Hello Omni Talk Fans! It looks like I am going to be back for Day 3 of jury duty, so sadly there will be no Fast Five podcast this week, as expected.
I did get to watch a blinder of a World Cup match with random people I have never met in the jury waiting room, so I at least have that going for me.
Erling! Erling! Erling!
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Target begins tracking unexcused absences and tardiness with a new points-based system launching this September, terminating workers who reach 12 points.
- Allstate partners with Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s to offer enhanced product protection plans at point of sale and online, covering furniture, fine jewelry, appliances, electronics, and more, with Allstate managing claims, repairs, and customer support end-to-end.
- Amazon expands its Alexa for Shopping feature to surface 30, 90, and 365-day price history natively on product detail pages, making price transparency conversational and fully contained within its own ecosystem.
Plus, a movie quote from the voice of Allstate
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Target Rolls Out New Points-Based Attendance Tracking System
Starting in September, Target will begin tracking unexcused tardiness and absences among store and warehouse workers via a new points system, with termination at 12 points. The policy arrives under new CEO Michael Fiddelke as Target aims to improve operations amid weak sales, echoing similar crackdowns at Walmart and Amazon. (Read More)
2. Allstate Expands Product Protection at Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s
Allstate is partnering with Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s to expand product protection nationwide, covering furniture, rugs, mattresses, jewelry and watches in-store, plus appliances, electronics, lighting, luggage and baby gear online. Allstate now manages claims and support, including stain removal kits and in-home repairs. (Read More)
3. Amazon Adds 365-Day Price History to Alexa Shopping Assistant
Amazon has expanded Alexa for Shopping’s price history feature to show 30, 90 and 365-day price trends, accessible via product pages or by asking Alexa directly. Over 50 million customers have used the tool since 2024, checking it roughly three times monthly on average. It’s rolling out in the U.S., U.K., Canada and India. (Read More)
4. Wayfair Finds Over Half of Its Store Shoppers Are New Buyers
Wayfair, now with 14 stores after decades online-only, found over half its in-store shoppers are new to the brand and customers demand same-day pickup over delivery, prompting a cash-and-carry shift. More store openings are planned through 2027 as it targets a national footprint. Q1 2026 revenue hit $2.9 billion, up 7.4%. (Read More)
5. Meijer to Open Fifth Grocery-Format Store in Livonia, Michigan
Meijer will open a 75,000-square-foot Meijer Grocery store in Livonia, Michigan on Aug. 19, its fourth in-state location and fifth overall, following a nearby Rochester Hills opening three months earlier. The store will include a bakery, pharmacy and deli departments, as Meijer keeps expanding its smaller-format grocery fleet. (Read More)
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— 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.