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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: McDonald’s reported a stronger-than-expected rebound in global same-store sales, rising 3.8% in Q2 2025, driven by its renewed focus on value offerings amid consumer belt-tightening
• U.S. same-store sales increased 2.5%, with growth attributed to larger average order sizes rather than higher foot traffic
🔭 The context: Facing pressure from inflation-weary consumers, McDonald’s has been reasserting its position as a low-cost dining option
• The company rolled out new value menus and promotions across key markets to reinforce its affordability message
• Despite economic headwinds, especially among lower-income groups, the strategy appears to be yielding results after several quarters of slowing growth
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Quick-service restaurants like McDonald’s are under mounting scrutiny for their environmental and social impacts, including packaging waste, supply chain emissions, and labor conditions
• While the sales recovery supports financial stability, scaling operations without meaningful sustainability improvements risks further environmental strain
• The firm’s expanding footprint — 2,200 new restaurants planned in 2025 — raises critical questions about sustainable growth models in the global food sector
⏭️ What's next: McDonald’s plans to continue leveraging data-driven pricing and value bundling to retain cost-sensitive customers
• Investors will watch whether its value-led strategy can sustain momentum across markets under economic pressure
• Additionally, attention will likely turn to how the company integrates sustainability targets — such as emissions reduction and sustainable sourcing — into its growth plans
💬 One quote: “There’s still pressure on the lower-income consumer,” said CEO Chris Kempczinski, noting that affordability remains central to McDonald’s positioning.
📈 One stat: McDonald’s plans to open approximately 2,200 new restaurants in 2025—one of its most aggressive annual expansions in recent years
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