News Briefs

Consumers are interested in three key shipping options.

A substantial 84% majority of consumers recently surveyed by UPS Capital said they are more likely to shop with retailers offering personalized options. When asked about their top shipping priorities, half or more of respondents emphasized real-time tracking (65%), the ability to select delivery dates (55%), and guaranteed shipping insurance (50%).

In addition, 43% of respondents said that package safety is more important. Three-in-four respondents said their biggest frustration with last-mile delivery experiences is late, missed, or packages left in unsafe locations, and one-in-three respondents expect retailers to provide a premium last-mile delivery experience at no additional cost 

[READ MORE: Survey reveals package theft is a growing problem]

Crowdsourced delivery gains traction

The survey also shows that crowdsourced delivery, which involves leveraging local independent gig economy drivers for last-mile fulfillment, is gaining appeal with consumers. 

More than half of all respondents expressed interest in the crowdsourcing model. This interest is strongest among younger generations, with 67% of millennial respondents and 63% of Gen Z respondents open to the crowdsourcing alternative. 

UPS Capital advises that offering guaranteed shipping insurance is no longer optional, given that half of consumers prioritize coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged packages. Personalization, such as selecting delivery dates and tracking shipments in real time, has also become a key driver in reducing cart abandonment, according to UPS Capital analysis. 

Sprouts Farmers Market reported a strong fourth quarter and full year as it continues to expand its store footprint.

The fresh, natural and organic foods grocer opened 33 new stores in 2024 (including its first-ever location in Wyoming), for a total of 440 stores in 24 states. It plans to open “at least” 35 new stores in 2025, including several locations in Florida. (Locations listed at end of article.)

Sprouts reported earnings per share of $0.79 for the quarter ended Dec. 29, compared to earnings per share of $0.49 in the year-ago period. Net sales jumped 18% to $2.0 billion. Comparable store sales increased 11.5%.

For the full year, Sprouts reported earnings per share of $3.75, compared to earnings per share of $2.50 and adjusted earnings per share of $2.84 in the same period in 2023. Net sales rose 13% to $7.7 billion. Comparable store sales were up 7.6%

“2024 was a remarkable year for our company,” said Jack Sinclair, CEO of Sprouts Farmers Market. “Our teams across the business delivered on our strategy and set us up for even greater success in the future. Our unique, attribute-driven offering resonates more than ever with our target customers.”

For 2025, Sprouts expects net sales growth of 10.5% to 12.5%, with comparable store sales growth of 4.5% to 6.5%.

According to Sprouts’ website, the following locations are set to open in in Florida.

• St. Johns (Opening Jan. 31);
• Melbourne-Wickham  (Opening March 14);
• Largo (Opening March 21); and
• Coconut Creek (Opening April 25).

Belk is expanding its in-store outlet concept in North Carolina.

The department store retailer will open two Belk Outlets stores in the Tar Heel State this spring, at the Eastridge Mall in Gastonia and Triangle Town Center Mall in Raleigh. Both locations will continue to operate traditional Belk stores on the second level and convert the first floors into outlets.

Belk opened its first outlet store in January 2023 in Greeneville, Tenn., and has since opened 16 additional locations. It first implemented the two-floor concept at its Northlake Mall store in Charlotte, converting one level of the property into an outlet while the other level remained a traditional store. The concept allows customers to shop for their favorite products at the traditional store while also find discounted, high-end and designer national brand treasures at the outlet, according to Belk.

"Since opening our first outlet nearly two years ago, our customers have come to love the concept of combining our traditional stores and outlets in one place,” said Don Hendricks, CEO of Belk. "We're excited to incorporate this approach into additional locations this year.”  

Belk, which, opened its first store in 1888, operates nearly 300 Belk and Belk Outlet locations across 16 Southeastern states. 

The company is also continuing to expand its product offerings of customer-loved national brands and has added over 250 new brands since 2023.

Quick-serve chicken restaurant Church’s Texas Chicken has named a new chief executive.

Roland Gonzales will take the reins of Church’s and its sister brand Texas Chicken as CEO, succeeding Joe Guith, who was named to the role in 2022. Gonzales has served as chief operations officer for the company since March of 2023.

Prior to joining Church’s Texas Chicken, Gonzales held leadership roles at major quick-service restaurant businesses, including executive VP for operations at Virtual Dining Concepts and head of global operations standards and strategy at Restaurant Brands International. He has also spent more than five years in various roles at Burger King.

“We thank Joe for being an important part of the first major phase of our transformation as he moves on to his next chapter,” said Anand Gowda, founder High Bluff Capital Partners, which acquired Church’s in 2021. “Our priority now is to build on this progress and significantly accelerate our momentum and expansion as we strive to reach $2 billion in system sales within the next few years while maximizing franchisee profitability.”

Founded in San Antonio, Texas in 1952, Church’s Texas Chicken operates more than 1,500 locations in 26 countries.

[READ MORE: KFC headquarters to move out of Kentucky]

“I am honored to now lead this great brand at a critical inflection point in our growth journey,” said Gonzalez. “With a rich history of quality, bold flavor and being truly invested in the communities we serve, Church’s holds a special place in the hearts of millions. I look forward to working alongside our talented team and valued franchisee partners to drive innovation, enhance our guest experience and expand our footprint globally. We have only begun to scratch the surface of the tremendous opportunity ahead.”

Forever 21 is running out of gas.

The struggling fast-fashion retailer is considering filing for bankruptcy and is planning to close 200 stores as its efforts to find a buyer for its U.S. leases have come up short, reported Bloomberg. The company currently operates some 350 stores nationwide.

Forever 21 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2019, with a plan to close some 178 stores. It was later acquired by a group that that included Authentic Brands Group and landlords Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Partners.

The formerly high-flying company has struggled in recent years, amid increased online competition, particularly from Chinese budget retailers Shein and Temu, and the rising popularity of resale among teen shoppers.

The reports of the second possible bankruptcy come months after CNBC reported that Forever 21 was asking landlords to cut its rent by as much as 50% in some locations in an effort to control costs. 

The World Retail Congress has revealed the latest four inductees into its prestigious Hall of Fame, which is reserved for "retail leaders who have made a lasting impact on the retail industry and are the driving force behind its most iconic companies and brands."

The honorees include Brian Cornell, who has served as chair and CEO of Target Corp. since August 2014. He previously served as CEO of PepsiCo Americas Foods, a division of PepsiCo, Inc.  

"This recognition from World Retail Congress is a testament to the collective efforts of Team Target," Cornell said in a statement. "I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a team who is committed to delivering on that promise and growing our business, so we can bring the magic of Target to even more people — today and for years to come.”

The other honorees include Charlotte Tilbury, MBE, founder, president, chairman, chief creative officer of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty; Patrick Chalhoub, executive chairman at Chalhoub Group; and Demetra Pinsent, CEO Charlotte Tilbury Beauty. 

The four leaders will be honored at the World Retail Congress Hall of Fame ceremony on May 14, 2025, at the National Gallery in London. 

"It is both an honor and a privilege to celebrate the remarkable achievements of these four retail visionaries." said World Retail Congress chairman Ian McGarrigle. "In an industry where the pace of change is relentless, their ability to act swiftly, embrace bold strategies, and implement intelligent solutions has set them apart as true leaders. Their careers exemplify the essence of this year's theme: 'Faster. Bolder. Smarter. Retail's New Growth Drivers.'"