DoorDash ‘goes to the dogs’ in partnership with PetSmart

CSA

A leading specialty pet retailer is further expanding the reach of DoorDash into the pet supply vertical. . . . more

27% of U.S. shopping centers are found in California, Texas, and Florida

CSA

There are 115,049 shopping centers in the United States and 27% of them can be found in its three most populous states: California, Texas, and Florida. . . . more

Survey: Americans are ready to spend on some fun

CSA

As vaccinations increase, U.S. consumers are preparing themselves to enjoy the upcoming summer. . . . more

Level99 opens in Natick with a taproom, beer hall, and interactive challenges

Boston.com

At Level99, the floor is lava. At least, it is in one of the entertainment venue’s interactive rooms, where guests swing on ropes over shimmering LED lava. . . . more

J.P. Licks Ice Cream Chain Sued For Unpaid Rent During Pandemic

CBS Boston
A popular Boston ice cream chain is being sued for unpaid rent during the pandemic. . . . more

Best Buy joins Target, Walmart in closing stores on Thanksgiving Day

CSA

It’s still early in the game but retailers’ plans for holiday 2021 are starting to take shape — and they are looking similar to last year. . . . more

Brookfield latches on to new gaming concept; planning 1,000 locations in five years

CSA

Electric Gamebox, a multi-player video game experience developed in the U.K., will be opening 100 locations in the U.S. in the next two years—many of them in Brookfield properties. . . . more

Kohl’s hopes to wow customers with June sales extravaganza

CSA

There are now at least four major retailers running late June sales extravaganzas that directly compete with the upcoming Amazon Prime Day event. . . . more

Coming this summer – pay your bills in cash at Walmart

CSA

Walmart is expanding its growing portfolio of financial services. . . . more

Major US mall owner files for bankruptcy

WHDH
Washington Prime Group, a major mall owner of more than 100 locations across the United States, filed for bankruptcy, citing pandemic-related shutdowns. . . . more

DivcoWest Brings REI Neighborhood Store to Cambridge Crossing

Boston Real Estate Times
DivcoWest announced it will welcome specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op to Cambridge Crossing (CX), the new 43-acre neighborhood at the intersection of Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston. . . . more

Footwear Prices Are Going Up — Here’s What to Expect in the Months Ahead

Footwear News

It’s official: Prices are rising, and it’s likely they’ll remain higher than usual in the months to come. . . . more

U.S. online sales forecast revised upward

CSA

E-commerce is on track to surpass 20% of total U.S. retail sales by 2024. . . . more

Alex and Ani files for bankruptcy

CSA

Alex and Ani is looking for a buyer. . . . more

J. Jill rebounds from pandemic doldrums with 42% sales growth

Retail Dive

As it lapped last year's pandemic closures, J. Jill's first-quarter sales grew about 42% year over year to $129.1 million. . . . more

GameStop fills CEO, CFO spots with former Amazon execs

Retail Dive

GameStop filled two of its most important open C-suite positions with Amazon veterans as the company works toward a digital makeover and reported first-quarter sales growth of about 25%. . . . more

Jack in the Box Reveals its Restaurant of the Future

QSR
Before Darin Harris began his tenure as Jack in the Box CEO in June 2020, the construction design team examined how to create the most efficient kitchen possible to maximize volume and develop an engine that enabled the brand to fit on smaller sites. . . . more

Showcase Cinemas North in Worcester has officially closed

Spectrum News
Showcase Cinemas Worcester North is officially closed, according to National Amusements. . . . more

Dunham’s Sports Plans To Open 11 New Stores In Back Half Of 2021

Plain Vanilla Shell

Dunham’s Sports recently announced plans to open 11 new stores in the back half of 2021, bringing the company’s total store count to over 250. . . . more

In the Past Year, Francesca’s Faced COVID, a Bankruptcy and New Ownership — Here’s How Its Business Is Faring Now

Footwear News

Calling the past year unprecedented is no understatement for Francesca’s. . . . more