Can Brian Niccol make @Starbucks feel like Starbucks again ADWEEK’s October issue explores how CEO Brian Niccol’s Back to Starbucks plan aims to restore the coffeehouse experience through refurbished stores, a simpler menu, a revamped loyalty program, and more staff during rushes. The turnaround has improved comps and renewed the brand’s focus, but controversies persist. His $96 million pay package and company-jet commute drew criticism. Starbucks has closed hundreds of stores, cut thousands of jobs, and remains locked in a dispute with unionized workers. Rising coffee and tariff costs, along with staffing expenses, add pressure. Starbucks is betting that service and operations can fuel growth without eroding trust among customers, employees, and investors. Read the full cover story 👉 adweek.it/4rMELDg

.@Walmart is opening its shopping platform to AI agents through a new portal and beta Agent Gateway, which uses the Model Context Protocol to help agents shop efficiently without accessing customers’ personal information or purchase histories. adweek.it/4k9zNyz

.@Meta reported third-quarter ad revenue of $63.1 billion, up 26% year over year, as impressions rose 10% and average ad prices increased 14%. AI improvements boosted engagement and ad performance, with Meta’s GEM model increasing conversions by 1.7% for off-site campaigns and 9.6% for app ads. adweek.it/4jCiBSf

.@PublicisGroupe has appointed Scott Hagedorn as Marcel’s first CEO as it expands the AI platform into a client-facing tool used by thousands of employees for more than 90 clients. Hagedorn, who joined Publicis in 2022, will lead the effort with Sam Levine Archer, Marcel’s new chief strategy officer. adweek.it/4zHTsu1

Some stories are worth telling twice. Welcome to our new series, where we dig through the archives and share the stories with you! Our first stop is summer 2006 when fans spoofed the Snakes on a Plane trailer, and @NewLineCinema did the smartest thing they could do: nothing.

.@LePub_worldwide has hired Shannon Nunn to lead its New York office as CEO. He will oversee the LePub’s operations across the US, reporting to Susie Nam, CEO of Publicis Creative US, and Bruno Bertelli, global CEO and CCO of LePub Worldwide. Read more 👉 adweek.it/4BmNpgg

.@PPFA has a lot to navigate between defunding, reproductive rights rollbacks, and more. While navigating that, the organization's social team has to share important information while breaking through the feed. Their way in? Ensuring they focus on values-driven content.

What does it take to build a brand that stands out without getting caught in a race to the bottom? In this guest-only episode of Adspeak by ADWEEK, Paulie Dery, CMO at @drink_AG1, and Victoria Lozano, CMO at @Crayola, share how brands can move beyond product benefits to create deeper consumer connections and lasting cultural relevance. adweek.it/4BCinRR

.@PepsiCo and @abinbev veteran Sebnem Erim is Diageo North America’s new chief marketing officer. She said she was excited to help shape the future of its iconic brands. Diageo owns about 200 brands, including Tanqueray, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, and Guinness. adweek.it/4zKOblu

.@AppleMusic's rebrand 😮‍💨

Cuttable, an Australian startup that turns brands’ photo and video assets into AI ads across @Meta and @TikTok_US, has raised $20 million in Series A funding. View the pitch deck below 👇 adweek.it/487UFiw

.@Whatnot's first national spot stars @Giants' @camskattebo5 plunging his head through the walls of three sellers busy shooting their livestreams. Learn more about Whatnot's first national campaign 👉 adweek.it/3UEQBTV

.@Meta has been ordered to pay $25 billion for deceiving users about privacy

As fans await @AppleMusic's next Super Bowl halftime headliner, the platform has unveiled a new “made by sound” identity created with @TBWAMAL. Working with @fredagainagain1 and Nest Acoustics, the team filmed musical vibrations rippling through mineral oil, using the footage to shape a bold, lowercase wordmark and a new audiovisual signature. The identity rolls out across Apple Music’s original content and events this week, following a preview tied to its new Apple Music Hall. adweek.it/4iypPWk

.@BestBuy and @IGN are launching Best Buy Gamers, a beta portal featuring gaming reviews, videos, and exclusive content, as well as holiday programming on IGN, including a gift guide and shoppable livestream. Best Buy Ads will sell placements and develop brand partnerships across sponsored content and creator integrations. adweek.it/4ziamzX

On Thursday, @Grindr will host its third Pleasure Ball in New York City, a Halloween party and costume contest. The LGBTQ+ dating app hopes it will become the “gay rival to the Met Gala,” said chief marketing officer Tristan Pineiro. This year’s party is backed by @absolutvodka, @lyft, and Back Market. adweek.it/4z3hUpY

.@CNN has introduced a new homepage layout, including a new video carousel at the top to showcase live channels and on-demand offerings included in CNN’s DTC subscription product, All Access. adweek.it/4yXpH8D