Hello Omni Talk Fans! Rumors broke over the weekend that Instacart is attempting to put itself up for sale.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Instacart reportedly hires a bank and holds sale talks with DoorDash and Uber.
- Meta says shopping is the top use for its new Muse AI agent, even as major banks move to block agent access.
- Walmart expands its Black Friday and Cyber Monday events to 14 days, leaning hard on value and Walmart+ early access.
Plus, a quote from a film that isn’t about sales but kind of is.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Instacart Explores Potential Sale Talks With DoorDash and Uber
Instacart has reportedly hired an investment bank to explore a potential sale and held acquisition talks with DoorDash and Uber, though Uber has withdrawn. Valued at over $13 billion, the grocery delivery company saw its shares jump more than 9% after the reports. Discussions remain preliminary, with no deal guaranteed. (Read More)
2. Meta’s Muse AI Makes Shopping Its Most Popular Consumer Task
Shopping is the top use for Meta’s Muse AI agent, with 25% of users relying on it for purchases and travel planning, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said. About 10 million people have signed up in the U.S. and Canada, with average purchases around $200. Stripe processes some payments as AI-driven commerce gains traction in retail. (Read More)
3. Walmart Extends Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales to 14 Days
Extended holiday promotions will see Walmart run Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals across 14 days in 2026, up from 10 last year. Black Friday events begin Nov. 12, followed by additional sales through Nov. 29 and Cyber Monday offers through Dec. 2. Walmart+ members gain early access, with thousands of gifts priced under $20. (Read More)
4. Bath & Body Works Debuts Immersive Feel Good Store Concept
Bath & Body Works has opened its first Feel Good concept store in Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring immersive fragrance testing, an Eau de Parfum bar and a digital Fragrance Finder. The redesigned format offers easier navigation and curated displays. Two more locations will open in Columbus and Miami later this fall. (Read More)
5. Gap Uses AI Hiring Assistant to Streamline Holiday Recruitment
Gap Inc. is expanding its AI hiring assistant, Bridgette, to streamline holiday recruitment across stores and distribution centers. The tool answers questions, schedules interviews and sends reminders. A pilot engaged nearly 45,000 candidates and booked over 7,000 interviews, while managers retain final hiring decisions. (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.