News Briefs

Kiko Milano is expanding its presence in the United States.

Described as the No.1 makeup brand in Italy, Kiko will kick off its U.S. expansion on June 6 via a partnership with Macy’s, starting at its Herald Square and on macys.com. Later in 2026, the company plans to open  standalone retail locations in key markets, including Miami and New York City.

Kiko said its partnership with Macy's goes beyond distribution, reflecting a shared commitment to experiential retail. Beauty advisors will assist and educate customers across the brand's expansive assortment. At launch, Macy's shoppers will have access to nearly 650 SKUs, representing the the brand’s full assortment, 

In addition, select Macy's locations will also offer on-site engraving, introducing a personalized element that enhances the in-store experience.

Kiko, which is known for its bold color stories, luxe textures and accessible pricing, has more than 1,400 stores across the globe. It introduces more than 250 new products annually, operating at a “speed and quality standard that challenges the traditional divide between mass and luxury beauty,” according to the company.

[READ MORE: Macy’s unveils Google Gemini-based AI shopping assistant]

“Expanding into the U.S. through Macy's marks an important milestone for Kiko Milano," said Simone Dominici, CEO at Kiko Milano. "We have built our business by delivering high-quality, trend-driven beauty inspired by the Italian culture of excellence at accessible price points, and we see strong alignment with today's U.S. consumer. With Macy's, we have a partner that offers the scale, visibility, and in-store experience needed to introduce Kiko in a meaningful way."

Boot Barn Holdings Inc. is transforming the checkout experience in its stores.

The rapidly growing retailer of Western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories will deploy the cloud-based, mobile-first Aptos One POS platform across its 500-plus U.S. locations. 

By transitioning to this solution, Boot Barn aims to streamline IT operations and enable store associates to deliver high-touch shopping experiences. Beyond the store, Boot Barn also intends to leverage Aptos One to support large-scale pop-up activations, including rodeos and music festivals.

"As a high-growth retailer, scalability was nonnegotiable in our search for a next-generation POS platform," said Julie Ting, senior VP of IT at Boot Barn. "We required a flexible solution capable of evolving alongside our business. By adopting Aptos One, we are reducing technical debt and lowering our total cost of ownership — all while empowering our teams to go above and beyond for customers, whether in our stores or at a major pop-up event."

The retailer is currently executing a growth strategy with a long-term goal of more than doubling its current footprint to reach 1,200 stores nationwide and seeks to implement the technology infrastructure needed to support this expansion.

[READ MORE: Boot Barn raises guidance, hikes store count goal to 1,200 amid Western boom]

“It is a privilege to deepen our longstanding partnership with Boot Barn as they embark on this exciting new phase of growth,” said Aptos GM Jeremy Grunzweig. “Aptos One will give Boot Barn’s associates the tools they need to deliver exceptional experiences — in-store, at events and beyond — while providing the operational agility the business needs to scale confidently toward its long-term vision.”

Amazon is taking a popular consumer e-commerce offering and making it available to participants in its business-to-business program.

Amazon Business is bringing same-day delivery of fresh, perishable groceries to business customers in more than 2,300 cities and towns across the country. Thousands of fresh grocery items—including dairy, produce, baked goods, and frozen foods from national and local brands—are now available for delivery on the Amazon Business digital storefront, in addition to millions of office products.

A growing U.K.-based coffee chain is expanding its presence in South Florida.

Black Sheep Coffee has signed a new multi-unit development agreement to expand across Miami Beach. The agreement will deliver a minimum of six locations across the area over the next five years, complementing Black Sheep Coffee’s existing Miami store – its first in Florida – in Coconut Grove.

Black Sheep Coffee says the portfolio is expected to include a mix of drive-thru, end-cap and in-line locations tailored to the area’s high-traffic, “lifestyle-driven” environment.

[READ MORE: NYC-based Gregorys Coffee launches franchise program]

“Miami is one of the most exciting cities in the world right now,” said Eirik Holth, co-founder of Black Sheep Coffee. “It’s fast-moving, creative, and full of people who are open to trying something new, which is exactly what Black Sheep is about.”

The Miami Beach development plans come as the chain plots continued expansion across Texas and Florida, with additional stores slated to open this year. Founded in 2013, Black Sheep Coffee now operates more than 140 locations worldwide across the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the U.S.

Last December, Chain Store Age spoke with Black Sheep Coffee’s co-founders about the brand’s U.S. expansion strategy and what sets it apart from other coffee chains.

“Miami is an important market for us as we continue to build our presence in the United States,” said Lewis Blakey, head of franchising at Black Sheep Coffee. “These new locations will complement our existing footprint in Coconut Grove’s Grove Central, as well as our upcoming opening in Doral. This partnership allows us to grow with intention while introducing more communities to what makes Black Sheep Coffee distinct.”

With summer approaching, consumers are planning to travel and eat out less in an effort to save money.

Most (83%) of consumers say saving money is a priority this summer, with 71% saying that it matters more than last year, according to a new report from Ibotta. The shift comes as gas prices have surged since late February amid the ongoing war in Iran.

Two-thirds of shoppers still plan to travel this summer, but nearly a third expect to take fewer trips. Cost is the dominant factor, cited by nearly seven-in-10 (68%) of those pulling back. Eighty-three percent of consumers said they expect grocery prices to remain high throughout the summer, underscoring the need to reel in spending.

Ibotta’s survey found that half of respondents plan to cook or grill at home more this summer, while 34% plan to stock up on easy meals to save money. Twenty-eight percent said they plan to try new recipes this summer, while 18% will host more gatherings instead of traveling.

At-home consumption is expected to rise this summer, with category data showing shifts towards fresh produce (+35 net spend intent), meat (+25) and lighter meals (+17). Discretionary categories like toys (-32), party supplies (-28), and alcohol (-15) are losing ground.

[READ MORE: KPMG: Consumers to prioritize experiences over non-essential summer spending]

“Several patterns are worth watching,” noted Ibotta in its report. “The basket is being rebalanced: Staples hold, discretionary categories soften. The center of gravity is shifting to the home: Fewer trips, more in-home activity. Promotions are becoming a decision driver: Value is shaping brand choice.”

For its summer spending report, Ibotta surveyed 500 consumers about their plans heading into summer 2026.

Publix Super Markets said that Todd Jones will retire as executive chairman, effective May 31.

Jones, a 46-year company veteran, will remain actively involved in the company as chairman of the Publix board, the grocer said. Jones, who began his Publix career in 1980 as a front-service clerk in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., worked in a variety of store positions before becoming a store manager in 1988. 

He went on to hold roles of increasing responsibility. In 2005, he was named senior VP of product business development. Jones was named president in 2008, CEO and president in 2016, CEO in 2019 and executive chairman in 2024.

“We celebrate Todd's 46-year career and are thankful for his exemplary service to our company, our associates and customers, and the communities we serve,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “In addition to being an outstanding operator and mentor, Todd has led with integrity and a deep commitment to our mission that will have lasting impact. We are grateful he will continue to provide leadership to Publix as our chairman.”

Employee-owned Publix has more than 1,400 supermarkets in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky.