Claims spreading online that Costco has recently issued a new recession warning were not supported by current statements, with widely shared remarks traced to a 2023 earnings call. Then-CFO Richard Galanti described consumers shifting from beef to cheaper protein. Costco management later said member spending remained broadly consistent and higher-priced meat was growing faster. Attention returned as U.S. beef prices rose to record levels and other indicators added to slowdown concerns.

Amazon plans to build a 229,000-square-foot offline store in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, which would be larger than a Walmart Supercenter, CNBC reported. The store will sell groceries, daily necessities and general merchandise, and will include some warehouse and delivery space. City authorities have approved the construction, with a final vote scheduled for Jan. 19. Local media reported some residents oppose the plan over traffic concerns.