Out of COVID, Restaurants Race to Franchising Sector

QSR
Once a restaurant brand becomes well-established on a local or regional level, the natural next step for many is to dive into franchising. . . . more

Costco ending special COVID shopping hours

Costco
After two years, Costco has decided to end its special shopping hours that had been reserved exclusively for seniors, health care workers and first responders throughout the pandemic. . . . more

How COVID Forever Changed the Future of Fast-Food Design

QSR
Matthew Walls has a confession. For years, CKE Restaurants, the parent company of the well-known Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s quick-service brands, built the restaurants it wanted to build. . . . more

The pandemic rattled off-price retail in Q4

Retail Dive
Off-price retailers often rise above the challenges that tend to hurt most stores. . . . more

Mall Deep Dive - 2021 Yearly Review

CSA
The pandemic seems to have reinvigorated consumer demand for the mall experience, with 2021 foot traffic data proving once again that malls still play an important role in the broader retail landscape. But while many malls are thriving, others are struggling to adapt to the significant changes in consumer behavior and expectations in an almost-post-pandemic world. . . . more

Small businesses incorporating new technology to survive the coronavirus pandemic

Fox Business

The coronavirus pandemic has devastated many small and medium-sized businesses across America over the last two years, but many who have survived have come out stronger on the other side with new technologies and streamlined operations. . . . more

Iconic Harvard Square Flower Shop Closing After 104 Years In Business

CBS Boston
An iconic Harvard Square flower shop is permanently closing its doors after 104 years in business, citing in part challenges caused by the “daunting” COVID pandemic. . . . more

Fast Casual Restaurants Exit the Pandemic Positioned for Growth

QSR

Many segments of the restaurant industry are still struggling with the after-effects of the pandemic. However, fast casual brands may have emerged stronger than ever. It may sound surprising that after the difficulties the restaurant industry faced during the height of the pandemic, we would be saying this is a good time to invest—but it is. . . . more

CVS and Walgreens to limit the number of at-home Covid tests you can buy after surge in demand

CNN Business
The two largest pharmaceutical chain stores in the US -- CVS Health and Walgreens -- are limiting the number of at-home Covid kits customers can buy due to huge demand. . . more