Hello Omni Talk Fans! I can’t believe I am about to write this but did you know that the final five weeks of its last quarter were Costco’s top five volume weeks ever?
It is true and that is pure insanity.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Costco posts an 11.6% sales increase to $69.15 billion in Q3, driven by “unprecedented” gas demand that drew first-time fuel station users and deepened member loyalty.
- Walmart reports more than 36% of store-fulfilled deliveries now arrive in three hours or less, with fast-delivery category sales up over 50% year over year and drone deliveries hitting the one million milestone.
- SNAP waivers rolling out across 19 states by end of 2026 could trigger an estimated $830 million in sales losses for soda, candy, and energy drinks, according to new Numerator research.
Plus, my favorite headline short from last week’s Fast Five Podcast, and a quote from a film in which a major plot point revolves around the snapping of one’s fingers.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Costco Q3 Net Sales Rise 11.6% Driven by Record Gas Demand
Costco’s Q3 net sales rose 11.6% to $69.15B, driven by record gas demand as price-sensitive shoppers visited its pumps for the very first time. Comparable sales climbed 9.8%, digital comps surged 21.5%, and net income reached $2.19B. Total membership grew to 82.9M, up 4.1% year over year. (Read More)
2. Walmart Store-Fulfilled Delivery Sales Double in Just Two Years
Walmart’s store-fulfilled delivery sales have more than doubled in two years, with over 36% of orders now arriving within three hours. The retailer reaches 60% of the U.S. in under 30 minutes, with customer satisfaction at record highs. Fast-delivery sales grew 50%+ YoY, and drone deliveries hit 1 million in Q1. (Read More)
3. SNAP Spending Restrictions Could Cost Retailers $830M in Sales
SNAP spending restrictions across 19 states could cost retailers up to $830M in lost sales by end of 2026, with soda, candy, and energy drinks hit hardest. Nearly two-thirds of affected households plan to buy restricted items with non-SNAP funds, while 30% may shift to healthier alternatives. (Read More)
4. Warby Parker Launches Smart AI Glasses With Google, Samsung
Warby Parker is launching its first AI-powered smart glasses this fall, built with Google’s Gemini assistant and Samsung’s Android XR platform. The frames offer prescription and sunglass options, enabling hands-free access to apps, information, and daily task management via lightweight, everyday-wear design. (Read More)
5. Gap Inc. Posts Its Ninth Straight Quarter of Positive Comp Sales
Gap Inc. posted its ninth straight quarter of positive comp sales, with Q1 revenue rising to $3.50B. The Gap brand led with a standout 10% comp gain—its strongest in over two decades—while Old Navy edged up 1%. Athleta slipped 11%. Net income jumped to $339M from $193M a year ago. (Read More)
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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.