News Briefs

An upscale California grocer is utilizing a new technology platform to manage its supplier compliance.

Erewhon is integrating ReposiTrak’s Compliance Management solution into its operations to manage supplier compliance and reduce operational risk. The AI-powered solution will serve as a shared system of record, enabling the grocer to onboard suppliers efficiently, monitor compliance status in real time, and reduce the risk of regulatory gaps that could impact both operations and brand reputation.

“At Erewhon, our suppliers are partners in our mission to offer the highest-quality, most responsibly sourced products available for our customers,” said Tony Antoci, CEO of Erewhon. “ReposiTrak gives us the visibility and control we need to ensure every supplier in our network meets our standards – and that our compliance program scales with our growth.”

ReposiTrak’s Compliance Management solution is part of the company’s broader platform, which also includes traceability and supply chain solutions. The platform connects thousands of retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, and food manufacturers across the U.S. to provide a trusted infrastructure for data exchange and risk management throughout the food supply chain.

[READ MORE: Erewhon utilizes AI for workforce management]

“Erewhon has built one of the most respected brands in specialty retail by holding itself and its supply chain to an exceptionally high bar,” said Randy Fields, chairman and CEO of ReposiTrak. “Our Compliance Management solution is purpose-built for exactly this challenge – giving retailers like Erewhon a reliable, auditable foundation to manage supplier risk and stay ahead of regulatory requirements.”

Founded in 1968, Erewhon currently operates 12 locations across Southern California, with three more stores listed as “coming soon” on the grocer’s website.

A fast-growing China-based value retail is partnering to deliver a consistent store experience across its expanding network of U.S. stores. 

Nest, a national provider of integrated facilities management solutions, will serve as Miniso USA's facilities management partner for its more than 300 stores. The company will deliver a full-service IFM solution designed to streamline operations, reduce complexity, and support store performance as Miniso grows its U.S. footprint.

Nest will manage a broad range of services, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting, and general maintenance across Miniso stores. The partnership includes vendor management, service coordination, analytics and operational support through Nest's integrated platform.

"Delivering a consistent and high-quality in-store experience is critical as we continue to grow in the U.S.," said Jim Hall, retail development for Miniso USA. "Nest provides an integrated approach to facilities management that simplifies operations and ensures our stores are supported efficiently."

Miniso stores feature a wide variety of lifestyle products such as household goods, cosmetics, toys and more, along with distinctive IP collaborations. As of Dec. 31, 2025, the company operated more than 8,150 stores worldwide. Miniso opened more than 700 new stores globally in 2025.

"Retail growth depends on consistency and execution at the store level," said Rob Almond, CEO of Nest. "We are proud to support that [Miniso's] growth with an integrated facilities management solution that brings together exceptional service delivery, technology, and analytics to help its stores operate efficiently."

VF Corp. intends to achieve end-to-end inventory visibility across its global store footprint.

The parent company of Vans, The North Face and Timberland will deploy the Nedap Inventory Engine across its brand portfolio and more than 1,500 stores, with the goal of creating a stronger foundation for end-to-end inventory visibility.

The deployment will start in the second quarter of 2026 with The North Face and will expand to additional VF brands over time. VF aims to enhance stock accuracy, improve product availability and strengthen omnichannel performance across all the regions where it operates.

“Our consumers expect the same level of product availability and service whether they shop online, in-store or through any of our brand touchpoints,’ said Carsten Trenz, VP of digital at VF Corp. “Unified visibility across our operations allows us to deliver that consistency and build long term customer loyalty.”

In addition to enhancing store inventory visibility, VF also intends to deploy Nedap inventory management technology to improve its view of products moving through its distribution channels, supporting efforts to address grey-market activities and other brand protection issues.

[READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: The North Face deploys immersive tech in London flagship]

“In today’s retail landscape, unified commerce only works when brands can rely on one consistent source of truth for their inventory,” said Hilbert Dijkstra, managing director retail at Nedap. “VF’s decision to invest in end-to-end visibility reflects a clear vision for the future: the ability to serve consumers seamlessly across any channel.”

Pizza Hut is expanding the scope of its free membership rewards offering.

The pizza retailer has upgraded its loyalty initiative, called Hut Rewards, in an effort to better meet the needs of Gen Z consumers and deliver what it calls “ongoing value, exclusive access and new experiences” for customers. 

This includes perks such as earning points on eligible purchases, challenges and bonus opportunities designed to help members reach rewards faster, and exclusive experiences only offered to members. Pizza Hut ran its first large-scale promotion of the rebooted Hut Rewards program during the recent “March Madness” college basketball championship tournament.

[READ MORE: Data: E-commerce traffic rose nationwide during 'March Madness']

During the campaign, Pizza Hut executed in-app swag drops exclusively for Hut Rewards members, including a limited-edition "Space Jam x Pizza Hut" merchandise collection tied to the 30th anniversary of the classic Looney Tunes-basketball film "Space Jam" that the retailer says sold out completely. 

"Hut Rewards has evolved beyond a points-based membership to a platform built to unlock ongoing value and access for our fans," said Ashley Travis, head of growth Marketing at Pizza Hut. "During March Madness, we saw our vision come to life by offering exclusive, member-only Space Jam merchandise drops and interactive digital games that drove consumers to the Pizza Hut app and brought more energy to this program."

Customers can join Hut Rewards for free through the Pizza Hut app or online, earning points on eligible purchases and redeeming rewards on digital orders, in addition to obtaining access to exclusive, member-first experiences.

Pizza Hut is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc. and operates nearly 20,000 restaurants in more than 110 markets and territories.

Lowe’s Companies Inc. is set to open the first of five new stores it plans to debut this year.

The home improvement giant will open its newest location in Port St. Lucie, Fla., in early June. The store will be the retailer's 133rd location in Florida, and will include approximately 94,000 square feet of retail space, a 30,000-square-foot garden center and will employ more than 100 associates.

The new Port St. Lucie Lowe’s, which will be its second in the city, will also feature redesigned kitchen and appliance showrooms to provide an elevated in-store experience, “blending style, affordability and innovation,” according to the company. The upgraded showrooms are standard for all new Lowe’s stores and are being introduced to a limited number of existing Lowe’s stores in 2026.

New Lowe’s stores will also feature self-service paint kiosks for streamlined paint ordering and buy online, pick up in-store zones for quick, seamless pickup.

Lowe’s has four other openings planned in Kaufman, W. Katy and Willis, Texas, and Walton, Ky., later this year as the retailer continues to expand in expanding markets.

“Port St. Lucie is growing rapidly, and we’re excited to support our neighbors and local businesses with everything they need for projects big and small,” said Lowe’s district manager Christian Redman. “This store is built to deliver the value, convenience and service our community expects from Lowe’s.”

[READ MORE: Lowe's makes $250M investment in tradespeople training through foundation]

Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's Companies Inc. operates more than 1,700 home improvement stores, 530 branches and 130 distribution centers.

Retail real estate sale prices continue to climb in densely populated, affluent neighborhoods.

The Shops at Walnut Hills Plaza, a 37,173-sq.-ft. neighborhood center that houses tenants such as O'Reilly Auto Parts and Papa John's Pizza 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles via Interstate 10, was sold to an unnamed buyer for $13.5 million.

“Buyer interest with this transaction was driven by the center’s strong San Gabriel Valley demographics— high incomes, dense surrounding neighborhoods — and its location along a high-traffic corridor offering excellent visibility and access,” said Greg Bedell, managing director of Progressive Real Estate Partners, who represented the seller, a Los Angeles-based private investor.

“There remains a notable lack of available investment product in infill San Gabriel Valley markets, which continues to support pricing and competitive bidding dynamics," added Bedell.

Other tenants on the property include Little Elephants Kids Place, Osuna’s Mexican Restaurant, Native Fields Restaurant, Walnut Hills Family Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, and Sky Nails.

Progressive noted that The Shops at Walnut Hills, located in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, serves about 142,00 residents within three miles and more than 55,000 students at nearby educational institutions that include Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. San Antonio College.

Median household incomes in the area top $130,000.

“Despite a higher interest rate environment, we’re seeing sustained investor demand for well-located neighborhood centers in supply-constrained, high-income trade areas," said Progressive senior VP Roxy Klein. "Capital remains active but selective, with the strongest demand for well-located, necessity-based retail offering durable cash flow and clear upside.”