Retail Daily Minute | Kohl’s Home Goods Expansion, Walmart's Checkout Flexibility, and Joann's Bankruptcy Filing

Hello Omni Talk Fans!

In today’s Retail Daily Minute:

• Kohl's increases its home goods assortment by 40%, launching a marketing campaign to establish itself as a go-to destination for home decor.
• Walmart is empowering store managers to adjust checkout operations, potentially creating dedicated lanes for Walmart+ members and Spark delivery drivers.
• Joann is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, aiming for a swift emergence as a private company with reduced debt, despite facing declining sales.

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Today’s Top Headlines

1. Is Walmart Opening Lanes for Just Walmart+ Holders? Yes, But…

Walmart is allowing store managers to customize checkout lanes, potentially creating a separate lane for Walmart+ subscribers and Spark delivery drivers. This flexibility aims to optimize checkout efficiency, based on factors like time and traffic, as clarified by Walmart in response to recent TikTok speculation. (Read More)

2. Kohl’s Takes Deep Dive Into Home Goods

Kohl’s aims to become a year-round hub for home goods, expanding its assortment by 40%, with a focus on seasonal décor and modern aesthetics. This strategy aligns with its efforts to revitalize declining sales through brand partnerships and enhanced merchandise, backed by a comprehensive marketing campaign. (Read More)

3. Kroger to Sell Specialty Pharmacy Business to Elevance Health’s CarelonRx

Kroger announces the sale of its specialty pharmacy division to CarelonRx, a subsidiary of Elevance Health, with undisclosed financial details. This division caters to patients with chronic conditions, distinct from other Kroger pharmacies, and the deal is anticipated to close by the latter half of 2024. (Read More)

4. Baskin-Robbins Adds Mobile Ordering Feature to App

Baskin-Robbins upgrades its app, enabling nationwide customers to order ice cream, sundaes, and more for quick pickup in 15 minutes. Users can save $3 on orders over $10 with promo code TASTY until May 17, emphasizing digital convenience for enjoying their favorite flavors faster. (Read More)

5. Joann Files for Bankruptcy Amid Big Debt; to Go Private

Joann Inc. files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, aiming for a swift emergence. With an agreement in place, it plans to restructure and exit bankruptcy by the end of next month, becoming privately owned with significant debt reduction and $132 million in new financing. (Read More)

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Be careful out there,

-- Chris, Anne, and the entire Omni Talk team