Retail Roundup: 9 Commerce Moves From Target, Kroger, Walmart and More

Berkshire Hathaway increased its Alphabet stake 83% to about 106 million shares, worth nearly $38 billion at June 30, after agreeing to buy $10 billion of Alphabet stock in a June private placement and buying 19.6 million shares on the open market, according to a portfolio disclosure. Berkshire also bought net $20 billion of stocks in Q2.

Kroger says it has closed at least 39 stores across nine banners as part of a plan to shutter 60 underperforming locations by end-2026, according to reporting and company statements. Closures span Kroger, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Pick ‘n Save, QFC and others. Kroger also plans faster expansion and a $1.65B Giant Eagle acquisition, per outlets.

Walmart (WMT) completed its Aug. 4 acquisition of Vibe.co, a self-service streaming TV ad platform, to expand Walmart Connect and let advertisers plan, buy, and measure streaming campaigns tied to shopping behavior. The company reported recent quarter revenue up 7% to $7.3B, with ad revenue up 37%. Shares have lagged despite results, with valuation concerns and unchanged guidance.

Target appointed Chandhu Nair as its first chief artificial intelligence officer and senior vice president, and named Purvi Shah senior vice president of user experience, according to the company. Target said it will pursue a coordinated AI approach, citing tools such as Target Trend Brain and a conversational AI gift finder. The move follows similar AI efforts by Walmart, Gap, and Best Buy.

Taylor Farms said it is recalling certain products sold at Target and Walmart in Florida after fresh jalapeños were linked to a multistate salmonella outbreak. The FDA and CDC are investigating, and the possible source was traced to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, supplying Coast Citrus Distributors. Taylor Farms says it stopped sourcing from that grower and will use alternative suppliers.

Taylor Farms recalled prepared salsa and guacamole containing jalapenos sold via retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Target, Trader Joe’s and Hannaford, citing potential salmonella contamination. The recall followed Coast Citrus Distributors’ pepper recall. CDC and FDA are investigating an outbreak with 345 illnesses in 27 states. Taylor also faces prior cyclosporiasis scrutiny.