News Briefs

Other discount pharmacy plans Kroger offers include Smart Benefits, an initiative that combines Kroger Health’s services with health tech startup Soda Health’s “&more” platform to allow participating Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and employer benefits program recipients to receive certain pharmacy, nutrition services and other eligible benefits at Kroger banner pharmacies.

[READ MORE: Kroger launches pharmacy benefits program]

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger operates nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states across its Kroger Mariano’s, Fred Meyer, Ralphs and Harris Teeter banners.

Shein is making its first permanent move into physical retail.

The Asian online fast-fashion giant will pilot six shop-in-shops across France, starting at BHV Marais in Paris, followed by five more, to be opened in Galeries Lafayette stores, managed by an affiliate in Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers and Limoges, reported FashionNetwork.com.

In opening the shops, Shein has teamed up with Société des Grands Magasins, a retail property company that operates BHV Marais and several Galeries Lafayette stores, following sale and affiliation agreements with the Galeries Lafayette group, the report said.

"In choosing France as the location for our physical retail experiment, we recognize its position as a major fashion capital and embrace its spirit of creativity and excellence," said Donald Tang, executive chairman of Shein, in the report. "It is natural that this journey should begin in Paris, at BHV, the cradle of modern commerce, before extending to five other cities across the country."

Shein has previously operated limited-time pop-ups with locations in New York City, Vancouver, the Los Angeles area and other key markets. Most recently, in September, it opened a pop-up on Oxford St. in London.

In June, the French Senate approved a bill that would impose a tax on fast-fashion companies like Shein and Temu based on their environmental impact, as well as ban them from advertising.

After decades in business and years of financial struggles, Rite Aid has closed all its remaining stores.

The 63-year-old pharmacy retailer announced the news on its website with a simple statement: “All Rite Aid stores have now closed. We thank our loyal customers for their many years of support.” The company also noted on the site that customers can request their prescription and immunization records online.

The notice did not come as a surprise. Rite Aid has been closing stores since it filed for bankruptcy in October 2023, which allowed it to reduce its debt and close hundreds of stores. The company filed again this past May, saying it was pursuing a "strategic and value-maximizing sale process" for substantially all of its assets. It went to sell most of its stores’ pharmacy services to rivals CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Albertsons and Kroger. 

[READ MORE: Rite Aid selling pharmacy assets to rivals; CVS to acquire 64 Rite Aid stores]

At the time of its second filing, Rite Aid had 1,250 locations nationwide, down from roughly 2,000 stores in 2023.

The world’s largest open-air shopping center is gearing up for Halloween in a big way.

Honolulu’s Ala Moana Center is inviting families to celebrate Halloween at the center with its annual Ala-Ween Spooktacular on Friday, Oct. 31, from 4-7 p.m. The event will feature center-wide trick-or-treating at more than 100 stores and restaurants, live entertainment, balloon creations, and festive photo opportunities. Participating merchants will include Aloha Collection, Big Island Candies, Foodland Farms, Local Motion Hawaiʻi, Macy’s, Rolex, and Target, among others.

[READ MORE: Survey: Halloween candy budgets impacted by higher prices] 

In addition to the Halloween night celebration, guests can enjoy Halloween décor, themed experiences, and special promotions happening throughout October. Extra Halloween festivities include: 

• Dave & Buster’s On Oct. 31, Dave & Buster’s will host its “Dave and Boo’sters” party, offering crafts, games, and awards for best costume. Guests can enjoy a lively mix of family-friendly fun alongside the restaurant’s signature food and arcade experience.
• Ghost Bar Guests can Halloween all month long at Ghost Bar, a pop-up featuring specialty cocktails in a spooky atmosphere. Ghost Bar will be open nightly from Oct. 10-31, 6 p.m. to midnight.

Also, select stores and restaurants at the center will feature limited-edition Halloween treats, products, and exclusive promotions throughout the month of October.

Opened in 1959, Ala Moana Center spans 2.4 million-sq. ft. of retail space, attracting 53 million shopping visitations each year. It is home to more than 350 retail and restaurant tenants.

Pearle Vision has launched a new store experience that combines modern design and the latest technology to deliver elevated personalized care.

The national eye care franchise’s updated format is designed to deliver an engaging and personalized customer journey, while also streamlining operations for optometrists to improve efficiency, drive sales and foster long-term loyalty. The new design features sleek, trend-forward eyewear displays and zoned spaces that streamline the exam-to-retail experience, along with enhanced lighting and natural finishes. Advanced technology is deployed in the exam room for excellence in clinical care, reduced wait-times and overall greater efficiency.

"Today's consumers demand more from their eye care experience and at Pearle Vision, we're proud to set a new industry benchmark," said Gunjan Kumar, president of Pearle Vision and Retail License Brands. "We actively engage with our patients and optometrists, whose insights are essential to shaping every aspect of our brand and new store layout. Their feedback drives our innovation, informs our strategy, and fuels our momentum. This is an exciting chapter for Pearle Vision, and we're committed to elevating the standard of care across the optical sector."

Pearle Vision was founded by Dr. Stanley Pearle in 1961. It is now part of EssilorLuxottica, supports over 560 locations through a strong franchise network.

A growing indoor pickleball franchise has tapped a new construction partner to help fuel its growth.

The Picklr has announced a strategic partnership with general contractor NRF Contracting Group to accelerate the 70 club openings that the chain has planned for the next 12 months. The Picklr says that partnering with NFC will ensure that each new location is built to the “highest standards of consistency, quality and design,” delivering a premium experience for all guests.

"NFC strives for excellence, and our goal is to build these facilities with the quality and consistency that franchisees expect," said Nick Crisci, principal of NFC Contracting Group, which specializes in retail, sports and franchise buildouts. "We know The Picklr brand and take pride in protecting its reputation while building strong relationships and supporting the success of every franchisee."

Utah-based The Picklr currently has 52 clubs open nationwide. Membership at the chain includes access to all club locations nationwide, free court reservations, four clinics per month, and unlimited participation in leagues, competitive play/events and tournaments.

[READ MORE: The Picklr taps Crumbl veteran as COO]

"As we scale across the country, it was critical to align with a construction partner who shares our vision and commitment to excellence," said Chris Walker, chief development officer at The Picklr. "NFC has already proven its expertise by successfully delivering multiple Picklr clubs in Arizona. Their precision, reliability, and alignment with our values make them the ideal partner for this next phase of growth."