November 18, 2025

  • Home Depot announced sluggish sales figures Nov. 18, stating that sales at U.S. stores which had been open for at least one year were up a mere 0.2% in the previous quarter. The retailer also slashed its full-year profit forecast. “We believe that consumer uncertainty and continued pressure in housing are disproportionately impacting home improvement demand,” Home Depot CEO Ted Decker said (via CNN Business).
  • Panera Bread is engaging in a turnaround effort following a shedding of customers and staff as it shrank portion sizes — and fell to third position in the U.S. fast casual space, behind Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panda Express. “In some instances, we shrunk portions, so guests would walk into our cafe to buy a sandwich that has gone up significantly in price, with lower quality ingredients, in a smaller size,” CEO Paul Carbone said of the chain’s previous mistakes (via CNBC).
  • Sizzler, the iconic steakhouse chain of the 1980s and 1990s, is also engaged in a revival effort. Creative agency Tavern is slated to handle the effort, with a stated desire to lean “into the sentimental value associated with the brand,” planning to “compete with fast-food giants like McDonald’s and offer a more appealing alternative for parents seeking a dining experience that evokes comfort and familiarity” (via FOX Business).
  • Target investors are bracing themselves for further damage control, with sluggish sales growth and continuing inventory woes coinciding with staffing problems and disorganize store sales floors. “When [money’s] tight, Americans aren’t going to spend as much on what Target has to offer,” said Charles Sizemore, a Target investor (via Reuters).
  • AkzoNobel and Axalta are combining to form a trans-Atlantic paint giant worth $17 billion in revenue and $25 billion in enterprise value. “We’re excited to enter a new chapter in our long and proud history as a leader in the paints and coatings industry. This merger will allow us to accelerate our growth ambitions by bringing together highly complementary technologies, expertise and passionate people to unlock our full combined potential,” said Greg Poux-Guillaume, CEO and chairman of AkzoNobel (via press release).