Hello Omni Talk Fans!
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Kohl’s Q2 sales inch closer to stable, but its Sephora shop-in-shop falls for a second straight quarter, raising questions about the durability of its turnaround.
- Target unveils Target Beauty Studio, a 600+ store beauty overhaul featuring 90 brands, two-thirds of them new to the retailer.
- Costco’s custom cakes and party platters land on Instacart for nationwide delivery for the first time, deepening the retailers’ 2017 partnership.
Plus, a movie quote inspired by both beauty routines and cake eating.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Kohl’s Q2 Turnaround Gains Ground as Sephora Sales Dip Again
Kohl’s Q2 net sales dipped under 1% to $3.3 billion, but Sephora at Kohl’s sales fell 4%, a second straight quarterly drop driven by limited newness and weak skin care. Gross margin rose 305 basis points to 43% on $150 million in tariff refunds, and Kohl’s raised full-year guidance. Holiday beauty outposts hit 130 stores. (Read More)
2. Target Beauty Studio Debuts Across 600+ Stores With 90 Brands
Target Beauty Studio launches Sept. 10 in more than 600 stores and online, carrying 1,600-plus products from 90 brands, over two-thirds of them new to Target. Founders say the curated, adviser-staffed format with testers and mini sizes won them over, with several brands entering brick-and-mortar retail for the first time. (Read More)
3. Costco Custom Cakes & Party Platters Land on Instacart Delivery
Costco custom cakes and party platters are now available for delivery for the first time, through the Instacart marketplace and sameday.costco.com from warehouses nationwide. Custom sheet and round cakes plus sandwich, shrimp and fruit trays are included, powered by Instacart’s FoodStorm bakery and deli order platform. (Read More)
4. Nike Stock Heads for Worst Year Since Jordan’s 1993 Retirement
Nike shares have fallen about 39% so far in 2026 and are headed for their worst annual return since 1993, the year Michael Jordan first retired. The Jordan brand is a key drag as the sportswear business loses ground to rivals On and Hoka, leaving CEO Elliott Hill to revive the label after missteps under the previous regime. (Read More)
5. Footwear Slump Drives Dick’s to Slash Its Full-Year 2026 Outlook
Dick’s Sporting Goods missed Q2 earnings estimates and lowered its full-year Foot Locker outlook, citing a challenging athletic footwear and apparel marketplace. Comparable sales rose 4.9% at Dick’s stores, helped by World Cup demand, while Foot Locker proforma comps fell 3.6%. Shares sank 30%, the worst day since 2023. (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.