Kroger Plans to Hire Former Walmart Executive as New CEO
Catch up on the weekend's top five stories with this list compiled by The Fly: 1) Kroger (KR) is planning to hire Greg Foran, a former executive of Walmart (WMT), as its next CEO, Sarah Nassauer and Patrick Thomas of The Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar with the matter. The company intends to announce its choice as soon as Monday, the sources added. 2) On Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote, "We need more competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks. Letting Good Deals get done like Nexstar (NXST) - Tegna (TGNA) will help knock out the Fake News because there will be more competition, and at a higher and more sophisticated level. Those that are opposed don't fully understand how good the concept of this Deal is for them, but they will in the future. GET THAT DEAL DONE! PRESIDENT DJT." 3) NatWest (NWG) is close to a takeover of Evelyn Partners after beating Barclays (BCS) in a contested auction, with NatWest expected to pay $3.7B in a deal that could be announced as soon as Monday, William Shaw and Swetha Gopinath of Bloomberg reports, citing people with knowledge of the matter. 4) Block (XYZ) has begun notifying hundreds of employees that their jobs may be eliminated as the company undergoes a broader business overhaul, Natasha Mascarenhas and Emily Mason of Bloomberg reports. Up to 10% of the company's workforce is at risk of being cut, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. 5) In a post on X, Hims & Hers (HIMS) wrote, "Since launching the compounded semaglutide pill on our platform, we've had constructive conversations with stakeholders across the industry. As a result, we have decided to stop offering access to this treatment. We remain committed to the millions of Americans who depend on us for access to safe, affordable, and personalized care."
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Kroger Celebrates Supermarket Employee Day
- Employee Recognition Event: Kroger will celebrate Supermarket Employee Day on February 22, honoring over 400,000 associates for their warmth and care in daily service, which enhances employee morale and customer loyalty.
- Outstanding Employee Spotlight: Jeff Bass, Floral Creative Director in Texas, has dedicated 34 years to creating unique floral experiences for customers, highlighting Kroger's appreciation for employee contributions during significant customer moments, thereby enhancing brand image.
- Career Development Opportunities: Ashley Montgomery's promotion from floral clerk to Assistant Store Leader Training Program illustrates Kroger's commitment to employee career growth, encouraging staff to enhance customer satisfaction through personalized interactions.
- Community Impact: Ana Sanchez, with nearly 30 years at Ralphs, builds trust with customers, improving their shopping experience and showcasing Kroger's positive influence in the community, which further solidifies brand loyalty.
Kroger Celebrates Supermarket Employee Day Recognizing 400,000 Associates
- Employee Recognition Event: Kroger will celebrate Supermarket Employee Day on February 22, honoring over 400,000 associates, emphasizing the friendly experiences and fresh food they provide daily, aiming to boost employee morale and enhance customer loyalty.
- Outstanding Employee Spotlight: Jeff Bass, Floral Creative Director in Texas, has dedicated 34 years to creating exceptional floral experiences for customers during significant life events, showcasing Kroger's appreciation for employee contributions.
- Career Development Opportunities: Ashley Montgomery's promotion from floral clerk to Assistant Store Leader Training Program illustrates Kroger's commitment to employee career growth, aiming to enhance the shopping experience through fostering creativity and customer service skills.
- Building Community Trust: Ana Sanchez, with nearly 30 years at Ralphs, focuses on establishing trust with customers, emphasizing that the satisfaction of customers motivates her daily work, thereby enhancing customer loyalty and community impact for the supermarket.
The 'Boomcession' Phenomenon in the U.S. Economy
- Disconnect Between Data and Sentiment: Despite rising economic output and stock market gains, ordinary Americans are feeling increased financial pressure, as evidenced by credit card debt reaching a record $1.28 trillion in Q4 last year, indicating that economic prosperity is not benefiting the majority.
- Uneven Inflation Impact: According to Morgan Stanley, lower-income consumers faced significantly higher inflation rates for food and housing in 2024 compared to wealthier counterparts, exacerbating the gap between economic growth and consumer confidence and highlighting social inequality.
- 'Hiring Recession' in Job Market: While economic output per hour hit new highs, ordinary workers are anxious as the job market tightens, with December job openings falling to their lowest level since 2020, reflecting the disparity in economic benefits between high-income stockholders and the general workforce.
- Crisis of Trust in Economic Data: Surveys reveal that nearly 60% of Americans believe the economy is in recession, particularly among low-income households facing unstable financial situations, leading to a decline in trust in government economic data and highlighting the significant gap between economic prosperity and public sentiment.
Walmart and Target's New CEOs Face Challenges Ahead
- Leadership Changes: Walmart and Target welcomed new CEOs on February 1, with John Furner and Michael Fiddelke being promoted from within, reflecting differing strategic directions as both companies navigate economic challenges.
- Performance Discrepancy: Walmart's stock has surged approximately 163% over the past five years, while Target's has plummeted about 40%, indicating Walmart's success in attracting consumers across income levels and boosting online sales, whereas Target struggles with declining sales and store traffic.
- Future Outlook: Walmart anticipates a full-year net sales increase of 4.8% to 5.1%, contrasting with Target's expected sales decline, highlighting significant differences in market performance and investor sentiment favoring Walmart's prospects.
- Strategic Adjustments: Target's new CEO Fiddelke aims to revitalize the brand by enhancing product quality and customer experience while strengthening the workforce, demonstrating a commitment to future growth despite facing numerous challenges.
Consumer Staples Surge in 2026, Yet These Stocks Remain Attractive Deals
Market Performance: Consumer staples stocks have experienced a significant rally in 2026, indicating strong market performance in this sector.
Investment Opportunities: Despite the rally making it challenging to find undervalued stocks, there are still investment opportunities available for those willing to search.
Kroger's New CEO: Is a Comeback on the Horizon in Aisle 4?
Kroger's New CEO Appointment: Kroger has appointed Greg Foran as its new Chief Executive Officer, a move that has positively impacted the company's stock, which rose by approximately 7-8% following the announcement.
Strategic Shift: The hiring of Foran signals a shift from growth through acquisitions to a focus on operational excellence, as Kroger seeks to improve its market position against competitors like Walmart.
Financial Resilience: Kroger is implementing strategies to enhance its financial performance, including a significant share buyback program and a transition to a more flexible fulfillment model, which is expected to improve profitability.
Market Outlook: Analysts are optimistic about Kroger's future under Foran's leadership, citing his successful track record at Walmart and the potential for improved operational margins, which could lead to a rise in stock value.
Kroger Celebrates Supermarket Employee Day
- Employee Recognition Event: Kroger will celebrate Supermarket Employee Day on February 22, honoring over 400,000 associates for their warmth and care in daily service, which enhances employee morale and customer loyalty.
- Outstanding Employee Spotlight: Jeff Bass, Floral Creative Director in Texas, has dedicated 34 years to creating unique floral experiences for customers, highlighting Kroger's appreciation for employee contributions during significant customer moments, thereby enhancing brand image.
- Career Development Opportunities: Ashley Montgomery's promotion from floral clerk to Assistant Store Leader Training Program illustrates Kroger's commitment to employee career growth, encouraging staff to enhance customer satisfaction through personalized interactions.
- Community Impact: Ana Sanchez, with nearly 30 years at Ralphs, builds trust with customers, improving their shopping experience and showcasing Kroger's positive influence in the community, which further solidifies brand loyalty.
Kroger Celebrates Supermarket Employee Day Recognizing 400,000 Associates
- Employee Recognition Event: Kroger will celebrate Supermarket Employee Day on February 22, honoring over 400,000 associates, emphasizing the friendly experiences and fresh food they provide daily, aiming to boost employee morale and enhance customer loyalty.
- Outstanding Employee Spotlight: Jeff Bass, Floral Creative Director in Texas, has dedicated 34 years to creating exceptional floral experiences for customers during significant life events, showcasing Kroger's appreciation for employee contributions.
- Career Development Opportunities: Ashley Montgomery's promotion from floral clerk to Assistant Store Leader Training Program illustrates Kroger's commitment to employee career growth, aiming to enhance the shopping experience through fostering creativity and customer service skills.
- Building Community Trust: Ana Sanchez, with nearly 30 years at Ralphs, focuses on establishing trust with customers, emphasizing that the satisfaction of customers motivates her daily work, thereby enhancing customer loyalty and community impact for the supermarket.
The 'Boomcession' Phenomenon in the U.S. Economy
- Disconnect Between Data and Sentiment: Despite rising economic output and stock market gains, ordinary Americans are feeling increased financial pressure, as evidenced by credit card debt reaching a record $1.28 trillion in Q4 last year, indicating that economic prosperity is not benefiting the majority.
- Uneven Inflation Impact: According to Morgan Stanley, lower-income consumers faced significantly higher inflation rates for food and housing in 2024 compared to wealthier counterparts, exacerbating the gap between economic growth and consumer confidence and highlighting social inequality.
- 'Hiring Recession' in Job Market: While economic output per hour hit new highs, ordinary workers are anxious as the job market tightens, with December job openings falling to their lowest level since 2020, reflecting the disparity in economic benefits between high-income stockholders and the general workforce.
- Crisis of Trust in Economic Data: Surveys reveal that nearly 60% of Americans believe the economy is in recession, particularly among low-income households facing unstable financial situations, leading to a decline in trust in government economic data and highlighting the significant gap between economic prosperity and public sentiment.
Walmart and Target's New CEOs Face Challenges Ahead
- Leadership Changes: Walmart and Target welcomed new CEOs on February 1, with John Furner and Michael Fiddelke being promoted from within, reflecting differing strategic directions as both companies navigate economic challenges.
- Performance Discrepancy: Walmart's stock has surged approximately 163% over the past five years, while Target's has plummeted about 40%, indicating Walmart's success in attracting consumers across income levels and boosting online sales, whereas Target struggles with declining sales and store traffic.
- Future Outlook: Walmart anticipates a full-year net sales increase of 4.8% to 5.1%, contrasting with Target's expected sales decline, highlighting significant differences in market performance and investor sentiment favoring Walmart's prospects.
- Strategic Adjustments: Target's new CEO Fiddelke aims to revitalize the brand by enhancing product quality and customer experience while strengthening the workforce, demonstrating a commitment to future growth despite facing numerous challenges.
Consumer Staples Surge in 2026, Yet These Stocks Remain Attractive Deals
Market Performance: Consumer staples stocks have experienced a significant rally in 2026, indicating strong market performance in this sector.
Investment Opportunities: Despite the rally making it challenging to find undervalued stocks, there are still investment opportunities available for those willing to search.
Kroger's New CEO: Is a Comeback on the Horizon in Aisle 4?
Kroger's New CEO Appointment: Kroger has appointed Greg Foran as its new Chief Executive Officer, a move that has positively impacted the company's stock, which rose by approximately 7-8% following the announcement.
Strategic Shift: The hiring of Foran signals a shift from growth through acquisitions to a focus on operational excellence, as Kroger seeks to improve its market position against competitors like Walmart.
Financial Resilience: Kroger is implementing strategies to enhance its financial performance, including a significant share buyback program and a transition to a more flexible fulfillment model, which is expected to improve profitability.
Market Outlook: Analysts are optimistic about Kroger's future under Foran's leadership, citing his successful track record at Walmart and the potential for improved operational margins, which could lead to a rise in stock value.
