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News Briefs

  • 1/29/2025

    Tractor Supply plans new sustainable distribution hub in Pacific Northwest

    North Hills Shopping Center

    Tractor Supply Company will commence construction of its newest supply chain facility this spring with an eye toward LEED certification.

    The nation’s largest rural lifestyle retailer plans to construct a new distribution center in Nampa, Idaho. The approximately 865,000-sq.-ft. facility, nearly $225 million facility is expected to create more than 500 new full-time jobs for local residents.

    Construction is currently scheduled to begin in spring 2025 with an anticipated completion in late 2026-early 2027. This is the company’s first distribution center located in the Pacific Northwest and will be built with the goal of meeting LEED green building standards.

    The facility will eventually serve more than 200 Tractor Supply stores located throughout the Pacific Northwest, including nearby stores in Middleton, Kuna and Emmett, Idaho. The retailer operates 12 stores in Idaho.

    [READ MORE: Tractor Supply hikes store expansion goal; 90 new locations on tap for 2025]

    "Nampa stood out as an ideal site as we evaluated distribution center locations to better serve our customers in the Pacific Northwest region," said Colin Yankee, chief supply chain officer at Tractor Supply. "Nampa has a rich agricultural history and a strong sense of community, characteristics that align with our company’s mission and values."

    Tractor Supply currently operates 10 distribution centers located in Frankfort, N.Y.; Casa Grande, Ariz.; Franklin, Ky.; Hagerstown, Md.; Macon, Ga.; Pendleton, Ind.; Waco, Texas; Waverly, Neb.; Navarre, Ohio; and Maumelle, Ark.

    The Maumelle facility is Tractor Supply’s first to utilize autonomous mobile robots at scale for small-item fulfillment. It will serve as a testing facility for other robotics designed to help reduce costs and increase productivity.

    As of Sept. 28, 2024, Tractor Supply operated 2,270 namesake stores in 49 states and 205 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states.

  • 1/29/2025

    Woof Gang eyes 70 new locations in 2025

    Woof Gang

    Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is touting a record-breaking year of expansion in 2024, and has its eyes on future growth.

    The specialty retailer of exclusive gourmet treats, food and supplies for pets along with professional dog grooming services opened more than 50 new locations last year and expanded into ten new states, in addition to making its international debut in Canada. Woof Gang’s total store count now stands at 239 in 26 states.

    Looking ahead, Woof Gang told Chain Store Age that its goal is to open more than 70 new locations in 2025, with plans to expand its footprint in California and the Northeastern United States. New state targets for 2025 include Washington, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota and Maryland.

    The retailer’s growth in 2024 included significant expansions into key regions such as California, Arizona, and Idaho, marking its first major footprint in the Western U.S. In addition to Woof Gang growing its store count last year, the brand also expanded its proprietary treat portfolio with the launch of over 40 unique products across nine distinct treat lines.

    [READ MORE: Pet grooming chain opens first Illinois store]

    “Our success in 2024 reflects the passion and dedication of our franchisees, groomers, and team members who work tirelessly to create exceptional experiences for pets and their owners,” said Ricardo Azevedo, CEO of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. “As we expand our reach, we remain committed to providing best-in-class grooming services and gourmet treats while fostering meaningful connections in every community we serve.”

    Founded in 2007, Woof Gang is based in Orlando and has more than 450 locations open or under development.

  • 1/29/2025

    Sprouts to open new Florida stores — here's where

    Sprouts Farmers Market

    Sprouts Farmers Market is planning to grow its footprint in the Sunshine State this year.

    The fresh, natural and organic foods grocer says it will bring at least seven new stores to Florida in 2025. The expansion is expected to create more than 650 jobs across the state.

    Sprouts’ first new Florida location will open in St. Johns on Jan. 31. Following this opening, the company will open additional stores across the Orlando metropolitan area, St. Petersburg, and in Palm Beach County.

    According to Sprouts’ website, the following locations are set to open in the coming months:

    • St. Johns (120 Shops Blvd.) (Opening Jan. 31)
    • Melbourne-Wickham (5185 N. Wickham Rd.) (Opening March 14)
    • Largo (2156 E. Bay Dr.) (Opening March 21)
    • Coconut Creek (1019 Lyons Rd.) (Opening April 25)

    “The new store openings highlight Sprouts’ mission to invest in local communities and make high-quality and natural foods accessible to families,” said the grocer. “The new locations will offer Sprouts’ selection of fresh and organic produce, responsibly-sourced meat and seafood, and a wide assortment of innovative, and better-for-you products.”

    [READ MORE: Sprouts to open first Wyoming store]

    Headquartered in Phoenix, Sprouts employs approximately 33,000 team members and operates more than 430 stores in 24 states. 

  • 1/29/2025

    Store closure sales underway at all Peavey Mart locations

    Peavey Mart

    A longstanding Canadian retailer is closing all of its locations.

    Retail investment firm Gordon Brothers has announced that store closing sales are underway at all 93 Peavey Mart locations in Canada. The Canadian farm and ranch retailer is offering up to 30% off the original ticketed price on all agriculture, farm and ranch, work wear, lawn and garden, hardware and homesteading supplies and merchandise.

    “Peavey Mart has long been a staple in communities throughout Canada and is the go-to retailer for agricultural and home improvement supplies,” said Durien Sanchez, managing director of retail at Gordon Brothers. “With the announcement of the closing sales, supplies are expected to sell out fast, and we encourage customers to shop early for the best selection due to the immense popularity of these stores.”

    [READ MORE: Big Lots leases available for sale nationwide]

    Headquartered in Red Deer, Alberta, Peavey Mart was founded in 1967. Earlier this week, Peavey Industries sought and obtained an Initial Order for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act from the Court of King’s Bench Alberta. 

    The company had recently announced closures of 22 stores in Ontario and Nova Scotia, calling it an "organizational restructuring," prior to beginning store closing sales at all remaining locations across Canada. Six MainStreet Hardware stores operated by Peavey Industries will also close.

  • 1/29/2025

    C-suite shakeup at Starbucks as two former Taco Bell execs join chain

    starbucks logo

    There’s been a shakeup in the executive leadership team at Starbucks.

    The changes come under the watch of Brian Niccol, who took the reins of Starbucks in September. Two former executives from Taco Bell, which Niccol led from 2015 to 2018, are joining the coffee giant. Leaving Starbucks are chief supply chain officer Arthur Valdez, who joined Starbucks in 2023 from Target, and 20-year company veteran Sara Trilling, executive VP and president of Starbucks, North America.

    “As we focus on our 'Back to Starbucks' plan, we need a new operating model for our retail team, with clear ownership and accountability and an appropriate scope for each role,” Niccol wrote In a note to employees on the chain’s website.

    Starbucks announced the move shortly before it reported first-quarter earnings and revenue that topped analyst expectations.

    In new appointments, Meredith Sandland will join Starbucks as executive VP, chief store development officer. She is currently the CEO of Empower Delivery, a restaurant software firm that works to “optimize restaurants for modern omnichannel demands,” according to a Starbucks release.

    Previously, Sandland served as COO of Kitchen United and as Taco Bell’s chief development officer.

    Also joining Starbucks is Mike Grams, who will take on the role of executive, North America chief stores officer. He is a 30-year veteran of Taco Bell, where he last served as president and COO.

    Sandland and Grams will start in February. 

  • 1/28/2025

    Marco's Pizza opened 70 stores in 2024; more expansion expected

    Marco's Pizza

    A Midwest-based pizza chain is following a strong 2024 by planning to continue its expansion in the new year.

    Marco’s Pizza had a “landmark” 2024, with 85 franchises awarded and 70 new stores opened. The chain hit a new milestone last year, surpassing its 1,200th location, as well as debuting a new store design in Meridian, Idaho that features drive-thru pick-up windows, an elevated waiting area, and advanced technology.

    Also in 2024, Marco’s rolled out its proprietary cloud-based platform to enhance franchisee operations and guest experiences, with 770 new features and enhancements added to the platform since launch.

    In 2025, Marco’s says it is currently focusing on key markets in the Midwest, East Coast, and Sun Belt regions, along with international expansion, building on the momentum of a 50-unit master franchise agreement to develop in Mexico City. Marco’s will also continue to explore options for non-traditional expansion, including ghost kitchens in urban areas.

    “Marco’s leads the charge in growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction,” said Tony Libardi, co-CEO and president of Marco’s Pizza. “As we continue our expansion, we remain focused on bold culinary creations, operational excellence, and franchisee support. 2025 will be a year of momentum as we deliver on our commitment to quality and innovation.”

    [READ MORE: Marco's to open first stores in New Mexico]

    Founded in 1978 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Marco’s operates over 1,200 stores in 35 states with locations in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and Mexico.

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