News Briefs

Seven & i Holdings announced a major restructuring as part of its effort to head off a $47 billion bid by Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard, whose holdings include Circle K and other convenience store chains.

As part of the restructuring, the company is planning an initial public offering of its North American 7-Eleven business, which is based in Texas, by the second half of 2026. Seven & i would retain majority share of 7-Eleven, which operates 13,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada

In addition, Seven & i Holdings appointed Stephen Hayes Dacus, chairman of the board and lead independent outside director of the company, as CEO, effective in May. Dacus, who speaks fluent Japanese, is the company’s first non-Japanese leader. He has worked for years in Japan’s retail industry, including stints at Uniqlo’s parent company and as CEO of Walmart Japan, reported the New York Times.

Seven & i also plans to sell some non-convenience store assets, including supermarkets and other retail stores, to Bain Capital for $5.37 billion, with the transaction is scheduled to close in September. The company plans to use the proceeds of the sale to Bain and the 7-Eleven IPO to repurchase approximately $13.2 billion in share buybacks that return the aggregate capital to shareholders.

At a news conference in Tokyo, Dacus said that, with its recent restructuring efforts, Seven & i aimed to pivot from a “general retailer” to a “global convenience store champion” that would focus on bringing Japan-quality food to overseas markets, including the United States, the Times reported.

In North American, in addition to its namesake stores, 7-Eleven also operates and franchises Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Co. and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits locations.

Walmart Inc. is making it easier for expecting and new parents (and their families and friends) to acquire baby products.

The discount giant is launching an updated version of its baby registry with omnichannel features including the ability to register and shop online, in-app and at any of its more than 4,000 U.S. stores.

Thes upgraded Walmart baby registry also provides gift-tracking capabilities and gift receipts, shopping checklists, an exclusive one-year return window for registry users, and a free welcome box with complimentary items for parents and baby upon signing up.

Thousands of items on the Walmart baby registry are available for its Express Delivery service that provides delivery in 30 to 90 minutes, as well as for curbside pickup.

"Less time running around means more time for snuggles, first smiles, and maybe even a little rest, because when every moment counts, giving time back to parents is the most valuable gift of all," said Ryland Allen, VP of merchandising, baby consumables & hardlines at Walmart.

'Baby Days' promotion returns to Walmart

In another nod to babies and their parents, Walmart is once again hosting an omnichannel “Baby Days” promotion featuring online and in-store deals on products for infants and toddlers.

Running through Monday, March 31, 2025, Walmart Baby Days includes discounts on products such as car seats, strollers, baby wash, baby monitors, and apparel items. See specific examples of products on sale here.

[READ MORE: Walmart prices thousands of back-to-school items under $10]

Headquartered in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart Inc. operates 10,750 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries.

Academy Sports + Outdoors has added to its C-suite with a tech-focused appointment.

The Texas-based sporting goods and outdoor recreation chain has announced the appointment of Sumit Anand to the role of executive VP and chief information officer. In this position Anand will oversee all enterprise technology operations including cybersecurity, IT infrastructure and operations, and IT shared services supporting the company's corporate, distribution center, and retail initiatives.

Anand joins Academy from home decor retailer At Homes, where he served as chief strategy officer and chief information officer since June 2018. He was previously senior VP of business and technology transformation at Signet Jewelers for more than three years, and spent eight years at IT company Accenture before that.

[READ MORE: Academy Sports details 2025 store opening plans]

Founded in 1938 as a family business, Academy operates more than 300 stores across 21 states. Last year, the company said it plans to open 20 to 25 stores in 2025.

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.”

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)