Hello Omni Talk Fans! Brian’s Niccol’s “Back to Starbucks” turnaround plan appears to be working according to the numbers, and according to my sample size of one visits to the newly refurbished cafe near my house.
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Starbucks beats Q4 earnings expectations with 7.7% U.S. comps and positive traffic as “Back to Starbucks” shifts from turnaround to growth plan.
- Circana data shows online grocery sales up 15.5% while in-store sales fell 2.8%, deepening the squeeze on traditional supermarkets.
- Walmart+Â launches in Mexico, bundling delivery, streaming, wireless data, and healthcare perks into one membership.
Plus, Chris Niesen and I again “Make Space” with each other (and in a very timely way I might add), as we discuss Starbucks, Bed Bath, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, and I share with you a movie quote to get you in the feeling of November.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Starbucks Q4 Same-Store Sales Rise Amid Strong U.S. Momentum
Starbucks reported a 7.2% rise in global same-store sales in fiscal Q4, fueled by 7.7% growth in the U.S. as customer traffic and average spending increased. Revenue fell 4% to $9.1 billion, largely due to its China business restructuring. The results signal progress in its Back to Starbucks turnaround and growth strategy. (Read More)
2. Online Grocery Sales Surge as Physical Retail Spending Declines
U.S. online food and beverage sales rose 15.5% in the four weeks ending Oct. 4, while in-store sales fell 2.8%, according to Circana. Budget-conscious shoppers are cutting waste and choosing value, as grocers face sluggish overall demand. Digital growth continues to outpace physical stores, led by delivery and pickup services. (Read More)
3. Walmart+ Debuts in Mexico With Delivery and Premium Benefits
Walmart launched Walmart+ in Mexico for MXN 89 monthly or MXN 890 annually, bundling free shipping, grocery delivery, Universal+ entertainment, BAIT mobile data and healthcare benefits. Members also receive pharmacy discounts and double Walmart rewards, supporting the retailer’s push to expand its global membership plans. (Read More)
4. Amazon CEO Highlights Retail Business Strength Amid Q3 Gains
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy highlighted the strength of its retail business as Q3 online store sales rose 2% to $68.5 billion and physical store sales climbed 2% to $5.7 billion. Fresh groceries and essentials grew three times faster than other categories, while Alexa for Shopping users also spent 50% more per order in the U.S. (Read More)
5. DoorDash to Acquire Instacart for $17 Billion in Landmark Buyout
DoorDash agreed to acquire Instacart for $17 billion in a cash-and-stock deal valuing shares at $65, a 26% premium to their Oct. 22 close. The acquisition would expand DoorDash’s grocery delivery reach while retaining Instacart’s brand and app. The deal is expected to close in late 2027 or early 2028, pending approvals. (Read More)
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Making Space – Real Time: A Bed Bath Mash-Up, Dick’s House of Sport & A “Back to Starbucks” Review
5 Insightful Minutes On The State of Grocery Technology In 2026 With FMI
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.