Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Brian Lutz
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 4
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine Predicting the demise of Sears & Kmart since 2017! storewanderer Posts: 22711 Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 5:54 pm Has thanked: 9 times Been thanked: 1330 times Contact: Status: Offline HCal wrote: Today, 4:56 am My theory is that Walmart is getting ready to sell Sam's Club. This move quickly boosts customer counts and sales volume, so they can get a better price. Once it is sold, unlinking the membership benefits would be very easy.
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 3
SoCalRetail1 wrote: November 8th, 2026, 9:04 pm I can tell the liquor department has been looted, for lack of a better phrase. The pictures here show the insanely stupid directives coming down from the new CEO of Sam's. These changes began 6 weeks after the CEO change. Stores are to add more displays to end caps and widen them to drive sales.
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 3
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine Predicting the demise of Sears & Kmart since 2017! SoCalRetail1 Valued Contributor Posts: 6902 Joined: April 5th, 2016, 12:55 am Has thanked: 188 times Been thanked: 1404 times Status: Online storewanderer wrote: Yesterday, 11:24 pm They're still using the top shelves at the Sam's in my area.
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 3
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine Predicting the demise of Sears & Kmart since 2017! SoCalRetail1 Valued Contributor Posts: 6900 Joined: April 5th, 2016, 12:55 am Has thanked: 188 times Been thanked: 1404 times Status: Offline storewanderer wrote: Yesterday, 11:24 pm They're still using the top shelves at the Sam's in my area.
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 3
storewanderer wrote: Yesterday, 11:24 pm They're still using the top shelves at the Sam's in my area. They have so many pallets that if they weren't using the top, they'd have to put them in the parking lot in storage trailers (hope I didn't just give them an idea). They have the overflow pallets of water and some paper in front of a few items on that aisle but not every item. Maybe I wasn't aware just how many Walmart+ members there are...
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 2
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine Predicting the demise of Sears & Kmart since 2017! Alpha8472 Posts: 6074 Joined: February 24th, 2009, 10:55 pm Has thanked: 17 times Been thanked: 355 times Status: Offline Romr123 wrote: October 23rd, 2026, 3:56 pm What you're describing would seem to match the "difficult stores in their own division" concept that was mentioned somewhere here---essentially that difficult stores (shrink, layout, turnover, etc) are taken from the local...
Dash In opens first North Carolina locations, with plans for 16 total stores
https://www.bizjournals.com/triad/news/ ... e=facebook https://www.dashin.com/new-dash-in-and- ... -graham-nc Dash In, a Maryland-based convenience store chain of around 60 stores found primarily in the DMV area and Delaware, opened their third North Carolina location last month in Graham near the I-85/I-40 corridor, following two locations that opened in Charlotte and Concord during the Summer.
Nelson Peltz makes $1.4 billion offer for Wendy's - Page 2
Wendy's has rejected the offer. We'll see how it works out for them when he's making the same offer for a third less in 6 months...
Popeye's Brings Back Onion Rings
These new Cajun Onion rings start at $3.99. The onion rings used to be 3 or 6 pieces. That is no longer the case.
University Village Seattle to be sold to Simon Property Group - Page 2
University Village Seattle to be sold to Simon Property Group babs Store Manager Posts: 1959 Joined: December 20th, 2016, 5:08 pm Has thanked: 153 times Been thanked: 517 times Status: Offline SoCalRetail1 wrote: Yesterday, 7:54 pm c95xrk wrote: Yesterday, 7:14 pm SoCalRetail1 wrote: Yesterday, 10:17 am The other piece Simon doesn't get is the landscaping, the umbrellas, the fountains, the perfectly manicured trees, the free parking, even the decorations on the elevators in the garage all add...
Toast sued by FTC and 9 Attorney Generals for deceptive business practices and hidden fees
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/pr ... bscription The FTC and Attorney Generals of nine stats have filed a lawsuit against restaurant payment processing company Toast claiming deceptive business practices.
Home Depot Reducing Hours
A Home Depot in San Ramon, California posted signs saying that they will close at 9 PM starting November 2. The store used to close at 10 PM. Is this a common thing to close early after the time change? Or is it just the San Ramon area. This store was already not very busy Saturday night. The sign out front was not turned on at night. There were very few cars in the parking lot. I thought that it had already closed for the night.
Food Lion "Roarin' Refresh" mass grand reopening of Piedmont area stores
https://foodlion.com/pages/ocr-greensboro Over the last few months, it seems like basically every Food Lion store I go to (besides the two newly built ones of course) have been getting remodels, focusing primarily on upgrades to the service departments and redoing the exterior facades.
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart - Page 2
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart Covering the wide world of online shopping! brendenmoney Store Manager Posts: 1322 Joined: September 10th, 2023, 7:26 pm Has thanked: 166 times Been thanked: 382 times Status: Offline SoCalRetail1 wrote: Yesterday, 11:19 am Deal is official. $17B for Instacart. When you think of the cost of that company versus brick and mortar store chains with actual assets and merchandise, it is a little ridiculous. Without retail stores, Instacart becomes worthless.
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart - Page 2
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart Covering the wide world of online shopping! brendenmoney Store Manager Posts: 1319 Joined: September 10th, 2023, 7:26 pm Has thanked: 165 times Been thanked: 382 times Status: Offline SoCalRetail1 wrote: Yesterday, 11:19 am Deal is official. $17B for Instacart. When you think of the cost of that company versus brick and mortar store chains with actual assets and merchandise, it is a little ridiculous. Without retail stores, Instacart becomes worthless.
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart - Page 2
SoCalRetail1 wrote: Today, 11:19 am Deal is official. $17B for Instacart. When you think of the cost of that company versus brick and mortar store chains with actual assets and merchandise, it is a little ridiculous. Without retail stores, Instacart becomes worthless. Absolutely correct. The Albertsons/Kroger merger was only $9B more, and that included thousands of physical stores and fuel stations in the deal. Quite frankly, this deal is very overvalued.
Nelson Peltz makes $1.4 billion offer for Wendy's
Nelson Peltz makes $1.4 billion offer for Wendy's 10 posts • Page 1 of 1 Brian Lutz Store Manager Posts: 1974 Joined: March 1st, 2009, 7:51 pm Location: Piedmont Triad, NC Has thanked: 1 time Been thanked: 368 times Contact: Status: Offline https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/28/nelson- ... llion.html Nelson Peltz is leading an activist investor group which is offering $1.4 billion ($7.35 per share, a 20% premium over the current share price) to buy Wendy's and take the company private.
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart
https://www.wsj.com/business/hospitalit ... t-2b3d3d18 (Paywalled) It is being reported today that DoorDash is in talks to acquire Instacart, at a price of around $17 billion, which would make them by far the largest player in the grocery delivery market. Uber was also reported to show interest, but walked away.
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart - Page 2
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart Covering the wide world of online shopping! brendenmoney Store Manager Posts: 1329 Joined: September 10th, 2023, 7:26 pm Has thanked: 167 times Been thanked: 382 times Status: Offline SoCalRetail1 wrote: October 29th, 2026, 11:19 am Deal is official. $17B for Instacart. When you think of the cost of that company versus brick and mortar store chains with actual assets and merchandise, it is a little ridiculous.
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart - Page 2
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart Covering the wide world of online shopping! brendenmoney Store Manager Posts: 1332 Joined: September 10th, 2023, 7:26 pm Has thanked: 167 times Been thanked: 383 times Status: Offline SoCalRetail1 wrote: October 29th, 2026, 11:19 am Deal is official. $17B for Instacart. When you think of the cost of that company versus brick and mortar store chains with actual assets and merchandise, it is a little ridiculous.
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart - Page 2
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart Covering the wide world of online shopping! brendenmoney Store Manager Posts: 1325 Joined: September 10th, 2023, 7:26 pm Has thanked: 166 times Been thanked: 382 times Status: Online SoCalRetail1 wrote: October 29th, 2026, 11:19 am Deal is official. $17B for Instacart. When you think of the cost of that company versus brick and mortar store chains with actual assets and merchandise, it is a little ridiculous.
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart - Page 2
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart Covering the wide world of online shopping! brendenmoney Store Manager Posts: 1330 Joined: September 10th, 2023, 7:26 pm Has thanked: 167 times Been thanked: 382 times Status: Offline SoCalRetail1 wrote: October 29th, 2026, 11:19 am Deal is official. $17B for Instacart. When you think of the cost of that company versus brick and mortar store chains with actual assets and merchandise, it is a little ridiculous.
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart - Page 2
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart Covering the wide world of online shopping! brendenmoney Store Manager Posts: 1322 Joined: September 10th, 2023, 7:26 pm Has thanked: 166 times Been thanked: 382 times Status: Offline SoCalRetail1 wrote: October 29th, 2026, 11:19 am Deal is official. $17B for Instacart. When you think of the cost of that company versus brick and mortar store chains with actual assets and merchandise, it is a little ridiculous.
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart - Page 2
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart Covering the wide world of online shopping! brendenmoney Store Manager Posts: 1325 Joined: September 10th, 2023, 7:26 pm Has thanked: 166 times Been thanked: 382 times Status: Offline SoCalRetail1 wrote: October 29th, 2026, 11:19 am Deal is official. $17B for Instacart. When you think of the cost of that company versus brick and mortar store chains with actual assets and merchandise, it is a little ridiculous.
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart - Page 2
DoorDash in talks to purchase Instacart Covering the wide world of online shopping! brendenmoney Store Manager Posts: 1332 Joined: September 10th, 2023, 7:26 pm Has thanked: 167 times Been thanked: 383 times Status: Offline SoCalRetail1 wrote: October 29th, 2026, 11:19 am Deal is official. $17B for Instacart. When you think of the cost of that company versus brick and mortar store chains with actual assets and merchandise, it is a little ridiculous.
Foster USA to wind down operations after losing their primary customer
Foster USA facilities to permanently close including Forsyth County location, WARN says | wfmynews2.com https://share.google/TXI3BouEXM2eoB6Cx Foster USA, a produce distributor with a 120 year history based out of Winston-Salem, has announced that they will wind down their operations after their largest customer (accounting for 70% of their business) terminated their contact.
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 2
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine Predicting the demise of Sears & Kmart since 2017! Alpha8472 Posts: 6039 Joined: February 24th, 2009, 10:55 pm Has thanked: 17 times Been thanked: 352 times Status: Offline Romr123 wrote: October 23rd, 2026, 3:56 pm What you're describing would seem to match the "difficult stores in their own division" concept that was mentioned somewhere here---essentially that difficult stores (shrink, layout, turnover, etc) are taken from the local...
Piggly Wiggly, Greensboro NC - Page 2
Piggly Wiggly, Greensboro NC Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. No non-grocery posts. Brian Lutz Store Manager Posts: 1962 Joined: March 1st, 2009, 7:51 pm Location: Piedmont Triad, NC Has thanked: 1 time Been thanked: 358 times Contact: Status: Offline There seems to actually be a pretty substantial meat department here.
Piggly Wiggly, Greensboro NC - Page 2
Piggly Wiggly, Greensboro NC Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. No non-grocery posts. Brian Lutz Store Manager Posts: 1962 Joined: March 1st, 2009, 7:51 pm Location: Piedmont Triad, NC Has thanked: 1 time Been thanked: 358 times Contact: Status: Offline There seems to actually be a pretty substantial meat department here.
Piggly Wiggly, Greensboro NC - Page 2
Post by Brian Lutz » 10 minutes ago There seems to actually be a pretty substantial meat department here. I didn't look too closely at it (it was one of the busier sections) but it seems to be pretty well stocked. Another thing to note is that the store has a beer and wine section which is at least partially stocked, but as of when I was there they were not able to sell any of it yet.
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 2
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine Predicting the demise of Sears & Kmart since 2017! Alpha8472 Posts: 6036 Joined: February 24th, 2009, 10:55 pm Has thanked: 17 times Been thanked: 352 times Status: Offline Romr123 wrote: Yesterday, 3:56 pm What you're describing would seem to match the "difficult stores in their own division" concept that was mentioned somewhere here---essentially that difficult stores (shrink, layout, turnover, etc) are taken from the local regional...
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 2
Romr123 wrote: Today, 3:56 pm What you're describing would seem to match the "difficult stores in their own division" concept that was mentioned somewhere here---essentially that difficult stores (shrink, layout, turnover, etc) are taken from the local regional management somehow and classified differently (with higher-caliber management was the subtext). The trash cans in the parking lot were removed, but this shopping center has trash cans in front of each store.
Is Crumbl starting to crumble?
I have tried this chain a couple times and was underwhelmed, and I felt that it was overpriced.
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location - Page 3
buckguy wrote: October 20th, 2026, 11:37 pm You’re conflating population growth in these states with more people traveling and your argument is just that, data free. AAA has reported declines in holiday and other driving trips. Domestic air travel is down, as well. Total driving miles has been declining for years. In urban areas, development of bike lanes, improvements to transit, car hailing, etc.
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location - Page 2
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location Gas stations & convenience stores (AM/PM, 7-Eleven, etc.) veteran+ Valued Contributor Posts: 3713 Joined: January 3rd, 2015, 9:53 am Has thanked: 7411 times Been thanked: 297 times Status: Offline I cannot find any data that shows younger Americans driving the roads of American more than other generations. Even the more mature GenX is not driving more than Boomers did or do.
KFC To Switch From Pepsi Products To Coke - Page 3
KFC To Switch From Pepsi Products To Coke storewanderer Posts: 22557 Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 5:54 pm Has thanked: 9 times Been thanked: 1307 times Contact: Status: Offline Alpha8472 wrote: October 17th, 2026, 8:30 pm storewanderer wrote: October 17th, 2026, 7:11 pm veteran+ wrote: October 17th, 2026, 11:50 am A&W root beer is owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper (7UP, Canada Dry, RC Cola, Sunkist, Crush, Squirt, Sun Drop, Vernors, Cactus Cooler and others).
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location - Page 2
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location Gas stations & convenience stores (AM/PM, 7-Eleven, etc.) veteran+ Valued Contributor Posts: 3712 Joined: January 3rd, 2015, 9:53 am Has thanked: 7392 times Been thanked: 297 times Status: Offline I cannot find any data that shows younger Americans driving the roads of American more than other generations. Even the more mature GenX is not driving more than Boomers did or do.
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location - Page 2
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location Gas stations & convenience stores (AM/PM, 7-Eleven, etc.) veteran+ Valued Contributor Posts: 3712 Joined: January 3rd, 2015, 9:53 am Has thanked: 7392 times Been thanked: 297 times Status: Offline I cannot find any data that shows younger Americans driving the roads of American more than other generations. Even the more mature GenX is not driving more than Boomers did or do.
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/20/walmart ... rship.html Walmart has announced a combined Walmart+ and Sams Club Plus membership, that will provide the benefits of both memberships at a single price of $120 per year. Separate memberships to each will continue to be offered as well, but the combined membership will be nearly $100 less than the two memberships would cost separately.
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 3
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine Predicting the demise of Sears & Kmart since 2017! SoCalRetail1 Valued Contributor Posts: 6903 Joined: April 5th, 2016, 12:55 am Has thanked: 188 times Been thanked: 1404 times Status: Offline storewanderer wrote: November 8th, 2026, 11:24 pm They're still using the top shelves at the Sam's in my area.
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 2
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine Predicting the demise of Sears & Kmart since 2017! Alpha8472 Posts: 6042 Joined: February 24th, 2009, 10:55 pm Has thanked: 17 times Been thanked: 352 times Status: Offline Romr123 wrote: October 23rd, 2026, 3:56 pm What you're describing would seem to match the "difficult stores in their own division" concept that was mentioned somewhere here---essentially that difficult stores (shrink, layout, turnover, etc) are taken from the local...
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine - Page 2
Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus memberships to combine Predicting the demise of Sears & Kmart since 2017! Alpha8472 Posts: 6039 Joined: February 24th, 2009, 10:55 pm Has thanked: 17 times Been thanked: 352 times Status: Offline Romr123 wrote: October 23rd, 2026, 3:56 pm What you're describing would seem to match the "difficult stores in their own division" concept that was mentioned somewhere here---essentially that difficult stores (shrink, layout, turnover, etc) are taken from the local...
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location - Page 2
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location Gas stations & convenience stores (AM/PM, 7-Eleven, etc.) veteran+ Valued Contributor Posts: 3708 Joined: January 3rd, 2015, 9:53 am Has thanked: 7379 times Been thanked: 297 times Status: Offline I cannot find any data that shows younger Americans driving the roads of American more than other generations. Even the more mature GenX is not driving more than Boomers did or do.
Wendy's Sudden Closures - Page 4
Alpha8472 wrote: May 7th, 2026, 6:39 pm A Wendy's in my area in Walnut Creek, California is closing May 12. This was shocking as it is a very busy Wendy's. It hasn't been remodeled on the outside in over 20 years. It still has the solarium windows. Now the next nearest Wendy's is 20 minutes away to the north or 35 minutes away to the south in traffic. The remaining Wendy's locations will be very spread out. A Raising Cane's will replace it.
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location - Page 2
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location Gas stations & convenience stores (AM/PM, 7-Eleven, etc.) veteran+ Valued Contributor Posts: 3708 Joined: January 3rd, 2015, 9:53 am Has thanked: 7379 times Been thanked: 297 times Status: Offline I cannot find any data that shows younger Americans driving the roads of American more than other generations. Even the more mature GenX is not driving more than Boomers did or do.
Food Lion Opens in Former Harris Teeter Charlotte NC - Page 3
Food Lion Opens in Former Harris Teeter Charlotte NC Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. No non-grocery posts. retailfanmitchell019 Store Manager Posts: 1116 Joined: November 10th, 2019, 1:17 pm Location: Humboldt County, CA Has thanked: 95 times Been thanked: 226 times Contact: Status: Offline buckguy wrote: October 13th, 2026, 10:11 pm Small exurban areas really don’t justify a big investment of time and energy.
KFC To Switch From Pepsi Products To Coke - Page 3
KFC To Switch From Pepsi Products To Coke storewanderer Posts: 22527 Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 5:54 pm Has thanked: 9 times Been thanked: 1302 times Contact: Status: Offline Alpha8472 wrote: October 17th, 2026, 8:30 pm storewanderer wrote: October 17th, 2026, 7:11 pm veteran+ wrote: October 17th, 2026, 11:50 am A&W root beer is owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper (7UP, Canada Dry, RC Cola, Sunkist, Crush, Squirt, Sun Drop, Vernors, Cactus Cooler and others).
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location - Page 2
More Hybrid cars being sold and more EVs. Some of the Buc-ee’s have EV chargers. More Hybrid cars being sold and more EVs. Some of the Buc-ee’s have EV chargers. Seems to me that EV chargers should be a default install at a Buc-ees location. By the time you browse the entire store your EV would be charged. Plenty of stuff in the store for people who are captive while charging to potentially purchase. I have been to two Buc-ees locations - one existing and one brand new.
Buc-ee's submits proposed site plan for first NC location - Page 2
I cannot find any data that shows younger Americans driving the roads of American more than other generations.Even the more mature GenX is not driving more than Boomers did or do.
Arby's New Chicken Cheesesteaks
Arby's now has new chicken cheesessteaksI have never heard of chicken cheesesteaks. I don't know how well they will do.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Brian
Contact Brian, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack