Nov. 4, 2026

DoorDash Bags Instacart, Caper Carts Check Out & Starbucks Brews a Comeback | Fast Five

DoorDash Bags Instacart, Caper Carts Check Out & Starbucks Brews a Comeback | Fast Five
Omni Talk Retail
DoorDash Bags Instacart, Caper Carts Check Out & Starbucks Brews a Comeback | Fast Five

Retail news came in by the truckload this week! Chris Walton is joined by Kelly Carey, Senior Director at the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, for a packed Fast Five covering DoorDash's $17 billion Instacart acquisition, the end of Caper Carts, Starbucks' comeback, Walmart+'s international expansion, and whether Wall Street is sleeping on Amazon's retail business.

Sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Quorso, Manhattan Associates, and SmartScout, this week's episode tackles some BIG questions about the future of grocery delivery, in-store technology, consumer loyalty, and what it really takes to win in retail.

This week, they discuss:

  • 05:10 – DoorDash Bags Instacart for $17 Billion: DoorDash agrees to acquire Instacart for $17 billion. Chris and Kelly debate the strategic advantages, regulatory hurdles, and whether DoorDash wins even if the deal falls through. (Source)
  • 14:05 – Instacart Checks Out of Caper Carts: Instacart winds down its Caper Cart business after a $350 million investment. Does this signal the end of smart carts or just Instacart's version? (Source)
  • 20:15 – Starbucks Brews a Comeback: Starbucks reports 7.7% U.S. comparable sales growth, driven largely by higher tickets. Is its turnaround gaining momentum, or should slowing traffic raise concerns? (Source)
  • 29:30 – Walmart+ Heads South of the Border: Walmart+ launches in Mexico with delivery, entertainment, and healthcare benefits. How far can Walmart take its membership strategy globally? (Source)
  • 34:25 – Are We Sleeping on Amazon? Andy Jassy says Wall Street is underestimating Amazon's retail business. But with online store sales up just 2%, is he right? (Source)

PLUS, the Lightning Round! We're talking which retailer is the Milwaukee Brewers of retail, where Kelly would spend an extra hour shopping, the most overhyped in-store technology, and which Halloween candy deserves to be kept or re-gifted.

P.S. Be sure to check out all our other podcasts from the past week here, too: https://omnitalk.blog/category/podcast/

P.P.S. Also be sure to check out our podcast rankings on Feedspot.

Music by hooksounds