Kohl’s adding 400 in-store Sephora shops this year

CSA

The rollout of in-store Sephora shops at Kohl’s is accelerating this year. . . . more

Chipotle's menu prices are about 10% higher than last year, and still climbing

Restaurant Dive
Chipotle's menu prices are roughly 10% higher overall compared with 2020's prices, the burrito chain confirmed during its Q4 2021 earnings call on Tuesday. . . . more

DoorDash will give cash advances to small businesses

Restaurant Dive
DoorDash on Wednesday launched a new service, called DoorDash Capital, which provides cash advances to partner restaurants and other small businesses. . . . more

Toasted Yolk Proves Breakfast is Already Back

FSR Magazine

For most of the restaurant industry, the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel” still seems far out of reach. . . . more

CVS to spend up to $3B on digital features

Retail Dive
Building on its previous tech advancements, CVS plans to spend up to $3 billion on "digital enhancements to improve the consumer experience as well as our community locations," Shawn Guertin, executive vice president and chief financial officer, said during a Q4 earnings call Wednesday. . . . more

Urban Outfitters names new president; posts record Q4 sales

CSA

Urban Outfitters ended the year with record sales and a new leader for its namesake brand. . . . more

Under Armour rebound continues; shifting fiscal year

CSA
Under Armour’s turnaround maintained momentum quarter as the activewear brand reported fourth-quarter sales and earnings that beat estimates. But supply chain concerns weighed on its outlook. . . more

Roche Bros. Quincy Location Closing In April After 26 Years Of Operation

CBS Boston
Roche Bros., the Mansfield-based supermarket chain, is closing down its Quincy location in April. . . . more

Dogtopia Wraps 2021 with Strong Year of Growth

Franchising.com
Dogtopia is excited about 2022 after another year of great success in 2021. . . . more

Fat Brands' CEO on developing supply chain, labor strategies for the Super Bowl

Restaurant Dive

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sales days of the year for Fat Brands, which offers chicken wings — a menu item synonymous with the big game — at seven of its 17 restaurant franchises. . . . more

Christmas Tree Shops achieves independence with new enterprise system

CSA

Christmas Tree Shops is completing its separation from Bed Bath & Beyond by migrating technology operations to a hybrid cloud platform. . . . more

AMC Theatres makes hire to take its Perfectly Popcorn to retail

CSA

Cinema chains continue to be the retail center tenants hardest hit by the pandemic, and that’s led one to get into the retail business. . . . more

Save A Lot completes transition to wholesale model

CSA

Save A Lot has completed a transition that it said will position the company for growth. . . . more

Little Caesars plots more store expansion in 2022

CSA

Little Caesars has ambitious plans to continue expanding its global footprint. . . . more

Hobby Lobby to open its first store in NYC

CSA

One of the country's largest arts-and-crafts retailer had drawn a circle around the United States’ largest market but never entered it. Now it will. . . . more

Saugus Likes What It Sees At Kowloon

Item Live
Chair Anthony Cogliano said the Board of Selectmen’s site visit at Kowloon Restaurant this past Saturday went well. . . . more

J.C. Penney launches new menswear brand

CSA

J.C. Penney is adding to its private-label portfolio. . . . more

Apple empowers businesses to accept contactless payments through Tap to Pay on iPhone

Apple
Apple today announced plans to introduce Tap to Pay on iPhone. . . . more

Fogo de Chao plans to grow restaurant count by 15% in 2022

Restaurant Duive
Fogo de Chao plans to grow its system by 15% this year, with company-owned locations in the U.S. and international franchise restaurants. . . . more

Aldi to open 150 stores and new DC

CSA

Aldi is targeting the Gulf Coast as its aggressive expansion continues. . . . more

Giant Fenway project undergoes a few changes — and gets a new name

BBJ
The 2-million-square-foot Fenway project now has two smaller buildings, less retail space and a new project name. . . . more

COVID-19 tests are now being sold at liquor stores – and that’s a concern for some

Seacoast Online
With the omicron variant persisting and at-home rapid COVID-19 tests in short supply, the state opened access Friday to 500,000 tests thanks to $12 million in federal pandemic money. . . . more

After Signing Over 30 Franchise Agreements in 2021, Workout Anytime Sets Sights On Even More Growth in 2022

Plain Vanilla Shell
Workout Anytime, a 180-plus unit leader in the fitness franchise industry, continued to provide results-based services in local communities for a great value in 2021 by signing more than 30 franchise agreements. . . . more

Jimmy John’s opens its first-ever drive-thru only site

CSA

Customers can’t dine in at Jimmy John’s new restaurant concept. . . . more

Colliers: Store openings on pace to surpass closures; vacancy rates down

CSA

Houston ranked as the top metro area for retail space (by square feet) under construction (as of the start of 2021). . . . more

Wingstop opens digital-focused prototype with no seating

Restaurant Dive
Wingstop is opening a cashless, digital-focused prototype in Dallas that will serve as an innovation lab to test new equipment and restaurant configurations, the chain announced Thursday. . . . more

Adidas to hire more than 2,800 employees in 2022

Retail Dive
As Reebok cuts staff ahead of its acquisition, parent company Adidas this week announced it would hire more than 2,800 employees in 2022. . . more

Amazon hikes Prime membership by $20 to $139

Retail Dive
Citing the expansion of member benefits and rising labor and transportation costs, Amazon on Thursday said the annual price of its Prime membership will rise from $119 to $139 as of Feb. 18, the first hike since 2018. . . more

GameStop makes NFT marketplace plans official

CSA
After a month of industry speculation, GameStop is confirming its intention to launch a digital marketplace for non-fungible tokens (NFTs). . . more

Big Lots, Five Below and Dollar General lead sector foot traffic in Q4

CSA

Overall foot traffic remained rock-solid in the fourth quarter for a very important sector of retail. . . . more

Simon launches ghost kitchen offering

CSA

The nation’s largest owner of shopping malls is the latest retail entity to enter the ghost kitchen space. . . . more

2021’s New Normal vs. 2019’s Old Normal in retail

CSA
Brick-and-mortar retail has long been an industry that is defined by survival of the differentiated. What can be commoditized, de-localized, or digitized likely will be. We’ve all watched category after category get Amazon’d and relegated to the dustbin of history. (Blockbuster Video, anyone?) . . . more

Prepare to pay more: Starbucks is planning even more price hikes this year

WCVB

Starbucks has been hiking prices as inflation soars and labor costs rise. And it's planning more this year. . . . more

‘Camp’ Toy Store Opening At Burlington Mall, Featuring ‘Paw Patrol’ Experience

CBS Boston
Winter break for schools is just around the corner, and for weary parents that means a scramble to find activities for their kids. A new spot at the Burlington Mall opening Thursday could help fill the void. . . . more

RECon will re-emerge as ICSC 2022 Las Vegas

CSA

RECon’s back in Vegas this May…well, sort of. . . . more

Vitamin Shoppe opens its first-ever franchise store

CSA

The Vitamin Shoppe has embarked on the next chapter of its growth. . . . more

Panera launches mobile order-ahead — for dining-in

CSA

Panera Bread is now enabling customers to order via their own devices for plated dine-in service. . . . more

Petco partners to offer pet sitting, dog walking and other services

CSA

Petco Health and Wellness Company is partnering to offer an expanded lineup of pet services. . . . more

PGA Tour Superstore expanding into new markets in 2022

CSA

PGA Tour Superstore is growing its store footprint on the heels of strong sales growth in 2021 and growing momentum in golf across a diverse range of consumers. . . . more

Lowe’s introduces loyalty program for home improvement professionals

CSA

Lowe's Cos. is attempting to deepen its relationship with customers who work in the home improvement industry. . . . more

Walmart unveils new, upgraded store design

CSA

Walmart is looking to put the “wow” in its stores. . . . more

Sola Salons Marks Unprecedented Growth In 2021 With 600th Location Opening

PR Newswire
Sola Salons, the world's largest and fastest growing salon studios franchise, announced today its 600th location worldwide - marking the brand's 17th location in Wisconsin. . . . more

Valentine’s Day spending to be second highest on record

CSA

Consumers are looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a big way — particularly when it comes to jewelry. . . . more

Chicken Salad Chick to open more than 50 locations in 2022

CSA
All signs point to a strong year ahead for Chicken Salad Chick. . . . more

UMass Lowell to redevelop East Campus area as mixed-use urban district

Lowell Sun
UMass Lowell is accepting proposals for a mixed-use transformation of its East Campus into a vibrant and active urban district. . . . more

Dunkin’ giving away free coffee on Wednesdays in February

WHDH
Dunkin’ says it plans to give away free coffee to its loyal customers during the month of February. . . . more

Domino’s will pay you $3 to not get your pizza delivered

WHDH
Facing a shortage of workers, Domino’s Pizza is hoping to incentivize its customers to choose carryout over delivery. . . . more

Tractor Supply hits store milestone — with plans to continue rapid growth

CSA

Tractor Supply Company is moving full speed ahead into the new year. . . . more

Athleta taps Alicia Keys to create capsule collection

Retail Dive
As it expands its digital and in-store offerings, Athleta has enlisted Alicia Keys to create a capsule collection and serve as a mentor for Athleta's Power of She Fund grant program, according to a Tuesday press release. . . . more

Should retailers be investing in the metaverse?

Retail Dive
Almost every big technological innovation has its skeptics. Smartphones and social media were no exception. . . . more

Pet treat sales near $10 billion in U.S.

Supermarket News

U.S. retail sales of dog and cat treats were expected to reach $9.87 billion by the end of 2021, after two years of double-digit increases, according to Packaged Facts’ Pet Treats and Chews in the U.S. report. . . . more

Private brands outpace national counterparts in new products

Supermarket News

Though new product introductions plunged across the CPG sector with the onset of COVID-19, private label has rebounded in various categories while national brands have continued to decline, according to digital marketing and media firm Catalina. . . . more

Retail expert warns recession just ‘around the corner'

Fox Business
During an interview on "Mornings with Maria" retail expert Burt Flickinger explained how the increase of items returned at retail stores combined with inflation could potentially lead to a recession in the near future. . . . more

Home Depot names new CEO

CSA

The chief operating officer of Home Depot is getting a new job. . . . more

Lowe’s to open in-store Petco shops

CSA

Lowe’s is looking beyond home improvement and appliances. . . . more

Kohl's acknowledges takeover interest

Retail Dive
Kohl's on Monday acknowledged "that it has received letters expressing interest" in taking it over, following reports over the weekend that two financial firms are preparing bids. . . . more

First Look: Wilson Sporting Goods celebrates sports, play at NYC flagship

CSA

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. wants customers to play and shop at its new flagship in New York City. . . . more

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Considers Going Public

QSR

Coming off a record year, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is reportedly planning to go public later in 2022, according to Bloomberg. . . . more

Wing It On! Begins 2022 with Big Growth Plans

QSR
After a year of key triumphs to further cement its place as one of the most exciting chicken concepts in its category, North Carolina-based Wing It On! . . . more

Noodles & Company Pushing Unit Growth in 2022, Says CFO

Franchise Times
After five years of continuously losing units, from 532 locations in 2016 down to 454 locations in 2020, Noodles & Company is set to make a comeback. . . . more

BJ’s Wholesale on a roll with new store openings

CSA

BJ’s Wholesale Club continues to expand its footprint. . . . more

Gordon Ramsay’s new Boston restaurant opens inside Mandarin Oriental Monday

MassLive

Gordon Ramsay’s new Boston restaurant opens inside the Mandarin Oriental on Monday. . . . more

Market Basket ‘Stole The Number 3 Position From Trader Joe’s’ In New Grocery Retailer Rankings

CBS Boston
Massachusetts-based Market Basket is moving up in a new ranking of America’s best grocery retailers.. . . more

Marco’s Pizza on fast track for expansion

CSA

Marco’s Pizza’s store pipeline is robust as it looks to expand nationwide. . . . more

Friendly's eyes fast-casual model for the chain's reinvention

BBJ

The new Friendly’s Café in Massachusetts might serve as a template for Friendly’s growth. . . . more

The Painted Burro Plans to Open in the Former Border Cafe Space in Cambridge's Harvard Square

Boston Restaurant Talk

A group of Mexican restaurants appears to be expanding to a new location, and it would be taking over an iconic space in Cambridge. . . . more

Mall owner leased more space in 2021 than it did in the previous five years

CSA

If malls are dying, why are so many new tenants taking space in them? . . . more

Batteries Plus to open 55 stores in 2022

CSA

The nation’s largest battery, light bulb, key fob and phone repair franchise is on a roll. . . . more

An ice cream chain without freezers eyes national expansion

CSA

Ever been to a convenience store without refrigerators? A pizza shop without an oven? An ice cream store without freezers? . . . more

Planet Fitness to buy franchisee Sunshine Fitness in $800 million deal

Fox Business

Planet Fitness has agreed to acquire its franchisee Sunshine Fitness Growth Holdings in a cash and stock transaction valued at $800 million. . . . more

Chipotle, KFC and Donatos ring in 2022 with plant-based launches

Restaurant Dive
The first full week of 2022 has featured several plant-based menu launches across the restaurant industry. . . . more

Big Lots plans to add 500 new stores

Retail Dive

Detailing its long term ambitions, discounter Big Lots said that it could open 500 net stores, or more, in the coming years. . . . more

Macy’s to close six namesake stores, one Bloomingdale’s outlets in Q1

CSA
Macy’s revealed the list of a handful of stores that it will close this year. . . . more

ShopRite unveils pickup pods at New York store

CSA

ShopRite is the first grocer on the East Coast to utilize a new automated pickup solution. . . . more

Foxtrot Market to accelerate store expansion with new funding

CSA

Flush with new capital, Foxtrot Market plans to open 50 new stores in the next two years. . . . more

Grocery turns in strong retail sales performance for December

Supermarket News
Grocery sales climbed more than 8% in December and more than doubled that growth rate on a two-year stack, according to national retail sales tracker MasterCard SpendingPulse. . . . more

Sweetgreen launches Sweetpass subscription

Restaurant Dive

Sweetgreen is piloting Sweetpass, a subscription service that offers customers a discount of $3 on meals every day for a month. The service costs $10 and is available for purchase between Jan. 3 to Jan. 16, according to a statement emailed to Restaurant Dive. . . . more

Starbucks workers at Arizona store to hold union vote

Fox Business

A Starbucks location in Arizona could be the next to have workers unionize after being granted a request to hold an election. . . . more

Arby's new sandwich is so spicy it comes with a free shake

CNN Business
Basically every fast food chain has a spicy sandwich on sale, but Arby's version is so hot that it includes a fire retardant. . . . more

How Macy’s set out to conquer the department store business — and lost

Retail Dive
In 1990, Macy's was hardly the chain it is today. That year, four of the top 10 U.S. retailers on McKinsey & Company's list were department store companies, but Macy’s wasn’t one of them. . . . more

The retailer with the best omnichannel customer service is…

CSA

The largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world took the top spot in a ranking of retailers with the best omnichannel overall customer service, discovery and purchase. . . . more

Report: GameStop to launch NFT marketplace

CSA

GameStop is reportedly planning to enter the Web 3.0 space with moves into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrency. . . . more

Shoplifting is surging across America with dangerous and costly consequences

CNN Business
Retailers have always been vulnerable to shoplifting. But the emergence of coordinated and organized robberies at high-value stores, even during shopping hours, has the industry on edge. . . . more

Best Buy launches first-ever influencer program

CSA

The leading U.S. consumer electronics retailer is partnering with a major tech influencer. . . . more

Bed Bath & Beyond is closing 37 stores in 19 states

Boston Fox25

Bed, Bath & Beyond has announced it will close 37 stores, most by the end of February, USA Today is reporting. . . . more

Taco Bell selling $10-a-month taco subscription service

New York Post

Taco Tuesday is every day. Taco Bell has announced a new service that will allow their biggest fans to score a taco a day for 30 consecutive days for the price of $10 — that’s three tacos for every dollar.  . . . more

The Container Store acquires Closet Works for $21.5M

Retail Dive
The Container Store on Monday announced it acquired home storage and closet organization company Closet Works for $21.5 million. The deal closed Dec. 30. . . . more

BJ’s Wholesale Club expands in New York

CSA

BJ’s Wholesale Club is opening its first location of the new year. . . . more

Target launches its first home storage brand

CSA

Target Corp. has added another category to its growing portfolio of owned brands. . . . more

Walmart expanding grocery delivery inside customer homes to 30 million homes

CSA

Walmart is significantly scaling up its delivery service that allows it to enter a customer’s home or garage to deliver groceries and other purchases or pick up returns. . . . more

Macy’s reportedly cuts store hours amid COVID surge, staffing problems

CSA

Macy’s has temporarily shortened the hours its stores are open for business in January — but not by that much. . . . more

Chick-fil-A Opens Its First Boston Restaurant On Boylston Street

CBS Boston
Boston’s first Chick-fil-A officially opened early Wednesday morning, about ten years after its first attempt to bring a restaurant to the city. . . . more

Bed Bath & Beyond’s wedding registry business slips, as Amazon and Target attract engaged couples ahead of anticipated wedding boom

CNBC Business

More engaged couples are skipping Bed Bath & Beyond and signing up for wedding registries at Amazon and Target instead, according to a recent survey by Baird. . . . more

IKEA to raise prices this year

Fox Business

Furniture giant IKEA is raising its prices by an average of 9% in 2022 due to the ongoing global supply chain disruptions. . . . more

Little Caesars raises price of famous $5 pizza for first time in 25 years

Fox Business

The pizza chain Little Caesars is bumping the price of its famous Hot-N-Ready pizza above $5 for the first time in a quarter-century, according to reports. . . . more

7 restaurant trends that will define 2022

Restaurant Dive
Though many of the market forces that shaped the restaurant industry in 2021 were closely linked to disruption from the pandemic's onset in 2020, the new year will bring new challenges — and opportunities. . . . more

Best Buy joins Walmart, Target with in-house media company

CSA

The leading U.S. consumer electronics retailer is taking its targeted advertising activities to a new level. . . . more

Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade is One to Watch in 2022

QSR

Tim Weiderhoft, Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade’s CEO, predicts his brand will nearly double in size by the end of 2022, and to him, that’s just being modest. . . . more

Victoria’s Secret talks strong holiday sales; in stock buyback plan

CSA

Victoria’s Secret’s first holiday flying solo is trending positive. . . . more

The Supply Side: Store openings in 2021 nearly double closures

TB&P
Remember when retail stores were considered a thing of the past? Not anymore, according to Coresight Research, who said: “for the first time in four years, U.S. retailers will open more brick-and-mortar stores than they will close.”. . . more