GDP grew at a 2.3% pace in the fourth quarter, vs. expected 2.5% growth at CNBC. “Consumer spending rose at a robust 4.2% pace…initial unemployment claims totaled 207,000 for the week ending Jan. 25, a sharp decline of 16,000 from the prior period and well below the forecast for 228,000.” Read more

 

Tractor Supply Q4: Net Sales +3.1% / Comp Store Sales +0.6% / Comp Average Transaction +2.3% Press release

 

H&M’s fourth-quarter sales dented by late Black Friday at Reuters. “H&M reported weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter sales…due in part to a late Black Friday, but said sales were up 4% in December and January…” Read more

 

2025 World’s Most Admired Companies at Fortune/Korn Ferry

1. Apple
2. Microsoft
3. Amazon
4. Nvidia
5. Berkshire Hathaway
6. Costco Wholesale
7. JPMorgan Chase
8. Walmart
9. Alphabet
10. American Express

 

Floor & Decor Appoints Bradley Paulsen as President “Prior to Rentokil, Mr. Paulsen served as CEO of Rexel USA…previously served as COO of HD Supply…He also spent nine years with The Home Depot in leadership and merchandising roles.” Press release

 

Amazon is laying off a “small number” of employees in its communications and sustainability units at CNBC. “The company laid off more than 27,000 employees in 2022 and 2023 and has continued making smaller cuts.” Read more

 

Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2025 (HEB #21, Trader Joe’s #30…) Full list

 

**A message from Su Salsa – A hint of lime and cilantro with a jalapeno kick. All-natural, blended and smooth for easy pour. Female owned. Bright label colors stand out on shelf.  Learn more | Sample: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Walmart’s Plus membership is growing according to Morgan Stanley survey at NWA Online. “…the survey found the Plus program has about 26.5 million members. That number could be about 17.2 million after adjusting for potential over-counting, the survey said.” Read more

 

A 13-year-old and 15-year-old are accused of killing CVS security guard at USA Today

 

Bezos vs. Bezos: Amazon sues WA state over Washington Post request for Kuiper records at GeekWire

 

Amazon has picked the North England town of Darlington as the first site for its planned U.K. drone-delivery expansion at TechCrunch

 

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