News Briefs

David’s Bridal has named the second woman in the retailer’s 75-year history to its top job. 

Jim Marcum will step down as CEO of the company and into the role of executive chairman (in addition to his current role as chairman), effective April 1. Marcum, who has served as chief executive of David’s Bridal since 2019, will be succeeded by Kelly Cook, currently the company’s president of brand, technology and finance. 

Cook joined David’s Bridal in 2019 as executive VP, chief marketing officer. Previously, she served as executive VP, marketing and chief marketing officer for Pier 1 Imports. 

Cook also spent nearly three years at K Mart, including serving as chief marketing officer. Prior to that, she spent six years at DSW. 

In other leadership changes, Elina Vilk, currently chief business officer, will be transitioning into the role of president and chief business officer, spearheading the company’s “aisle to algorithm” strategy, including Pearl Media Network and Pearl Planner, reporting directly to Cook.

Bob Walker, currently COO, is being promoted to president and COO, and will now also oversee HR and supply chain to further strengthen operational excellence, reporting directly to Cook

Heather McReynolds is being promoted to senior VP of merchandising, working closely with Jeff Zelenko, executive advisor, merchandising, representing David’s join venture supply chain partner, together leading the brand’s evolution of merchandising strategies

Additionally, Viola Chan, recently named head of couture and design, will continue leading design for all categories and overseeing David’s expansion into everyday fashions and couture.

David’s Bridal has more than 190 stores across the U.S., Canada, and franchise locations in Mexico.

(Photo of Kelly Cook courtesy of David's Bridal)

Walgreens Boots Alliance may soon go private. 

Sycamore Partners is finalizing a deal to acquire the 120-year-old retail pharmacy giant in a transaction valued at approximately $10 billion, reported The Wall Street Journal.  

If the deal proceeds, it could lead to a restructuring of Walgreens, potentially involving the breakup of the company’s various divisions, which includes UK health and beauty retailer Boots. Sycamore is expected to maintain the core U.S. retail business and sell off or take public the other parts of the company, according to the report.

Walgreens, which has been publicly traded since 1927, has struggled in recent years amid low reimbursement rates for filing prescriptions and increased online competition. The company been working to cut costs and improve its profitability under Tom Wentworth, who took the reins as CEO in October 2023 following the abrupt departure of Rosalind Brewer after less than three years on the job. 

In October 2024, Walgreens announced plans to close 1,200 stores in its U.S. fleet of roughly 8,700 locations by the end of fiscal 2027.  It also said it planned to close 60 underperforming VillageMD clinics and exit five markets as part of a comprehensive $1 billion cost-saving strategy. 

[READ MORE: Walgreens’ Q1 tops estimates amid cost cuts]

Sycamore is known for its investments in retail and consumer brands. Its most recent retail acquisition was quick-service chain Playa Bowls, which was announced in September 2024.

A Florida-based bagel chain is set to grow its footprint across the United States.

Jeff’s Bagel Run, known for handcrafted bagels, freshly whipped spreads, and craft coffee, has added four new stores with three franchisees to its pipeline, bringing the number of stores open or in development to 90. The chain, which was founded in 2019, currently operates 12 locations: eight in Florida, two in North Carolina, one in Georgia, and one in Texas.

Through the new agreements, Jeff’s Bagel Run will expand its footprint in three fast-growing states. John Fink will open the brand’s first store in Knoxville, Tenn., while Kristin Francisco will open a new store in the beachside community of Melbourne, Fla. Dave Weinberg is expanding Jeff’s Bagel Run into Colorado Springs, Colo. with two new stores.

[READ MORE: H&H Bagels expanding with 70 locations in pipeline]

“We are honored to welcome John, Kristin, and Dave to the Jeff’s Bagel Run family,” said Justin Wetherill, co-founder of electronics repair chain uBreakifix who joined Jeff’s Bagel Run as CEO last year. “Each of these franchisees brings unique expertise and passion to their communities, and we look forward to seeing how they elevate the Jeff’s Bagel Run experience for their customers. This is an exciting time for our brand as we continue to expand into new markets and bring our hand-crafted bagels to more people across the country.”

A Midwestern pizza chain is entering a major East Coast market.

Marco’s Pizza has announced that it will open its first two restaurants in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. Through a franchise deal with pizza industry veteran Jack Praizner, Marco’s will open a location in Bethlehem in the third quarter of this year, followed by a Whitehall location in the fourth quarter.

Praizner owned and operated 12 Domino's locations before selling them in 2021. After deciding to re-enter the pizza business, he says he was drawn to Marco's for its “high-quality product, modern store design, and robust corporate support.”

"Philadelphia is ready for Marco's – it's a blank canvas, and I see incredible potential here,” said Praizner. “I'm excited to bring Marco's to this community and mentor the next generation of franchisees."

In 2024, Marco’s awarded 85 franchises and opened 70 new stores. 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.

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

"Jack's extensive experience in the pizza industry and his passion for mentorship make him an ideal partner to lead Marco's debut in Philadelphia," said Gerardo Flores, chief development officer of Marco's Pizza. "With his dedication to cultivating future franchisees and fortifying the market, Jack's leadership sets the stage for Marco's imminent growth in this dynamic region."

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

Wayfair Inc. is once again teaming with the first "American Idol" winner and adding new celebrities including a former NBA star for its spring promotion.

In an email to Chain Store Age, digitally native home furnishings giant Wayfair announced that for the second year in a row it is marking the arrival of spring with a multimedia brand campaign called "Welcome to the Wayborhood."

[READ MORE: Wayfair teams with celebs; to open its first namesake store]

The 360-degree campaign spans across every consumer touchpoint, including multiple creative TV spots that unveil the "Wayborhood" – defined as a place where customers can celebrate their personal home styles and needs.

In addition to Wayfair’s long-time brand ambassador, pop singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson, and retired NBA pro basketball star (and former Boston Celtic) Blake Griffin, the campaign features celebrities including:

• Comedian/actress Nicole Byer
• Chef/author Meredith Hayden
• Country singers Kane and Katelyn Brown

"The Wayborhood campaign embodies Wayfair’s mission to make it easy to create a home that is just right for you,” Paul Toms, chief marketing officer, Wayfair, said in emailed commentary to Chain Store Age. “In this latest iteration, we’ve doubled down on what resonated most with consumers — curated products across styles and categories, ease of shopping, and the nostalgic feel of home and neighbors — while bringing fresh energy with new talent like Blake Griffin.”

Toms said the campaign is also refining how it showcases Wayfair’s key benefits, such as free delivery on everything. 

Based in Boston, Wayfair generated $11.9 billion in net revenue for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024. Its brand portfolio includes: Wayfair, AllModern, Birch Lane, Joss & Main, Perigold and Wayfair Professional.

Levels, a destination that combines retail, brand experiences and innovation, has opened its doors in the Mission District of San Francisco.

The three-level space is home to a boutique featuring collections from up-and-coming brands in sports, entertainment, tech, and streetwear, as well as current industry staples. It’s located steps away from the Chase Center, home to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.

In addition to the permanent store, Levels includes two event spaces that are available as extensions of retail and as standalone bookable spaces for brand activation. The venues will host groundbreaking activations and cultural exchanges, underscoring Levels' commitment to fostering creativity and inspiration, the company said.

Levels was founded by four individuals with backgrounds in retail, brand marketing, digital tech and consumer experience: Ronnie Singh is the head of lifestyle and content marketing at 2K; Sam Asfahani is the CEO of Mercury Group; Craig Lyonis the senior VP of marketing at Nutrabolt; and Ryan Gizinski is the creator, owner and operator at Guest List. 

"Levels is so much more than a store — it's a cultural hub where streetwear, sports, tech and entertainment converge," said Singh. "I'm proud to call the Bay Area home and to introduce Levels as a place to host, celebrate, and inspire the visionaries who are shaping the city's cultural landscape of tomorrow."

Studio Skaggs Kennedy has worked with Levels as the architect of record and design architect since the project's inception in 2023. The firm is based in Berkeley, Calif.