Hello Omni Talk Fans! Big news out of Walmart this weekend, as David Guggina (a frequent Omni Talk guest) was named Walmart U.S. CEO.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Walmart announces sweeping executive leadership changes.
- Simbe unveils Tally 4.0, the most advanced shelf-scanning robot yet.
- Kroger and Uber launch nearly 2,700 stores nationwide on Uber Eats, Uber, and Postmates apps.
Plus, a quote from the new Damon and Affleck film I watched over the weekend.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Walmart Announces Major Leadership Changes for AI-Driven Retail Era
Walmart announced new Executive Council leaders effective February 1, 2026, as incoming CEO John Furner reorganizes for AI-driven retail. Seth Dallaire becomes EVP Chief Growth Officer for Walmart Inc., David Guggina leads Walmart U.S., Chris Nicholas heads Walmart International, and Latriece Watkins becomes Sam’s Club CEO. (Read More)
2. Simbe Unveils Tally 4.0 Autonomous Robot for Retail Intelligence
Simbe unveiled Tally 4.0, its most advanced autonomous shelf-scanning robot, featuring enhanced vision systems, 360-degree coverage, 12-hour battery runtime, and NVIDIA AI infrastructure. The robot navigates complex retail environments including produce aisles, providing real-time shelf data to optimize operations, eliminate out-of-stocks, and reduce waste. Available mid-2026. (Read More)
3. Kroger Partners Uber with for Nationwide Grocery Delivery Service
Kroger and Uber launched nearly 2,700 Kroger Family stores on Uber Eats, Uber, and Postmates apps, offering nationwide on-demand and same-day grocery delivery. The partnership includes multiple Kroger banners like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and King Soopers, with launch discounts up to 50% off first orders. (Read More)
4. Amazon Debuts Portable RFID Lanes for Checkout-Free Shopping
Amazon introduced next-generation portable RFID lanes for Just Walk Out technology, deployable in hours for pop-up shops and festivals. New features include in-lane screens, motorized gates, and dynamic pre-authorization, processing six transactions per minute. The technology launched at 17 pilot locations in 2025, expanding Amazon’s checkout-free shopping solutions. (Read More)
5. Affirm Launches Buy Now Pay Later for Rent Payments
Affirm Holdings to partner with fintech company Esusu to offer zero-interest installment loans for rent payments, allowing eligible tenants to split monthly rent into two biweekly payments. Consumer advocates express concern over potential debt cycles, while Affirm states it underwrites applications responsibly. The service launches soon. (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.