Walmart

The US consumer protection agency FTC is requesting information from Walmart about its pricing practices and demanding details on whether personal data such as location, browser history or income are used to set individualized prices, wages and job offers. The request also applies to Uber and seven other companies and is part of a study for lawmakers and regulators. The move comes amid concerns about algorithmic pricing and potential consumer protection violations, and is timed ahead of the upcoming congressional elections. » More on faz.net

Walmart will allow customers to connect their own AI agents to shop on its site next month via new Agent Profiles and an Agent Gateway using the Model Context Protocol. Agents must follow Walmart rules, cannot change payment methods, and will be restricted to necessary data while purchases require approval by default or can be limited to a set budget. The system will also let customers review agent purchases separately and can be turned off at any time; Sam’s Club will support the feature as well. » More on theverge.com

Walmart introduced a combined Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus membership for $120 a year, claiming about $100 in annual savings versus buying both separately. The dual plan includes members-only Sam's Club prices, free delivery from both retailers, a Peacock or Paramount+ subscription, 10 cents off per gallon at 17,000 U.S. gas stations and rewards on eligible purchases. Existing Walmart+ or Sam's Club members can upgrade for $22 or $60 extra per year respectively. The move is part of Walmart's broader low-price strategy to attract cash-strapped consumers amid persistent inflation. » More on cbsnews.com

Walmart is expanding its health insurance for employees and will cover copayments for more than 250 prescription drugs starting next year, including insulin, inhalers and treatments for migraines, dementia and cardiovascular conditions. Branded drugs such as Ozempic from Novo Nordisk and Mounjaro from Eli Lilly will be reimbursed after prior authorization. Additional benefits include paid leave for parents of newborns in intensive care and second opinions at Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic; premiums are set to rise in 2027, but more moderately than in 2026. » More on deraktionaer.de

Kylie Jenner’s hydration brand k20, which already launched at Target, will debut in roughly 2,000 Walmart locations in the vitamin/pharmacy section with endcap placements. CEO Jay Hunter says the company is shifting toward the beauty-from-within category and is developing new flavors and product lines focused on hydration, de-bloating, de-stressing and hormones. The brand’s Advanced Skin Hydration Mix contains electrolytes, collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid, and ecommerce sales via TikTok Shops, Amazon and the brand site have reached about $12 million. k20’s core target is women aged 20–35 and the company plans further expansion leveraging influencer marketing. » More on forbes.com