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As of December 2025, UK and US retailers report mixed financial results amid subdued consumer confidence and economic uncertainty. Watches of Switzerland sees robust US demand and tariff relief, while Frasers Group faces UK sales declines despite international growth. Walmart raises forecasts on strong e-commerce and affluent shoppers. Target and home improvement chains report sales challenges, prompting investments and cautious outlooks.
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Arabica coffee futures hit their highest since May, rising over 2% amid supply worries. Brazilian crop estimates have been revised downward due to weather, and tariffs on Brazilian imports are pushing roasters to raise prices globally. Major brands are increasing costs, signaling sustained price pressures.
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Starbucks faces ongoing challenges in New York with declining sales, poor store conditions, and slow service, despite CEO Brian Niccol's efforts to improve customer experience. Meanwhile, a new Edinburgh coffee shop highlights the city's independent coffee scene, emphasizing quality and history.
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Starbucks employees backed by unions have filed class-action lawsuits in Illinois and Colorado, claiming the company violated laws by not reimbursing them for new clothing required by a stricter dress code implemented on May 12. Complaints also lodged with California authorities, with plans for further legal action if needed. Employees cite financial strain from wardrobe costs and enforcement issues.
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A Starbucks employee wrote a racist message on a cup in response to a customer supporting conservative figure Charlie Kirk, leading to the employee's firing. The incident has reignited discussions on free speech, corporate policies, and political expression in retail spaces.
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On September 25, 2025, Starbucks announced layoffs of approximately 900 staff and the closure of about 1% of its North American stores, including its flagship Seattle roastery. CEO Brian Niccol aims to restore the coffeehouse experience amid six quarters of declining US sales. The cuts mainly affect support and corporate roles, while the company plans to invest in store improvements and technology.
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Recent UK regulations restrict free refills of sugary drinks in hospitality venues and ban multi-buy deals on unhealthy foods to combat rising obesity. These measures, effective from October 2025, aim to promote healthier choices and reduce health risks like diabetes and heart disease, amid ongoing industry adjustments.
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Dubai-style chocolate bars, known for their thick texture and exotic fillings like pistachio and tahini, have surged in global popularity since 2021. Major retailers and restaurants worldwide now offer variations, fueling demand and causing a pistachio shortage. The trend reflects a growing appetite for indulgent, textured confections blending luxury and novelty as of late October 2025.
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Goldman Sachs plans role reductions amid AI-driven overhaul, while Sea doubles down on AI to boost growth. Both companies see AI as a key driver for future expansion, despite potential workforce disruptions. Starbucks CEO warns of regulatory lag in AI development. These moves highlight AI's growing influence across sectors.
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Recent articles highlight ongoing advancements and strategic shifts in AI development, corporate adoption, and regulation. From AI-driven coding experiments to China’s regional AI cooperation, and corporate hiring strategies, the stories reflect a rapidly changing landscape with significant implications for industry and policy as of October 17, 2025.
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Amazon Web Services experienced a significant outage originating from its Virginia data center region, affecting hundreds of online services including social media, gaming, and financial platforms. The outage lasted over 15 hours, highlighting the risks of high cloud infrastructure concentration and its widespread impact.
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South Korea's K-beauty industry, driven by small startups and major manufacturers, has surpassed $10 billion in exports, fueled by social media and e-commerce. The industry’s growth is supported by a surge in international demand, especially in the US, with brands leveraging influencers and retail chains like Olive Young.
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Chipotle, Cava, and Sweetgreen report declining visits from 25-35-year-olds due to economic pressures, leading to lower sales and stock drops. Chains plan promotions and menu innovations to counteract reduced spending amid broader industry challenges.
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Starbucks will sell a 60% stake in its China operations to Boyu Capital for $4 billion, aiming to expand from 8,000 to over 20,000 stores. The deal provides Starbucks with capital and local expertise amid declining sales and rising local competition.
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Yum! Brands is reviewing strategic options for Pizza Hut amid declining US sales and increased competition. The company has retained advisors to explore a potential sale, as Pizza Hut struggles with outdated dine-in formats and shifting consumer preferences toward delivery and value options. The review follows several years of sales decline and store closures.
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Cursor and Gamma exemplify new hiring strategies in AI, focusing on unconventional recruitment and lean operations. Cursor employs aggressive, global recruiting and practical assessments, while Gamma raises significant funding with a small team. ElevenLabs emphasizes European talent and remote work, challenging traditional hiring norms.
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Margaret Atwood, the acclaimed author of 'The Handmaid's Tale,' has published a 600-page memoir titled 'Book of Lives.' The book explores her personal journey from childhood in Canada to international literary fame, reflecting on her inspirations, relationships, and the reasons behind her writing. The memoir also touches on her thoughts about mortality and her long career.
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As of November 21, 2025, over 1,000 Starbucks baristas across 95 stores in 65 U.S. cities are striking over stalled contract negotiations. The strike began last week on Starbucks' key sales event, Red Cup Day, demanding better pay, staffing, and resolution of unfair labor practice charges. Starbucks reports minimal disruption and record sales, while New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani publicly supports the strike.
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Target's Black Friday gift bags faced criticism for low-value items, with customers expressing disappointment over the lack of substantial swag. Meanwhile, other retailers like Lowe's offered more generous freebies, highlighting a competitive gap in holiday marketing strategies.
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Americans continue to favor side dishes over turkey for Thanksgiving, with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes remaining top choices. Regional and generational preferences influence dish popularity, while grocery deals aim to ease holiday costs amid inflation. The cost of a full meal for 10 is estimated at $55.18.
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Starbucks workers in New York are maintaining a nationwide strike over wages and scheduling. A recent city settlement awarded restitution to over 15,000 employees for illegal scheduling violations, but union demands for better wages and staffing persist amid ongoing protests and arrests.