Hello Omni Talk Fans! The Gap finally did it. After 10 years of talking about the idea, someone finally pulled the trigger on turning its very own merchants into influencers.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Albertsons launches ACI Edge, consolidating 11 divisions into 4 regions and centralizing merchandising as it cuts its full-year sales guidance.
- Walgreens opens a new robotic micro-fulfillment center in Kent, Washington, its 14th nationwide, expected to process 7 million prescriptions a year.
- Gap Inc. expands its creator affiliate program to employees, letting store, office, and DC staff earn commissions promoting Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta.
Plus, my favorite headline short from last week’s Fast Five Podcast, and a quote from a film that shares its name with Albertsons’ latest initiative.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Albertsons Launches ACI Edge as It Cuts Annual Sales Forecast
Albertsons launched ACI Edge, consolidating 11 divisions into four regions and centralizing center-store merchandising, after Q1 identical sales fell 0.8%. CEO Susan Morris cited softer trends and cautious shoppers. The firm cut FY26 guidance: identical sales down 0.5-1.5%, EBITDA $3.55-3.63B, EPS $1.75-1.85 per share. (Read More)
2. Walgreens Opens New Robotic Pharmacy Fulfillment Hub in Kent
Walgreens opened a new robotic micro-fulfillment center in Kent, Wash., dedicated to prescription fulfillment, bringing its U.S. total to 14 facilities supporting 5,000+ stores nationwide. The Kent hub will serve nearly 196 stores, including 122 in Washington, process 7 million prescriptions yearly, and bring 85 new jobs. (Read More)
3. Gap Inc. Expands Creator Affiliate & Advocacy Program to Staff
Gap Inc. is expanding its creator affiliate and advocacy program to employees across offices, stores and distribution centers, letting them earn commissions promoting Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta. Launched in 2025 for outside creators, the program has generated nearly 30,000 posts reaching 154 million users. (Read More)
4. Ross Speeds Up Brick-and-Mortar Expansion With New Locations
Ross Stores opened 47 new locations (35 Ross Dress for Less, 12 DD’s Discounts) in June and July, on track for about 110 openings in 2026, roughly 5% unit growth. It’s expanding in Puerto Rico, New York and Michigan, deepening Sunbelt presence, after Q1 sales rose 21% to $6 billion, comps up 17%, net income up 36%. (Read More)
5. Ocado Lands Deal to Build a Robotic Warehouse for EU Retailers
Ocado secured a deal to build a large robotic warehouse for an unnamed, fast-growing European retailer, using its 600 Series robots and freezer automation, launching in its 2028 financial year at over half capacity. Shares jumped 12% on the news, following its May deal with Asda, after prior setbacks with Kroger and Sobeys. (Read More)
Upcoming Live LinkedIn Event
DoorDash’s Shopify Integration Could Change Local Commerce
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.