American grocer and multi-department retailer
Nike has reorganized its operations and tech teams as part of a broader turnaround, moving resources to Beaverton and Bengaluru and cutting about 1,400 roles. The company is focusing on core sports, faster product development, and a tighter supply chain, while facing ongoing pressure on sales, especially in Asia. The changes come after prior rounds of layoffs and a shift back toward performance-led footwear and apparel.
The new SNAP cost-sharing rules require states with high payment error rates to cover a portion of benefit costs starting in October 2027. Several states face bill totals in the billions, raising the possibility that some may withdraw from the program. The Trump-era changes aim to curb waste, while critics warn of deeper harm to vulnerable families.
The FDA has classified Utz’s recall of Zapp’s and Dirty chips as Class 1, indicating a serious health risk. The recall covers several product lines with best-by dates July 27–August 31, 2026. Utz first issued the recall in April after a third-party dry milk powder seasoning ingredient was flagged as a possible Salmonella source; thus far, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers should discard affected chips or seek refunds.
Kroger has announced its plan to acquire Giant Eagle, a family-owned grocer with 197 supermarkets and 11 pharmacies across five states. The deal, approved by Kroger’s board, will broaden Kroger’s reach into adjacent markets and is expected to close in 2027 after regulatory clearance. Some analysts predict price competition may ease in the near term, while others warn prices could rise in less competitive areas over the long term.
Primark is expanding in the United States, opening stores in Willowbrook Mall (Houston area) and Castleton Square Mall (Indianapolis). Both locations will be about 30,000 square feet in size, joining a growing U.S. footprint that now reaches 44 stores. The openings follow a New York City flagship and reflect Primark’s strategy to prioritize brick-and-mortar growth in established malls.
Consumer Reports has named Sam’s Club’s rotisserie chicken the top overall pick among 10 chains, praising flavor, seasoning and juiciness. Costco’s bird is praised for plumpness but criticized for seasoning inconsistency. The test found no PFAS and noted several birds weighed more than listed on packaging.
Independent coverage shows Costco will close on July 4, with other retailers and services adapting hours. Walmart, Target and Kroger are expected to operate with regular or varied hours, while Trader Joe’s and Aldi implement shorter hours. Stock exchanges and postal services follow holiday schedules in early July 2026.
Ocado has announced a planned leadership transition with co-founder and CEO Tim Steiner set to step down in 2028. A successor will be identified by the start of the 2028 financial year, with Steiner remaining as a founder adviser through 2029. The move follows pressure from shareholders after a slump in Ocado’s share price and ongoing restructuring.