Retail Dive

Walmart is consolidating its merchant teams as part of an effort to put more emphasis on style and fashion in its assortment. The reorganization brings merchandising functions together under a unified structure, signaling that the retailer wants a more coordinated approach to curated, trend-driven offerings beyond its traditional value focus, according to Retail Dive.

Grocery retailer Ahold Delhaize is deploying artificial intelligence to improve its retail media business, the advertising operation that sells brands placement and insights across its stores and digital channels. According to Grocery Dive, the company is using AI tools to make its retail media offering more effective and data-driven. The move reflects a wider push among grocers to build retail media into a major profit stream.

Kroger has taken what Grocery Dive describes as a key step forward in connecting retail media creative to digital sales outcomes. The move would let the grocery giant's advertisers measure how ad creative drives online purchases, tightening the loop between media spend and sales results in Kroger's fast-growing retail media business.

The United States Senate has passed the Common Cents bill, according to Retail Dive. The measure's details, including what it changes and its path in the House, have not been specified in available reports. Attention now turns to what the legislation would mean for retailers and consumers.

Levi Strauss & Co. has hired away Skechers' chief financial officer, the company's latest leadership change as the jeansmaker reshapes its executive team. The move pairs a longtime footwear-industry finance veteran with the iconic denim brand. The appointment was reported by Retail Dive, drawing attention across the retail sector, where CFO moves are closely watched for signals about strategic direction.

1-800-Flowers.com has announced plans to sell two of its gifting brands, PersonalizationMall.com and Things Remembered, in a move to streamline its portfolio. The announcement was reported by Retail Dive, though details on buyers, pricing and timing were not included in the available coverage. The company has been reviewing its brand lineup as it focuses on core floral and gift businesses.

Wayfair is expanding its investment in sports marketing as part of a brand platform centred on values, according to Retail Dive. The online home goods retailer is leaning into sports partnerships to strengthen its identity and reach consumers through properties that align with its messaging. The move signals that Wayfair sees sports as a key channel for building long-term brand equity rather than short-term sales pushes.

Meta has introduced an AI agent designed for small businesses, according to Retail Dive. The tool is aimed at helping smaller retailers automate customer interactions and other tasks, extending Meta's push to bring AI assistants into commerce. The announcement places Meta in competition with other tech companies courting the small-business market with AI-powered services.