When shoppers are looking for ways to stretch their budgets, Costco (COST) is proving that value still drives spending. The warehouse retailer reported July net sales of $23.12 billion, up 10.7% from a year earlier, for the four weeks that ended Aug. 2.
Its growth went beyond new warehouse openings and changing fuel prices. Comparable sales rose 8.9% across the company, while U.S. comparable sales climbed 10.3%, showing that shoppers kept returning to Costco's stores.
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For COST investors, the report adds to the case that Costco's membership model, low prices, and expanding digital business are continuing to attract customers. But after another strong sales print, can Costco maintain enough underlying growth through the second half to surpass the high expectations already attached to COST? Let's dive in.

#shoppers #Growth #july #dear

E.l.f. Beauty (NYSE: ELF) stock rose 12% in July, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The mass cosmetics giant is still enjoying renewed market confidence as it laps last year's negative tariff impact and continues to demonstrate strength.
E.l.f. has defined itself by its social mission and social media presence as well as its low prices. It stands out from the traditional leaders in mass cosmetics, and it continues to grow at a rapid pace as the model resonates with shoppers of all ages.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
It faced a major challenge last year when higher tariffs were imposed on goods produced in China, and it raised some of its prices to counteract the increases. That led to an expanded gross margin in the 2026 fiscal fourth quarter (ended March 31) to 73% despite some continual tariff impact.
E.l.f. is also facing its challenges head-on by expanding. It made a major move last year when it acquired model Hailey Bieber's Rhode cosmetics, its first foray into luxury cosmetics. The line has been massively popular, and it was cosmetic retailer Sephora's largest-ever launch in the U.K. It's already generating for $113 million for e.l.f., and it has a long growth runway; it has only 20% international penetration but 74% international social followers.

#NVIDIA

PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) has spent close to a year going nowhere while the broader market climbed steadily, and shares recently traded near a 52-week low even after the company posted higher revenue and earnings. That gap between decent headline numbers and a beaten-down stock price is the whole story right now. Investors are trying to figure out whether a business that looks strong overseas and stuck at home is worth paying up for, all while collecting one of the most dependable dividends around.
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Outside the United States, PepsiCo's business is humming. International beverage volume climbed 5% last quarter and revenue jumped 11%, or 9% once currency swings are stripped out, and none of that came from acquisitions since those deals were concentrated on U.S. brands. Snacks told a similar story abroad, with Asia Pacific revenue up 15% and Latin America up 12%. That geographic spread matters because it's cushioning a domestic business that isn't pulling its weight. On top of that, volume is finally moving in the right direction everywhere: PepsiCo posted its fastest volume sales growth since 2022, and global organic sales volume through the first half of fiscal 2026 was the highest in four years, a sign that recent price cuts aimed at cost-conscious shoppers are working rather than just squeezing margins.
The stock's price tag adds to the case. Shares trade around 16 times forward earnings, a discount to its five-year median near 22. Layer on a dividend that's been raised for 54 straight years, with the payout still covered by adjusted earnings. Management is "restaging" four core brands, Lay's, Tostitos, Gatorade, and Quaker, with new packaging, marketing, and ingredients, while rolling out products like protein chips and probiotic drinks. Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has also been in the mix, pushing the company to move faster on growth and cost cuts.
The trouble is that PepsiCo's biggest market is still shrinking in the ways that matter. North American food sales fell 2% last quarter, and beverage volume in that region dropped 4% even as reported beverage revenue ticked up. Management pointed to higher gas prices as one culprit, arguing that pricier fill-ups are cutting into convenience store traffic, a channel where impulse buys of chips and soda matter a lot. Strip out acquisitions, and organic growth in North American beverages was just 1%.

#beverage #Growth

For the past few years, it's been a great time to be Walmart (WMT).
Thanks to strong e-commerce growth, the high-margin Walmart Connect advertising business, and company-wide investments in artificial intelligence, the world's largest retailer has transformed itself from a brick-and-mortar chain into an omnichannel giant.
High-income shoppers in particular have helped Walmart recently, as executives have noted that during this inflationary period, even customers earning more than $100,000 are shopping at Walmart for its "Always Low Prices." This has resulted in market share gains, strong earnings growth, and helped drive WMT shares to an all-time high of $134.20 on May 19, 2026.
It's also been a great time to be a Walmart investor. WMT shares have increased roughly 463% over the past decade, significantly outpacing the S&P 500, and on February 3, 2026, the company crossed the historic $1 trillion valuation threshold.
In fact, if you had invested $10,000 in Walmart a decade ago, you would be sitting on roughly $55,200 today.

#great #strong

After making several moves this year to win back customers, Home Depot is making headlines again over a lawsuit that alleges it violated customers' rights.
In 2025, the home-improvement giant had a ******* py year, marked by several consumer boycotts over its decision to cut its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies; its alleged cooperation with ICE's immigration crackdown; and price hikes to address tariff pressures.
In 2026, it turned a new leaf by making several moves to lure shoppers back to its stores and offerings. Home Depot made a major expansion of its "Pro" ecosystem with high-tech tools such as an AI-powered Material List Builder and a first-of-its-kind real-time GPS delivery tracker for bulky materials. It also improved the physical store experience with Wahlburger's food trailers and expanded its rewards program.
Now, the home improvement retailer is facing legal challenges after being accused of using its customers' personal data without their consent.
A new class action lawsuit accuses Home Depot of selling customers' personally identifiable information (PII) to third parties without providing notice or obtaining their consent.

#year

Vinted, one of Europe's largest marketplaces for buying and selling pre-owned items between private individuals, will direct customers in Germany to ship or exchange goods through DHL Group's (XETRA: DHL) network of parcel lockers and digital kiosks, under a new strategic partnership aimed at making peer-to-peer purchases as convenient as ones through online retailers.
Private-party sales of used items through online marketplaces have become very popular in Germany. According to the latest DHL E-Commerce Trends Report, 67% of online shoppers in the country have already sold items via a digital platform.
Vinted and DHL announced Wednesday they are working together to expand and simplify the shipping and collection of Vinted parcels through DHL's network of Packstations (automated, self-service locker systems that allows users to send, receive and drop-off parcels around the clock), Poststations (digital Deutsche Post retail outlets where users can take care of postal business) and DeinFach lockers (a carrier neutral parcel locker network).
DHL operates the most extensive parcel shipping network in Germany, including 41,000 parcel drop-off and collection points at post offices, parcel shops and automated facilities.
The Vinted collaboration builds on a multi-month pilot program that both companies recently completed, DHL spokeswoman Sarah Preuss explained in an email message.

#online #private

Vinted, one of Europe's largest marketplaces for buying and selling pre-owned items between private individuals, will direct customers in Germany to ship or exchange goods through DHL Group's (XETRA: DHL) network of parcel lockers and digital kiosks, under a new strategic partnership aimed at making peer-to-peer purchases as convenient as ones through online retailers.
Private-party sales of used items through online marketplaces have become very popular in Germany. According to the latest DHL E-Commerce Trends Report, 67% of online shoppers in the country have already sold items via a digital platform.
Vinted and DHL announced Wednesday they are working together to expand and simplify the shipping and collection of Vinted parcels through DHL's network of Packstations (automated, self-service locker systems that allows users to send, receive and drop-off parcels around the clock), Poststations (digital Deutsche Post retail outlets where users can take care of postal business) and DeinFach lockers (a carrier neutral parcel locker network).
DHL operates the most extensive parcel shipping network in Germany, including 41,000 parcel drop-off and collection points at post offices, parcel shops and automated facilities.
The Vinted collaboration builds on a multi-month pilot program that both companies recently completed, DHL spokeswoman Sarah Preuss explained in an email message.

#parcel

I asked an early-stage investor a simple question: Tell me about a startup that discovered, too late, that it wasn't allowed to operate the way it had built itself to operate.
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At the Obama Presidential Center gift store, shoppers buy into a new brand
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There's a new workforce crisis and it isn't burnout

#tell #fast #center #asked

A Connecticut police officer repeatedly ordered a man to drop a baseball bat before opening fire as the suspect continued bludgeoning a motionless man in the head, newly released body camera footage shows.
The footage, released this week by the Connecticut Office of Inspector General, captures the July 19 encounter in Meriden that left two men dead, including 38-year-old Robert Lee Jenkins III, who investigators said was shot by a responding officer while carrying out the attack.
According to the inspector general's preliminary report, Meriden Officer Anthony Offiaeli arrived at a home on Sagamore Road shortly after 10 a.m. and found Jenkins "bludgeoning" a man lying motionless on the front lawn with a baseball bat.
Video Shows Undercover Cops Shooting Man Threatening Shoppers With Fake Gun In 'Justified' Defense: Officials
"Put the f---ing bat down!" the officer shouted repeatedly while pointing his firearm at Jenkins, body camera footage shows.

#jenkins #footage #meriden

Hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, and pretzels have long been staples of the ballpark experience. Yet in Seattle, baseball fans have embraced a snack that surprises many first-time visitors: toasted grasshoppers. What began as a specialty dish at a local restaurant quickly evolved into one of the most talked-about concessions at Seattle Mariners games. The unusual offering not only challenged expectations about stadium food but also introduced thousands of people to a traditional ingredient that has been enjoyed in parts of the world for centuries.
The story begins at Poquitos, a Mexican-inspired restaurant in Seattle led by executive chef Manny Arce. When the restaurant first opened, Arce added toasted grasshoppers, known in Mexican cuisine as chapulines, to the menu as a novelty. Chapulines have been eaten for generations, particularly in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, where they are considered a popular street food and a rich source of protein. Seasoned simply with salt, lime, and chili, they offer a crunchy texture and a savory flavor that many diners compare to roasted sunflower seeds with a hint of spice.
Although the snack attracted curious customers at the restaurant, its popularity reached an entirely new level when the Seattle Mariners expressed interest in featuring it at what is now known as T-Mobile Park, formerly Safeco Field. After sampling the product, the organization decided it would make a unique addition to the stadium's food lineup. The response exceeded every expectation. Fans eager to try something different lined up to buy the toasted grasshoppers, and supplies disappeared almost immediately during games.
What initially seemed like a niche offering quickly became a stadium sensation. Chef Arce expected that his first shipment of approximately 50 pounds would last several weeks. Instead, it sold out in a single day. As demand continued to grow, the numbers became astonishing. More than 300,000 individual servings were eventually sold, requiring well over 1,000 pounds of grasshoppers to keep up with fan interest. On many game days, vendors ran out before the first inning had even ended.
The success of the snack reflects changing attitudes toward food and the growing willingness of consumers to explore unfamiliar culinary traditions. Around the world, edible insects are recognized as nutritious, environmentally sustainable sources of protein that require fewer natural resources than conventional livestock. While many people still view the idea with hesitation, others appreciate the opportunity to experience flavors that are common in different cultures.

#many #first #mexican

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Swatch Group reported stronger first-half sales as demand improved across its watch brands and shoppers lined up for its Royal Pop pocket watch collaboration with Audemars Piguet. Sales rose 8.5% at constant exchange rates to CHF 3.12 billion (about $3.8 billion), helped by a sharp acceleration in May and June. But operating profit fell to CHF 52 million, badly missing expectations, as currency effects and production costs weighed. The watches are moving again. The margins, less so.
Swatch Group, owner of Omega, Longines, Tissot, Breguet and Swatch, reported first-half net sales of CHF 3.12 billion. At constant exchange rates, sales rose 8.5% from a year earlier. On a reported basis, growth was much weaker because the strong Swiss franc dragged on results.
The company said sales momentum improved sharply in the second quarter, especially in May and June. Demand was helped by strength across price segments and regions, including the US, Europe, ***** an, South Korea and China.
A major highlight was the Royal Pop, a pocket watch made with Audemars Piguet. The launch triggered long lines in cities including New York, London, Barcelona and Dubai, with demand so strong that Swatch had to close some stores and limit queues.

#swatch #sales #reported

A warehouse shift in Tulsa will result in 184 job cuts, even as production lines beside it continue to operate.
TheStreet recently reported that Coca-Cola is closing a Massachusetts bottling plant, while Mars-owned Nature's Bakery is transferring production from a Missouri facility to other locations.
The circumstances differ, but both showed how companies are redrawing their manufacturing and distribution networks while their products remain widely available to shoppers.
Now a similar shift is affecting PepsiCo workers in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
PepsiCo Beverages will discontinue warehouse operations at its facility at 510 W. Skelly Drive, Tulsa, on Nov. 15, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice reviewed by TheStreet.

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July 18, 2026 12:00 pm ET
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Costco wants to give its shoppers an easier way to buy gas.

A warehouse shift in Tulsa will result in 184 job cuts, even as production lines beside it continue to operate.
TheStreet recently reported that Coca-Cola is closing a Massachusetts bottling plant, while Mars-owned Nature's Bakery is transferring production from a Missouri facility to other locations.
The circumstances differ, but both showed how companies are redrawing their manufacturing and distribution networks while their products remain widely available to shoppers.
Now a similar shift is affecting PepsiCo workers in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
PepsiCo Beverages will discontinue warehouse operations at its facility at 510 W. Skelly Drive, Tulsa, on Nov. 15, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice reviewed by TheStreet.

DoorDash on Tuesday announced a deeper dive into the retail world by allowing independent merchants on Shopify that also have a physical store to easily add their product catalog to the DoorDash marketplace, further highlighting how it is becoming a competitor to Amazon, Walmart, Uber Eats, Roadie and legion of independent couriers in the on-demand e-commerce delivery **** e.
The delivery platform has been expanding for several years beyond its origin model of delivering restaurant meals into grocery and retail delivery. Last month, DoorDash (NASDAQ: DASH) announced a partnership with Autoparts.com for its gig drivers to deliver parts orders for the online retailer in under an hour.
The Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP) integration targets small-and-medium sized local businesses as the next growth category. Retailers can add their products to the DoorDash marketplace by enabling a new sales channel within the Shopify app store, with no separate onboarding process, manual catalog uploads or disruption to existing operations, DoorDash said in a news release.
""Merchants want to sell wherever their customers are, and increasingly that means meeting them with speed and convenience," said Atlee Clark, vice president of partnerships at Shopify. "This integration puts local retailers in front of millions of DoorDash shoppers and turns same-day demand into sales, all managed inside Shopify."
DoorDash said products and inventory are automatically aligned in the system so when a customer orders what's on DoorDash always matches what's on the shelf, without the retailer having to manually manage stock levels.

With prices rising, budgets tightening, and increased job security fears, Americans have become cautious about where they buy their groceries.
The Food Industry ****** ociation's (FMI) June Grocery Shopper Snapshot surveyed 1,516 consumers to gather their actual insights. Some key results include:
By a margin of 2 to 1, Americans say they are worse off, as opposed to better off, than they were one year ago with respect to their household finances.
Only 26% of shoppers say they are living comfortably and can save money.
Macroeconomic issues are weighing on shoppers as concerns about inflation (71% very or extremely) and the overall U.S. economy (66%) reached new highs.

By Helen Reid and Kane Wu
LONDON/HONG KONG, July 10 (Reuters) - Fast-fashion retailer Shein won approval for its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO on Friday, a notice posted on the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) website showed, clearing the way for a listing after failed attempts in New York and London.
Shein, a fast-growing e-commerce giant, would be the highest-profile retailer to list in ‌years, as many consumer brands have delayed initial public offerings due to weak investor sentiment and subdued spending by lower- to middle-income shoppers.
Founded by Chinese-born entrepreneur Sky Xu in 2012, Shein has ‌waited a year for the green light from Beijing for its IPO, which had to be cleared by the highest levels of the ruling Communist Party, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.
Beijing views Shein as politically sensitive and has been cautious about endorsing a listing after controversies including a ******* doll scandal in France and reports of poor labour practices at its supplier factories in China, the source said.

Palm Valley Capital Management, an investment management firm, has issued the second-quarter 2026 investor letter for the "Palm Valley Capital Fund." A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the second quarter, the fund's investor class gained 1.80%, while the S&P SmallCap 600 rose 19.7% and the Morningstar Small Cap Total Return Index returned 14.0%. The Strategy primarily focused on small-cap categories, allocating 75% to cash equivalents. This led to underperformance relative to benchmarks. The Fund is currently seeking more small-cap opportunities that meet its return criteria and will act swiftly if market conditions improve. The Index benefited from strong contributions from data center construction and biotech sectors, while the energy industry lagged. Additionally, reviewing the fund's top five holdings can reveal its best investments in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Palm Valley Capital Management highlighted The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX). The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) is a global manufacturer of consumer and professional products operating through its Health and Wellness, Household, Lifestyle, and International segments. On July 7, 2026, The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) closed at $97.41 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $11.78 billion. The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) posted a one-month return of -1.92%, while its shares lost 22.69% over the past 52 weeks.
Palm Valley Capital Management stated the following regarding The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"The Fund acquired three new positions during the second quarter: The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX), Molson Coors Beverage Company (ticker: TAP), and Vontier Corp. (ticker: VNT). The Clorox Company manufactures a wide range of household and professional cleaning, disinfecting, lifestyle, and wellness products. Its portfolio includes well known brands such as Clorox bleach and disinfecting wipes, Pine-Sol cleaners, Glad trash bags, Burt's Bees lip balm, Kingsford charcoal, Fresh Step cat litter, and Hidden Valley salad dressings. The company suffered a major cyberattack in 2023 that disrupted production and distribution, causing it to lose market share in several categories. The recovery has been slower than investors hoped, and Clorox has been working through a large ERP implementation that distorted shipments, reduced volumes, and created inventory disruptions with retailers.
In April, Clorox cut its fiscal 2026 outlook. Consumers have become more price-sensitive, leading some shoppers to trade down to private-label alternatives in categories such as cleaning products and household consumables. We view Clorox as a slow-growth consumer staples company with historically stable cash flows. We acquired a small position near the lows, but the shares have since bounced."

As France braces for another heatwave, it's barely recovered from the last one. Meteorologists expect scorching temperatures to return this week, and with them, the same question that was asked repeatedly in June: why won't France just turn on the air conditioning?
Some people are already taking things into their own hands. Dozens of people lined up outside several Lidl stores across the Paris region on Thursday, all hoping to get their hands on an air conditioning unit. In Aubervilliers, a Paris suburb, the doors gave way under the pressure of the crowd, and fights broke out among shoppers. "I saw people get trampled," one shopper told Le Parisien newspaper. "I was in shock, I got shoved around in every direction, and unfortunately I didn't leave with an AC unit," another said.
Only around 24% of French households have air conditioning according to France's energy transition agency – up from 18% just two years ago, but still far below the roughly 50% seen in neighboring Italy.
Alexia, a 26-year-old living on the outskirts of Paris, says she caved when she found out another heatwave was on the way. "All the air conditioners I had seen to potentially buy were out of stock. So I rushed to get another one before there was absolutely none left."
Meanwhile, just 7% of French schools are equipped with AC, and thousands closed their doors last week as temperatures in the classroom became unbearable. With more than 2,000 excess deaths recorded over six days at the peak of the June heat, according to health authorities, France's cultural resistance to AC has started to soften.

A week of celebration and sadness as we remember Lazio-Campobasso of 1987 and the passing of Lazio legend Vincenzo D'Amico.
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2020Venue: Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, TurinFixture: Torino Lazio 1-2The Biancocelesti win a very difficult game coming from behind thanks to Immobile and Parolo
Date: Sunday, July 1, 1923Venue: Campo Rondinella, RomeFixture: Lazio Savoia 4-1, Southern Division Final, Second LegLazio thrash Savoia with a Bernardini hat-trick and reach the Scudetto final.
Date: Sunday, July 4, 1937Venue: Stadio PNFFixture: Lazio Grasshoppers 6-1, Central European Cup, Quarter FinalsLazio fall behind but then score six with a Piola hat-trick.
Date: Sunday, July 6, 1958Venue: Stadio del Vomero, NaplesFixture: Napoli Lazio 0-4, Coppa Italia, Group PhaseLazio beat Napoli thanks to three goals in the first half with a Burini brace and Pozzan while Bizzarri scores in the second.

Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:RDDT) is one of the stocks with rising earnings estimates and fresh catalysts.
Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:RDDT) is one of the stocks with rising earnings estimates and fresh catalysts. The stock has 6 upward EPS revisions and 1 downward revision for the upcoming fiscal year over the last three months, while revenue estimates show 27 upward revisions and 2 downward revisions. The revision mix is stronger on revenue than earnings, which fits a company still building out its monetization model.
On June 22, Axios reported that Reddit expanded its "community intelligence" advertising strategy at Cannes Lions with new tools tied to shopping research and product discovery. Reddit also said nearly half of shoppers verify AI-generated recommendations on the platform before buying, and that 1 in 4 Redditors buy a product after seeing their decision validated there. The catalyst is Reddit's attempt to turn user discussions into a more valuable ad signal as AI changes search and shopping behavior. That makes the estimate story less about raw user growth and more about improving ad products, higher commercial intent, and better monetization of existing communities.
Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:RDDT) operates an online community platform where users create, discuss, rank, and search content across interest-based forums.
While we acknowledge the risk and potential of RDDT as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than RDDT and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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One part of people's budgets is untouchable no matter how thin their wallets get, and that's Fido's portion. The only segment of General Mills' sales in North America that rose in the fourth quarter was its pet business, which includes brands like Blue Buffalo and Tiki Cat. The rest of its earnings, reported yesterday, weren't as rosy.
The company, which owns brands including Cheerios and Betty Crocker, posted a $2 billion loss last quarter, mainly because of non-cash items. Revenue rose 1% as shoppers skimped, opting for smaller package sizes and sale items.
General Mills said yesterday it'll try to scrape together $3 billion in cost savings over the next four years, all while innovating in its products. Investors seemed to like the sound of the cereal company's lean and protein-packed plan, pushing its stock up about 9% yesterday.
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If Kevin Warsh didn't just get a new gig, we might suggest he become a professional boxer since he can sure bob and weave.
At the ECB Forum on Central Banking on Wednesday, the Fed chair managed to dodge questions about what we can expect from interest rate moves at the Federal Open Market Committee's July meeting. It seems he's trying to keep the conversation focused on inflation — that it's still too high but is posing less of a risk than it did even a few weeks ago. Energy prices in particular, he noted, have come down "quite substantially."
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READ ALSO: Guggenheim Calls Time on SaaSpocalypse Fears and Budget-Conscious Shoppers Splurge on General Mills' Cat Treats While Skipping Cereal

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Arguably the most bearish forecast on markets this year has been that artificial intelligence will render software stocks fossils. The "vibe coding" enabled by tools like Anthropic's Claude Code and OpenAI's Codex, this view holds, will serve as a metaphorical asteroid to the digital dinosaurs about to be wiped out in a SaaSpocalypse.
Guggenheim ***** yst John DiFucci argued Wednesday that, like a chatbot's misfired answer, this pessimistic view is "a hallucination." Software firms, he said, are "one of the best opportunities for patient investors" and, at least for a day, investors came around to the idea that the prevailing sentiment might be overblown.
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READ ALSO: New Fed Chair Noncommittal on Interest Rates, Emphatic on Central Bank Independence and Budget-Conscious Shoppers Splurge on General Mills' Cat Treats While Skipping Cereal

The post-pandemic days of coffee badging and logging in from the couch may be coming to an end. More employers have been rolling out novel ways to keep tabs on workers' whereabouts. And now, retail giant Target is doubling down on its attendance policy with a new points system.
Starting this September, Target will begin tracking the unexcused tardiness and absences of its store and warehouse workers with a new points system, according to Business Insider reporting confirmed by the company.
Staffers' attendance violations will be tallied up and addressed accordingly: a quarter of a point for being more than eight minutes late to work, one point for missing a shift without their manager's approval, and three points for skipping on work without telling their boss. The attendance strikes expire every 365 days.
And the higher the number climbs, the more serious the consequences become. If staffers rack up three points, they'll have to check in with their supervisor; after five, counseling is on the table. And ultimately, if employees hit the threshold of 12 points, they'll be shown the door.
Target's attendance system comes as its new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, looks to improve store operations and create a better experience for shoppers. In a statement to Fortune, a company spokesperson says "Target is focused on returning to growth, and elevating our guest experience is a key strategic priority. We'll continue to focus on enabling our team to deliver the delightful experience that guests depend on every day."

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is one of the best trending AI stocks to watch in 2026. Reuters reported on June 22 that Amazon.com's (NASDAQ:AMZN) Prime Day, starting on Tuesday, would serve as a "litmus test" to gauge the spending power of U.S. shoppers. The sales event, going live earlier than usual, is centered around household basics, back-to-school needs, and perishable groceries, instead of "carefree splurges".
William Stern, CEO at U.S.-based small business lender Cardiff, was of the opinion that people do not have the money right now, and so Prime Day is not going to be about "buying big TVs or fun stuff this year. It's for buying toilet paper and garbage bags on sale. Families are literally waiting for these discounts just to buy regular everyday things because their bank accounts are empty." Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has thus highlighted deals on household goods, groceries, travel, and school items, and fresh food and essentials, which are becoming a significant part of the Prime members' baskets.
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) provides its customers with a range of products and services. It offers advanced tools for AR and VR developers through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform.
While we acknowledge the potential of AMZN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
READ NEXT: 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years AND 12 Best Stocks That Will Always Grow.

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is one of the safe stocks for beginners to buy in 2026. Reuters reported on June 25 that Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) will invest an additional $13 billion in India by 2030, aimed at expanding its AI and cloud infrastructure. The initiative was announced in addition to the company's planned $35 billion funding, which was announced last year, taking its investment in the country to $48 billion through 2030. Reuters further stated that the announcement came after a meeting between Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) CEO Andy Jassy and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held in New Delhi on Thursday.
In another development, Reuters reported on June 22 that Amazon.com's (NASDAQ:AMZN) Prime Day, starting on Tuesday, would serve as a "litmus test" to gauge the spending power of U.S. shoppers. The sales event, going live earlier than usual, is centered around household basics, back-to-school needs, and perishable groceries, instead of "carefree splurges". Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has thus highlighted deals on household goods, groceries, travel, and school items, and fresh food and essentials, which are becoming a significant part of the Prime members' baskets.
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) provides its customers with a range of products and services. It offers advanced tools for AR and VR developers through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform.
While we acknowledge the potential of AMZN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
READ NEXT: 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years AND 12 Best Stocks That Will Always Grow.

Luxury department stores are built on more than expensive handbags, designer shoes, and polished sales floors.
They depend on trust.
Shoppers expect the right products to be available, brands expect to be paid, and stores need enough experienced employees to deliver the kind of service that makes a high-end purchase feel worth it.
This has made the past year difficult for Saks Global.
The company behind Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman, names often used interchangeably with luxury, officially began the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process in January.

Rotisserie chicken has become a popular dinner staple for many American households amid rising food costs and a consumer shift toward protein-rich meals.
A new Consumer Reports ****** ysis reviewed rotisserie chicken from 10 different grocery stores to help shoppers easily identify the best pick for any price and palate.
The latest ****** ysis from Consumer Reports looked at rotisserie chicken from four national retailers and six regional grocers and evaluated each option based on the criteria of taste, nutrition and potential exposure to chemicals from plastic packaging.
Sam's Club took the top spot in the Consumer Reports rankings for taste. Testers praised its moist texture, deep-roasted flavor and seasoning.
Sam's Club was also among the most affordable options, priced at an average $4.98 per chicken.

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is one of the safe stocks for beginners to buy in 2026. Reuters reported on June 25 that Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) will invest an additional $13 billion in India by 2030, aimed at expanding its AI and cloud infrastructure. The initiative was announced in addition to the company's planned $35 billion funding, which was announced last year, taking its investment in the country to $48 billion through 2030. Reuters further stated that the announcement came after a meeting between Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) CEO Andy Jassy and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held in New Delhi on Thursday.
In another development, Reuters reported on June 22 that Amazon.com's (NASDAQ:AMZN) Prime Day, starting on Tuesday, would serve as a "litmus test" to gauge the spending power of U.S. shoppers. The sales event, going live earlier than usual, is centered around household basics, back-to-school needs, and perishable groceries, instead of "carefree splurges". Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has thus highlighted deals on household goods, groceries, travel, and school items, and fresh food and essentials, which are becoming a significant part of the Prime members' baskets.
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) provides its customers with a range of products and services. It offers advanced tools for AR and VR developers through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform.
While we acknowledge the potential of AMZN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
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