The Kalibrate news round-up: August 2025
Amazon reveals most significant grocery expansion
Tens of millions of Prime members in more than 1,000 cities and towns can now shop for fresh groceries with their Same-Day Delivery orders. The company has plans to expand this offering to over 2,300 cities and towns across the US by year-end.
Ampol in acquisition of EG Australia stores
Ampol is nearing finalisation of the deal to acquire EG Group’s Australian fuel station network for around A$1 billion (roughly US$656 million). The deal would boost Ampol’s footprint significantly, putting it neck and neck with Viva Energy in Australia’s fuel retail landscape.
McDonald’s global sales beat expectations on affordable menu appeal
McDonald’s posted stronger-than-anticipated global sales growth, led by a 5.6% rise in Japan, and a 4% sales increase internationally, fueled by demand for affordable meal options. Its adjusted net income of $3.19 per share exceeded estimates of $3.15.
Simons: The rare success story for department stores
It would be easy to assume that the traditional department store has become irrelevant in a world where consumers can purchase anything with the tap of a finger. But the expansion of Simons – which will soon have 19 locations in total, including a Mississauga store that opened at Square One in 2016 – tells a different story.
The diversification of convenience: Seoul’s “mind convenience stores” combat loneliness
Seoul is reimagining convenience retail as a social lifeline. Its new “mind convenience stores” found in familiar, stigma-free locations offer everything from instant ramen and foot spas to massage chairs and peer counselling. These thoughtful safe havens, part of the “Seoul without loneliness” initiative, are already drawing far more people than expected, serving as quiet retreats for those craving connection over conversation.
Starbucks evaluate the best ways to capture the future growth opportunities in China
Starbucks could be inching closer to a deal in China as the coffee chain considers options for selling at least part of its second-largest global division after the United States.
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