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Retailers take on Amazon Prime with new subscription services

Mar 7, 2024
Walmart's on-demand delivery program starts Sunday. Target's version of Amazon Prime launches in April. Is there room for more subscriptions?
The average American has12 subscriptions, says Raghu Iyengar of The Wharton School. That doesn't leave much room for Target's and Walmart's.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Thrifty customers boost Walmart as retail market share battles loom

Feb 20, 2024
The giant chain reported strong quarterly sales. But for the first time in two years, shoppers spent less per visit.
Walmart's pricing attracts shoppers who feel strain on their budgets. The retail industry overall could feel strain on its margins.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Walmart's bid for Vizio would make it a different kind of company

Feb 14, 2024
Walmart's acquisition of the smart TV maker would give it significant access to streaming data from ads — the kind that tracks what people buy
These days, a TV’s worth is tied to its streaming platform, says Jennifer Kent with Parks Associates.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

As Christmas looms, the shipping wars accelerate

Dec 21, 2023
UPS and FedEx, not to mention Target and Walmart, are all racing to keep up with Amazon's same- or next- day shipping options because shoppers have become used to faster delivery times.
Amazon says more than half of Prime orders arrived same day or next day during the first half of this year in the 60 biggest U.S. metro areas.
Octavio Jones/Getty Images

Members-only retailers are a status symbol in China

Sep 18, 2023
While regular supermarkets are struggling in China, aspirational consumers keep Sam’s Club, Costco and its Chinese competitor Freshippo X expanding.
A shopper walks out with a full shopping cart from a Sam's Club in Shanghai. Membership retailers are expanding in China despite traditional supermarkets struggling.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

CEO turnover is booming. What's going on?

Apr 19, 2023
According to a new report from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, CEO turnover hit its highest rate last quarter since 2020.
Several major companies like The Body Shop and Dr. Martens have announced exits from their C-suites recently.
Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images

Walmart’s store closures in Chicago highlight the challenges of urban big box retail

Apr 13, 2023
Walmart says that, collectively, its Chicago stores aren’t profitable. But academics point out they’ll still leave a hole when they’re gone.
A worker collects shopping carts at a Walmart store in Chicago. The company announced the closure of half of its stores in the city this week.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Walmart is shopping an unexpected product: its technology

Jan 17, 2023
Analysts say the world's largest retailer is growing its footprint in services as it seeks new sources of revenue.
Walmart's new partnership with Salesforce is helping it branch out more into services and tech.
Samuel Corum//AFP via Getty Images

Walmart joins CVS and Walgreens in landmark opioid settlement

Nov 16, 2022
The agreement is with several U.S. states, cities, and Native American tribes.
A sign for Walmart is displayed outside its store in Washington, DC.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Walmart's employee insurance will soon cover fertility treatments

Sep 29, 2022
Walmart is pairing with Kindbody, a fertility startup, in a move some say could make fertility treatments more affordable and accessible.
The retail giant's move to include fertility benefits is an indicator of how companies are trying to retain employees.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images