Hello Omni Talk Fans! As you will read below, online grocery within the U.S. had a record November, and, based on what Chad Lusk of A&M said in last week’s year-end podcast, with all the moves towards price transparency online, we may only see this growth trajectory accelerate.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Google eliminates the need for full-body photos, launching selfie-based virtual try-on technology powered by Gemini AI across billions of Shopping Graph listings.
- Albertsons Media Collective extends retail media beyond owned properties with new “Add-It” technology that lets shoppers add products from offsite ads directly to their digital cart.
- November online grocery sales surge to $12.3 billion, reversing seasonal patterns and marking 28% year-over-year growth as order frequency hits 15-month highs.
Plus, an interesting new podcast Anne released yesterday featuring a debate on the merits of handheld vs. overhead RFID scanners with experts from GreyOrange, and a movie quote that always makes me chuckle every time I hear it.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Google Enhances Virtual Try-On With Selfie Feature
Google enhanced its virtual try-on feature to generate full-body digital versions from selfies using Gemini 2.5 Nano AI model, eliminating the need for full-body photos. U.S. shoppers can upload selfies, select clothing sizes, and receive studio-like images to virtually try billions of products from Google Shopping Graph. (Read More)
2. Albertsons Enables Direct Cart Additions From Offsite Media
Albertsons Media Collective launched Add-It technology enabling shoppers to add products, recipes, coupons from offsite media like display ads and shoppable content directly into their digital carts. The feature turns passive impressions into shoppable moments. General Mills is using it to promote limited-edition Peanuts-themed Chex cereal. (Read More)
3. November Online Grocery Sales Reach $12.3 Billion Mark
November U.S. online grocery sales reached $12.3 billion, up 28% year-over-year, marking the second time sales topped $12 billion. This was the fifth consecutive month exceeding $10 billion. Growth was driven by higher order frequency, multiple receiving methods, and increased spending, with users averaging 2.8 orders. (Read More)
4. Lululemon CEO Steps Down Amid Americas’ Sales Decline
Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald is stepping down at the end of January amid declining North American sales. CFO Meghan Frank and Chief Commercial Officer André Maestrini will become interim co-CEOs. McDonald, who tripled revenues since 2018, departs as Americas sales declined 2% despite overall revenue growth. (Read More)
5. Amazon Develops Rush Pickup Service at Physical Stores
Amazon is developing a “rush” pickup service allowing shoppers to collect orders at Amazon-owned stores, including Whole Foods and Fresh, within an hour. Customers can place unified orders from Amazon’s marketplace and in-store items. The pilot launch is planned for at least one metro area by Q1 2026. (Read More)
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Handheld vs. Overhead RFID Debate: The Final Countdown For More Exact Inventory Counts
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.