Retail Leasing: Service #1 | Academy -1.6% | Dick’s: Only Game

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Academy Sports Q4 comp sales declined 1.6% Press release

 

PayPal expands stablecoin access to 68 more countries at Fortune. “In addition to being able to send and receive PYUSD, users abroad will also be able to earn rewards on their stablecoin holdings. Existing holders in the U.S. earn 4% annually.” Fortune subs.

 

New study: People eating around nine daily servings of ultraprocessed foods had a roughly 67% higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and death from heart disease. “In the study, researchers followed more than 6,800 adults beginning when they were ages 45 to 84 years old and didn’t have cardiovascular disease…Each additional daily serving of ultraprocessed foods was associated with a 5.1% increased risk of cardiovascular disease…” WSJ subs.

 

Amazon introduces faster delivery with new 1-hour and 3-hour options Press release

 

America Now Has More Spas and Gyms Than Stores Selling Actual Stuff at WSJ. “Retail leasing by service-oriented tenants outpaced goods-based retail leasing for the first time ever…Service-based tenants leased just over 50% of total retail square footage in 2025, according to data firm CoStar. Fifteen years ago, service tenants accounted for only 40% of total leasing.” WSJ subs.

 

Dollar Tree, Inc. Q4 comp store net sales growth of 5.0% “For fiscal 2026, the Company expects: …comp store net sales growth in the range of 3 to 4%…Approximately 400 new store openings and 75 closings.” Press release

 

Target Circle three‑day event runs March 25–27  “…event features up to 50% off thousands of items across apparel, home, beauty and more…” Press release

 

Dem Senators take aim at Amazon, questions ‘Melania’ movie deal at USA Today. “The fact that Amazon is seeking favorable treatment from the Trump Administration while paying a far-above-market sum to produce and promote the Trump family’s film raises questions about Amazon’s exposure under federal anti-bribery law,” the letter states.” Read more

 

Build-A-Bear is launching its first-ever wholesale partnership with Walmart Read more

 

The $40 Billion Game of Youth Sports Has Only One Winner: Dick’s Sporting Goods at WSJ. “At this point, it is almost impossible to play baseball without buying from Dick’s. “It is basically the only game in town,” said Neil O’Connor, the equipment coordinator of his 14- and 11-year-old sons’ league in Baltimore…Also, headbands. Do kids really need a headband if they are always wearing a hat or helmet? Don’t be ridiculous. Of course they do.” WSJ subs.

 

More consumers moving to Walmart for grocery at Talk Business. “According to a recent dunnhumby report, Walmart’s grocery penetration reached a record 72%…report shows 76% of working-age Americans would struggle to cover an unexpected $400 expense.” Read more

 

Kroger CEO focused on bananas, among other things at Supermarket News. “According to sources, Kroger buys bananas through brokers instead of sourcing them directly from growers…contacts close to the situation believe Foran will make major changes to Kroger’s labor force. According to those sources, Foran believes overstaffing, complacency and underperformance plague some stores.” Read more

 

**Get your product, service or event in front of the most powerful decision-makers in the retail community. Contact: info@eyeonretail.net

Dick’s +3.1%* | Target DEI Boycott Ends | D.Gen +4.3%

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Dick’s Business Q4 comp sales +3.1% “Opened 16 House of Sport locations and 15 Dick’s Field House locations during 2025; Plans to open approximately 14 additional House of Sport locations and approximately 22 additional Dick’s Field House locations in 2026.” Press release

 

…Dick’s Sporting Goods issues weak profit guidance as Foot Locker merger weighs on bottom line at CNBC. “Dick’s saw a better-than-expected holiday shopping season, but its profits fell by 57%, due largely to its acquisition of Foot Locker…Ed Stack told CNBC that Foot Locker’s rightsizing is “basically done” and the brand is expected to return to growth.” Read more

 

Amazon’s Win Against Perplexity Kicks AI Shopping Wars Into High Gear at WSJ. “A judge ruled Amazon can keep outside AI bots off its site for now…Perplexity has seven days to appeal the decision…AI bots bypass ads and sponsored search results, a high-margin revenue driver for big retailers.” WSJ subs.

 

Dollar General Q4 comp sales +4.3% “…reflecting increases of 2.6% in customer traffic and 1.7% in average transaction amount…FY 2026 Guidance: comp sales growth in the range of approximately 2.2% to 2.7%…opening approximately 450 new stores in the United States…” Press release

 

…Dollar General’s Outlook Disappoints After Stock’s Big Run at Bloomberg. “Shares of the retailer fell as much as 6.1% in premarket trading. The stock had risen about 9% this year after a 75% surge in 2025.” Bloomberg subs.

 

Food prices could rise as Iran conflict disrupts fertilizer supply chain at CNBC. “Roth estimates the disruption could raise “food-at-home” inflation by roughly 2 percentage points, adding about 0.15 percentage points to headline inflation in the U.S., on top of roughly 0.40 percentage point increase from energy.” Read more

 

Stitch Fix Q2 net revenue +9.4% “Active clients of 2.288 million, a decrease of 0.8% quarter-over-quarter and a decrease of 3.5% year-over-year.” Press release

 

Costco member’s lawsuit says all clients are owed tariff refunds at Bloomberg/MSN. “Now, some consumers are arguing in court that if companies eventually get refunds, they want their share. But it’s unclear whether shoppers will be able to get refunds. And the timing and process to issue them is still being hashed out in court.” Read more

 

Petco Q4 comp sales -1.6% Press release

 

Amazon expands a program that lets customers shop from other retailers’ sites at TechCrunch. “…(Amazon) will now support third-party product feeds, which merchants use to provide information about their inventory, pricing, and catalog to other partners.” Read more

 

Build-A-Bear Q4 total revenue +2.7% Press release

 

Amazon’s one and only hair salon still going strong five years later at GeekWire

 

Target Shopper Boycott Over DEI Changes Is Winding Down at WSJ. “There is more to do, but “we are claiming victory,” said Jamal Harrison Bryant, a pastor in a church outside Atlanta that has helped lead the boycott. “This fight, for us, has now reached its conclusion.” WSJ subs.

 

Vevor, an online home improvement brand, opens 1st US store Press release

 

How Kraft Heinz cut time to market from 36 months to six at MIT Sloan Management Review Read more/Video

Kohl’s -2.8% | Spice Makers Hot | $100B Club

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Kohl’s Q4 comp sales down 2.8% / fiscal year 2025 comp sales down 3.1% “For the full year 2026, the Company currently expects the following: Net sales and Comparable sales: A decrease of (2%) to flat…” Press release

 

The $100 Billion Club: These 20 People Have 12-Figure Fortunes “Alice Walton #14 / Jim Walton #12 / Rob Walton #11 / Jeff Bezos #4…” List

 

Barnes & Noble Q3 gross comp store sales +6.6% Press release

 

Casey’s Q3 inside comp sales +4.0 Press release

 

Walmart’s Vizio Acquisition Finally Opens Up Retail Advertising’s Growth at Adweek. “Walmart already controls roughly a third of TV sales in the U.S…For the first time at global scale, the second screen (your phone) and the first screen (your TV) can be synced through an operating system. The TV knows your logins, your payment credentials, what apps you use, and what you buy.” Read more

 

The HBR Interview with outgoing Walmart CEO Doug McMillon HBR subs.

 

**Is your salsa aisle looking a little bland? Su Salsa breaks the “red label” sea of sameness with a pop of lime and a hint of garlic. It’s the flavor-forward, high-visibility brand your premium category needs. A message from Su Salsa | Sample: info@eyeonretail.net

 

The little shipping company that’s making Europe’s sanctions look silly at Politico. “The network’s linchpin is LS Logistics Solution GmbH…The company operates a warehouse near Berlin’s Brandenburg airport, from which trucks take packages — bearing labels identifying them as being handled by Uzpost, the state postal service of Uzbekistan that is not authorized to operate in Germany — through Poland and Belarus to street addresses in Moscow and St. Petersburg.” Read more

 

United Natural Foods, Inc. Q2 net sales decreased 2.6% Press release

 

Flipkart moves its headquarters back to India ahead of IPO at TechCrunch

 

Sauce, spice makers attract deal interest as GLP-1s send Americans looking for hot stuff at Reuters. “The move towards protein…as well as vegetables and other healthier parts of the food pyramid – they don’t always naturally have a lot of flavor…an opportunity for a lot of these sauces and ​seasonings,” said Justin Craig, managing director ​and head of food ⁠and beverage at investment bank Moelis.” Reuters subs.

 

Signet Jewelers: Preliminary comp sales “decreased in the range of 0.9% to 0.7% to Q4 of FY25” Press release 

 

**Get your product, service or event in front of the most powerful decision-makers in the retail community. Contact: info@eyeonretail.net

WM AI Head Speaks | Kroger +2.4% | BJ’s +2.6% | Open Call 8 Cities

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BJ’s Wholesale Club Q4 comp sales (ex. gas) +2.6% “Membership fee income increased by 10.9% year-over-year…90% tenured member renewal rate during fiscal 2025…digitally enabled comp sales growth was 31%…” Press release

 

Kroger Q4 Identical Sales (ex. gas) +2.4% “CFO: “For 2026, we expect identical sales without fuel growth of 1.0% to 2.0%…includes an approximately 130 basis point headwind from the Inflation Reduction Act.” Press release

 

Target to open more than 30 new stores in 2026 – including its 2000th store “…plans to add more than 300 new stores by 2035, with seven locations welcoming guests this March as part of the company’s continued expansion.” Press release

 

Walmart’s Daniel Danker – EVP of AI Acceleration, Product & Design Presents at Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference Transcript @ Seeking Alpha

 

Burlington Stores, Inc. Q4 comp sales +4.0% Press release

 

Victoria’s Secret & Co. Q4 comp sales +8.0% Press release

 

…Victoria’s Secret Forecasts Its Best Year Since L Brands Split at Bloomberg. “The retailer’s stock has more than quadrupled from last year’s low point in early April. The shares have advanced 11% this year…” Bloomberg subs.

 

Walmart begins again the ‘Open Call’ process at Talk Business. “…will make 8 regional stops between April and June, providing potential suppliers a fast-track to the company’s big event held in Bentonville in early October…Walmart plans to kick off the spring tour with an event on April 9 in Los Angeles…” Read more / Cities & Dates

 

Cracker Barrel Q2 comp retail store sales down 9.2% Press release

 

Netflix Taps Amazon’s Shopping Data to Sharpen Ad Targeting at Adweek. “The move deepens Netflix’s push into performance advertising territory. Rather than relying solely on contextual or demographic targeting, advertisers can now reach members based on what they are actively shopping for on Amazon…” Read more

 

Bain & Company: 2026 US Insurgent Brands List

 

Judge rules companies are entitled to refunds for Trump tariffs at AP. “Trade lawyer Ryan Majerus…said he expects the government to appeal or “seek a stay to buy more time for U.S. Customs to comply.” Read more

 

CVS warns bill would force shutdown of 134 pharmacies in TN at USA Today

Target -2.5%/Feb+ | B.Buy EPS Beat | On +22.6%

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Target Q4 comp sales decreased 2.5% “…reflecting a comp store sales decline of 3.9 percent and a comp digital sales increase of 1.9 percent…Food & Beverage, Beauty and Toys delivered net sales growth …double-digit growth from Roundel and over 30 percent growth in marketplace. Same-day delivery powered by Target Circle 360 grew over 30 percent.” Press release

 

…Target’s holiday-quarter sales and store traffic drop, as retailer tries to snap its roughly four-year slump at CNBC. “(Target) said sales and traffic trends picked up in the last two months of the holiday quarter. Then sales turned positive year over year in February, which is the beginning of the current quarter…Target CEO Michael Fiddelke described that inflection as “an important milestone on our path back to growth this year”…” Read more

 

…Fiddelke scheduled to appear on CNBC this morning around 9AM CT

 

Best Buy Q4 comp sales decreased 0.8% “…largest drivers of the comp sales decrease on a weighted basis were home theater and appliances. These drivers were partially offset by growth in computing and mobile phones.” Press release

 

…Best Buy Surges After Profit Last Quarter Tops Estimates at Bloomberg. “Adjusted earnings per share were $2.61, topping the average analyst estimate of $2.46. Comparable sales trailed Wall Street projections…Shares of the retailer rose as much as 15% in premarket trading.” Bloomberg subs.

 

AutoZone Q2 comp sales +3.3% Press release

 

On Q4 net sales +22.6% Press release

 

**Is your salsa aisle looking a little bland? Su Salsa breaks the “red label” sea of sameness with a pop of lime and a hint of garlic. It’s the flavor-forward, high-visibility brand your premium category needs. A message from Su Salsa | Sample: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Publix Q4 comp sales +0.7% Press release

 

Publix now 20 miles south of Kroger’s HQ at WSJ. “About 20 miles south of downtown Cincinnati, the new Publix sits just past a roundabout at the front entrance of a glitzy subdivision known as Triple Crown…Publix envisions a dozen locations operating in Kentucky by year’s end…Kroger wants to open more stores in Publix’s home state, including in Jacksonville.” WSJ subs.

 

Michaels revamped rewards program introduces a 9% rewards tier Press release

 

Sam Altman’s ‘Human Verification’ Startup Leans on Consumer Brands at WSJ. “Sam Altman’s project to help humans distinguish themselves from bots is increasingly banking on household names to sell its far-out concept. A Gap store in San Francisco has begun helping visitors get World IDs, the “proof of human” product from the startup Tools for Humanity, by installing one of its signature volleyball-sized “Orb” devices to take images of faces and eyes.” WSJ subs.

 

Federal court rejects Trump administration attempt to slow tariff refund process at AP

 

Brookshire Grocery Co. Chairman, CEO To Retire The Shelby Report

 

Brands are battling a surge of AI-driven return fraud at Modern Retail. “Historically, customers and professional fraudsters have relied on fake images to secure refunds…“Shamir: “AI is accelerating that type of fraud, because now it’s easier than ever to say, ‘Yeah, it’s damaged. Here’s a photo.’” Read more

 

How Confidence Changes Consumer Loyalty at Wharton. “New research from Wharton marketing professor Jonah Berger reveals that rather than a smooth, upward trajectory, the link between experience and confidence…follows a U-shaped curve: Customers often start with an inflated sense of confidence, but that soon decreases as they realize they know less than they think. As they gain more knowledge and experience in the category, however, their confidence rebounds.” Read more

 

**Get your product, service or event in front of the most powerful decision-makers in the retail community. Contact: info@eyeonretail.net