News Briefs

The Michaels Companies is partnering with a provider of premium digital content crafters can use in their projects.

The specialty arts-and-crafts retailer is partnering with Creative Fabrica, a subscription-based digital crafting download platform that provides users with unlimited access to more than 150,000 premium digital assets to provide a new service called Michaels Digital Downloads.

Content available for download includes fonts, illustrations, PNGs, 3D paper crafts, laser cutting files, knitting patterns, and embroidery patterns. Customers can sign up for a subscription to Michaels Digital Downloads at $9.99 per month or save 30% with an annual subscription at $83.88 billed upfront, as well as a free 30-day trial with up to 10 downloads.

"Insights from our most passionate creators revealed that 70% were eager for a digital platform from Michaels, and this partnership is the perfect step forward," said Heather Bennett, president at Michaels. "As we continue to innovate to support our customers' creative passions, we're excited to deliver a seamless and convenient digital download experience that sparks inspiration and fuels the joy of creativity."

In other efforts to expand its inventory through collaboration with third-party providers, the retailer offers an online marketplace called MakerPlace by Michaels. The marketplace features more than 750,000 curated products from selected sellers, as well as classes and how-to's .

[READ MORE: Michaels debuts third-party marketplace for handmade items]

"We're thrilled to partner with Michaels to launch Michaels Digital Downloads, bringing our extensive library of premium design resources to their vibrant community of crafters," said Roemie Hillenaar, CEO of Creative Fabrica. 

Michaels expects digital content will continue to roll out on the platform to eventually offer millions of assets to shoppers.

X Team Retail Advisors, a nationwide brokerage combine spread across nearly 50 markets, has re-elected Dave Cheatham to his third term as its president.

“The mission of this national affiliate platform remains anchored on expansion of services and geographic growth to collaboratively serve the needs of retailers and landlords,” said Cheatham, who leads the Phoenix-based Velocity Retail Group.

X Team continues to expand its network of 300-plus retail real estate experts, most recently having added Pacific Asset Advisors in Seattle, Pierson Commercial Real Estate in New Jersey, MSC in Philadelphia, and Secure Net Lease, a brokerage with offices in Dallas and Los Angeles.

Last year X Team launched a national retailer services business line that quickly allows retail brands to conduct research, complete site selection assessments, execute lease roll-out plans nationally or regionally, restructure leases, or develop, plan, and construct new stores. 

Also re-elected to the company’s board were its slate of regional directors: Econic Company’s James Chung in the West; Rise Commercial Partners’ Jeff Townsend in the South Central; The Providence Group’s Darren Wood in the Southeast, and Mfi Realty’s Michael Albo in the Northeast.

Cheatham is an authority on retail real estate in the disciplines of brokerage, project leasing, development, consulting and advisory services.

Walmart is expanding its fuel and convenience format.

The retail giant is revamping its convenience services and will be opening or remodeling 45-plus fuel stations across the U.S. this year. Currently, Walmart operates more than 400 fuel and convenience stations nationwide. With the openings this year, the retailer will have more than 450 locations across 34 states. 

In addition to offering low prices at the pumps, the one-stop shops offer the same low prices on snacks and beverages as what’s offered inside a Walmart store, the company said. Also, members of Walmart’s paid loyalty program, Walmart+, can save up to 10 cents per gallon with their membership.

"We're continuing to invest in our nationwide, physical store footprint. said Dave DeSerio, VP of fuel and convenience, Walmart U.S. “By adding dozens of fuel and convenience stations this year, we are bringing even more value to our customers. Customers shop Walmart for our everyday low prices and convenience offerings, and fuel stations are another example of us responding to our customer and member needs." 

A new survey from Numerator reveals which retail giants are most-frequented by consumers.

A large majority (83%) of U.S. households made a purchase at Amazon in the past 12 months (ending Dec. 31, 2024), averaging 73 orders over the course of the year and spending over $2,800, according to group’s Retailer, Restaurant & Brand Snapshots report for 2024, Compared to all U.S. consumers, Amazon shoppers are more likely to be millennials or Gen X and make impulse purchases.

In the club chain sector, nearly half (47%) of U.S. households shop at Costco, compared to 42% shopping at Sam’s Club. Costco shoppers have an annual buy rate over $3,000 and are more likely to be high income, urban, Asian, and committed to buying organic.

Among home improvement stores, Home Depot sees higher household penetration (71% of U.S. households) and more urban and suburban shoppers, while Lowe’s is more favored by rural shoppers.

[READ MORE: Numerator: Consumer themes for 2025 include…]

When it comes to discount chains, nearly eight-in-10 (79%) U.S. households shop at Dollar Tree annually, compared to 60% for Dollar General. However, Dollar General shoppers tend to spend more annually, at $522 compared to $290. Dollar General shoppers are 52% more likely to live in a rural area and 19% more likely to be baby boomers or older.

Finally, in the drug store sector, CVS Health captures 69% of U.S. households, who average 19 trips and spend $400 annually. Walgreens captures a nearly identical amount (68%) of U.S. households, but Walgreens shoppers make fewer trips and spend less than their CVS counterparts.

The Canadian subsidiary of Best Buy Co., Inc. has named its new president.

Mat Povse has been promoted to the role after 11 years with the consumer electronics giant. He has held several roles during the period, and most recently served as senior VP of Best Buy Retail, Geek Squad Services, and Best Buy Business for roughly six years. Prior to joining Best Buy Canada in 2014, Povse spent more than seven years at LG Electronics.

In his time at Best Buy Canada, the retailer says Povse’s teams spearheaded key initiatives such as the introduction of small-format stores and the launch of Best Buy Canada's membership and monthly subscription programs. His teams also grew the wireless and home theater categories, and led the national expansion of major appliances at Best Buy Canada. 

Povse succeeds Ron Wilson, who recently retired after a 34-year career with Best Buy Canada.

"It's really simple,” said Povse. “It's up to all of us to create a place we love, to spend others' time well, and to have fun while we're at it – it's amazing to work for a company whose values are ones not just to work by, but to live by,

[READ MORE: Best Buy Canada expands scope of retail media network]

Best Buy Canada operates more than 320 Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile and Best Buy Express stores across the country.

It’s going to be a busy spring at Lowe’s.

On March 20, 2025 (the official first day of spring), Lowe’s Companies Inc. begins hosting its annual SpringFest seasonal sales extravaganza. The home improvement giant is also introducing a new private brand for discount-priced home products and tools and giving store associates a break for Easter.

SpringFest

Initially introduced in 2021, Lowe’s SpringFest officially runs online and in-store from March 20 – May 1, 2025. The annual promotion features deals across categories including lawn & garden, grills, patio, outdoor power equipment, and appliances and paint. 

Available from Tuesday, March 18 throughout the SpringFest promotion, Lowe’s is offering doorbusters and weekly in-store and online deals exclusively for members of its MyLowe's Rewards loyalty program. 

[READ MORE: Lowe’s launches customer loyalty program]

During this time, Lowe's will also offer loyalty members 5x bonus points on select mulch purchases, a free member gift, 3x the points on select Dewalt and Klein tools. SpringFest will also feature some products exclusively sold at Lowe’s, including from name brands such as Weber and Toro. See sample deals here.

Lowe’s Essentials

The new Lowe’s Essentials private brand offers discount home goods as well as products for improvement projects, all priced under $10, available exclusively at Lowe's.

Easter Sunday store closure

All Lowe's stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20, for what the retailer says is a chance for customers and associates to spend time with their loved ones. For customers looking to shop on Easter, there will be a one-day online-only sales event on Lowes.com.