5 ways McDonald's, Walmart, and other retailers are getting creative to reach consumers

Retailers have had to get creative. That’s partly due to consumers spending their money differently in the post-pandemic era as inflation remains stubborn — juggling their financial priorities between healthcare, clothing, and groceries.

Here are some of the ways America’s biggest retailers are adapting.

Walgreens $WBA and CVS said earlier this month that they would begin selling mifepristone, a key abortion medication — a move that could expand abortion access at a moment when many states have moved to restrict it. Just days later, the pharmacy retail giants said they would also start selling the daily contraceptive pill Opill at select locations.

Walmart $WMT said this month that it would launch an early-morning delivery service to keep up with rivals Target $TGT and Amazon $AMZN. With the new option, shoppers can place orders as early as 6 a.m. Separately, Target said it is planning to sell its AI technology software, which can help reduce the time it takes the companies it partners with to deliver its goods.

McDonald’s wants to win back low-income consumers. To get them back, the restaurant chain said it plans to implement a new growth strategy — including larger burgers, more chicken, and a refined coffee experience. That comes as the fast food giant faced a cybersecurity-related outage.

The Swedish budget furniture retailesssr said it’s issuing price markdowns for its home furnishing goods after it pointed to easing inflation levels and declining expenses for raw materials.

Target $TGT is trying to keep up with the competition by launching Target Circle 360, a new paid membership. The loyalty program is the latest iteration of exclusive memberships looking to keep customers coming back. Target Circle 360 launches April 7. Retail giants like Amazon $AMZN already offer Amazon Prime, while Walmart $WMT offers Walmart+.