Walmart reported stronger-than-expected results heading into the holidays, with U.S. comparable sales rising 4.5 percent and online sales jumping 28 percent for the August-to-October period. The performance was solid enough for the retailer to raise its full-year sales outlook to 4.8 to 5.1 percent growth and lift its profit forecast.
The rosy results contrast with a season many analysts expect to be sluggish. Rival companies such as Target are hurting, and Deloitte projects the slowest holiday spending growth since the pandemic as shoppers wait for steeper discounts.
Walmart’s gains show where consumers are still willing to spend: value-driven groceries, essentials, and fast, reliable e-commerce.
The Tech Jobs Bust Is Worse Than You Think
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The jobs market in tech continues to be a wreck. Indeed’s latest Job Postings Index, which soared above 200 during the pandemic boom, now sits at a dismal 67.
Data and analytics roles are feeling the squeeze the most. Job postings in that category have dropped to 60, roughly 40 percent below pre-pandemic levels and now among the toughest tech jobs to land.
More people are chasing fewer openings. Training programs have flooded the market with qualified candidates, and new AI tools are automating work that once required large teams — creating intense competition for the roles that remain.
Costco Recalls Two Ready-To-Eat Items After Plastic Contamination Alert
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Costco announced a voluntary recall on two popular prepared-food items: its Caesar Salad and Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad. The items were sold with sell-by dates from October 17 to November 9 across stores in the Midwest, Northeast and Southeast.
The recall stems from concerns that the salad dressing, supplied by Ventura Foods, may contain pieces of plastic foreign material. Customers are cautioned to not consume the product and return it to Costco for a full refund.
This alert adds to a growing list of safety actions by Costco. While no injuries linked to the items have been reported yet, Costco warns that plastic fragments may pose a risk of choking or internal injury.
Your Disney Ticket Price May Soon Depend on the Crowd
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Disney is preparing a major shift in how it prices theme-park tickets. The company says it wants to bring dynamic pricing — the kind airlines use — to Walt Disney World and Disneyland. A successful test run in Paris gave executives confidence to move ahead.
The idea is simple. Prices move with demand. A busy day costs more. A slower day costs less. Even the timing of when you buy could change the price. It’s a big change from the fixed-price calendar fans are used to.
The rollout is still years away, but planning has started. Disney believes the system could manage crowds, smooth out demand and lift revenue as growth slows in new attractions.
Cracker Barrel Boots Board Member but Sticks With Embattled CEO
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Cracker Barrel just delivered a dramatic boardroom shake-up. Shareholders voted to boot director Gilbert Dávila after the chain’s logo fiasco sent customers into revolt — but they spared CEO Julie Felss Masino, keeping her in charge despite the firestorm.
The company has been reeling since its controverseial rebrand, which ditched the beloved “Old Timer” character and sparked outrage across social media. Traffic tanked. Critics pounced. And the chain was forced into a messy retreat, ultimately restoring the classic logo.
With sales still under pressure and a bruised brand to repair, Cracker Barrel faces a tough road ahead even with a new board lineup.
UPS Plane That Crashed Had Major Cracks in Engine Mount — Investigation Shows
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A cargo plane operated by UPS exploded into flames moments after takeoff in Louisville when its left engine ripped off the wing mid-roll. Investigators found fatigue cracks in the engine-mount structure, raising immediate questions about inspections and aircraft age.
The plane reached only about 30 feet before disaster struck. The detaching engine triggered a massive fireball that struck buildings and claimed at least 14 lives. Maintenance histories are now under aggressive scrutiny.
With the holiday shipping surge ahead, UPS grounded its fleet of MD-11 jets. Regulators say the crash may force industry-wide changes to inspection protocols and aircraft aging policies.
Walmart reported stronger-than-expected results heading into the holidays, with U.S. comparable sales rising 4.5 percent and online sales jumping 28 percent for the August-to-October period. The performance was solid enough for the retailer to raise its full-year sales outlook to 4.8 to 5.1 percent growth and lift its profit forecast.
The rosy results contrast with a season many analysts expect to be sluggish. Rival companies such as Target are hurting, and Deloitte projects the slowest holiday spending growth since the pandemic as shoppers wait for steeper discounts.
Walmart’s gains show where consumers are still willing to spend: value-driven groceries, essentials, and fast, reliable e-commerce.
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