Retail sales fell 0.9% in May, worse than expected as consumers pulled back at CNBC. “However, excluding a series of items such as auto dealers, building materials suppliers, gas stations and others, sales increased 0.4%…miscellaneous retailers gained 2.9%, while online sales rose 0.9% and furniture stores increased sales by 1.2%.” Read more

 

The Aisle-Prowling Albertsons CEO Taking On Kroger at WSJ. “(Susan) Morris is presiding over a cost-cutting plan that aims to save $1.5 billion over the next three years. The company has laid off about 800 employees and shut nearly a dozen stores this year, and Morris said Albertsons would close more underperforming stores this year and next.” WSJ subs.

 

Amazon stretches Prime Day to four days – starting July 8 – and taps LeBron James to hype annual event at GeekWire. “…Amazon is stretching the savings to multiple other days…Prime members can shop deals on Amazon brands on July 1 or save on gas when they fuel up at participating locations Fourth of July weekend…deals from small- and medium-sized businesses start June 23 and run through July 6.” Read more

 

At Home Group files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as part of restructuring at Fox News

 

Kraft Heinz will remove all artificial dyes from its foods at CNN

 

As grocery shortages persist, UNFI says it’s recovering from cyberattack at TechCrunch. “Food distribution giant United Natural Foods (UNFI) said it is making “significant progress” in recovering from a cyberattack that occurred almost two weeks ago, as grocery stores across North America reliant on the distributor continue to report food shortages.” Read more

 

Amazon testing tighter grocery bundling for same-day deliveries at GeekWire. “But I’m not sure I’ll keep using it. I’m not a big online grocery shopper — I prefer to pick my own produce if possible. The items came inside insulated bags and were somewhat cool on arrival, but the cucumbers had a weird look and weird smell. I ended up throwing them out…” Read more

 

Data shows food stamp spending shifts, with Walmart having the most share at Talk Business. “According to verified purchase data for SNAP users, Walmart leads in SNAP shopper spend (24%), followed by Kroger (8%), Costco (6%), Amazon (5%), and Sam’s Club (4%)…Among SNAP sales for top brands, 10.6% of Post Consumer brands utilized SNAP dollars, followed by 8.4% with Tyson…” Read more

 

Walmart and Amazon Are Exploring Issuing Their Own Stablecoins at WSJ. “The retailers’ final decisions would depend on a bill, called the Genius Act, which would begin to establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins. The bill recently passed another procedural hurdle but still needs to clear the Senate and House…Stablecoins could allow merchants to circumvent traditional payment rails, which cost them billions of dollars in fees each year…” WSJ subs.

 

Costco is building its first standalone gas station at USA Today. “…in the spring of 2026 in Mission Viejo, California. The coastal city, located outside of Los Angeles in neighboring Orange County, had its Planning and Transportation Commission in March approve plans for the 40-pump station, Costco’s largest to date.” Read more