News Briefs

The Kroger Co. lowered its same-store sales outlook as its customers come under pressure.

The grocery giant now expects annual same-store sales to increase by 0.2% to 0.8%, compared with its previous projection of 1% to 2% growth. The reduction comes as traffic increased but shoppers buy fewer items on their visits, executives said on the company’s earnings call.

“Reductions in SNAP benefits, higher fuel prices and softer consumer confidence are all putting pressure on household budgets,” Kroger CEO Greg Foran told analysts. “Customers are buying more on need.”

Net income totaled $641 million, or $1.05 a share, for the quarter ended Aug. 15, compared with $609 million, or $0.91 a share, in the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings were $1.09, per share, topping the $1.06 analysts expected.

Total revenue rose 2% to $34.6 billion from $33.9 billion a year, below analysts’ forecast of $34.64 billion. Identical sales increased 0.2%.

"Despite a lower sales outlook, we are maintaining our full-year guidance for adjusted FIFO operating profit of $5 billion to $5.2 billion and adjusted net earnings per diluted share of $5.10 to $5.30," CFO David Kennerley said on the company's earnings call.

A leading auto parts retailer has reached a new store count milestone.

AutoZone has hit 8,000 locations worldwide with the opening of its latest store in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The new store will provide local drivers and commercial businesses with access to thousands of automotive replacement parts and maintenance items, along with services that include free battery testing and charging, Fix Finder diagnostic services and the popular Loan-A-Tool program.

First opened in 1979 as Auto Shack by J.R. "Pitt" Hyde III with a single store in Forrest City, Ark., AutoZone’s reach now spans three countries. As of Aug. 29, 2026, the chain had 6,863 stores in the United States, 1,001 in Mexico and 167 in Brazil, for a total store count of 8,031.

[READ MORE: Done Deal: Mavis acquires Pep Boys for $700 million]

“We are deeply committed to our core purpose of helping customers keep their vehicles on the road through trustworthy advice, quality products and exceptional customer service,” said Phil Daniele, president and CEO of AutoZone. “Achieving this milestone was made possible by the dedication of our incredible AutoZoners, the loyalty of our customers and the trust of the communities we serve.”

To celebrate the occasion, AutoZone hosted a grand opening ceremony featuring an official ribbon cutting with AutoZone leaders, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn.

"Store number 8,000 is not the finish line,” said Daniele. “It reflects nearly five decades of growth driven by staying true to our Pledge and Values, investing in our AutoZoners and remaining focused on serving customers – our greatest opportunities are still ahead."

Nine years after Tavistock Development debuted a shopping center in Orlando’s Lake Nona master-planned community, the company has cut the ribbon on Lake Nona West, a 405,000-sq.-ft. center anchored by Target.

“With Lake Nona among Central Florida’s fastest-growing communities, demand for convenient, high-quality retail and dining has surged, a gap Lake Nona West is positioned to fill,” said Joanne Ling, Tavistock’s senior director of leasing and development. “That demand has translated into strong leasing momentum, and we have been intentional in curating a tenant mix that meets that demand while reflecting how people live and work here.” 

Target’s nearly 150,000-sq.-ft. store is Lake Nona West’s prime anchor. Others leading brands include Nordstrom Rack, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Homesense, and Barnes & Noble.

From the beginning, Tavistock has maintained a lavish public art program at Lake Nona, and the new center will be displaying 30 murals that reflect the local landscape and the identity of the Lake Noa community.

“Art is central to Lake Nona’s identity and placemaking strategy,” Ling said.

The development features a 50,000-sq.-ft. sculpture garden adjacent to the Lake Nona Wave Hotel that features pieces from one of the world’s largest private art collections, according to Tavistock. 

Upon completion this summer, Lake Nona West’s murals will be integrated across buildings and walkways, drawing inspiration from native flora and wildlife.

Other brands located in Lake Nona West include Drybar, Just Salad, Gloss Nail Co. and Kilwins Ice Cream.

The CFO of Citi Trends Inc. is departing after some four years on the job.

The off-price value retailer of apparel, accessories and home trends primarily for Black families said that Heather Plutino has decided to step down from her role for "personal reasons." She continues to serve as CFO while the company conducts a search for her successor. Prior to joining Citi Trends in June 2022, Plutino held executive roles at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Sally Beauty and Ascena Retail Group.

“Heather has been an important member of our leadership team, and I want to thank her for her contributions to Citi Trends,” said Ken Seipel, chairman and CEO. “We respect Heather’s decision to step away and greatly appreciate her willingness to remain actively engaged as we conduct our search and her support to transition the role to her successor. Her continued leadership provides stability and continuity for our finance organization during this process.”

In June, Citi Trends reported a strong first quarter as sales rose 14.4%. Comparable store sales increased 13.9%, driven by increases in both traffic and basket size as well as merchandising initiatives.

Citi Trends operates nearly 600 stores located in 33 states.

A leading arts and crafts retailer is first out of the gate with its seasonal hiring plans.

Michaels announced plans to hire more than 10,000 seasonal team members in the coming months, which is on par with the amount it hired last year. On Saturday, Sept. 12, the retailer will host hiring events across all stores in the United States and Canada from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. local time. Candidates are able to apply in advance online or in person during the in-store events, where interviews for qualified candidates will also take place.

"We're excited to welcome thousands of seasonal Team Members to Michaels during one of the most meaningful times of the year for our customers and our business," said Nicholas Bertram, president and chief operating officer at Michaels.

Michaels said that nearly half of seasonal in-store positions converted to regular roles following the holidays last year. The retailer is touting competitive wages, flexible hours, a 30% discount, and professional development resources designed to support growth within the company as perks of joining its workforce.

"As we continue to evolve our stores and services for customers, we're equally focused on investing in the people who bring that experience to life,” added Bertram. “From flexible opportunities for our existing teams to training and pathways for new team members to grow with us, we want Michaels to be a place where people can build skills, find community and develop their careers."

[READ MORE: First Look: Michaels' next-gen stores lean into hands-on experiences, creativity]

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels operates more than 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada.

A Chinese-founded and Singapore-based global on-demand fashion app has opened a new supply chain hub in Lebanon, Ind.

The new 737,000-square-foot automated fulfillment facility expands Shein’s physical footprint in Indiana to more than 2.5 million square feet and is expected to create hundreds of new jobs as operations ramp up. The facility features a goods-to-person fulfillment system and is designed to support Shein's continued growth while strengthening its fulfillment capabilities.

[READ MORE: Shein spends over $42M upgrading supplier capabilities]

Located approximately 1.5 miles from the retailer’s existing Indiana operations, the new facility is scheduled to begin operations in September. The retailer currently has a workforce of more than 1,300 employees in Indiana.

Shein first established its major Indiana distribution presence in Whitestown in 2022, selecting Central Indiana as a key hub for its U.S. fulfillment network. Since then, the retailer has continued to expand its operations and workforce in the state.

"Shein's continued investment in Indiana reflects our commitment to building a more agile, resilient and innovative fulfillment network while creating economic opportunities in the communities where we operate," said George Chiao, Shein U.S. president. "We are grateful for the warm welcome and support we have received in Indiana and look forward to continuing to grow our presence in the state."