RETAIL/CONSUMER GOODS

DoorDash will acquire Instacart for about $17 billion, combining two major US delivery platforms in a deal expected to face extensive regulatory and antitrust scrutiny.

Crocs shares jumped nearly 20% after the footwear maker exceeded third-quarter earnings expectations, reported renewed HEYDUDE growth and raised its full-year 2026 forecasts.

Nike shares slipped 0.41% in early trading as investors assessed weak China sales, falling revenue and the lengthy recovery plan under chief executive Elliott Hill.

Shona Joy founder Shona Thatcher has announced the voluntary closure of the Australian fashion label after 26 years, citing family priorities and the demands of running the business.

Starbucks shares rose ahead of quarterly results, with investors watching for evidence that Brian Niccol's turnaround is sustaining sales growth and improving customer traffic.

Amazon Australia has increased Prime membership prices by 30%, lifting monthly fees to AU$12.99 and annual plans to AU$99 as Black Friday approaches and households face ongoing cost pressures.

Premier Investments shares rose nearly 4% as investors moved towards Australian retail stocks, despite ongoing concerns over Smiggle, weak consumer spending and the company's subdued share performance.

Amcor shares rose 3% on the ASX as investors shifted towards defensive stocks after a sharp Wall Street technology sell-off, ahead of the company's November results.

Wingstop shares fell 7% before third-quarter results, extending a sharp annual decline as analysts lowered price targets and concerns grew about weaker fast-food demand.

McDonald's has relaunched its Boo Buckets at participating US restaurants, with five Disney Villains designs available with Happy Meals while supplies last.

KFC will end its nearly 40-year US beverage partnership with Pepsi and begin serving Coca-Cola in 2027, while Mountain Dew Sweet Lightning will leave the menu.

Starbucks shares rose nearly 2% towards $100 as investors anticipated the company's fourth-quarter results and assessed progress under CEO Brian Niccol's turnaround strategy.

Hasbro shares rose nearly 9% after Magic: The Gathering generated record quarterly revenue above $600 million, prompting the company to raise its 2026 outlook and increase planned buybacks.

Lay's will release five limited-edition holiday chip flavours in the United States, including roasted turkey, maple bacon, milk chocolate and Dubai-style dark chocolate varieties.

Domino's Pizza Enterprises shares rose 4.18% as investors supported its business reset, despite lower fiscal 2026 revenue, a statutory loss and weaker same-store sales.

Simon and Kenneth Ip grew Breadtop from a struggling 1994 Melbourne cafe into a bakery franchise with more than 70 stores and products supplied to over 100 Coles supermarkets.

McDonald's will mark the Boo Buckets' 40th anniversary with five Disney villain designs, including Ursula, Scar and Maleficent, available with Happy Meals from 20 October.

Woolworths shares climbed 4.27% to their highest close in five years as global market volatility, weaker Australian employment data and steady grocery demand supported defensive stocks.

Woolworths shares climbed 4.27% to a five-year high as investors sought defensive stocks during global market volatility, despite concerns that the rally may be overextended.

a2 Milk shares rose 3.65% to A$6.82 as investors turned to defensive consumer stocks, despite no significant company news from the infant formula producer.

Kroger plans to eliminate about 3,000 corporate roles over three years as CEO Greg Foran seeks to simplify operations, reduce overhead and invest in prices, stores and frontline workers.

Walmart shares rose 0.44% as CEO John Furner outlined growth and AI plans, pledged not to personalise prices using customer data and flagged the next results date.

GameStop has not withdrawn its unsolicited eBay bid, but reports suggest CEO Ryan Cohen may pursue a partnership instead as financing challenges and eBay's strong results complicate the takeover.

Hannaford customers reported possible problems with websites, apps, online orders and payments on Monday, although the supermarket chain had not confirmed the extent or cause of the disruption.

Adidas has sued Australian fashion label White Fox, alleging clothing featuring four parallel stripes and related advertising could mislead consumers and trade on its trademark reputation.

Domino's Pizza Enterprises shares climbed about 4% to A$21.18, moving above the average analyst target despite no new company announcement or change to its forecasts.

Chipotle shares fell nearly 4% after JPMorgan lowered its price target and an unconfirmed deal rumour surfaced, with investors focused on weak traffic, margins and the upcoming earnings report.

Coca-Cola Consolidated shares rose 0.4% to $192.81 as investors assessed strong first-half volume and sales growth, debt reduction and pressure from higher aluminium costs before third-quarter results.

PepsiCo says it will continue spending about A$150 million annually on Australian-grown crops, supporting local manufacturing while its Smith's brands face rising private-label competition.