Retail Careers Evolve: Hiring for the Metaverse
New retail roles like avatar stylists and immersive merchandisers are emerging as the metaverse reshapes how consumers shop and how brands hire.
Staff Report
Global insights on omnichannel retail and commerce from the Doing Business in Bentonville Staff Report Team—expert analysis and trends shaping Bentonville’s role in the future of business.
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Why Leaders Need Time for Themselves to Avoid Burnout
Taking time to recharge helps leaders avoid burnout, regain focus, and lead with clarity—especially in an era of AI and constant decision fatigue.
Could Bentonville Become Retail’s First Digital Twin City?
A metaverse-based digital twin of Bentonville could help Walmart and vendors simulate retail, logistics, and civic planning with real-world impact.
From Showrooming to Meta-rooming: Retail’s New Virtual Layer
Retailers are adding a metaverse front-end to the shopper journey, where avatar behavior and virtual displays shape future omnichannel strategy.
Secondhand Gift Giving Soars as Americans Shop Holiday Recommerce
With tight budgets and rising prices, more than 8 in 10 Americans are likely to buy secondhand holiday gifts in 2025, embracing value, sustainability, and unique finds.
Q4 2025 Market Outlook: Valuations High, Macro Risks Loom
As Q4 2025 began, equity valuations remain rich and markets are driven by AI‑linked stocks, with value and small caps offering potential opportunities amid macro uncertainty.
DHL Adds Tesla Semi to California Fleet, Expands EV Logistics
DHL Supply Chain integrates its first all‑electric Tesla Semi into daily routes in California, advancing sustainability goals and planning more EV trucks in 2026.
Disney Invests $1B in OpenAI to Power AI Video with Disney Characters
Disney’s $1 billion investment in OpenAI unlocks 200+ characters for AI‑generated video via Sora, blending classic storytelling with generative AI innovation.
Low Power Prices Threaten EDF’s Earnings & Nuclear Plans
Fitch warns that plunging electricity market prices in France are hurting EDF’s profitability and could hinder its debt capacity as it plans new nuclear reactors.
Walmart Expands Drone Delivery to Metro Atlanta with Wing
Walmart and Wing launch drone delivery in Metro Atlanta, bringing ultra‑fast aerial fulfillment for groceries and essentials with plans to expand to 100 stores by 2026.
Fed Cuts Rate by Quarter Point, Projects Only One Cut in 2026
The Fed lowered rates by 0.25% in December but signaled only one cut likely in 2026, maintaining a cautious stance amid persistent inflation.
Walmart Stock Outlook 2026: Nasdaq Debut and Growth Momentum
Walmart’s 2025 Nasdaq transition, holiday-driven sales surge, and bullish analyst forecasts set the stage for potential stock gains and stronger tech-enabled growth in 2026.
Instacart Accused of Charging Shoppers Different Prices
A new study finds Instacart lists different prices for the same grocery items from the same store, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.
Thrive Market Exits Alcohol Sales to Focus on Wellness
Thrive Market is dropping alcohol from its store to reinforce its health‑forward brand and meet evolving consumer preferences for wellness‑oriented groceries.
Kroger Cuts Back Ocado Fulfillment, Shifts Grocery Strategy
Kroger is canceling automated fulfillment centers and paying $350M to Ocado as it pivots toward in-store picking and delivery partnerships for e-commerce growth.
8th & Walton’s “3‑Minute Insights”: Quick Wins for Walmart Suppliers
A short-format series offering expert advice to Walmart suppliers on forecasting, logistics, and retail trends—in just three minutes.