Melissa Repko
Melissa Repko is a retail and consumer reporter at CNBC, where she covers major grocers and big-box stores like Walmart, Target and Home Depot. She also reports on department stores, discounters and specialty retailers. Melissa closely follows consumer trends, analyzing how spending patterns affect the labor market and U.S. economy. Prior to joining CNBC, she worked for The Dallas Morning News, The Oregonian, ABC News and The Buffalo News. She is a graduate of Columbia University's Barnard College where she studied political science.
Biography:
https://www.cnbc.com/melissa-repko/
92%
The Daily's Verdict
This author is known for its high journalistic standards. The author strives to maintain neutrality and transparency in its reporting, and avoids conflicts of interest. The author has a reputation for accuracy and rarely gets contradicted on major discrepancies in its reporting.
Bias
90%
Examples:
- The author has a slight bias towards the companies they report on, often providing more space for their responses and less for workers' grievances.
Conflicts of Interest
95%
Examples:
- The author often covers the country's largest grocers and big-box chains, including Walmart, Target and Home Depot, along with department stores, discounters and specialty retailers. This creates a potential conflict of interest as these companies may influence the reporting.
Contradictions
87%
Examples:
- Contradictions are reported accurately and consistently with clear evidence.
- There are instances where the author reports on contradictory information within the companies' financial statements.
Deceptions
90%
Examples:
- The author occasionally uses language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable.
- There are instances where the author fails to provide evidence for claims made in the article.
Recent Articles
Costco Announces First Membership Fee Increase in Seven Years: What You Need to Know
Broke On: Wednesday, 10 July 2024Costco raised its membership fees for the first time since 2017, with the standard Gold Star Membership increasing to $65 and Executive Membership to $130 per year. The increase comes amidst inflation and supply chain disruptions, following similar moves by competitors Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale Club. Costco reported collecting $4.6 billion in membership fee revenue in 2023, a significant source of revenue for the company. Despite these changes, Costco remains committed to keeping prices low for members and generating value through its membership model. 
Rainbow Washing or Sincere Support: Analyzing the Shift in Corporate Pride Month Efforts Amidst Controversy
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024In 2024, some companies scaled back their Pride Month support due to conservative backlash and consumer boycotts, raising questions about sincerity and the impact on diversity initiatives. The term 'rainbow washing' refers to insincere corporate advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, which may carnivalize the community and distract from serious issues. 
Walmart Boosts Employees with Bonuses and New Career Paths in Expanding Bentonville Headquarters
Broke On: Monday, 03 June 2024Walmart, the world's largest retailer based in Bentonville, Arkansas, is expanding its presence in the city through new employee initiatives and partnerships. Hundreds of thousands of hourly workers are now eligible for bonuses based on store performance and tenure, while a new training program offers opportunities for higher earning potential. The company's hometown has seen significant changes with new construction and an influx of trendy businesses, attracting talent and competition from Amazon. Walmart is also expanding its offerings to compete, including groceries, household staples, ads sales, and a larger third-party marketplace. 
Target Announces Price Cuts on 5,000 Everyday Items Ahead of Q1 Earnings Report Amid Inflation
Broke On: Tuesday, 21 May 2024Target Corporation, based in Minneapolis, reports first quarter earnings on May 22, 2024. Amid inflation pressures and consumer pullback on spending, Target announces price cuts on over 5,000 everyday items including milk, fresh fruit, diapers, pet food and more. Sales are anticipated to range from flat to up 2%, with adjusted earnings per share between $8.60 and $9.60 for the full year. 
Lowe's Q1 FY2024 Earnings: Net Income Down, Beats Expectations Amidst Decrease in DIY Spending and Economic Uncertainty
Broke On: Tuesday, 21 May 2024Lowe's Q1 FY2024 earnings report revealed a net income decrease to $1.76 billion and sales drop to $21.36 billion, despite beating Wall Street expectations. The decline was attributed to decreased DIY spending and economic concerns, causing a 4.1% decrease in comparable sales. Lowe's anticipates total FY2024 sales between $84-$85 billion and earnings per share around $12-$12.30, while Home Depot missed revenue expectations due to a tougher housing market and delayed spring season. 
Macy's Reports Mixed Results for Q1 2024: Sales Decline but Profits Beat Estimates and Investments Pay Off
Broke On: Tuesday, 21 May 2024Macy's reported mixed results for Q1 2024 with sales decline but profit beat, investing in 50 stores to boost sales and customer response, yet faces challenges with weakest sales at Macy's brand and expects net sales between $22.3-22.9 billion. 
Walmart Reports 6.0% Revenue Growth in Q1 2024: Groceries, Home Cooking Trends Drive Success
Broke On: Thursday, 16 May 2024Walmart reports a 6.0% revenue increase in Q1 2024, driven by strong grocery sales due to inflation and consumer shift towards home cooking. The company also experiences growth in digital sales and launches new private label brand Bettergoods. 
Walmart Q1 Earnings Preview: Expanding Gross Margin, New Profit Streams, and Strategic Investments Amid Consumer Uncertainty
Broke On: Thursday, 16 May 2024Walmart is set to report a 4.7% year-over-year increase in earnings per share and revenue of $159.4 billion, driven by growth in digital advertising, third-party marketplace fees, and fulfillment services. The company plans to open 150 new outlets and modernize 1,400 stores over the next five years while targeting more affluent consumers with higher-quality items and its premium grocery brand, Bettergoods. 
Costco Beats Earnings Estimates, Reports 5.7% Revenue Growth and Strong Same-Store Sales in Q2
Broke On: Thursday, 07 March 2024Costco reported higher-than-expected earnings per share and revenue in the fiscal second quarter, driven by strong same-store sales growth across all regions. Digital sales grew more than 18% year over year. 
FTC Files Lawsuit to Block Kroger-Albertsons Merger, Citing Higher Grocery Prices and Lower Wages for Workers
Broke On: Monday, 26 February 2024The FTC has filed a lawsuit to block the merger of Kroger and Albertsons, arguing it would raise grocery prices for shoppers and lower wages for workers. The regulator contends that the combined company will have less incentive to improve customer experience.