Retail Daily Minute | Walmart's MacBook Air Debut, REI's Unionization Battle, and Ulta Beauty's Sustainability Initiative

Hello Omni Talk Fans!

In today’s Retail Daily Minute:

• Walmart introduces the MacBook Air with the M1 chip, aiming to diversify offerings and reach beyond traditional customer base.
• REI employees organize for improved working conditions and wages, challenging REI's progressive image and calling for accountability.
• Ulta expands its Beauty Drop-Off program nationwide in collaboration with Pact Collective to address the environmental impact of beauty product packaging, advancing towards sustainability goals.

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Today’s Top Headlines

1. Sephora, Sally Beauty, MAC Cosmetics Partner with DoorDash

Sally Beauty and Sephora are strengthening their collaborations with DoorDash, expanding existing delivery programs, while MAC Cosmetics is embarking on a new partnership. These initiatives highlight DoorDash's growing presence in beauty delivery, initially established through its agreement with Ulta Beauty in November 2021, marking significant strides in the beauty vertical. (Read More)

2. With New Expansion, Ulta Beauty’s Beauty Drop-Off Becomes Largest US Beauty Store Take-Back Program

Ulta Beauty, in partnership with Pact Collective, expanded its in-store take-back program to over 1,350 U.S. stores, after piloting it in 90 stores in 2023. This initiative aims to address beauty product packaging waste, empowering customers to make eco-conscious choices and responsibly dispose of their empty packaging. (Read More)

3. Amazon Expands Scope of ’Robotaxi’ Pilot

Amazon's autonomous ride-hailing project, spearheaded by its subsidiary Zoox, advances after a successful 2023 pilot of a self-driving robotaxi without manual controls or human drivers. Expanding tests in Foster City and Las Vegas, Zoox plans to introduce additional features before offering autonomous rides to consumers in 2024. (Read More)

4. Walmart Sells Mac Computer – For the First Time Ever

Walmart introduces the MacBook Air with M1 chip, marking its debut in offering Macs directly. Priced at $699, it's available online now and soon in select Walmart stores, aligning with Walmart's commitment to quality and affordability, as stated by Julie Barber, EVP of Merchandising at Walmart U.S. (Read More)

5. A Growing Union Campaign has Put REI’s Progressive Image on Trial

Uninvited REI workers congregated at the corporate office in Issaquah, Washington, confronting white-collar staff with signs demanding merit pay and questioning slashed raises. Their presence, evident from the assertive messages on placards, indicated they were not there for a casual visit but to address pressing concerns regarding compensation discrepancies. (Read More)

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Be careful out there,

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