Latest news with #Walmart
Forbes
an hour ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Real Reason Target Is Failing While Walmart Prospers
The Real Reason Target is Failing While Walmart Prospers The history of modern retail is often the history of the people who founded the companies that became household names. As such, you might say that many legendary, successful brands have souls or a set of basic principles that somehow outlast their founders. It also follows that there is often a price to pay when companies lose or sell their souls or stray from their principles. For example, Ray Kroc gets credit for growing McDonald's into a global phenomenon but it was the founders—McDonald brothers Richard and Maurice—who came up with the Golden Arches design and whose obsession with operational efficiency remains the North Star of the company's management today. When McDonald's tried to introduce salads and gourmet sandwiches in the early 2000s, customers balked and the stock price cratered. It took three years of getting back to its principles for the price to recover. Target, the struggling discount department store, is the latest example of a brand that has lost its soul. The principal behind the 1962 launch was co-founder Douglas Dayton, grandson of the founder of Dayton's, a popular up-scale chain of department stores in the Midwest. Target began as a discount store that aimed to 'combine the best of the fashion world with the best of the discount world.' The logo represented 'hitting the mark'—the quality/value sweet spot. The approach worked so well that by the 1990s customers had conferred on it the Frenchified sobriquet 'Tar-jay' which, according to one industry observer, signaled, 'It's cheap but attractive, it's common but somehow chic, it feels easy and guilt-free.' In 1995, to compete with Walmart's growing fleet of supercenters, Target began adding grocery sections to its big box stores. The case could be made that it was the moment the company began to stray from its roots. Target had no DNA in the food business. Grocery stores operate on the thinnest of margins and chic or attractive has nothing to do with marketing commodities like eggs and bread. Target was trying to be Walmart and Target at the same time. Walmart—also launched in 1962—began as a general merchandise discount store in rural Arkansas, at the time possibly the least-chic place in America. The company's motto: "Everyday Low Prices,' or 'Always.' The first Walmart Supercenter opened in 1988 and included the now-ubiquitous full-scale grocery section. Walmart, which is today still significantly owned by descendants of founder Sam Walton, did not try to be Target by, for example, up-scaling its general merchandise. Instead, it built its grocery business into a juggernaut of sales—nearly 60% of its 2025 revenue of $681 billion. Although general merchandise is where Walmart generates the bulk of its profits, the grocery aisles drive foot traffic. Examples of consumer-facing companies that have lost their way abound. As we noted last year, Starbucks founder Howard Schultz came out of retirement twice—in 2008 and again in 2022—to rescue the company after it had drifted away from its community-centric marketing and store culture. You also don't have to look far to find examples of companies that have managed to nurture a good idea or business model for the long term. In many cases, what helps sustain a brand are significant shareholders who are members of the founding family, as in the case of Walmart. Target shares are widely-held, mostly by institutional investors, and there apparently are no Dayton descendants around to influence how the company is run who keep it true to its heritage.
Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Walmart is selling an ‘efficient' $300 cordless lawn mower for just $130, and shoppers say it ‘gets the job done'
Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. There are a few items that every homeowner needs to make sure their lawn and outdoor space look their best. Think lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, lawn fertilizers, and more. Now, if you don't want to splurge on these outdoor appliances and tools, Walmart is the perfect place to shop to find amazing discounts and reasonable prices. One of our favorite finds from the retailer is the Litheli U20 Series Cordless Lawn Mower. Right now, the lawn care device is on sale for just $130, which is 57% off its original price tag. Litheli U20 Series Cordless Lawn Mower, $130 (was $300) at Walmart Weighing just 24 pounds, this lightweight lawn mower is perfect for shoppers of all sizes and ages. It features a 13-inch cutting width and five height settings that are powered by a 3,700RPM motor, giving your grass a versatile and efficient cut. The device also has a 30-liter grass collection bag with an optimized airflow design that increases the collection rate, so you can mow for longer periods of time without having to empty the bag. One shopper wrote, 'This battery lawn mower is a game changer. Quiet, efficient, and easy to use. It cuts grass smoothly without the hassle of gas or cords. A must-have for maintaining a pristine lawn effortlessly.' 'I am absolutely thrilled with this electric lawn mower!' said a second reviewer. 'What really stands out is the powerful battery, which is rechargeable via a convenient USB-C port. Overall, this lawn mower is easy to use, efficient, and well-designed — definitely a five-star product!' The lawn mower uses an IPS battery with 45W USB-C PD fast charging that removes the need for a traditional charging dock. Once fully charged, the power tool can mow up to 2,200 square feet on a single charge. With a space-saving design, this mower has a foldable handle that allows for vertical storage in your garage. Shoppers will also rest easy knowing the lawn mower comes with a 3-year warranty and a 1-year warranty for the battery and charger. A third customer wrote, 'It was very easy to put together. The battery doubles as a charger. It's quiet and gets the job done. I really like it.' Treat yourself to this $130 cordless lawn mower before the Walmart flash deal ends. It'll easily become a staple in your lawn maintenance routine this summer. About the Author Victoria Garcia View Profile
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Walmart vs. The TJX Companies: Which Retailer Has the Edge in 2025?
As consumers prioritize value in today's cost-conscious retail environment, two retail leaders — Walmart Inc. WMT and The TJX Companies, Inc. TJX — have emerged as top contenders for investor attention. WMT leverages its massive scale and low-price strategy to dominate everyday essentials, while TJX excels in the off-price retail segment, offering well-known brands at significant discounts through stores like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. The key question for investors is: which stock delivers stronger value right now?Both companies are performing well in a cautious consumer environment, but they operate with very different playbooks. Walmart is investing heavily in technology, logistics, and high-margin initiatives like advertising and memberships to drive growth. The TJX Companies, meanwhile, thrives on agility and treasure-hunt shopping experiences, supported by a global footprint and lean operations. Let's break down how WMT and TJX stack up across key areas like business fundamentals, growth outlook, valuation and earnings potential — and what it means for investors in 2025. Walmart is delivering steady growth in 2025, driven by its massive retail footprint and ongoing investments in digital innovation. Its successful omnichannel strategy — combining physical stores with a fast-growing e-commerce platform — is helping the company attract consistent traffic across channels. With diversified revenue streams that include brick-and-mortar sales, online shopping, advertising, and memberships, Walmart has built a resilient and scalable business model that is well-positioned for long-term is gaining momentum from high-margin growth drivers like Walmart Connect, its retail media advertising platform, and Walmart+, its paid membership program. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, advertising revenues surged 50%, while membership income rose 14.8%. These results highlight Walmart's effective shift toward tech-driven, higher-margin services that boost both profitability and customer retention.A key driver of Walmart's ongoing success is its advanced omnichannel strategy. The company continues to invest heavily in data analytics, digital infrastructure, and in-store enhancements to create a seamless shopping experience across both physical and online platforms. In the fiscal first quarter, global e-commerce sales grew 22%, fueled by strong demand for store-fulfilled pickup and delivery options. Backing this growth is Walmart's enhanced last-mile delivery network, which is on track to offer same-day delivery to 95% of U.S. households — a major advantage in today's speed-focused retail has entered 2025 on strong footing, but management has cautioned about potential headwinds ahead, particularly from tariffs and broader economic uncertainty. In addition, currency fluctuations may impact performance across international markets. Still, WMT's expanding e-commerce presence, compelling value proposition and rising contributions from high-margin areas offer a solid buffer against short-term volatility and help support long-term growth. The TJX Companies has consistently proven its ability to execute in challenging environments. The company's strength lies in its flexible sourcing, quick inventory turns and international diversification. It is not just about offering low prices — it is about offering premium brands at a discount, a model that continues to resonate with shoppers seeking value and variety. The company's off-price retail model continues to resonate with a broad customer base, as seen in the steady rise in customer transactions and comparable store sales. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, TJX's comparable store sales rose 3%, led by higher customer traffic across both apparel and home categories. Growth was consistent across all divisions, including Marmaxx and HomeGoods in the United States, as well as TJX Canada and TJX International, reinforcing the company's strong value TJX Companies continues to build on this momentum through global expansion and digital growth initiatives. It ended the quarter with 5,121 stores, adding 36 new locations during the period. The company is also enhancing its e-commerce presence to capture additional market share as more consumers shop online. Internationally, TJX is growing its TK Maxx banner in Europe and Australia and plans to enter Spain in fiscal 2027. Strategic investments in Grupo Axo in Mexico and Brands For Less in the Middle East are opening new growth avenues in promising global markets.A key advantage for TJX is its flexible supply chain and healthy inventory position, with total inventory up 15% year over year. This ensures a steady flow of fresh merchandise and supports its treasure-hunt shopping appeal. While near-term challenges like higher payroll costs, tariff pressures, and currency fluctuations may weigh on margins, The TJX Companies is taking proactive steps to mitigate these risks. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Walmart's fiscal 2026 earnings per share (EPS) has been steady at $2.59 over the last 30 days, suggesting year-over-year growth of 3.2%. In contrast, the EPS estimate for The TJX Companies' fiscal 2026 has moved down by a penny to $4.46, indicating year-over-year growth of 4.7%. (Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.) Over the past 12 months, Walmart stock has delivered an impressive 39.8% return, significantly outpacing the broader S&P 500 Index, which rose 9.5% during the same period. Meanwhile, The TJX Companies has recorded 11% growth in its stock price. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, Walmart currently trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 35.10x. Meanwhile, The TJX Companies trades at a more modest forward P/E of 26.42x. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Both Walmart and The TJX Companies are well-positioned to benefit from today's value-driven retail environment. While TJX continues to perform well with its off-price model, global store expansion, and solid customer traffic, Walmart's broader revenue streams — including advertising, memberships, and e-commerce — provide stronger earnings visibility and higher-margin growth. With a more consistent EPS outlook, superior stock performance and ongoing investments in digital transformation, Walmart emerges as the more attractive retail stock heading into the second half of and Walmart currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Two popular products at Walmart recalled: What to know
Two products being sold at Walmart have been recalled. These include MaxKare Electric Blankets as well as three chicken fettuccine Alfredo products from FreshRealm, Newsweek reported. Customers have been urged to dispose of the items. A note on the product recall page on Walmart's website states that the company is committed to the health of its customers and members by providing items that are 'safe and compliant.' Usage of these recalled products, especially food items, can pose serious health risks. The recalls are initiated by companies due to various reasons, such as potential contaminants. 1. MaxKare Electric Blankets The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for nearly 8,560 of these electric blankets, which were sold on for $27 to $80 between June 2021 and November 2024. Among the affected models are HB18A-7284-1, HB18A-8490-2, and HB18A-6284-1. These were available in three sizes (twin, full, queen) and two color options. The recall was initiated after the manufacturer, Yumo, got 34 reports of overheating, including two complaints of blankets catching fire and three about burn injuries. These blankets were manufactured by Shenzhen Yumo Commerce and Trade Corporation in China. Also Read: Popular pasta sold at Walmart and Kroger recalled over risk of listeria contamination 2. FreshRealm Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has recalled FreshRealm's Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo products to investigate an outbreak of Listeria. Affected products include: Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine Tender Pasta With Creamy Alfredo Sauce (12.3oz with best-by date 6/26/25 or prior) Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine Tender Pasta With Creamy Alfredo Sauce (32.8oz with best-by date 6/27/25 or prior) Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5oz with best-by date 6/19/25 or before) Till June 17, there were three reported deaths and one fetal loss linked to this outbreak. According to the National Library of Medicine, Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is responsible for causing the listeriosis infection. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck and loss of balance. People are advised to either destroy them or give it back to the store from where it was purchased to seek a refund. The blankets feature six heating levels and a nine-hour auto-off function. The company recently received multiple overheating complaints.
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Walmart, Kroger recall dangerous ready-to-eat meals
Millions of people shop at Walmart and Kroger every month, and whether it's just to pick up groceries or other household essentials, they trust that the chains will offer good prices on things they need. That's why news of a recall is always distressing, throwing into question whether a store can be trusted. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter That said, it's not Walmart or Kroger's fault that a product they carried was identified for recall. Unfortunately, recalls happen all the time. Some data says that food recalls are getting more common then ever. Food recalls specifically increased by 15% between 2020 and 2024, per a Trace One analysis of data. Related: General Mills quietly discontinues three cereals fans loved While you'll be relieved to know that most food recalls are because of allergen contamination (nearly 38%), it's distressing to know that bacterial contamination is the problem in 21.8% of cases. Those recalls typically involve pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. Now a new recall has been announced for a ready-to-eat food product that you may have bought at Walmart or Kroger. It's time to check the fridge and make sure what's inside is safe to consume. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on June 17 issued a recall of several ready-to-eat meal products made by FreshRealm, which supplies the Marketside and Home Chef lines to Walmart and Kroger. The following products are included in the recall: 32.8-oz. tray packages containing "MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE Tender Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, White Meat Chicken and Shaved Parmesan Cheese" with best-by date 06/27/25 or prior.12.3 oz. tray packages containing "MARKETSIDE GRILLED CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE Tender Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, White Meat Chicken, Broccoli and Shaved Parmesan Cheese" with best-by date 06/26/25 or prior.12.5 oz. tray packages containing "HOME CHEF Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with pasta, grilled white meat chicken, and Parmesan cheese" with best-by date 06/19/25 or prior. According to the announcement, listeria from these products resulted in both deaths and a miscarriage. "FSIS and public health partners are investigating an outbreak of Lm that currently includes 17 ill people in 13 states," it reads. "As of June 17, 2025, there have been three reported deaths and one fetal loss associated with this outbreak." Related: Wendy's menu reveals a spicy new addition this week Several of the people who became ill purchased and consumed the chicken fettuccine alfredo products, and an outbreak strain collected from ill people between August 2024 and May 2025 also matched a sample from the ready-to-eat food in question. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) urges consumers who have purchased these products to dispose of them or return them to the store where they originally bought them. While consuming food contaminated with listeria is a fairly rare occurrence, it can be a deadly one. Every year 1,600 people are infected with listeria, and 260 people die from the infection, per the Centers for Disease Control. People who are infected with listeria may think they have a stomach bug or what's called food poisoning. The latter is correct. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, an upset stomach, and vomiting. However, if the germs that cause the infection spread through the blood and reach the brain or spinal cord, new symptoms can appear such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, stiffness in the neck, confusion, a loss of balance, and even seizures. Related: Walmart makes bold move to help inflation-battered consumers The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
