Adobe data on packaging, unboxings, and included elements shows that shoppers are very receptive to high-quality, standout or attractive, and personalized packaging. A vast majority (73% of those surveyed) said premium packaging improves brand perception (more).

Amazon delivered crushing wins on both the net income and sales metrics as its AWS cloud computing unit saw massive gains of 36.7% (to $42.2 billion) versus the year-prior period. Net income soared to $62.6 billion versus $18.2 billion the year prior, and net sales improved by 20% to $200.6 billion (more).

Yum Brands indicated that Taco Bell sales were down 2% quarter-to-date through July 27, with execs stating that the negative impact tied to the high-profile Cyclospora outbreak is nearly over. “It is early days, but in the subsequent week [following July 18, where the issue created the harshest hit to sales], sales declines have moderated materially, and we are seeing steady improvement in day-over-day sales trends,” Yum Brands CFO Ranjith Roy said (more).

Chevron and ExxonMobil both delivered very high Q2 profits largely backed by surging oil prices tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict. Chevron’s net income was notched at $12 billion (a ~4x uptick versus the same period last year), while Exxon’s profits reached $14.5 billion versus $7.1 billion during the same time frame in 2025 (more).

New Balance is set to open a 4,400-square-foot flagship store in Los Angeles on July 30, located at The Grove shopping center. “More than a store, it is a powerful expression of our premium brand – deepening our connection to the dynamic Los Angeles market by bringing together elevated storytelling, authentic athlete and ambassador connections, and inspiring experiences that help consumers discover their personal style,” said Tracy Knauer, SVP North America for New Balance (more).