December 19, 2025

Here are our picks for top news impacting retailers today:

  • Entry-level retail jobs may become more difficult to land as AI-related skills become necessary, analysis from Forbes contributor Richard Kestenbaum suggests. “If AI-enabled store associates deliver better service and earn higher wages, retailers will need training programs, stronger hiring filters and incentives for motivation and skill. That may make the job of store associates a higher-skill role,” Kestenbaum wrote (via Forbes).
  • Olive Garden is considering a wider rollout and expansion of its lighter portions entree menu after initial testing delivered positive results. “Olive Garden has seen a double-digit increase in affordability perceptions from guests who order from the lighter portions menu and an increase in frequency among these guests, which should help build traffic over time,” CEO Rick Cardenas said (via FOX Business).
  • DoorDash has fully integrated itself into OpenAI’s ChatGPT AI model, with an app allowing users to hold conversations to produce recipes (and thus, shopping lists) for immediate delivery to their home. “We’re thrilled to partner with OpenAI to create a seamless experience that allows users to quickly order ingredients for any recipe and check out directly on DoorDash. As we expand this experience to more shopping categories, our focus is on building AI tools that give people time back and make local shopping easier,” said Andy Fang, co-founder at DoorDash (via Chain Store Age).
  • Honda‘s new 2026 Accord model is only slightly more expensive than last year’s, coming in at an MSRP of $29,590 including destination fees. All trim levels are equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the Accord SE coming with 19-inch wheels, versus 17-inch wheels on standard trims, with the Sport Hybrid coming with black window styling and additional badging (via Edmunds).
  • Chipotle is buying in on the protein craze, introducing a “meat in a cup” menu option as part of its High-Protein Menu push. “For years, guests have used Chipotle’s customizable offerings to build high protein and fiber-filled meals on their own,” Chris Brandt, Chipotle’s president and chief brand officer, said (via CNBC).