December 5, 2025

Here are our picks for top news impacting retailers today:

• Ulta Beauty has lifted its full-year guidance after outperforming Q3 estimates, with fragrances, skincare products, and other cosmetics items bolstering its bottom line. The company now anticipates annual revenue of ~$12.3 billion, an upward revision from a previous estimated range of between $12 billion to $12.1 billion. “Our third quarter results exceeded our expectations, reflecting the steady progress and momentum our team is building as we execute our Ulta ‘Beauty Unleashed’ strategy. Exciting assortment newness, improved in-store and digital experiences, and bold marketing efforts are resonating with our guests and drove strong sales results, market share gains, and growth across all categories and channels, with notable strength in ecommerce,” said Kecia Steelman, Ulta Beauty president and CEO (via Forbes).
• Kroger plans to push even more new store builds in 2026 as it reports sales increases — including an e-commerce figure of sales growth topping 17% — and a net loss of $1.32 billion, largely tied to one-time costs as expansion continues apace. “We expect to break ground on 14 new stores in the fourth quarter, marking a meaningful acceleration in activity. When you look at 2026, we expect to increase new store builds by 30%,” CEO Ron Sargent told analysts (via Chain Store Age).
• Costco is adding Gina Raimondo, former Commerce secretary for the Biden administration, to its board of directors. “We are very pleased to nominate Secretary Raimondo for election to our Board. Her vast experience in global business, politics and international security at the highest level will add an important dimension to our current expertise,” Costco Chairman Tony James said in a statement (via CNBC).
• Dollar General likewise announced significant store expansion plans. The discount retailer indicated plans to open 450 new U.S. locations over the course of 2026, alongside 10 in Mexico. A whopping 4,250 store remodels were also slated as being part of the strategy. “Our first priority is investing in the business, including our existing store base, as well as other high-return growth opportunities such as new store expansion, remodels, and other strategic initiatives,” Donny Lau, CFO for Dollar General, told investors (via FOX Business).
• Netflix has announced a deal to purchase Warner Bros. Discover that would be worth $72 billion, plus debt, if concluded. Paramount and Comcast, known competitors in the bidding war for WBD, may intend to pursue the purchase regardless — and many industry insiders warn that opposition to the deal is mounting already (via CNN Business).