Hello Omni Talk Fans! First, the PR disaster that was their CEO eating McDonald’s newest burger for social media, and now this?
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- McDonald’s faces scrutiny over a Reuters report that it uses AI to set location-by-location menu prices, with franchisees saying they feel pressured to comply.
- Marks & Spencer and Sephora partner to open Sephora at M&S shop-in-shops in 100 UK stores and online starting spring 2027.
- Toast launches Toast Fuel, putting pump payments, in-store retail, and foodservice on one platform for independent convenience store operators.
Plus, Ben’s latest episode of GrocerTalk with Tomorrow’s Jordan Berke, and a movie quote inspired by today’s Toast news.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. McDonald’s Uses AI to Shape Pricing Across Its Restaurant Menu
McDonald’s is increasingly using AI to recommend menu prices by analyzing millions of transactions, local competition and customer willingness to pay. The system can widen price gaps between nearby restaurants, raising franchisee concerns over corporate pressure, customer backlash and potential regulatory scrutiny ahead. (Read More)
2. Sephora Partners With M&S to Expand Beauty in More UK Stores
Sephora and M&S are teaming up to bring Sephora beauty destinations to 100 UK stores and M&S.com from spring 2027. The shop-in-shop concept will feature curated brands, exclusive products and specialist advice, helping M&S expand its beauty offer while giving Sephora wider reach across UK communities. (Read More)
3. Toast Launches Fuel Platform for U.S. Convenience Store Chains
Toast has launched Toast Fuel, a cloud-native platform connecting fuel payments, in-store retail and foodservice for U.S. convenience stores. It supports pump controls, EMV and fleet card payments, offline transactions, inventory, loyalty and Toast IQ insights, helping operators manage fuel, food and retail in one system. (Read More)
4. IKEA Tests New Autonomous Trucks for U.S. Middle-Mile Delivery
IKEA will introduce autonomous middle-mile deliveries in the U.S. using Kodiak Robotics’ driverless trucks later this year. The vehicles will move goods between distribution centers and stores, helping IKEA test how autonomous freight can improve supply-chain efficiency, reliability and scalability across its U.S. network. (Read More)
5. Hy-Vee Uses AI to Cut Online Grocery Shopping to Five Minutes
Costco added an estimated 4.5 million member households over the past year and captured about $2.5 billion more in CPG wallet share, according to Numerator. Growth was fueled by newer members, while the retailer continues expanding its footprint, with 33 new warehouses planned for fiscal 2027 as momentum keeps building. (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.