WALMART JOINS THE TRILLION-DOLLAR CLUB
Walmart has crossed a line few retailers ever touch, hitting $1 trillion in market value this month. The milestone lands as new CEO John Furner steps into the top job. Walmart’s stock has surged about 28% over the past year, a run that cements its dominance as Wall Street keeps rewarding scale, pricing power, and relentless execution.
WASHINGTON POST SHAKEUP AFTER MASSIVE LAYOFFS
The Washington Post’s publisher and CEO Will Lewis abruptly stepped down just days after the paper cut one-third of its staff, including at least 300 journalists in the newsroom. The Post said CFO Jeff D’Onofrio will take over as acting publisher and CEO, “effective immediately.” The sudden exit adds fresh uncertainty to a newsroom already reeling from deep cuts.
BMW RECALL OVER FIRE RISK
BMW North America is recalling nearly 90,000 vehicles due to an engine starter issue, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall covers 87,394 vehicles and involves a starter that may overheat, creating a fire risk. Dealers will replace the part at no cost. The move follows an October recall of more than 145,000 BMW vehicles in the U.S. over a similar defect.
COSTCO REFRESHES THE FOOD AISLES
Costco is rolling out another wave of new food items as part of its regular product refresh. The latest additions span sweet and savory, from Filled Heart Madeleines and Matcha & Chocolate Sandwich Cookies to Turkey, Pesto, & Swiss Cheese Pockets and Meatball Panino Italian-style rolls. Shoppers have also spotted Chinese BBQ-Style Beef Short Ribs, kimchi pancakes, and a Valentine’s Day–themed Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake. Last month, Costco added Peanut Butter Monster Cookies to its bakery lineup.
POLYMARKET OPENS A FREE GROCERY STORE IN NYC
Polymarket is stepping briefly into the real-world food business with what it’s calling New York City’s first-ever free grocery store. The pop-up opens in Lower Manhattan starting at 12PM from Feb. 12 through Feb. 16, according to the NYC for Free website. It’s described as the city’s first free grocery store, “fully stocked” and requiring no purchase. Polymarket said on X the idea took “months of planning.” The company also said it donated $1 million to Food Bank For New York City to support “an organization that changes how our city responds to hunger.” Daily hours and the closing date are subject to change.