News Briefs

A large portion of American frontline employees don't feel appreciated enough for their work.

That’s according to a new survey from AI-powered workforce management platform Fountain, which found that 47% of frontline workers feel they are under appreciated given how essential they are to the economy. More than half (56%) say most people have no idea how stressful the work really is, while nearly seven-in-10 (69%) reported feeling at least somewhat replaceable.

When asked what their biggest points of stress are on the job, frontline workers pointed to last-minute schedule changes (41%), no clear path to advancement (31%) and having little say over when and how they work (30%). The survey found that roughly a quarter of workers surveyed said they feel “pessimistic” about the future of frontline work.

[READ MORE: Study: Frontline workers say customer aggression on the rise]

Despite these feelings of under appreciation, a sizable majority (77%) of frontline workers are proud to tell people what they do, while 68% say their manager regularly or sometimes asks for their input. Sixty-three percent say they feel respected by the customers they serve.

Workers surveyed also expressed optimism about technology making their jobs easier. Almost half (45%) said technology has already improved their day-to-day work. Scheduling is the task they're most comfortable letting AI handle, according to the survey.

"So much of feeling valued at work comes down to control over your own time," said Tanya Carlson, senior VP of customer success at Fountain. "When the hiring process bends to the worker's schedule, it's a form of respect."

For its report, Fountain commissioned a Propeller Insights survey of 1,014 U.S. frontline workers, conducted in June 2026.

Walmart has launched the latest chapter in its fashion — and private label — evolution.

During the past five years, the retail giant has launched or relaunched 15 fashion private brands. The company’s newest offering is  Scenario, which it describes as having a “romantic, modern bohemian point of view.”

The 280-piece collection spans apparel, shoes, jewelry, handbags and accessories. The vast majority of items are priced under $25. 

The new line combines feminine silhouettes, vintage-inspired prints and rich textures with versatile pieces designed for everyday life. The idea for Scenario started with Walmart customers, the retailer said. Research found that nearly one in five women identifies “boho” as one of her top style preferences, while trend forecasting and merchant insights reinforced the enduring appeal of modern bohemian style.

[READ MORE: Walmart to roll out tap to pay option Aug. 24]

“We are on a journey to democratize fashion because we believe everyone should have access to beautiful clothes, regardless of their budget," said Denise Incandela, executive VP of fashion, Walmart U.S. "Scenario brings a feminine, modern bohemian point of view to Walmart, with incredible style and quality at an extraordinary value."

A regional convenience chain has named a new leader.

Nate Brazier has been tapped to serve as president of Texas Born (TXB). In the role, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the retailer, which operates more than 50 locations spanning 200,000 square feet in Texas and Oklahoma.

Brazier most recently served as the CEO of Idaho-based convenience chain Stinker Stores, having stepped down from the position this May after two years in the role. Brazier spent a total of six years with the retailer, and served as its chief operating officer before taking the reins as CEO.

"Welcoming Nate to the TXB family is a direct reflection of where we're headed," said Kevin Smartt, owner and CEO of TXB, which was founded as Kwik Chek in 1972. "We're building the organization and leadership team capable of operating a best-in-class convenience retail experience for our guests. Nate brings the kind of experience that can help us build on this momentum while also sharing the philosophy TXB was built on.”

Smartt added that TXB will focus on “growth, strategy, capital allocation, acquisitions, industry relationships and the long-term direction of the company” following the addition of Brazier to its leadership team. TXB currently has five new stores in its development pipeline.

[READ MORE: Casey's acquires Texas convenience chain]

"TXB has a great foundation," said Brazier. "My goal is to build on that foundation by investing in our people, continuing to differentiate TXB through fresh food and strengthening the culture that makes this company special. Kevin and I are both detail-oriented and I'm expecting great things from our collaboration."

The U.S. Postal Service is seeking a temporary rate increase that would impact retail and commercial shipments during the upcoming holiday season.

If approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), the temporary adjustment would amount to a 6% average increase. It would affect prices on the following retail and commercial domestic competitive parcels: Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select. No other products or services would be affected.

If approved, the temporary rates would go into effect at 12 a.m. CT on Oct. 4. They would remain in place until 12 a.m. CT on Jan. 17, 2027.

“This seasonal adjustment will bring prices for the Postal Service’s retail and commercial customers in line with competitive practices,” the USPS said in a release.  

The exact price increase customers will face under the new levy varies according to the service used, distance shipped and package weight.

The complete Postal Service price filings with prices for all products can be found on the PRC website under the Daily Listings section at here.

Target Corp. has apologized for — and stopped selling — a children’s Halloween costume that evoked a firestorm of online criticism.

The $25 “clown” costume was advertised on the retailer’s website and has since been pulled. The outfit featured a black-and-orange printed bodysuit, black gloves, mini top hat and an exaggerated smile with oversized white teeth. It was listed as the “Kids’ Glows under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume Bodysuit” from Target’s Hyde & EEK! Boutique line.

The costume sparked social media backlash, with critics saying it evoked racist stereotypes of Black people, specifically imagery associated with blackface and Jim Crow-era minstrel shows. Also, in a promotional image, a young black boy modeling the costume is shown standing with one leg and arm raised in a waving gesture, a pose that has long been associated with the minstrel shows.

“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry," Target said in a statement. “We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners.”

Minstrel shows were a form of 19th-century American theater built around caricatures of Black people and culture. Performers, who were usually white, wore blackface and performed for predominantly white audiences.

Here is Target’s full statement regarding the costume:

“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry," the retailer said. "The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners. Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again.”

The incident came about two weeks after Target unveiled its 2026 Halloween assortment. 

Academy Sports + Outdoors is partnering with a westernwear brand for a series of select in-store shops.

The sporting goods retailer and Ariat International plan to launch Ariat in-store shops at 200 Academy locations this fall. Academy says the new spaces will offer an immersive experience, making it easy for customers to explore an expanded assortment of Ariat apparel, accessories and footwear.

"For 20 years, Academy has been an incredible partner, helping Ariat reach more customers and grow our brand,” said Sharon Carpenter, VP of sales at Ariat International. “We're excited to expand our partnership by bringing Academy shoppers even more of the products they love. With industry-leading comfort, fit and performance, Ariat delivers the quality Academy customers can rely on every day.”

[READ MORE: Dick's Sporting Goods, Lids launch shop-in-shop collaboration]

The partnership with Ariat comes as Academy is continuing to expand its footprint of stores. The company opened two new stores in the third quarter, with nine more planned to debut soon. To date, Academy has opened seven new stores in 2026, with plans to open a total of 20 to 25 new locations this fiscal year. 

"We're excited to bring customers a new way to experience Ariat at Academy,” said Matt McCabe, executive VP and chief merchandising officer at Academy. “Together, we've built a highly visual endeavor that showcases branded walls, fixtures, tables and features within a space where shoppers can check out what's new, pick up their Ariat favorites, and prepare for more fun outdoors."

Founded in 1938, Academy operates more than 300 stores across 21 states.