The French have long known that mayonnaise goes great with fries, and now mayo-maker Hellmann’s is banking on more Americans embracing the pairing as well. The condiment brand is opening a Paris-style cafe in Manhattan on Wednesday to promote the practice of dipping fries in mayo. Here’s what else is going on in retail this week:
In earnings: Q2 earnings season kicks into gear this week, with a mix of QSR companies, consumer brands, tech giants, and grocery chains. McDonald’s is reporting on Monday, hot on the heels of announcing that it plans to extend the availability of its $5 value menu. Supermarket chain Sprouts also reports on Monday. Starbucks reports on Tuesday, and Kraft Heinz reports Wednesday. Then, on Thursday, both Amazon and Apple are releasing their results, for a double-whammy of big tech earnings. DoorDash, which is increasingly partnering with retailers, is also reporting on Thursday.
In policy: Despite inflation starting to cool down, economists don’t expect the Federal Reserve to announce a cut to its benchmark interest rate on Wednesday. The higher rate environment of recent years has put the squeeze on smaller retailers and consumers alike, and any reprieve could bolster the economy, though some argue it will be more of a mixed bag.
In events: “Elite members” of the Amazon seller community are gathering in Brooklyn on Wednesday for the ASGTG convention, which will focus on how AI technology is reshaping their business. Topics include using AI for product development, AI assistants, prompt engineering, and integrating ChatGPT.
In webinars: IHL analysts Lee Holman and Greg Buzek will be breaking down their research on what the consulting firm calls “inventory distortions,” such as out-of-stocks and overstocks. Inventory has become a top priority for some retailers, as they try to reduce excess products while also ensuring that the right ones are available to customers.