Expands Same-Day Grocery Delivery Nationwide
Amazon expanded same-day perishables delivery to 2,300 markets four months after launch, doubling shopping frequency for customers ordering fresh groceries. Fresh items dominate top orders, with 30% selection growth including Whole Foods and Amazon Grocery products. Freshness Guarantee offers refunds. Further expansion planned for 2026. (Read More)
3. Home Depot Launches Creator Portal for Influencers
Home Depot launched its Creator portal connecting digital content creators to earn commissions through shoppable links, access tools, training and product gifting. Thousands enrolled before public launch. “Starting Lineup” creators focus on World Cup content. Initiative competes with Lowe’s Creator Network launched June 2025 targeting millennial/Gen Z shoppers. (Read More)
4. Target Opens New Design-Focused SoHo Store in NYC
Target opened its redesigned SoHo store featuring “The Drop” seasonal showcase, Broadway Beauty Bar curated by influencers, and “Curated By” partnerships starting with Megan Stalter. The design-focused concept completed in four months under incoming CEO Fiddelke supports $5 billion investment to reverse declining sales through enhanced store experiences. (Read More)
5. Atlas Holdings Acquires Office Depot in Billion-Dollar Deal
Atlas Holdings acquired ODP Corp, the Office Depot and OfficeMax parent, for $1 billion, taking it private and delisting from NASDAQ. CEO Gerry Smith departed; Craig Gunckel leads retail business operating 834 stores. Company refocuses on Office Depot OfficeMax and ODP Business Solutions with renewed growth strategy. (Read More)
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Be careful out there,
— 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.