Marianne Wilson
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Articles by Marianne Wilson
Starbucks closing 250 locations in North America; accelerating cafe remodels
As of the end of June, Starbucks had a total of 41,304 stores. Starbucks Corp. is closing roughly 1% of its North American locations amid its ongoing “Back to Starbucks” turnaround strategy. The coffee giant on Thursday said it plans to shutter approximately 250 of the more than 18,000 cafes it operates across North America. In a letter to employees on the company’s website, COO Mike Grams said the closings will occur this week.
Schneider Electric: AI-enabled buildings can cut energy use by up to 22%
The use of AI in buildings can cut whole-building energy use by up to 22% against traditional controls. AI-enabled buildings can cut energy costs and help operators save on annual utility costs while also reducing their carbon footprint. That’s according to new research by Schneider Electric, which found that AI can more than double the energy savings achieved by smart building controls alone. The use of AI in buildings can cut whole-building energy use by up to 22% against traditional controls.
Abercrombie teams with famed workout studio Barry’s
The collection includes six styles for men and 12 styles for women. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is diving deeper into activewear through a partnership with high-intensity workout studio Barry’s, a pioneer in the boutique fitness movement.
Mastercard Economic Institute: Holiday spending to rise 5.5% year over year
In-store sales are expected to rise by 3.9%. A new forecast predicting the strongest holiday growth since 2022 — fueled by higher prices. U.S. retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas, are expected to increase 5.5% year over year between November 1 and December 24, according to Mastercard Economic Institute’s annual holiday forecast. The report, based on SpendingPulse Insights, represents in-store and online spending across all forms of payment.
Ethan Allen starts search for new CEO as activist investor pushes for changes
Ethan Allen is based in Danbury, Conn. Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. has launched a search to replace its longtime CEO, who has led the company for nearly 40 years. The furniture retailer and manufacturer said it has hired an executive search to identify both internal and external candidates to succeed Farooq Kathwari, with the board committeed to announcing a new CEO by June 30, 2027, the date on which his contract ends.
McDonald’s to invest $8.5 billion in restaurant upgrades, tech and training
McDonald’s has more than 46,000 locations in over 100 countries. McDonald’s Corp. is launching a major initiative to make its restaurants more efficient and to be the “first choice” for more customers. As part of its “McDonald’s > NEXT” strategy, the restaurant giant said it plans to invest $8.5 billion in support to franchisees over the next decade on restaurant modernization, technology deployment and operational improvements through a combination of rent relief and capital support.
Gap Inc. debuts ‘fashiontainment’ strategy with boy band JYT
Gap Inc. has entered into a multi-year partnership with American boy band Just Your Type (JYT). In the first collaboration under its its “fashiontainment” platform, Gap Inc. has entered into a multi-year entertainment partnership with Just Your Type (JYT), an American boy band developed by Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Freddy Wexler.
The 10 busiest shopping days of 2026 holiday season will be...
Black Friday (Nov. 27) is predicted to again be the biggest day for holiday store visits. With Christmas falling on a Friday this year for the first time since 2020, the calendar week leading up to the holiday is likely to see steady shopping activity. That’s according to Sensormatic Solutions’ predictions for the 2025 holiday season’s busiest shopping days. The firm’s ShopperTrak Analytics traffic data reveals that Black Friday (Nov.
Target celebrates design, iconic bag in new national brand campaign
Target's new campaign will run across broadcast, streaming, radio, digital and social through Oct. 31. Target customers and the company’s iconic red shopping bag take center stage in its new branding campaign. Target’s “Inside Out” campaign explores the people, products and possibilities that come together through a Target shopping run.
Early indicators suggest seasonal hiring will be down from last year
Retailers added 461,500 jobs in the foruth quarter of 2025, the smallest seasonal gain since 2008. Retailers are expected to hire fewer seasonal workers again this year as they continue to lean on existing staff, automation and other resources. Seasonal retail hiring is expected to fall below last year’s level to 450,000 jobs added during the fourth quarter of the year, predicts Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
Fashion shoppers most interested in AI tools that help them save money
Twenty-percent would accept recommendations from AI but not autonomous purchases. Fashion and sportswear consumers are increasingly using AI throughout the shopping journey — but not for everything. Fashion shoppers are most interested in AI tools that help them save money, according to research conducted by YouGov on behalf of ACI Worldwide.
JD Sports to enter Mexico in 2027
Mexico's activewear sector is valued at approximately $6.5 billion and is projected to grow to over $10 billion by 2034, according to IMARC. JD Sports Fashion plc ("JD" or the "Group") is expanding into Mexico via a franchise partnership.
First Look: RH unveils its first-ever RH Estates location
RH Estates has opened in Greenwich, Conn. (Image courtesy of RH) RH has opened a new retail store concept dedicated to classic design and rare, collectible historical furnishings. The luxury home furnishings retailer (formerly known as Restoration Hardware) opened the concept, “RH Estates," on Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich, Conn.
Cato ups store closings, cites 'current economic environment’
The Cato Corp. plans to approximately 120 stores in fiscal 2026. Value-priced women's apparel retailer The Cato Corp. has added more stores to its list of planned closures for its current fiscal year. The company plans to close approximately 70 additional underperforming stores in the third and fourth quarters, bringing its total planned stores closures to approximately 120 stores in fiscal 2026. (As of Aug.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe unveils brand makeover as its eyes big expansion
The rebranding includes a redesigned logo with a palm tree icon shaped as a T. Tropical Smoothie Cafe has launched a new brand identity and customer experience as the company continues its rapid expansion. The smoothie chain debuted a “brand transformation,” created in partnership with global branding agency JKR, designed to bring its “Eat Some Good!” marketing tagline to life and support its next phase of growth.
Acosta Group: Generative AI moves into the mainstream — even boomers are using it
Shoppers report saving money, product comparisons, saving time and product research as their primary reasons for using an AI tool. Generative AI is rapidly becoming part of the journey for shoppers across generations, with Gemini already routinely used by 25% of shoppers. That’s according to an AI-focused shopper study by Acosta Group, which revealed that 34% of shoppers are using AI tools to shop and nearly half of Gen Z shoppers were influenced by AI in recent purchase decisions.
Toys “R” Us opening 120 stores this holiday season
Grand opening celebration of Toys“R”Us in San Marcos, Texas. (Image courtesy Go! Retail Group) Toys “R” Us is making a major brick-and-mortar push as it partners to open more than a hundred standalone stores across the country by the holidays. The toy company plans to open 120 stores in partnership with Go! Retail Group. The new locations will expand the brand’s existing U.S. retail footprint, which includes 40 standalone stores and Toys“R”Us shops inside Macy’s stores nationwide.
Retail Sales Make Strong Comeback in August
Retail sales in rebounded in August as consumers kept spending and the back-to-school season kicked in. Total retail sales rose 1.2% in August to $773.9 billion, compared to a revised 0.5% drop in July, and were up 6% year over year, according to the Commerce Department. It was the largest monthly increase since March. Excluding gas stations, retail sales rose 1.1% in August.
Toys“R”Us opening 120 stores this holiday season
Grand opening celebration of Toys“R”Us in San Marcos, Texas. (Image courtesy Go! Retail Group) Toys “R” Us is making a major brick-and-mortar push as it partners to open more than a hundred standalone stores across the country by the holidays. The toy company plans to open 120 stores in partnership with Go! Retail Group. The new locations will expand the brand’s existing U.S. retail footprint, which includes 40 standalone stores and Toys“R”Us shops inside Macy’s stores nationwide.
Registration now open for SPECS 2027!
SPECS will be held March 14–16 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. Registration is now open for Chain Store Age’s SPECS 2027 the country’s leading conference for store development and facilities management. Taking place March 14-16 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas, SPECS is the premier event for retail and restaurant design, construction and facilities maintenance professionals.
Retail sales make strong comeback in August
Solid back-to-school spending gave a boost to retail sales in August. Retail sales in rebounded in August as consumers kept spending and the back-to-school season kicked in. Total retail sales rose 1.2% in August to $773.9 billion, compared to a revised 0.5% drop in July, and were up 6% year over year, according to the Commerce Department. It was the largest monthly increase since March. Excluding gas stations, retail sales rose 1.1% in August.
The Real Real adds to store footprint — here where’s
The Real Real stores feature an evolving assortment of authenticated luxury items across women's and men's fashion, handbags, fine jewelry, watches and accessories. With resale booming, The Real Real is expanding in brick and mortar in existing as well as new markets. The luxury consignment retailer will open its first store in Massachusetts on Oct.15, at The Street Chestnut Hill. Located in the Boston suburb of Chestnut Hill, the 1,800 sq. ft.
New York-based WSG Brands acquires Nasty Girl
Nasty Girl closed its two stores in Los Angeles after declaring bankruptcy. Nasty Girl has returned to U.S. ownership. The U.K.’s Debenhams Group has completed the sale of the fashion brand to New York brand management firm White Space Group (operating as WSG Brands). Debenhams, which was formerly known as Boohoo Group, bought Nasty Girl out of bankruptcy in 2017 and relaunched the business. Founded in 2006 by Sophia Amoruso, Nasty Girl started out as an eBay store.
Study: E-commerce marketing dollars moving away from traditional digital ads
Two thirds of marketers believe AI will be their primary shopping gateway for reaching shoppers in 2027. As consumers increasingly use AI to find cashback, lower prices, promotions and better alternatives, e-commerce marketing budgets are rapidly following suit.
Harris Teeter investing $250M to enhance stores, expand footprint — here's where
Harris Teeter has more than 250 stores and 85 fuel centers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida and the District of Columbia. Harris Teeter is making a major investment across the Charlotte, N.C., area that include the opening of three new stores. The grocer, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co., said it will invest approximately $253 million over the next three years to refresh and modernize select stores across the area.
JD Sports taps former Shoe Palace CEO to lead North America
JD Group operates over 2,500 stores in North America across its five retail brands. JD Sports has named a retail veteran to lead its growing North American business. The U.K.-based global sports footwear and fashion company, which operates over 2,500 stores in North America across its five retail brands (JD Sports; Finish Line standalone and in-store at Macy's; Hibbett; Shoe Palace; and DTLR) has promoted John Mersho to president and CEO, JD North America.
Carter’s targets Gen Z with company-wide rebranding
Carter's is introducing a sleepwear shop concept in its stores. Carter’s Inc. is launching a rebrand — its first in more than 25 years — that includes a new visual identity and marketing campaign as it looks to make its brand more relevant to a new generation of parents. In addition to a new logo, the 161-year-old company is also reimagining how it shows up for its customers across retail (including a new sleepwear-focused in-store shop concept), digital, product, packaging and social.
First Look: L.L.Bean unveils rebooted flagship in Maine
The flagship re-opening comes as L.L.Bean plans to expand nationwide. (Image courtesy of L.L.Bean) L.L.Bean has completed its years-long, $50 million renovation and reimagining of its iconic flagship and the surrounding campus in its hometown of Freeport, Maine. After closing for nearly two years, the 150,000-sq.-ft. store will reopen with a series of six celebratory weekends starting with the grand opening of Sept. 18-20.
Uniqlo to return to San Franciso with flagship, partnerships
Uniqlo will open a 20,315-sq.-ft. flagship on Market Street in San Francisco. (Rendering courtesy of Uniqlo) Some five years after it shuttered its downtown San Francisco amid the Covid pandemic, Uniqlo is returning to the city in a big way in October. The Japanese casual clothing giant will open a two-floor, 20,315-sq.-ft. flagship on Market Street, on Oct. 8, on the site of a former Old Navy store.
Uniqlo to return to San Francisco with flagship, partnerships
Uniqlo will open a 20,315-sq.-ft. flagship on Market Street in San Francisco. (Rendering courtesy of Uniqlo) Some five years after it shuttered its downtown San Francisco amid the Covid pandemic, Uniqlo is returning to the city in a big way in October. The Japanese casual clothing giant will open a two-floor, 20,315-sq.-ft. flagship on Market Street, on Oct. 8, on the site of a former Old Navy store.
Newly public fashion retailer Reformation talks expansion as sales jump
Reformation went public in late July. Reformation made an impressive debut as a publicly traded company with strong top- and bottom-line results for the second quarter. The sustainable women’s apparel brand, which launched its initial public offering in July, reported its 21st consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth. Reformation also opened four new stores during the quarter, for a total of 70 locations globally.
Rent the Runway names CEO as Q2 sales rise
Rent the Runway has named Paige Thomas as CEO. Rent the Runway has named a 30-year retail veteran Paige Thomas as its new leader. The fashion rental company has promoted Thomas to CEO, effective Sept. 14. She succeeds board member Teri Bariquit who has served as president and interim chief since Rent the the Runway co-founder Jennifer Hyman departed in May. As part of the transition, Bariquit, a Nordstrom veteran, has been appointed non-executive chair of the board effective the same date.
September could be busiest month of year for import cargo
September is on track to be the busiest month of the year. The peak season for import cargo at the nation’s major container ports is not over yet. A final bump in September in this year’s extended peak season could push the month over the line to be the busiest month of the year for import volume at the ports, according to the Global Port Tracker report by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Macy’s delivers strong Q2 with growth across all banners and channels
Comparable sales increased 11.3% at Macy's luxury banner, Bloomingdale's. Macy’s Inc. exceeded its second-quarter expectations across all key metrics — with results including a standout performance from Bloomingdale’s — and raised its full-year outlook amid signs its turnaround is taking hold. The department store giant’s total comparable sales rose 2.7%. It marked the fifth consecutive quarter of comp sales gains as retailer’s merchandising and store investments continue to gain traction.
Maurices completes refinancing, adds new lender
Maurices is a size-inclusive women's fashion retailer with more than 800 stores. Maurices, a “size-inclusive” women’s apparel retailer, has completed a refinancing transaction that, among other things, expands and deepens its lending relationships. The transaction expands the company’s longstanding relationship with lending partners Wingspire Capital and Tiger Finance, with Second Avenue Capital Partners joining the financing relationship.
GameStop’s Q2 results reveal how its sales are shifting
Operating income was $160.2 million, the highest second quarter operating income in GameStop's history. Video games are no longer GameStop’s biggest revenue generator. The company reported that collectibles — which include trading cards, apparel, toys and pop culture items — represented 45.1% of net sales during its second quarter, up from 23.4% in the year-ago period. Video games represented 33.3% of net sales, compared with 51% in 2025.
Albertsons Companies names former eBay CEO to newly created board role
Meg Whitman has been named executive chair of Albertsons Cos. Albertsons Companies has named Meg Whitman as executive chair — in a role that will also have added responsibilities. With Whitman’s appointment to the newly created role, Kim Fennebresque has transitioned from chair to lead independent director, and the board has expanded from 10 to 11 members. Whitman will work to support Susan Morris, CEO of Albertsons Cos., and her entire senior team. Whitman served as president and CEO of eBay Inc.
Morning Consult: Five Below, other retailers among 25 fastest-growing brands
Morning Consult’s “Fastest Growing Brands 2026” report ranks the top 25 brands according to year-over-year purchasing intent. Five Below is one of the fastest-growing brands in the U.S. The tween and teen extreme value retailer is the No. 10 fastest-growing brand overall and the only retailer to crack the top 10 in Morning Consult’s “Fastest Growing Brands 2026” report. The study ranks the top 25 brands according to year-over-year purchasing intent.
C-Suite Moves: August update
Here are the major C-suite changes that occurred in August, starting with the most recent. (All changes have already taken effect unless otherwise noted.) •Nike Inc. appointed Walmart veteran Jane Ewing to the role of chief commercial officer – more than a year after eliminating the position.
Albertsons Companes names former eBay CEO to newly created board role
Meg Whitman has been named executive chair of Albertsons Cos. Albertsons Companies has named Meg Whitman as executive chair — in a role that will also have added responsibilities. With Whitman’s appointment to the newly created role, Kim Fennebresque has transitioned from chair to lead independent director, and the board has expanded from 10 to 11 members. Whitman will work to support Susan Morris, CEO of Albertsons Cos., and her entire senior team. Whitman served as president and CEO of eBay Inc.
Target opening eight stores this fall — here’s where and when
Target is opening eight stores this fall, including three in Texas. Target Corp. will have a busy fall as it remains on track to build more than 300 stores by 2035. The discounter is opening a total eight stores across the nation in October and November (locations listed at end of article.) The new outposts are the last of the more than 30 planned stores Target is opening this year.
Costco’s August sales show an increase
Costco maintained momentum in August as its average worldwide transaction increased, boosted by higher gas prices. The membership warehouse giant reported that its net sales increased 9.9% to $23.70 billion in August. For the 16-week fourth quarter, net sales increased 11.3% to $93.9 billion. Total company comparable sales rose 8.4% in August. Comp sales increased 9% in the U.S., and 4% in Canada. Other international comps rose 9.5%. Digitally-enabled comp sales surged 17.5%.
CoStar: Canada’s retail market still recovering from Hudson’s Bay stores closing
With the closure of the Bay stores, vacancy in Canada's malls jumped from 3% to 8% in the second quarter of 2025. The closure of the Bay stores dealt a significant blow to Canada's retail sector in 2025. Canada's retail vacancy rate is expected to hold relatively steady near 2.5% over the next year as the sector continues to absorb the fallout from the closure of Hudson's Bay stores, according to a new report from CoStar Group.
Burlington investing $370 million in headquarters move
As of Aug. 1, Burlington operated 1,300 stores in 47 states. Burlington Stores Inc. is moving its corporate headquarters out of New Jersey. The off-price retailer is relocating its headquarters from Burlington, N.J., to West Philadelphia. Burlington is investing $370 million in the project, which is expected to create at least 2,000 new jobs during the next four years.
Tractor Supply marketing chief joins Vitamin Shoppe C-suite
Kimberley Gardiner has been named executive VP, chief marketing and growth office of The Vitamin Shoppe. The Vitamin Shoppe has named a new marketing head. The specialty retailer of health and wellness products has appointed Kimberley Gardiner as executive VP, chief marketing and growth officer, effective immediately. Gardiner will report directly to CEO Sharon Leite and join the company's executive leadership team.
First Look: Gen Z fashion brand Cider expanding in brick and mortar
Cider's newest store at Westfield Valley Fair in San Jose, Calif. (Image courtesy of Cider) A digital-first, trend-driven fashion brand known for its affordable prices and strong social media following has unveiled its second permanent store — with more to come. Cider has opened at Westfield Valley Fair in San, Jose, Calif. The brand plans to expand with a third location in November, at Los Cerritos Center, in Cerritos, Calif.
Study reveals ‘often-overlooked’ sources of online cart abandonment
Half (51%) of Americans have abandoned an online purchase at some point because they forgot a password. Online shoppers — especially those belonging to a certain generation — have little patience when it comes to password and log-in problems. While forgotten password may seem like a minor inconvenience, a new study suggests it’s costing online businesses sales.
Costco August sales up 9,9% amid higher gas prices, digital growth
Costco currently operates 939 warehouses, including 647 in the United States and Puerto Rico. Costco Wholesale Corp. maintained momentum in August as its average worldwide transaction increased, boosted by higher gas prices. The membership warehouse giant reported that its net sales increased 9.9% to $23.70 billion in August. For the 16-week fourth quarter, net sales increased 11.3% to $93.9 billion. Total company comparable sales rose 8.4% in August.
Lululemon reports tough quarter, slashes outlook
The company ended the quarter with 825 stores. Heidi O’Neill has her work cut out for her as she takes the reins of Lululemon Athletica Inc. The athleisure retailer reported another tough quarter as its core North American business continues to drag down sales. The company, which has faced increasing competition from newer brands, once again lowered its revenue and profit outlook for the year, and reduced its store opening plans to about 35 net new locations from 40.
Five Below Q2 sales soar; on track for 150 new stores; to enter Puerto Rico
Five Below ended the quarter with 2,022 stores in 46 states. Five Below delivered robust second-quarter results on both its top and bottom line as its value message continues to resonate with consumers. The tween and teen discount retailer, which reported its fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit comparable sales, said it was raising its full-year sales and adjusted earnings outlook based on its strong first half and the “significant opportunities” that lie ahead.
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