News Briefs

Claire’s Holdings has revealed the locations of the stores that will close as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

Earlier this month, the tween and teen accessories retailer entered into an agreement to sell a "significant" portion of its North American business operations to an affiliate of private equity firm Ames Watson. Under the terms of the deal, Ames Watson will acquire Claire's IP and operate Claire’s business across North America, including the continued operation of a minimum of 795 stores.

In a new court filing, Claire’s lists the locations of 235 namesake stores and 56 Icing stores in the United States that Ames Watson plans to close. It also lists the locations of 785 Claire’s and 45 Icing “non-closing” stores. 

The 291 stores marked to close will shutter on a rolling basis, the company told USA Today. 

Claire's operates more than 2,750 Claire’s stores in 17 countries throughout North America and Europe, and 190 Icing stores in North America.

A leading on-demand delivery platform is offering beer and alcohol customers more detailed information to aid search, discovery, and decision-making.

DoorDash is partnering with Untappd, a global platform for search and discovery and ratings and reviews of beer and alcoholic beverages, to make the Untappd catalog of more than 3 million beers and other alcoholic beverages available on the DoorDash platform.

[READ MORE: DoorDash expands alcohol delivery with new retailers, promotions]

With this update, customers browsing on DoorDash can now learn more about each beverage, including style, description, alcohol by volume, international bitterness units (for beer), photos of packaging, and other details.

"This partnership is a transformative step for the beverage producers we serve, improving the visibility and presence of their products for consumers looking to get craft beverages delivered through DoorDash," said Kyle Roderick, chief product officer of Next Glass, parent company of Untappd. "It also enriches the consumer experience by significantly enhancing discovery and decision-making, ultimately opening up new avenues for growth and visibility."

The Untappd catalog is now available to customers and retailers on the DoorDash platform. 

Since its founding in 2013, DoorDash has expanded to more than 30 countries. Owned and operated by Next Glass, the Untappd app, available for free in the App Store and on Google Play, allows users to search and discover beverages, breweries and retail establishments.

(Image credit: Tab62)

A majority of parents felt being financially stressed this back-to-school season, with many reporting spending more than last year.

American parents are spending an average of $570 per child on back-to-school essentials this year, according to a new survey from CouponFollow. Clothing & accessories ($260) were the most spent-on category, followed by extracurriculars & other fees ($190), and supplies & tech ($120). Two-thirds (66%) of parents said this year's back-to-school season is financially stressful, and more than half (54%) said their spending increased year over year.  

Almost a quarter (23%) of parents surveyed said they have gone into credit card debt due to back-to-school expenses, taking on an average of $350 in debt. Parents noted inflation (69%), retailer price increases (64%), and tariffs/trade policy (41%) as the top factors that they believe led to higher prices on back-to-school staples. Three-in-four parents (75%) said retailers aren't doing enough to make back-to-school shopping more affordable for families.

When it came to cutting back to afford back-to-school costs, consumers told CouponFollow they cut back on dining out/takeout (51%), summer travel/vacation (36%), streaming services/entertainment (24%) and more.

“Rising prices are forcing parents to rethink spending, take on debt, and make tough trade-offs,” said CouponFollow. “But despite the stress, many are finding smart ways to save and still meet their children's needs. From secondhand finds to digital discounts, today's parents are showing resilience and resourcefulness as they navigate one of the most demanding times of the year.”

[READ MORE: Survey: Majority of BTS shoppers used sales events to save money this year]

CouponFollow surveyed 1,000 U.S. parents in July 2025 for its report. The average age was 42. Sixty-two percent were female, and 38% were male. Generationally, 35% were Gen X, 61% were millennials, and 3% were Gen Z. The full report can be found here.

Bryton, Ashton, Paxton, and Payton Myler are heading to American Dream next week to mix things up.

The stars of Ninja Kidz TV, the popular YouTube channel aimed at kids ages six to 11 created by their dad Shane, will cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Ninja Kidz Action Park, which challenges folks of all ages to test their skills on trampolines, ziplines, virtual reality games, laser mazes, tumble tracks, and aerial skills challenges.

“We are ecstatic to welcome Ninja Kidz TV’s incredibly popular brand and adventure park to American Dream,” said the mega-mall’s general manager Bryan Gaus. “The Ninja Kidz are beloved superstars, and their decision to call American Dream home further reinforces our reputation as a premier destination for top brands and influencers.”

Myler created the Ninja Kidz TV channel in 2017 to motivate kids to seek adventure, learn new skills, build confidence, and live healthy lifestyles. It stars the four Myler siblings as they take on ninja-themed adventures and challenges.

“I learned that the true essence of martial arts as a way of life is to strive for constant and never-ending improvement,” said Shane Myler, an 8th Degree Black Belt. “That is the path to mastery in all areas of life.”

Sukoshi is expanding its U.S. footprint. 

The Korean beauty retailer will open a store this September on New York City's Upper East Side. It will be the largest Asian beauty store in the city.

With New York marking its 15th U.S. location, Sukoshi is on track to exceed 20 stores by year's end. Upcoming openings include Lenox Square, Atlanta; Aventura Mall, Aventura, Fla.; King of Prussia, King of Prussia, Pa.; and Bellevue Square, Wash. By 2026, 40 new stores will join the network, according to the company.

Sukoshi offers more than 200 Asian beauty brands and an immersive in-store experience. The assortment includes hard-to-find global makeup and skincare brands, with the next “must-haves” alongside time-tested staples.

"Asian beauty isn't a passing wave, it is shaping the future of skincare and cosmetics," says Linda Dang, CEO of Sukoshi. "Our role is to champion the brands setting that standard and to create spaces where discovery and education make beauty more meaningful for every customer."

(Photo: CNW Group/Sukoshi)

A fast-casual concept spearheaded by a world-renowned chef and TV personality is going big north of the border.

Bobby’s Burgers By Bobby Flay has signed a multi-year agreement with The Falcon Capital Group to open 65 locations across Canada. The flagship restaurant for the chain will open its doors in downtown Toronto, with future locations actively being scouted across the Greater Toronto Area in both neighborhoods and lifestyle centers.

Backed by a team of restaurant industry veterans, Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay operates nine locations with more than a dozen in the pipeline. Flay’s other restaurant ventures include Bobby’s Burger Palace and Amalfi. He has appeared on the Food Network since 1995, and first gained notoriety for his appearances on Iron Chef America.

[READ MORE: Square: Sales up, labor costs down at QSR, fast-casual chains]

"Expanding into Canada and becoming an international brand is a major milestone," said Flay. "The Falcon Capital Group brings proven expertise in brand development and retail franchising that makes them the ideal partners to bring our signature handcrafted burgers, fries and milkshakes to a new audience. I look forward to working with the accomplished team at Falcon Capital and watching our brand grow across Canada." 

Falcon Capital announced that well-known Canadian entrepreneur and franchise executive Jim Gormley will lead the expansion initiative. 

“We’re delighted to introduce Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay to Canada," said Gormley. "The quality and flavor of Bobby’s menu are unmatched, and we’re excited to bring this exceptional premium burger experience to Canadian consumers while also providing this unique franchise  opportunity to Canadian entrepreneurs. We share Bobby Flay’s commitment to culinary excellence and operational support."