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Big retailers’ fortunes are diverging as the holiday shopping season gets underway. On Wednesday, Target cited “lingering softness in discretionary categories” as a top factor in its disappointing third-quarter sales, as many budget-conscious shoppers continue to focus on necessities. It’s the latest sign that discounts will be the driving force this holiday season, as they’ve been for much of this year. “We’re starting to get back to normal here.”U.S. retail sales rose 0.4% overall in October, federal data showed last month, beating analysts’ forecasts. In the meantime, the steady expansion of e-commerce looks set to continue this holiday season.

Persons: ”, Brad Thomas, they’ve, TJ Maxx, John David Rainey, “ We’re, “ They’re, they’re, ” Thomas, Matthew Shay, TransUnion, Neil Saunders, Saunders, Helene, Milton, who’ve, ” Saunders Organizations: Target, Walmart, KeyBanc, Marshalls, CNBC, “, National Retail Federation, GlobalData, NBC

Target reported earnings Wednesday that came in far below Wall Street's expectations, something the big-box retailer attributed to slower-than-expected demand. The company announced profits that missed forecasts by 20%, its widest miss in two years. Broader stock trading did not immediately react, however, as Wall Street awaits earnings from chipmaker Nvidia, which has helped power the market higher throughout the year. Target's report comes a day after rival Walmart reported earnings and revenues that beat expectations. “We’re expecting this holiday period to be very consistent with that,” Walmart Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey told CNBC.

Persons: Brian Cornell, Michael Fiddelke, “ We’re, John David Rainey, “ They’re Organizations: Target, Nvidia, Walmart, CNBC

“We’re expecting this holiday period to be very consistent with that,” he said. Retailers, including Walmart, are contending with a mixed bag of factors this holiday season. The holiday season is also shorter this year and parts of the U.S. have had unseasonably warm weather, two dynamics that could hurt retailers. That would be lower than the 3.9% year-over-year jump from the 2022 to 2023 holiday season, when spending totaled $955.6 billion. Rainey said the holiday period is “off to a pretty good start.”He said items like TVs, Apple AirPods, Beats headphones and even tires have been selling.

Persons: John David Rainey, “ We’re, ”, “ They’re, Rainey, Walmart’s, Donald Trump’s, it’s, We’ve Organizations: Walmart, CNBC, LSEG, New York Stock Exchange, Sam’s, Walmart U.S, U.S, National Retail Federation, Apple Locations: U.S, China

Walmart’s CFO John David Rainey said the retailer would likely have to raise prices on some items if President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs take effect. “We never want to raise prices,” he said in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday. Beauty CEO Tarang Amin told CNBC in an interview earlier this month that the company could be forced to raise prices if the higher duties take effect. The majority of goods Walmart sells are not at risk of tariffs. The home improvement retailer addressed the potential levies as it reported earnings on Tuesday.

Persons: John David Rainey, Donald Trump’s, ”, “, ” Rainey, Wall, Matthew Shay, Tarang Amin, Steve Madden, Rainey, We’ve, Lowe’s, it’s, Brandon Sink, — CNBC’s Gabrielle Fonrouge Organizations: CNBC, National Retail Federation, Walmart Locations: China, U.S

☆ Walmart says prices will 'probably' go up if Trump tariffs take effect
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-19 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementWalmart's CFO said that Trump's proposed tariffs could lead the retailer to raise prices. During Trump's previous term, Walmart said it would try to avoid food price increases by managing costs elsewhere. Walmart CFO John David Rainey said on Tuesday that Trump's sweeping tariff plan could lead the retailer to raise prices on a portion of its products. Related Video"We never want to raise prices," he told CNBC. "Tariffs, though, are inflationary for customers, so we want to work with suppliers and with our own private-brand assortment to try to bring down prices."

Persons: John David Rainey, Trump, Rainey, Doug McMillon, McMillon Organizations: Walmart, CNBC, Walmart US, Target, Costco

☆ What Trump's win means for retail giants like Walmart, Target, and Costco
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-07 | by ( Dominick Reuter | Nora Redmond | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Trump's second term likely means changes are on the way that will impact retailers. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementDonald Trump's return to the White House is likely to usher in sweeping changes that will impact retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco — ranging from new tariffs to tax cuts and a new regulatory environment. Trump's campaign promises, along with his prior term record, offer some insights into what major retailers can expect from his second term. Advertisement"That's actually very unhelpful for a lot of retailers, especially in areas like technology, which a lot of retailers are involved," he said.

Persons: —, Donald Trump's, Donald Trump, Neil Saunders, it's, John David Rainey, Trump, Chris Walton, Walton, Jonathan Gold, Johns, Tinglong Dai, Saunders, He's, Lina Khan Organizations: Service, Walmart, Target, Costco, TractorTractor, Dick's Sporting Goods, Data, Omni, National Retail Federation, Trump, Pew Research, Federal, FTC, Kroger, Albertsons, Republican Locations: China, Johns Hopkins, Washington

☆ Private-label grocery brands boomed during inflation. Prices are down, but store-brand items keep going higher
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Bob Woods | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

Private brands — also called store brands and private-label brands — of foods and beverages have shared shelf space with national brands for years. Customer shopping habits are changing for goodIn the past, the value proposition of private brands was driven primarily by lower prices. But consumer attitudes are evolving, according to a recent survey by the Food Industry Association, which represents both food retailers and producers. And 46% said they expect to buy private brands somewhat or much more, compared to 27% saying that for national brands. "In the U.S., the market for private brands as an industry to eclipse national brands is not something we'll see," Baker said.

Persons: Peggy Davies, they've, Kraft Heinz, —, Rick Gomez, Sally Lyons Wyatt, John David Rainey, Scott Morris, Kroger, King Scoopers, Albertsons, Smart, Lyons Wyatt, They've, Doug Baker, Baker, Gen Zers, Xers, Steve Zurek, there's, Zurek, Morris, Gen, Joe's Organizations: Retailers, Private Label Manufacturers Association, Procter & Gamble, Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Target, Wall Street, Walmart U.S, Brands, Metro Market, Food Industry Association, Aldi Locations: Kellogg's, U.S, California , Florida, Western Europe

☆ The 'soft landing' hypothesis is alive and well: What retail sales and Walmart earnings tell us
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-15 | by ( Bob Pisani | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Inflation relief was palpable this week, with both the producer price index and consumer price index reinforcing that inflation is trending down. .SPX 1M mountain S & P 500 Index over the past month. S & P 500 earnings growth of 10% is expected in 2024, and 15% growth is seen for 2025. True, revenue growth hasn't been as strong, and much of the reason earnings are holding up is cost cutting. Growth is slowing, but no recession is apparent Interest rate cuts coming and earnings are still holding up.

Persons: It's, John David Rainey Organizations: Walmart, American Association of, Bulls, Atlanta Fed, CNBC

☆ Target workers say they're walking as much as 20 miles a day. It's a sign of just how physical retail work has become.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. AdvertisementOver on Reddit, Target workers have posted some big numbers, often topping the 10 miles that caught the attention of Walmart's CFO. one user said on a subreddit for Target workers in July. Healthcare workers topped the list: It said some hospital staffers could reach 60,000 steps, or 30 miles, during a 12-hour shift. A Target spokesperson told Business Insider that while the company did estimate time and distance as part of assigning work, it did not individually track employees' movements throughout the day.

Persons: —, John David Rainey, they've Organizations: Service, Business, Apple, US Postal Service, CNBC, Target, Walmart Locations: Reddit, Tennessee

☆ PepsiCo just admitted that snackflation might have gone too far
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-11 | by ( Alex Bitter | Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

As food inflation rose over the last few years, companies like PepsiCo have been able to push through price increases to retailers and consumers — and then some. Food inflation has increased at a steady pace over the last few months. While PepsiCo is one of the largest food manufacturers in the world, it's far from alone in hiking prices. McMullen told investors last month he expects more discounts coming from national brands this year. Of course, national brands have been bragging about strong profits in recent years, which would suggest they're now in a position to offer discounts and promotions without breaking the bank.

Persons: —, Cheetos, Jefferies, Ramon Laguarta, Laguarta, Crisman White, Rodney McMullen, McMullen, John David Rainey, Christina Hennington, they're Organizations: Service, Frito, PepsiCo, Business, Quaker Foods, Pepsi, Kroger, Walmart Locations: Quaker Foods North America

☆ People aren't spending like they used to and it's forcing companies like Nike and Walgreens to make drastic changes
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-29 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

You can opt-out at any time by visiting our Preferences page or by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email. download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. People are still spending money, but there's an uncomfortable awareness that years of price hikes mean each dollar doesn't go as far as it used to. "This consumer remains very cautious, specifically when you think about larger ticket discretionary purchases," he told Oppenheimer analysts Wednesday. "Why have people who are having a hard time paying their rent have to pay more for our drink?"

Persons: —, they're, Joseph Lewis, Marvin Ellison, Oppenheimer, John David Rainey, Federal Reserve Banks, San Francisco Fed, Don Vultaggio Organizations: Service, Business, Bloomberg, Nike, Walgreens, Walmart, Federal Reserve, San Francisco, Philadelphia Fed, Iced Tea Locations: San Francisco, Philadelphia

☆ Walmart says automating its warehouses will actually give workers longer careers
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-26 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Warehouse work is physically taxing, with employees moving thousands of pounds per day. As Walmart automates distribution centers, new robots and forklifts are lightening the load. CFO John David Rainey says Walmart's labor-saving automation may add a decade to workers' careers. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementWarehouse work is one of the most physically taxing jobs in the digital age.

Persons: John David Rainey, — Organizations: Walmart, Service, Bank of America's London Investor Conference, Business

☆ Walmart sees a bonkers improvement when it automates a warehouse
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Walmart's 4,600 US stores are supported by a network of 42 regional distribution centers. Of those 42, there's "some level of automation" at 15 of them, CFO John David Rainey said. When a DC is automated, Rainey said it sees as much as a 4X leap in efficiency. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Of those 42 DCs, Walmart CFO John David Rainey said the company has 15 that now have "some level of automation," serving about 1,700 stores.

Persons: John David Rainey, Rainey, — Organizations: Service, Walmart, Business

☆ Target shares slide as consumers buy fewer groceries and home goods
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Melissa Repko | In Melissa-Repko | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Target on Wednesday posted a year-over-year sales decline and missed Wall Street's earnings estimates, as consumers fatigued from high prices bought both fewer discretionary items and groceries. On a call with reporters, CEO Brian Cornell said the company's results reflect "continued soft trends in discretionary categories." Target also announced Monday it was cutting prices on thousands of everyday items, including milk, bread, paper towels and diapers. Like other retailers, Target has tried to win over consumers who are not spending as freely on clothing, home goods or other discretionary items. Walmart, for example, has gained market share from higher-income shoppers and recently introduced a premium food brand with most items under $5.

Persons: Brian Cornell, John David Rainey Organizations: Target, LSEG, Walmart, Aldi Locations: Miami , Florida, Minneapolis

"Consumers continue to be even more discriminating with every dollar that they spend as they faced elevated prices in their day-to-day spending," McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said on the company's conference call in late April. Paul Weaver | SOPA Images | Getty ImagesFor more than two years, consumers have dealt with sharply rising prices. But that doesn't mean the actual prices seen on grocery store shelves or restaurant menus will fall, and shoppers are feeling that pinch. While some CEOs have said that consumers are growing more cautious, others — like those in the airline industry — have celebrated strong and persistent spending. Corporate misfires can also lead to disappointing sales, even if their shoppers aren't necessarily pulling back on their spending.

Persons: Chris Kempczinski, Burger, Paul Weaver, Jerome Powell, Aurelia Concepcion, Concepcion, it's, Joe Raedle, Brett House, John David Rainey, Ramon Laguarta, Ed Bastian, We're, Daniel Slim, Brian Niccol, Calvin McDonald, Laxman Narasimhan, Sara Senatore, Spencer Platt Organizations: DAL, Washington Post, Home, Delta Air Lines, Consumers, of Labor, CPI, KFC, Starbucks, Columbia Business School, Walmart, Finance, CNBC, PepsiCo, Gatorade, Pepsi, United, Delta Airlines Boeing, Owen Roberts International, AFP, Getty, Delta, Target, Bank of America Locations: Manhattan, Bloomsburg , Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, Ohio, Miami , Florida, U.S, Delta, Europe, Asia, Japan, George Town, Cayman Islands, New York City

☆ CNBC Daily Open: Dow briefly tops 40,000 for the first time, meme stocks down but not out
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Abid Ali | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Dow breaks through 40,000 barrierThe Dow Jones Industrial Average briefly passed the 40,000 mark for the first time before ending lower. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also hit record highs but ended the session in negative territory. The Dow has climbed nearly 6% in 2024, while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 are up 11% each. [PRO] New S&P 500 targetsWall Street's recent record highs have prompted market analysts to revise their S&P 500 year-end price targets.

Persons: Dow, John David Rainey, We've, Armour, Armour's, Kleiner Perkins, Bob Pisani Organizations: CNBC, Dow Jones Industrial, Nasdaq, Walmart, GameStop, AMC Locations: North America, Sequoia

☆ Latest shipping data reveals that mid-range retail is the new consumer price sweet spot
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Almost 80% of current freight orders received for peak season are for mid-range price items, the survey shows. Similar to last year, respondents expect less consumer appetite for luxury and aspirational luxury items imported. The world's second-largest ocean freight company, Maersk, recently told CNBC it expected a "normal" peak season. "There's nothing that indicates that it would be a slower peak season or a bigger peak season," said Charles Van der Steene, president of Maersk North America, in a recent interview with CNBC. "We believe in normalized peak season.

Persons: Eric Thayer, Robinson, Kuehne, Nagel, Noah Hoffman, Hoffman, hypersensitive, Charles Van der Steene, We've, John David Rainey, Rainey, Larry, Jon Gold, Nate Herman, Biden Organizations: US, Bureau, Bloomberg, Getty, CNBC, Chain Survey, National Retail Federation, American Apparel and Footwear Association, United National Consumer Suppliers, ITS Logistics, DHL, Uber Technologies, C.H, Maersk, Walmart, Uber, International Longshoremen's Association, ILA, United States Maritime Alliance, Brands Locations: of Los Angeles, Los Angeles , California, U.S, Panama, Maersk North America, East Coast, Gulf, East, North America, West, Coast

☆ Walmart says more diners are buying its groceries as fast food gets pricey
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Melissa Repko | In Melissa-Repko | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Walmart wants diners to find a value meal in its grocery aisles. As fast food gets pricier, the nation's largest grocer sees a sales opportunity. As customers see some grocery items stay the same price or even become cheaper, the gap between buying menu items and cooking food at home has grown even wider, he said. As of April, the price of food at home, a category that measures the total cost of food purchased at grocers or other food stores, was up 1.1% year over year. The price of food away from home rose significantly more: 4.1% year over year.

Persons: John David Rainey, McDonald's, Chris Kempczinski, John Furner, Furner, — CNBC's Amelia Lucas Organizations: Walmart, CNBC, Yum Brands, Management Solutions, Restaurant, U.S . Labor Department, Walmart U.S Locations: U.S, Connecticut

At stake is the role of a wide spectrum of players, from fintech firms to card companies and established banks. Walmart's Fintech startup One is now offering BNPL loans in Secaucus, New Jersey. Buy now, pay later has gained popularity with consumers for everyday items as well as larger purchases. A Capital One Walmart credit card sign is seen at a store in Mountain View, California, United States on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Meanwhile, Walmart said last year when its lawsuit became public that it would soon announce a new credit card option with "meaningful benefits and rewards."

Persons: Joe Raedle, Goldman Sachs, Omer Ismail, Hugh Son, BNPL, Jason Mikula, Amazon's, Karma, John Furner, John David Rainey, Dot, " Rainey, Rainey, Morgan Stanley, Walmart's, Yichuan Cao Organizations: Walmart, Getty, CNBC, New Jersey Walmart, Apple, Electronics, Adobe Analytics, Bank of Walmart, Robinhood, Walmart U.S, Coastal Community Bank, Capital, PayPal Locations: Hallandale Beach , Florida, Bentonville , Arkansas, Manhattan, Secaucus , New Jersey, New Jersey, U.S, Mountain View , California, United States

☆ Grocers are trying to get orders to your door faster than ever — here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Melissa Repko | In Melissa-Repko | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Walmart expanded its same-day delivery offering to allow shoppers to get online purchases dropped off earlier in the morning. With same-day deliveries, the three retailers are not only trying to outmatch one another on convenience. With Target's announcement this week, Walmart, Target and Kroger will all have paid membership programs with home deliveries as one of the benefits. Kroger has used online delivery to break into new regions of the country, including Florida, without opening a single grocery store. Walmart and Target both beat Wall Street's sales expectations for the holiday quarter, but said shoppers are still very value-focused.

Persons: Kroger, Michael Baker, Davidson, Davidson's Baker, John David Rainey, Rodney McMullen, That's, McMullen, We've Organizations: Target, Walmart, D.A, Kroger, Costco, Albertsons, FTC, Wall Locations: U.S, Florida

☆ Target launches paid membership program as it chases new revenue streams
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Melissa Repko | In Melissa-Repko | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Target on Tuesday said it will launch a paid membership program next month, riffing off the playbook of its rivals Amazon and Walmart . The paid membership tier will launch in early April and initially cost $49 per year, Sylvester said. Customers who have a Target Circle credit card will be able to pay the lower price of $49 per year beyond that. The retailer will also relaunch its free Target Circle loyalty program, which debuted in 2019, to make it easier to use and more personalized. It costs $98 per year or $12.95 per month, with perks like free shipping, free grocery deliveries for orders of at least $35 and gas discounts.

Persons: riffing, Cara Sylvester, Sylvester, Jeff Bezos, Doug McMillon, John David Rainey Organizations: Amazon, Walmart, CNBC PRO Locations: New York City

Elena Perova | Istock | Getty ImagesJust ahead of the holiday season, Walmart had encouraging news for inflation-weary shoppers: Prices on food and other staples were falling instead of rising. But the retail giant backpedaled this week, saying higher prices on many grocery items and household staples like paper goods have stuck. Food prices climbed 2.6%, fueled by a 5.1% jump in prices for food away from home, a category that includes restaurant meals and vending machine purchases. That gives their makers the ability to keep raising prices to mitigate higher costs, even as their volume drops. Even some of the biggest U.S. brands have signaled that consumers' tolerance of higher prices has worn thin.

Persons: Elena Perova, John David Rainey, Coke, James Quincey, Gregory Daco, airfares, Tyson, Fernando Fernandez, Arun Sundaram, Kraft Heinz, Chocolate, Hershey, Edward Jones, Brittany Quatrochi, Sundaram, Pringles, Kellanova, Heinz, Stefani Reynolds, Brad Thomas, CFRA's Sundaram, Thomas, Frederic J, Brown, Oscar Mayer, Greg Melich Organizations: Istock, Walmart, CNBC, Federal, Depot, Pew Research Center, Maine Foods, Unilever, Nestle, Bloomberg, Getty, Planters, Target, Kroger, AFP, U.S, PepsiCo, Frito, Evercore ISI Locations: Hershey , Pennsylvania, North America, Washington ,, Rosemead , California

☆ Walmart's average customer is a suburban baby boomer who spent $3,578 there last year
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

4,600 locations in the US The company also has among the highest customer loyalty for leading retail brands. Walmart's average customer is a white baby boomer who owns her home and earns less than $80K per year. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Because of the retail giant's scale, the average Walmart customer has a lot in common with the average US shopper, according to data from the consumer analytics firm Numerator. Roughly 95% of the shoppers in Numerator's survey visited Walmart two or more times in the past year.

Persons: —, John David Rainey Organizations: Walmart, Service

☆ It looks like high-income shoppers are becoming increasingly loyal to Walmart
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Walmart is cutting prices on essentials like eggs and breadInflation has cooled in recent months after soaring during the pandemic. "Some of this is the result of customer acquisition becoming more modest, and some is because of the continued financial pressure on core Walmart shoppers which is seeing them cut back on non-essential spending," he wrote. Saunders noted that lower levels of inflation would make it harder for Walmart to acquire new customers. "This essentially puts Walmart in the position of having to work far harder and more creatively to generate growth," he wrote.

Persons: Walmart's, —, John David Rainey, Rainey, Neil Saunders, Saunders, Doug McMillon, McMillon, John Furner, Furner Organizations: Walmart, Service, GlobalData, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Shoppers

☆ Walmart Reports Rising Holiday Sales as Shoppers Seek Value
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Jordyn Holman | More About Jordyn Holman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

The NumbersWalmart said its comparable store sales were up 4 percent in the three months that ended in late January compared with the year before. In addition to its same-store sales, Walmart said its U.S. e-commerce business increased 17 percent. At the same time, many retailers, including Walmart, focused on value last year as the economy cooled and shoppers became more selective. The Road AheadAnalysts expect retail sales to continue to moderate this year after a surge in consumer spending during the early stages of the pandemic. U.S. retail sales fell 0.8 percent in January from a month earlier, according to data released from the Commerce Department last week.

Persons: John David Rainey Organizations: Walmart, Target, Kroger, National Retail Federation, Analysts, Commerce Department Locations: U.S

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