Hello Omni Talk Fans! Shoptalk 2026 is now officially in the books, and yours truly got the exclusive honor to moderate and produce a takeaways podcast as the last track session of the conference.
You can give it a listen by clicking here or below.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Henkel agrees to acquire U.S. premium hair care brand Olaplex for $1.4 billion.
- The REI Union authorizes a boycott of the retailer’s high-stakes anniversary sale, with a final decision expected by May 1st.
- DoorDash expands its growing apparel delivery category by adding Urban Outfitters, Steve Madden, Dolce Vita, and Rally House to its platform ahead of spring 2026.
Plus, a quote from a movie about rock climbing.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Henkel Officially Acquires Olaplex in a $1.4 Billion All-Cash Deal
German consumer goods giant Henkel has agreed to acquire premium haircare brand Olaplex in a $1.4 billion all-cash deal at $2.06 per share — a 55% premium over its last closing price. Unanimously approved by Olaplex’s board, the transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. (Read More)
2. REI Union Authorizes Boycott of Retailer’s Anniversary Sale
The REI Union has authorized a boycott of the retailer’s anniversary sale, with a decision expected by May 1. The move follows REI declaring an impasse and unilaterally changing retirement, vacation, and sick time benefits opposed. REI called the action counterproductive, warning it risks jobs and employee opportunities. (Read More)
3. Four Apparel Retailers Partner With DoorDash for Delivery
Urban Outfitters, Dolce Vita, Rally House, and Steve Madden will join DoorDash for same-day apparel delivery this spring, expanding the platform’s fashion offerings. The move follows similar partnerships with Foot Locker, Hibbett, and Sportiqe, as DoorDash grows its on-demand retail reach across 40-plus countries. (Read More)
4. Target Updates Dress Code Rules, Boosts Employee Discount
Target is updating its employee dress code to require solid red shirts with blue denim or khaki bottoms, effective this summer. The retailer is also expanding team member apparel discounts to 20% on all owned brands, part of its broader $6 billion store turnaround plan, with changes launching officially this April 12. (Read More)
5. Gap Plans 50 New Store Openings Across Mainland China
Gap Inc. plans to open 50 new stores across mainland China in 2026, following its first quarterly breakeven under local operator Baozun. With sales surging over 20% last year, the brand now confidently targets 30% annual growth over the next two years, including a long-awaited planned return to Hong Kong stores. (Read More)
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Shoptalk Spring 2026 Takeaways Podcast
Be careful out there,
— Chris and the entire Omni Talk team
Omni Talk® is the retail blog for retailers, written by retailers. Chris Walton founded Omni Talk® in 2017 and have quickly turned it into one of the fastest growing blogs in retail.