Costco July comp sales (ex. fuel & f/x) up 7.0%:

 

…US +6.5%/Canada +9.1%/Other Int’l +7.5%/Ecom +14.9% “…net sales of $20.89 billion for the retail month of July, the four weeks ended August 3, 2025, an increase of 8.5 percent from $19.26 billion last year. Net sales for the first 48 weeks were $248.35 billion, an increase of 8.1 percent from $229.81 billion last year.” Press release

 

Just return it: “Rent the runway” mindset is only spreading at USA Today. “A Costco employee who has worked with the company in multiple states says trees, inflatables and other holiday decor get stacked seven feet high after Christmas…Others “rent” jewelry for black-tie events, including one customer who returned three $2,000-plus necklaces in one summer…And just this month, the employee processed a return for $500 worth of meat, cheese and dip left over from a wedding with fewer guests than expected.” Read more

 

Ingles Markets Q3 net sales down 4.0% Press release

 

Wary of sticker shock, retailers clash with brands on price hikes at Reuters. “In Europe, retailers are joining forces to increase their clout in pricing talks. Carrefour (has) created a new European buying alliance called Concordis, along with rival group Coopérative U, and is in advanced discussions with other European retailers to expand the alliance.” Reuters subs.

 

7-Eleven plans to launch 1,300 new stores in North America by 2030 Press release

 

**Delight shoppers with foam-filled, soft & long-lasting bean bag chairs from Comfy Sacks. Genius design + comfort. Made in USA. 5-year unconditional warranty. Ignite holiday sales. Website | Program details: info@eyeonretail.net

 

Aldi’s Passionate, Cultlike Following Fuels Its Rapid Expansion Plans at NY Times. “We’re growing because we’re offering customers food that is good for them and doesn’t have unnecessary additives and food dyes,” said Dave Rinaldo, the chief operating officer of Aldi U.S., noting that the chain stopped using artificial colors in 2015. And while food prices continue to rise, privately held Aldi recently cut prices on 400 of the roughly 2,000 items it sells in its stores, Mr. Rinaldo said.” NY Times subs.

 

Sen. Warren asks FTC, DOJ to consider blocking Dick’s-Foot Locker merger at The Hill

 

US Foods Q2 net sales up 3.8% Press release

 

Alibaba to shutter Costco-like members-only stores in China at Bloomberg/Yahoo. “Its supermarket chain Hema has begun shutting down premium “Hema X” outlets, which charge members an annual subscription for access, a person familiar with the matter said. China’s e-commerce leader is taking action to shore up overall profitability…” Read more

 

DoorDash Q2: Total Orders +20% / Revenue +25% Press release

 

J.D. Power: 2025 Windows/Patio Doors installation satisfaction: Lowe’s last Press release

 

Criteo Is Holding Its Ground as Retail Media Rivals Try to Steal Its Share at Adweek. “Criteo is facing off against a new wave of companies like Kevel, Koddi, Moloco, Pentaleap, Topsort, and Vantage, who pitch sophisticated tech to solve the growing challenges retail media sellers face. Criteo’s competitors are also leveraging more programmatic advertising, an area they claim Criteo has been slow to embrace.” Read more

 

Amazon is bringing its Starlink alternative to Australia next year at The Verge

 

QVC Group Q2 revenue down 7.0% Press release

 

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