Walmart reported stronger than expected results Heading into the holidays, U.S. comparable sales for the August to October period are up 4.5 percent and online sales are up 28 percent. The performance was so solid that the retailer raised its full-year sales outlook to 5.1 percent from 4.8 percent and raised its profit forecast.
The good results contrast with a season that many analysts expected to be sluggish. Rival companies like Target are suffering losses, and Deloitte forecasts the slowest growth in holiday spending since the pandemic as shoppers wait for deep discounts.
Walmart’s gain shows where consumers are still willing to spend: value-driven groceries, essentials, and fast, reliable e-commerce.
The tech job crisis is worse than you think
Photo by Weiquan Lin/Getty
The job market in the tech sector continues to be poor. Indeed Latest Job Postings IndexWhich had reached above 200 during the pandemic, is now at a dismal 67.
The shortage is being felt most in data and analytics roles. Job postings in that category have dropped to 60, down nearly 40 percent from pre-pandemic levels, and it is now one of the hardest-to-find tech jobs.
More people are chasing fewer opportunities. Training programs are flooding the market with qualified candidates, and new AI tools are automating work that once required large teams – creating intense competition for the remaining roles.
Costco recalls two ready-to-eat items after plastic contamination warning
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Costco announced voluntary recall On two popular prepared foods: its Caesar Salad and its Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad. The items were sold in stores in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast with sell-by dates from October 17 to November 9.
The recall stems from concerns that salad dressings supplied by Ventura Foods may contain pieces of plastic foreign material. Customers are cautioned not to consume the product and return it to Costco for a full refund.
The warning adds to a growing list of safety actions by Costco. Although no injuries associated with the items have been reported so far, Costco warns that plastic pieces may pose a choking or internal injury risk.
Your Disney ticket price may soon depend on crowds
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Disney is preparing a big change in theme-park ticket prices. The company says it wants to bring dynamic pricing – The type of airlines used to fly to Walt Disney World and Disneyland. A successful test in Paris gave authorities the confidence to proceed further.
The idea is simple. Prices rise with demand. Busy days cost more. Slow days cost less. Even the timing of when you make a purchase can change the price. This is a big change from the fixed-price calendars fans are used to.
The rollout is still several years away, but planning has begun. Disney believes the system can manage crowds, smooth out demand and boost revenue as development at new attractions slows.
Cracker Barrel Boots board member but remains with embattled CEO
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Cracker Barrel just made a dramatic appearance boardroom shake-upShareholders voted out Boots director Gilbert Davila after customers revolted following the chain’s logo failure – but they spared CEO Julie Fels Massino and kept her in charge despite the storm,
The company has been in trouble since its controversial rebrand, which removed the beloved “Old Timer” character and sparked outrage on social media. Traffic came to a standstill. Critics pounced. And the series was forced to make a messy comeback, eventually restoring the classic logo.
With sales still under pressure and a broken brand in need of repair, Cracker Barrel faces a tough road ahead even with a new board lineup.
Walmart reported stronger than expected results Heading into the holidays, U.S. comparable sales for the August to October period are up 4.5 percent and online sales are up 28 percent. The performance was so solid that the retailer raised its full-year sales outlook to 5.1 percent from 4.8 percent and raised its profit forecast.
The good results contrast with a season that many analysts expected to be sluggish. Rival companies like Target are suffering losses, and Deloitte forecasts the slowest growth in holiday spending since the pandemic as shoppers wait for deep discounts.
Walmart’s gain shows where consumers are still willing to spend: value-driven groceries, essentials, and fast, reliable e-commerce.
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