News Briefs

A specialty ice cream brand is looking to expand its store count, and is launching a franchising program to do so.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is expanding its Fellowship Model (which it describes as a combination of the “good food world” and “the tools and values of the 21st Century”) through franchising. The brand says franchise partners will receive extensive support, from site selection and store design to hands-on training, operational systems, and marketing tools.

With more than 12 new flavor launches annually, Jeni’s says its franchisees will have the opportunity to become their community’s “most beloved local business.” 

Founded in 2002 by James Beard Award-winning ice cream maker Jeni Britton, Jeni’s operates more than 90 scoop shops, and its products are found in grocery stores across the country. A Certified B Corporation, Jeni’s products are made with Direct and Fair Trade ingredients and fresh milk from family dairy farms.

[READ MORE: First Look: GoTo Foods opens debut 'Cinnabon Swirl' location]

“We’ve never been in the business of transactions,” said Sean Bock, Jeni’s senior advisor of franchising. “Our Fellowship Model is rooted in partnership. Just as we work collaboratively with our makers and producers to create our unique flavors, we’ll work hand in hand with our franchise partners to ensure the success of each new scoop shop. This is a natural next step as we continue to grow the Jeni’s brand, and we look forward to working with passionate entrepreneurs who share our commitment to quality, community and hospitality.”

Best Buy is running an October holiday-themed tech product promotion that overlaps Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event.

In an email to Chain Store Age, the consumer electronics giant announced that it will run a promotional event it is calling the "Techtober Sale" from Monday, Oct. 6 – Sunday, Oct. 12. The omnichannel extravaganza will include what Best Buy says will be some of the best deals of the fall on technology items like laptops, TVs, headphones, video games and electric bikes.

The sale will also feature deals on new products introduced through Best Buy’s recently launched online marketplace, including discounts on Halloween decor. New deals will be available every day as part of the sale, and all offers will be available through the Best Buy app and e-commerce site as well as in stores.

Best Buy is kicking off its holiday 2025 promotional campaign in late September with a 48-hour flash sale the weekend of Saturday, Sep. 27 – Sunday, Sep. 28 featuring special deals on products including laptops, headphones, e-bikes, cookware and small appliances.

And from Sep. 28 – Oct. 5, Best Buy will also host a member-exclusive sale specifically targeting participants in its My Best Buy Memberships loyalty program. The Techtober event will occur during the same week as Amazon’s fourth annual Prime Big Deal Days promotion, which takes place Oct. 7-8 and already has started offering early deals. 

[READ MORE: Amazon kicking off holidays with October Prime sales event]

Amazon bills the sale, which is only open to members of the paid Amazon Prime membership program and features exclusive deals across the online giant’s product assortment, as the official kickoff to its holiday sales season.

The newly-formed company that owns Schnucks Markets is expanding its footprint in Wisconsin via an acquisition.

The 1939 Group Inc. has entered into an agreement to purchase 100% of the shares of the Wisconsin-based parent company of Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers Inc. The sale is expected to be completed later in October, subject to customary review and approval.

Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers operate 51 stores throughout Wisconsin. Forty-two locations operate under the Skogen’s Festival Foods banner, while Hometown Grocers operates nine banners. Upon the sale’s closing, Schnucks chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck will become chairman and CEO of the 1939 Group, which said it is committed to maintaining the stores’ existing banners. 

The company plans to operate Schnucks, Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers as separate, sister companies with their own headquarters. 1939 Group and Schnucks are based in St. Louis, Mo., and Skogen’s Festival Foods’ and Hometown Grocers’ offices are located in Onalaska and Green Bay, Wis.

Upon completion of the purchase, the 1939 Group will operate three sister companies with a 164-store footprint across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin and will employ a workforce of around 19,000.

“Our family is honored to be entrusted with the Skogen family legacy, one that began serving Wisconsin communities in 1946 and continued for decades under the leadership of Dave and Barb, and later, under Mark as CEO,” said Todd Schnuck. “Schnucks, Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers share a strikingly similar set of core values, tracing our success to decades of consistently focusing on the communities we serve, the values we share and the ongoing quest for excellence in grocery retail.”

 Schnucks currently operates 113 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. 

The newest addition to Amazon’s Essentials private label assortment is a collection of denim pieces aimed at young consumers.

In an email to Chain Store Age, Amazon said it has introduced a new denim collection available for under $50 as part of its Amazon Essentials private label offering. 

Amazon is debuting its new denim line in partnership with Gen Z influencers Kate Barlett and Luca Mornet. Products include denim jackets and wide-leg silhouettes, all available for less than $50. Customers can use Amazon’s size guide and fit technology help find the proper items.

[READ MORE: Amazon enhances fashion shopping with AI]

All products from the collection are eligible for Amazon’s same-day and one-day delivery options.

Amazon offers a variety of private label products, including budget items. In September 2024, the company rolled out Amazon Saver, which it calls a “no-frills” grocery essentials brand with most items priced less than $5. The assortment, which includes products such as crackers, cookies, canned fruit and condiments, is available in-store at Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market as well as online.

Other examples include the Amazon Aware line of private label sustainable goods, including products in categories such as apparel, home, and beauty. All Amazon Aware goods are designed and made from materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton and bio-based ingredients.

Cos Bar has a new owner as its looks to expand its reach and celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.

The multi-brand beauty retailer has been acquired by Michigan-based private investment firm Mitchel Family Office (MFO) for an undisclosed amount. With a fleet of 21 stores across the nation, Cos Bar is known for its highly-engaged luxury clientele, curated array of the top prestige beauty brands and personalized service. The retailer is said to have an average order value well into the hundreds of dollars, reported BeautyInc.

“MFO is the ideal partner for Cos Bar's next chapter," said Oliver Garfield, CEO of Cos Bar. "Their proven track record of success in growing impactful businesses and shared values perfectly aligns to build on our legacy and accelerate growth as Cos Bar approaches the milestone 50th anniversary. Together, we will be able to expand our reach, enhance the client experience, and continue to set the standard in luxury beauty retail."

Originating in the health care sector. Mitchell Family has expanded and diversified its portfolio to over twenty companies, ranging from legacy brands to luxury hospitality. Its holdings include personalized beauty technology platform Swan Beauty.

“Cos Bar is a brand with deep heritage, a loyal client base, and a phenomenal reputation for excellence in luxury beauty," said Mark Mitchell, managing partner of Mitchell Family Office. "We are thrilled to partner with the Cos Bar team to honor the company's legacy while positioning it for future growth. At MFO, we invest in brands with strong founders and passionate leaders, and we see tremendous opportunity to build on Cos Bar's success with innovation, scale, services and technology."