Overview
- Walmart posted strong Q3 growth, raised its full‑year outlook, and said it continues to attract more middle‑ and upper‑income shoppers.
- Off‑price leaders outperformed, with Ross reporting 7% same‑store sales growth and TJX up 5%, as value propositions drew broad income cohorts.
- Fast‑casual chains cooled, with Sweetgreen’s same‑store sales down 9.5%, Cava slowing to 1.9% growth, and Chipotle barely positive at 0.3% as younger diners shifted to groceries.
- Home improvement demand softened on big‑ticket projects, with Home Depot lowering its outlook while both Home Depot and Lowe’s pointed to steady maintenance and repair work.
- Investor reaction was mixed, with Walmart shares rising as Target and Home Depot fell for the week, reflecting pressure from weak sentiment, inflation, and tariffs that encourage trading down.