Kroger Cuts Prices | WM +4.1% | Sam’s +3.9%

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Walmart Q1: Walmart US comp +4.1% (ex-fuel) / Sam’s +3.9% comp (ex-fuel) / Walmart Int’l net sales +10.1% Press release

 

…Walmart issues worse-than-expected outlook as high gas prices hit shoppers at CNBC. “Finance chief John David Rainey said high tax returns may have muted some of the impact high gas prices had on shoppers in the first quarter, indicating consumer pressures could rise in the current quarter.” Read more

 

Kroger Plans Biggest Price Cuts In Years to Take On Walmart, Costco at Bloomberg. “I think about our business a bit like a Formula One race. There’s a lead group of cars that are doing a very good job,” Foran said. “Our objective is to get out of the midfield and start lapping faster, make up the gap on the first-group cars and then ideally pass them.” In addition to cutting prices, Kroger is working to make service in stores friendlier and faster. It also wants to accelerate new store openings.” Bloomberg subs.

 

Natural Food Colors Embraced by MAHA Linked to Health Problems at WSJ. “People who had higher intakes of beta-carotene as a food coloring had a 44% increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, compared with those who had a lower intake. Among the other natural color additives associated with a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes were curcumin (49% increased risk) and anthocyanins (40% increased risk)…” Read more

 

Advance Auto Parts Q1 comp sales +3.5% Press release

 

H-E-B announces $700M supply chain expansion in San Antonio bringing 1,000+ jobs at MYSA

 

Target Q1 comp sales +5.6% / Comp traffic +4.4% / Digital comp sales +8.9% Press release

 

Bezos defends billionaires, hypes AI, talks taxes and praises Trump in CNBC interview at CNBC. “Trump has lots of good ideas, and he has done a lot of — he’s been right about a lot of things. You have to give him credit where credit is due,” Bezos said.” Read more

 

Lowe’s Q1 comp sales +0.6% Press release

 

Kroger is introducing a revamped beauty concept set to enter 30 U.S. stores by the end of this year at WWD. “…is already live in one Smith’s store in Henderson, Nev., gives beauty and wellness a dedicated in-store space for the first time at Kroger…The new in-store beauty “zones” are roughly 2,700 square-feet and feature updated low-profile fixtures and elevated lighting. The launch doesn’t entail a slate of new brands all at once; rather, Kroger plans to steadily add new brands to its assortment through the year…” WWD subs.

 

TJX Q1 comp sales +6.0% Press release