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☆ Starbucks just had a ‘disappointing’ quarter. Here’s how it plans to turn things around
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Starbucks is brewing a turnaround plan that involves speedier service and expanding the number of promotions after its most recent quarter was “disappointing,” in the words of its own chief executive. “Let me be clear from the beginning, our performance this quarter was disappointing,” said CEO Laxman Narasimhan on the earnings call. Same-store sales in the United States fell 3%, a sharp reversal from the same quarter a year ago, when they grew 12%. In China, the chain’s second-largest market, sales fell a staggering 11%, with the company blaming competition from “value players” in the country. Starbucks is now forecasting revenue to grow in the low single digits, a steep decline from its previous forecast of 7% to 10%.

Persons: ”, Laxman Narasimhan, ” Narasimhan, “ Headwinds, Narasimhan Organizations: New, New York CNN, Starbucks, East, Alshaya Locations: New York, United States, China, Gaza

☆ Move over New York Times, now LinkedIn is adding brain-busting games
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —Watch out “Connections,” LinkedIn says it’s adding a variety of games aimed at making actual connections. The Microsoft-owned platform, best known for professional networking and sharing news, is taking a page from the New York Times and adding three, free “thinking-oriented” games as a way to tap into the explosive popularity of brain-busting puzzles people are adding to their daily routine. People share articles less to push advice on people and more because “they’re trying to build meaningful relationships,” Daniel Roth, editor in chief of LinkedIn, told CNN. “We’ve seen that with the recent explosion of short games that help you.”What are the games? Ultimately, Times’ games have become a major revenue driver for the newspaper.

Persons: “ they’re, ” Daniel Roth, ”, “ We’ve, Minda Smiley, “, Roth, Laura Lorenzetti, Smiley Organizations: New, New York CNN —, LinkedIn, Microsoft, New York Times, CNN, “, Times, New York World Locations: New York, Queens, ”

☆ Adidas’ retro-inspired shoes are flying off shelves
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Adidas’ Samba and Gazelle sneakers might look like they’re from another decade, but they’re the hottest shoes on sale right now. Buoyed by the strength of those shoes, plus higher demand for its running, basketball and soccer shoes, Adidas registered a net profit of about $182 million through the first three months of 2024 — a sharp reversal from the same time period last year when it reported a $26 million loss. In particular, sales in Europe soared 14%, and Adidas also had strong demand for its products in China and Latin America. “The markets are still volatile and not easy, but we feel we are making progress everywhere,” said Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden in a release. Last year, Adidas slumped to a rare annual loss, hit by the fallout from its costly break-up with rapper Ye, sluggish sales in North America and a huge tax bill.

Persons: Ye, ”, Bjørn Gulden, “ Organizations: New, New York CNN, Adidas, ’, Copa America, Rival Nike, German, soccer teams Locations: New York, German, Europe, China, Latin America, North America

☆ Starbucks is giving its plastic cups a makeover
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The chain announced Thursday that the plastic cups for all sizes of its cold drinks have undergone an environmentally friendly redesign that uses up to 20% less plastic compared to the current version. The new cups were developed internally at Starbucks as part of its ongoing sustainability efforts to reduce its waste and carbon output in half by 2030. In addition to using less plastic for the cups themselves — Starbucks projects the new cups will save more than 13.5 million pounds of plastic going to landfills annually — it is “projected to reduce emissions and conserve water in the production process,” the chain said. Starbucks said it conducted tests with baristas and customers to ensure the changeover doesn’t reduce the cups’ sturdiness or ability to keep drinks cold. Priestland suggests that Starbucks develop reusable and returnable on-the-go cups to help them fully achieve their sustainability goals.

Persons: there’s, Connor Surdi, Emma Priestland, Priestland Organizations: New, New York CNN, Starbucks, CNN Locations: New York, Canada, Seattle, Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom

☆ Ford recalling more than 450,000 vehicles due to potential loss of drive power
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

New York CNN —Ford is recalling more than 450,000 compact SUVs and pickup trucks in the United States because they might lose drive power resulting from a battery issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in an alert. The models affected include Ford Bronco Sport SUVs made between 2021 to 2024 and the Ford Maverick pickups made between 2022 to 2023, specifically totaling 456,565 units. The NHTSA said that Ford discovered that an undetected low battery charge could result in a “loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.”“We are committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our customers,” Ford said in a statement to CNN. Customers can also use Ford’s mobile service and pick-up and delivery for a fix. Notification letters will be mailed by May 13 and owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Persons: New York CNN — Ford, Ford, ” Ford Organizations: New, New York CNN, Traffic Safety Administration, Ford Bronco, Ford, NHTSA, CNN, “ Locations: New York, United States, Ford

☆ WSJ: Justice Department will sue Live Nation for antitrust violations
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —The US Department of Justice is preparing to sue the country’s largest concert promoter and ticketing website Live Nation in the coming weeks for breaking America’s antitrust laws, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources familiar with the Justice Department’s plans. The lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, will allege the ticketing company used its market-leading position to harm competition for live events, the Journal reported. Shares of Live Nation (LYV) dropped nearly 7% in premarket trading Tuesday. Live Nation and the Justice Department didn’t respond to CNN’s request for comment about the Journal’s report. Live Nation and Ticketmaster merged in 2010, now billing itself as the “largest live entertainment company in the world.”

Persons: Department’s, Justice Department didn’t, Taylor Swift’s, Swift, Joe Berchtold, ”, Jack Groetzinger, SeatGeek Organizations: New, New York CNN, US Department of Justice, Wall Street Journal, Live Nation Entertainment, Ticketmaster, Justice Department, Live, Republicans, Rivals Locations: New York, United States

☆ Today is the final day to claim your slice of a $100 million Verizon settlement
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Monday is the last day for some Verizon customers to apply for a refund as part of a $100 million settlement from a class-action lawsuit. The payout is at least $15 and might be more depending on how long the customer used Verizon and the number of customers who file a claim. A claim must be filed to receive the payout and only customers with postpaid wireless accounts or data plans from January 1, 2016, to November 8, 2023, are eligible. So-called “junk fees” are not only derided by consumers but have also attracted the ire of the Biden administration. Last October, the Federal Trade Commission unveiled a proposed rule that would ban businesses from charging hidden or misleading fees and require companies to show full prices upfront.

Persons: wasn’t, Biden Organizations: New, New York CNN, Verizon, Federal Trade Commission Locations: New York, New Jersey

☆ Minneapolis gives Uber and Lyft a reason to stick around — at least until July
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Lyft and Uber might hit reverse on plans to leave Minneapolis on May 1 over a new minimum wage for rideshare drivers set to go into effect on that day, if a city council measure passes Thursday. The issue stems from a March decision by the city council to override the mayor’s veto of a minimum wage for rideshare drivers, set at the local minimum wage of $15.57 an hour. The ordinance mandates rideshare drivers make at least $1.40 per mile and $0.51 per minute within Minneapolis. Now some council members want to amend the ordinance and lower the per-mile rate to $1.21, but maintain the proposed per-minute rate of $0.51. With this amendment, we can accomplish those goals.”The statement was released by Council President Elliott Payne and Council Members Katie Cashman and Aurin Chowdhury.

Persons: New York CNN — Lyft, Uber, Lyft, ” Uber, Jacob Frey, Frey, KARE, Elliott Payne, Katie Cashman, Aurin Chowdhury, Lyft didn’t Organizations: New, New York CNN, Minneapolis City, Twin, CNN, Minneapolis Star, Tribune Locations: New York, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Minnesota

☆ The US Postal Service wants to hike stamp prices again in July. Here’s how much you’ll pay
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Stamp prices are set to increase — again. If approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the change would take effect in July, raising the cost of mailing services products by nearly 8%. Stamp prices alone have soared 36% since 2019 when they used to cost 50 cents. The Postal Service last raised First-Class stamp prices by two cents in January, just a few months after it raised prices three cents in July 2023. Other changes include domestic postcard prices increasing from 53 cents to 56 cents and international postcard prices increasing from $1.55 to $1.65.

Persons: ”, General Louis DeJoy, DeJoy, Trump Organizations: New, New York CNN, US Postal Service, Postal Regulatory Commission, Postal Service, USPS Locations: New York

☆ Searches for ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ surge on Spotify
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-08 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

New York CNN —Excitement over Monday’s eclipse is shining new light on a decades old song. A Spotify representative told CNN that searches for Tyler’s song have soared by nearly 50% in the US over the past week, and the streaming service is expecting that grow on Monday leading into the eclipse. Tyler’s song is the most popular song being added to user-generated “eclipse” playlists on Spotify in the US. The last time an eclipse happened in the US in 2017, sales for downloads of the song increased more than 500%, according to Billboard. Not bad for a song that was a number 1 hit for four weeks in 1983.

Persons: Bonnie Tyler, Tyler Organizations: New, New York CNN, Eclipse, Spotify, CNN, iTunes, Google, Billboard Locations: New York, Welsh, United States

☆ Final Four women’s prices: It’ll cost more to see Caitlin Clark game than the men’s
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Caitlin Clark’s popularity is jacking up ticket prices for the women’s NCAA basketball Final Four on Friday, making them even more expensive than the men’s. The average ticket price sold for the women’s games is $726, slightly higher than the men’s matchups ($710) on Saturday, according to data from secondary ticket website StubHub. With the women’s tournament having a lot fewer seats, plus the high demand, prices are going to be higher compared to the men’s. The higher average prices for Women’s Final Four games is a continuing trend from last year, according to StubHub. The men’s Final Four gets underway Saturday night.

Persons: Caitlin, Clark, ”, Adam Budelli Organizations: New, New York CNN, NCAA, Iowa Hawkeyes, State, NFL, LSU, ESPN, Hawkeyes, UConn Huskies, NC State, South Carolina Locations: New York, men’s, Cleveland , Ohio, Phoenix

☆ Why ‘dynamic’ pricing feels like such a scam
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

These are surge pricing tactics so ingrained in our consumer experience, we hardly notice or care. Wendy’s last month ended up walking back comments about its dynamic pricing plans after consumers were outraged at the notion of a dinner rush making your burger more expensive. So why does surge pricing feel like such a scam? Bertini, who advises companies on dynamic pricing models, says the problem is how badly some businesses bungle the rollout. You have to explain to customers that dynamic pricing means that, over the long run, they’re getting something out of it, too.

Persons: CNN Business ’, It’s, that’s, Wendy’s, Jordan Valinsky, Marco Bertini, ” Bertini, we’ve, it’s, Bertini, ”, you’re, “ Organizations: CNN Business, New York CNN, JetBlue, Amazon Locations: New York, Wendy’s, Barcelona

☆ Jon Stewart rips into Apple, his old boss, on The Daily Show
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show” Monday revealed what led to his abrupt exit from Apple and the cancellation of his short-lived show on its streaming TV platform. Stewart said that the tech giant prohibited from discussing artificial intelligence or interviewing Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan. Stewart and Khan discussed Big Tech monopolies, after the US Justice Department and more than a dozen states sued Apple last week in a blockbuster antitrust lawsuit that accused Apple of illegally monopolizing the smartphone market. Stewart said he had his own issues with Apple, telling Khan that he wanted to have her on the TV show’s companion podcast and “Apple asked us not do it.”“They literally said ‘please don’t talk to her,’” Stewart said. “The Problem with Jon Stewart” ran for two seasons from 2021 to 2023 on Apple TV+.

Persons: Jon Stewart, Stewart, Lina Khan, Khan, Apple, “ Apple, ”, ’ ” Stewart, “, Jon Stewart ”, Trevor Noah Organizations: New, New York CNN, Apple, Federal Trade Commission, Comedy, Big Tech, US Justice Department, FTC, Amazon, Justice Department, Caesars Entertainment, CNN Locations: New York, China, Israel

☆ JetBlue’s new checked bag fees now depend on the day
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The price of a first checked bag now ranges from $35 to $50 under a recently revealed fee structure that depends on a number of factors, including dates JetBlue determines to be peak or off-peak. JetBlue is giving flyers a $10 discount if they add a checked bag during booking and at least 24 hours before check-in, with prices ranging from $35 for off-peak dates and $40 for peak dates. Peak dates encompass about half of the year, including most of the busy summer travel season as well as dates before and after the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays in 2024. For next year, the dates range from mid-February (Valentine’s Day and President’s Day) and most of April for spring break and Easter. The first checked bag remains free on its transatlantic flights, except for customers flying on its cheapest fare (Blue Basic), which now costs between $60 to $70.

Persons: Carl Icahn Organizations: New, New York CNN, JetBlue, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, Los Angeles International Airport Locations: New York

☆ Coca-Cola unveils all-new bottles — sort of
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

A year later, Coca-Cola made a major change when it took out Sprite bottles’ green PET, which was an additive that was difficult to recycle into new bottles. Here's what the new Coca-Cola bottles look like. However, the label and caps will not be made from 100% recycled plastic. Companies like Coca-Cola have been making more environmentally packaging as consumer awareness and demand for action has intensified in recent years. Coca-Cola’s Smartwater brand also plans to introduce bottles made with 100% recycled plastic in New York and California later this year.

Persons: ” Kurt Ritter, “, Ritter, it’s, Emma Priestland, “ Coke, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Dasani, Cola Company, Coca Locations: New York, North America, California

☆ Fabrics retailer Joann files for bankruptcy
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Joann, the 81-year-old fabric and craft retailer, has filed for bankruptcy as it struggles with customers cutting back on discretionary spending. In a statement Monday, the Ohio-based company said it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and has secured $132 million in fresh funding that helps reduce its debt in half, which had ballooned to $1 billion. However, that has since faded, and inflation has soared, prompting customers to spend less on non-essential items. Joann’s stock was delisted from the Nasdaq and will become privately owned following the bankruptcy process, which it expects to happen as fast as next month. “The bankruptcy of Joann has been looming for a long time and was always a matter of when, rather than if,” said Neil Saunders, managing director and retail analyst for GlobalData, in a note Monday.

Persons: New York CNN — Joann, ”, Scott Sekella, Joann, Neil Saunders, “, ” Saunders Organizations: New, New York CNN, Nasdaq, GlobalData Locations: New York, Ohio

☆ Irish whiskies are doing the unthinkable - adding flavors
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN —On St. Patrick’s Day, throwing back an Irish whiskey might taste different than it used to. Flavored whiskey is a $1.5 billion category and accounts for 20% of all US whiskey sales. In the past few years, flavored whiskey sales have outpaced unflavored whiskey, according to Southern Glazer’s distributors. But with younger drinkers gravitating toward punchier flavors, Irish brands “have to be much more flexible than their historical beliefs have been,” he told CNN. Flavors are “a good way to get them into the brand and into the whiskey category, and certainly into Irish whiskey,” Basford said.

Persons: Patrick’s, “, ”, Lander Otegui, Bushmills, Jameson, Conor McGregor’s, Otegui, Honey, Paul Basford, William Grant, Basford, Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, ” Jon Berg, ” Basford, ” Otegui Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Tullamore D.E.W, Tullamore, NIQ Locations: New York, St, Southern, Tullamore D.E.W, Tullamore

☆ Lyft and Uber to cease operations in Minneapolis after new minimum wage law
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Lyft and Uber will stop offering services in Minneapolis on May 1 after the city council overrode the mayor’s veto of a minimum wage for rideshare drivers. The city council on Thursday voted 10-3 in favor of the override, allowing rideshare drivers to be paid the local minimum wage of $15.57 an hour. “Everyone wants to see Uber and Lyft drivers get paid more. However, the analysis Frey referred to showed lower numbers — $0.89 per mile and $0.49 per minute — to make minimum wage. Minneapolis is debating the minimum wage as gig workers across the country are advocating for fair wages and job benefits.

Persons: New York CNN — Lyft, Uber, Lyft, ”, it’s “, Jacob Frey, ” Frey, Frey, Tim Walz, ” Lyft, – CNN’s Jennifer Henderson, Ramishah Maruf Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Twin, WCCO, Minnesota Gov, Democrat, Uber, New York City Locations: New York, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Minnesota, California

☆ Multiple Taco Bell locations in Oakland have closed dining rooms because of crime concerns
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Multiple Taco Bell locations in Oakland have closed their dining rooms because of safety concerns in the California city, which has been struggling with rising crime affecting businesses both big and small. Diversified Restaurant Group owns about 300 Taco Bell and Arby’s locations, predominately in the western US. At least four Taco Bell locations in Oakland have closed their dining rooms, however the drive-thru remains operational. CNN affiliate KPIX-TV visited a Taco Bell location that has been robbed four times in the past four months, finding signs notifying customers of the closure. One Oakland location still has their dining room open but has gone cashless to discourage robberies, KPIX-TV reported.

Persons: Taco Bell, Taco, Gavin Newsom, – CNN’s Nathaniel Meyersohn Organizations: New, New York CNN, Bell, Group, Restaurant Group, Taco Bell, Taco Bell’s, CNN, Oakland, San, Criminal, Patrol Locations: New York, Oakland, California, Cane’s, San Francisco Chronicle

☆ Stella Artois taps David Beckham to restore its shine
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —Stella Artois, the nearly century-old brew, isn’t immune to the difficulties facing beer sales, so it’s drafting one of the world’s most recognizable personalities to help the lager return to its former glory: David Beckham. On Tuesday, the Anheuser-Busch InBev-owned brand introduced the former soccer superstar as the new face of its beer, naming Beckham as its “official ambassador” for Stella Artois. David Beckham is the new face of Stella Artois. Beckham joins fellow soccer superstar Lionel Messi in the A-B ambassador portfolio. “Beckham certainly gives Stella Artois the kind of top-tier recognition that A-B has historically leaned on to gain attention,” Sightline’s Roth said.

Persons: New York CNN — Stella Artois, David Beckham, Beckham, ”, Stella Artois, weren’t, Bump, it’s, ” Bryan Roth, Richard Oppy, Oppy, Victoria Beckham, David, ” Oppy, Matt Damon, Zoe Saldana, Lionel Messi, Bud Light, “ Beckham, ” Sightline’s Roth, “, ” Roth, Messi “ Organizations: New, New York CNN, Anheuser, Busch InBev, Bump Williams Consulting, Feel Goods Company, CNN, InBev, Maserati, Wimbledon, Roland, Garros, Inter Miami CF, Major League Soccer, Bowl, North America, Bud Light Locations: New York, Europe, America

☆ Logan Paul’s Prime becomes WWE’s first-ever logo to appear on its wrestling ring mats
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —WWE and Logan Paul’s Prime have struck a “record-setting” deal to feature the sports drink as the first-ever brand logo to appear in the center of the wrestling mat. Notably, the deal is for Prime Hydration and not for its energy drink, Prime Energy, which riled up some US lawmakers last year for its high caffeine content. In January, Netflix acquired the exclusive rights to “WWE Raw,” currently seen weekly on Comcast’s USA cable network. However, controversy surrounded the company when disturbing allegations of sexual assault, trafficking and physical abuse against WWE founder Vince McMahon came to light. McMahon, who has denied the accusations, resigned from the company a few days later.

Persons: Logan, ”, Paul, Jake, “, Bud Light, Mat, Dwayne “, ” Johnson, Vince McMahon, McMahon Organizations: New, New York CNN, WWE, Bank, Prime Energy, UFC, Modelo, Netflix, Comcast’s USA Locations: New York, ”

☆ High spirits in Hollywood: What’s behind the boom of celebrity liquor brands?
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

New York CNN —Why does actor Aaron Paul co-own a mezcal brand? Rob Kim/Getty Images for NYCWFFIt’s an “opportunity, to be honest,” Cranston told CNN. Celebrities are attractive to the spirits space because of their clout and connections, so the industry has “the door open. Four years later they sold the tequila brand to liquor giant Diageo for $1 billion, and the industry gold rush was on. The side of a Casamigos delivery truck promoting George Clooney and Rande Gerber's tequila brand in a 2015 photo.

Persons: Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston, —, Niro, Issa Rae, Dwayne “, ” Johnson, Matthew, Camila McConaughey, Eva Longoria, Casa Del, Kendall Jenner, Shirley Temple, Warren Beatty, Rob Kim, ” Cranston, George Clooney, Rande Gerber, George Rose, Ryan Reynolds, Conor McGregor, Jose Cuervo, Michael Yanover, Yanover, Jeff Spicer, ” Lisa Hawkins, , Drizly, Dwayne Johnson, Mike Segar, ” Andrew Chrisomalis, Tequila, Ed Mundy, ” Mundy, Sean “ Diddy ” Combs, Combs, Jennifer Lopez’s Delola, Lopez, she’s, Delola, Paul, Cranston, Dos, ” Applebee’s, ” Aaron Paul, CAA’s Yanover, “, There’s, Kylie Jenner, Kendall, It’s, I’ve Organizations: New, New York CNN, Hombres, Hollywood, Dos Hombres, Food Network New York, Food Network New York City Wine, Food Festival, CNN, Diageo, Aviation, UFC, Creative Artists Agency, ”, Reuters, Jefferies, Diddy, New York, New York City Wine, Applebee’s Locations: New York, Casa Del Sol, Food Network New York City, Hollywood, New York City, Iowa, Applebee’s

☆ Aldi plans to open 800 new locations in the next five years
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Some of the 800 new locations will be store conversions from its now-complete acquisition of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets, with a “significant number” of those locations — largely located in the Southeast — ditching their respective names and being remodeled into an Aldi. Approximately 50 stores will be converted later this year, with a majority of those reopening under the Aldi name in 2025. However, the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets names won’t completely disappear: Aldi said that a “meaningful amount” of locations will retain that branding. Aldi’s newest plan brings its store count to nearly 3,000 US locations, a notable expansion but still trailing against its rivals. If their merger is approved, Kroger and Albertson’s will have about 4,500 locations and Walmart, the nation’s largest grocer, has nearly 5,000.

Persons: Aldi, Winn, Neil Saunders, Saunders, ” Saunders, Albertson’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Winn, Dixie, Harveys, Aldi, GlobalData, Kroger, Walmart Locations: New York, Northeast, Midwest, West, Southern California, Phoenix, Las Vegas

☆ Kraft’s newest Oscar Mayer hot dog is missing meat
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

In the past year, the company rolled out a vegan boxed Mac & Cheese, mayonnaise and vegan cheese slices. Sinking sales have sparked troubles for pioneers, like Beyond Meat (BYND), which also has sausage products. The once-trendy plant-based meat company has faced falling demand and ballooning costs in recent years. Frey said that recent innovations in plant-based meat products, such as improving taste, texture and expanding options (i.e. Besides taste, plant-based meat “faces challenges like price competitiveness, distribution issues and consumer skepticism,” Frey said.

Persons: New York CNN — Oscar Mayer, Kraft Heinz, Oscar Mayer “ NotHotDogs, NotSausage, there’s, Sherry Frey, Frey, “, Oscar Mayer, ’, ”, ” Frey, Kraft, NIQ’s Frey Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Kraft The Kraft Heinz Company, Kraft, Kraft Mac Locations: New York, Kraft’s, ”

☆ Starbucks is laying off thousands of workers in the Middle East in response to Gaza boycotts
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Starbucks’ Middle East franchisee, Alshaya Group, is cutting thousands of jobs at its coffee shops because of a “challenging” work environment as the chain grapples with boycotts over the brand relating to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Kuwait-based Alshaya has owned rights to operate Starbucks in the Middle East for more than 25 years and operates around 1,300 locations across the region, employing about 11,000 people. Starbucks’ most recent earnings report missed expectations, partially because of weaker sales in the region. Starbucks isn’t alone: McDonald’s said last month that it’s experiencing “meaningful business impact” in the Middle East because of the war. Brands, which owns KFC and Pizza Hut, said its chains’ “sales were impacted by the conflict in the Middle East region with varying degrees of impact,” which dented same-store sales growth in several countries.

Persons: Alshaya, “, ”, McDonald’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Starbucks, East, Alshaya, CNN, Reuters, Alshaya Group, Brands Locations: New York, Gaza, East, Northern Africa, Kuwait, Western

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