Donald Trump at McDonald's, a Walmart executive bolts, and Target cuts prices: Retail news roundup

Plus, Walmart is taking on Amazon with prescription delivery

By Francisco Velasquez3 min readUpdated October 25, 2024

Donald Trump worked a brief shift at McDonald’s – though it was staged. On top of Trump’s unwanted attention, the Golden Arches is grappling with an E. coli outbreak that has prompted the removal of its Quarter Pounders. Meanwhile, a Sam’s Club executive said good riddance to Walmart’s relocation mandate. Check out those and more retail news highlights this week.

McDonald’s Quarter Pounders are linked to an E-coli outbreak that hospitalized 10 and killed 1

McDonald’s is removing its Quarter Pounders from some locations following a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding an E. coli outbreak linked to the chain’s burgers.

McDonald’s is distancing itself from Donald Trump after a high-profile visit to the fryer

McDonald’s is distancing itself from former President Donald Trump after his headline-grabbing stop at a Pennsylvania location, where he pretended to work during a closed event attended by pre-screened supporters.

The McDonald’s Quarter Pounder E.Coli outbreak has sparked a big onions recall

Two of the biggest food distributors in the United States have issued recalls for onions following a potential E. coli contamination linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.

People suddenly want to dress up like Donald Trump the McDonald’s fry cook for Halloween

A new costume trend is emerging just in time for Halloween: Dressing up as Donald Trump, the McDonald’s fry cook.

The McDonald’s Quarter Pounder E. coli outbreak has sparked its first lawsuit

McDonald’s is facing its first lawsuit from a man in Colorado who claims he became ill after eating a Quarter Pounder. — Francisco Velasquez

Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut are pulling onions following E. coli outbreak

Yum! Brands (YUM) has taken precautionary measures by removing fresh onions from select locations of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC in response to a recent E. coli outbreak that has impacted the restaurant sector.

Walmart $WMT is taking on Amazon $AMZN with prescription delivery. Here’s what it means for CVS and Walgreens $WBA

Competition in the pharmacy sector is heating up as Walmart announces it will offer same-day prescription delivery.

Walmart’s relocation mandate just sent a Sam’s Club executive rushing for the exit

It’s been months since Walmart (WMT) said it would require corporate employees to relocate to its headquarters in Arkansas or risk losing their jobs — but that decision is now pushing some executives to resign.

Target $TGT is cutting prices on more than 2,000 items

Target (TGT) said on Tuesday that it’s kicking off the holiday season by slashing prices on over 2,000 items across its own and national brands.

Chick-fil-A is launching a family-friendly app to drive sales

Chick-fil-A has a plan to keep customers entertained as they savor their chicken sandwiches and waffle fries: a new app.

Starbucks $SBUX baristas are frazzled. It has the cash to hire more help, analyst says

Starbucks (SBUX) has the money to tackle its staffing issues, according to William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia. By investing in incremental labor, the coffee giant could improve its service and speed in stores.

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