Volkwagen Group could slash its existing model lineup by 50%, with those models which remain also seeing options within the range cut by as much as 75%. Moving forward, VW Group is prioritizing “products and technologies that deliver the greatest added value for customers and the highest value contribution to the Group” (more).

Costco showed a strong report card for June, with net sales up 10.6% to $29.24 billion and comp sales up 8.8% — and 10.6% stateside. Excluding gas, the warehouse club also saw its average transaction increase by 3.3% (more).

Qdoba Mexican Eats has penned a pair of development agreements which would see it expand its presence in Atlanta and Nashville, with broader plans for the chain to open ~100 restaurants on a yearly basis. “Mexican fast casual is one of the most attractive segments in restaurants, and QDOBA has the brand, menu, and unit economics to win,” said Barry Dubin, founder and CEO of B Wild Investments (more).

Kohl’s is joining Staples, Dollar General, and other retailers in mounting a push for back-to-school spend, advertising thousands of SKUs at a sub-$25 price point. “Today’s families are looking for more than just a back-to-school checklist — they want confidence that they’re making the right choices for their kids and their budgets,” Kohl’s CMO Christie Raymond said (more).

PepsiCo put forth a mixed second-quarter report card based on slight global volume and weakened domestic demand. EPS came in at $2.20 adjusted against $2.21 expected, while revenue reached $24.18 billion versus $23.95 billion anticipated (more).