Target plans to invest a total of $5 billion next year to upgrade its stores, enhance merchandise selection and strengthen digital capabilities. The initiative, announced by incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke, includes adding $1 billion in new spending compared to the previous year. Investments will focus on improving the in-store experience, updating technology and expanding ecommerce.

ALDI is set to open a holiday-themed pop-up shop called ALDI Wonderland in Manhattan on Dec. 3, offering a selection of holiday products and activities such as a beverage bar, charcuterie ornaments and photo opportunities. The event is free with a ticket, and the retailer is also inviting local Boys & Girls Club members for a private preview.

Kroger will close three automated fulfillment centers in Florida, Maryland and Wisconsin as part of a revised ecommerce strategy designed to improve profitability. The grocer will rely more on its stores and third-party delivery services, including DoorDash, Instacart and Uber Eats, to fulfill online orders, and it expects this strategy to improve ecommerce profitability by approximately $400 million in 2026.

PepsiCo is testing a unified distribution model in Texas by integrating snack and beverage warehousing to cut costs and boost productivity. The initiative is part of the company's One North America strategy, designed to increase margins and drive growth. After testing in Texas, PepsiCo plans to evaluate nationwide expansion.

Air-cooled plug-in units cut upfront costs and speed deployment by removing central refrigeration and piping. Just plug in to cool. Waste heat vents directly, enabling flexible, modular layouts and easy scaling while keeping costs low.

The American Farm Bureau Federation's annual survey indicates that the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 has dropped for the third consecutive year to $55.18, a 5% decrease from last year and the lowest price since 2021, thanks in large part to food retailers' discounts on turkey. While wholesale prices for fresh turkeys have risen compared to last year, these retailer promotions have resulted in significant savings for shoppers seeking a holiday bird.

The doughnut market is experiencing moderate growth, with perimeter doughnuts posting a 3% increase in dollar sales over the past year, reaching $2.4 billion. Full-size doughnuts remain the main driver, and while center-store doughnuts have seen a decline, niche segments like doughnut holes are growing rapidly. Brands such as Krispy Kreme, Shipley Do-Nuts and Bakeface are responding to consumer interest in nostalgic flavors, limited-time offerings and innovative products, indicating a shift toward both tradition and novelty in doughnut consumption.

Consumers in 2026 are seeking multi-sensory experiences from snacks and baked goods, with 71% of consumers saying texture drives enjoyment, according to Puratos' Taste Tomorrow 2026 report. Companies like Mondelez International and Puratos are leveraging this trend by designing products that engage the senses of touch, sound and emotion, not just taste. Brands that create memorable, experiential treats are likely to thrive.

Experts at the AI Deciphered conference in New York City discussed the legal and ethical challenges of integrating AI into creative industries, focusing on issues of authorship, copyright and bias. The panel emphasized the importance of human oversight in maximizing creativity and addressing bias. "It's really important for us to maximize our own human potential to be 'the human in the loop' to ensure a net win, rather than making people feel alienated or marginalized as we continue to increase efficiency," said Kanene Holder, director of AI integrations at Empwrd.