Retail News

Subway has launched its first-ever value menu, with the Fresh Value Menu offering 15 entrees under $5 in addition to a rotating $4.99 “Sub of the Day” deal. Subway joins other QSRs, such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Taco Bell, in appealing to affordability as of late (more).

General Motors posted a strong EPS beat against Wall Street estimates while also notching a slight revenue miss, with EPS coming in at $3.70 versus 2.62 expected, and revenue at $43.62 billion against $43.68 billion anticipated. GM also raised its 2026 guidance, largely bolstered by an expected $500 million benefit coming from tariff refunds (more).

The United Arab Emirates has signaled its intention to leave OPEC on May 1, with drone strikes conducted by Iran on UAE targets being highlighted as at least one cause. “We reaffirm our appreciation for the efforts of both OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance and wish them success,” said UAE’s energy ministry (more).

The Home Depot, in partnership with Google Gemini, is installing AI phone agents to help its customers better reach the answers they are looking for. “For the customer on the phone, the experience is faster and more intuitive. No more ‘press 1 for that’ and ‘press two for this.’ Customers can instead just say what they need, and the AI voice agent will understand what they want in seconds,” said Jordan Broggi, executive VP of customer experience and president of online for Home Depot (more).

Chewy, Costco, and Amazon took the top three retailer spots in this year’s listing of the most trusted companies list, provided by Newsweek. “In an era defined by a profound crisis of grievance, a corporation’s integrity is no longer a marketing luxury—it is its most volatile and valuable currency,” Jennifer Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek, said (more).

Starbucks will be closing its Coffee Loop rewards program at the end of April. The program had been launched to select loyalty members in October, allowing them to claim one free coffee or iced coffee for every nine purchased (more).

President Donald Trump’s pick for Federal Reserve chair, Kevin Warsh, looks likely to be installed following news that Sen. Thom Tillis is prepared to support Warsh. Based on assurances that Warsh will not be used to weaponize the DOJ, Tillis appears ready to give Warsh the nod (more).

U.S. consumer confidence tumbled to a near four-year low in April, largely over concerns tied to the Iran conflict. According to the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers, sentiment fell 6.6% to register at 49.8, down from 53.3 recorded in March and below last April’s reading of 52.2 (more).

Claire’s is pulling up stakes on its old headquarters, moving its new HQ from Hoffman Estates, Illinois, to the village of Rosemont, Illinois. “Claire’s was seeking a modern, amenity-rich workspace in a highly accessible location that would support both talent recruitment and retention,” said Sean Moran, associate director for commercial real estate firm Newmark (more).

Nike has slashed an additional 1,400 jobs worldwide as part of its sound round of layoffs for 2026. A memo noted that operational shifts tied to merging its materials supply chain with existing apparel teams, consolidation of tech work, and relocation of Converse manufacturing and engineering were the cause (more).