5@5: Whole Foods fights workers over Black Lives Matter masks | Walmart redesigns store layout5@5: Whole Foods fights workers over Black Lives Matter masks | Walmart redesigns store layout

Workers at chains including Whole Foods and Whataburger are taking legal action in fight over employees' right to wear Black Lives Matter masks

Whole Foods and Whataburger, companies which have thus far banned workers from wearing masks or buttons with messages in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, are facing pushback from employees who argue that the rule is grounds for racial-discrimination lawsuits. 28 Amazon and Whole Foods employees in nine states filed a class-action lawsuit in July, and experts say that proving the companies' responses are linked to racial discrimination will likely be an uphill battle. Business Insider has the scoop ...

Walmart is embarking on its most comprehensive store redesign ever

Walmart's new store design was heavily inspired by an unlikely place: Airports. Two hundred of the retailer's physical locations will debut the new layout by early 2021, and offers a more "seamless" shopping experience by incorporating more self-checkout kiosks and contactless payment options. Customers are increasingly prioritizing contactless shopping and cutting back on time spent in store due to COVID-19, all of which Walmart took into account when formulating the new store design. Get the skinny on all the new store signage WGME ... 

Oat milk surges to second most popular in plant-based dairy

While the most popular plant-based milk is still almondmilk by a mile, oatmilk sales reached $213.35 million in the 52 weeks prior to Sept. 6, effectively edging out soymilk for the No. 2 spot. Consumers love oatmilk for its sustainability angle, slightly sweet taste, admirable nutritional profile and similarity to dairy milk. Is oatmilk on track to dethrone almondmilk altogether? Find out more at Food Dive ...

Amazon sees broad audience for its palm recognition tech

Like fingerprints, all palms are unique. This is why Amazon is now using palm recognition technology in two of its Seattle stores, which representatives for the company say is more private than other biometric technology. The new tech allows shoppers to merely flash a palm at a sensor in order to enter the store and purchase goods. Head over to U.S. News for the full story ...

I've not eaten KFC since the 80s. Its plant-based chicken nuggets will change that

In this article, the executive director of the nonprofit Good Food Institute applauds Kentucky Fried Chicken's partnership with Beyond Meat and unprecedented strides into the world of cell-cultured meat products. While vegan purists found many a flaw in the fast-food chain's approach (plant-based menu items are fried alongside their meat counterparts), the growing number of flexitarians looking for a way to indulge in their favorite foods in a more humane and sustainable way are thrilled. Read more at The Guardian …