News Briefs

SpartanNash has hired new talent to oversee its store operations.

The Michigan-based food solutions company has announced that Jay Mahabir has been named VP of retail operations, effective immediately. Mahabir will oversee retail operations at nearly 200 SpartanNash-operated stores in 10 states, and will focus on leading an “excellent in-store and online experience” for associates and shoppers.

Mahabir previously served as market director for Meijer for more than 14 years, where he led the two highest-volume markets in Michigan: Grand Rapids and metro Detroit. Previously, he served in store leadership roles at Lowe's and Target.

"We will continue to enhance our shopping experience by focusing on freshness, value and convenience, and Jay will play a critical role in leading this work," said SpartanNash Senior VP and chief retail officer Djouma Barry, who joined the company from Kroger last November. "Jay will also be focused on developing our talent pipeline, so retail Associates can maximize the career opportunities available to them across our footprint."

The retail footprint that Mahabir will oversee at SpartanNash grew significantly last year. The company made three acquisitions in 2024, including convenience store operator Markham Enterprises, and grocers Fresh Encounter Inc. and Metcalfe's Market. The three deals added a combined 55 locations to SpartanNash’s store count.

Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., SpartanNash operates nearly 200 brick-and-mortar grocery stores, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin's Super Markets and D&W Fresh Market, in addition to dozens of pharmacies and fuel centers. It employs approximately 20,000 associates.

Zales wants to be the go-to jewelry destination for the new generation of “confident, on-trend women."

The retailer has launched a new branding campaign, “Own It,” that flips the script on traditional fine-jewelry marketing by championing the belief that such jewelry is meant to be worn every day — as opposed to being saved for special occasions. The campaign marks a pivotal shift for Zales as it asserts a fresh identity for a new generation of confident, fashion-forward consumer, the company said.

Zales is also testing a "store of the future" concept that reimagines the in-store experience and blends digital integration with vibrant, curated displays for a more self-serve, personalized shopping experience. 

On the media front, the brand is embracing digital-first strategies, exploring new channels such asmobile gaming, CTV, and interactive social formats while doubling down on influencer partnerships to better connect with younger audiences and highlight the importance of peer-to-peer recommendations.

In addition, Zales is expanding its product assortment with unique, trend-driven collections such Stellar Allure’s modern lab-grown diamond fashion designs, and Whimly by Zales, which features accessible price points along with stackable, layer-friendly designs. Customization and personalization take center stage, allowing customers to craft pieces that are truly their own.

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Zales is operated by Signet Jewelers Limited, the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry. Signet operates approximately 2,600 stores under a variety of banners.

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Consumers on both sides of the Atlantic are planning to cut back on spending amid tariff concerns.

More than half (55%) of the 1,600 consumers in the United States and United Kingdom say they are scaling back discretionary purchases, according to a new survey from digital analytics platform Quantum Metric. When asked which areas they planned to make cuts to, dining/take out was the top answer (63%), followed by home goods spending (47%), apparel purchases (44%), alcohol purchases (44%) and beauty/wellness services (38%).

Grocery (18%) was the category that the least amount of consumers planned to scale back in. However, a majority of consumers (53%) say they will opt for generic grocery items if their preferred brand's prices increase.

Another area where consumers plan to cut back is travel, with large numbers of consumers in both countries planning to “stay local” for spring, summer and end-of-year holidays. When looking to cut costs, 33% say they will book with travel sites where they are loyalty members, while 32% will only book with hotels/airlines they are loyal to for perks/discounts. More than a quarter (29%) plan to identify travel destinations primarily based on the average price of airfare/hotel.

[READ MORE: Consumers worried about recession, tariffs; expect to change shopping behavior]

Quantum Metric’s survey revealed that communication from brands and retailers is key for retaining loyalty amid their plans to cut back on spending. More than half (56%) of U.S. consumers and nearly three-quarters (72%) of those in the U.K. stated a retailer's failure to clearly communicate price increases would negatively impact their loyalty. On a related note, an overwhelming 89% of consumers would question their loyalty if a brand discontinued a long-standing practice.

President Trump is planning to meet with executives from four of the country’s biggest retailers amid growing concerns about tariffs, reported Reuters.

An official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed a Bloomberg report that said the meeting, which will take place at the White House, will include representatives from Walmart, The Home Depot, Lowe's and Target, according to the Reuters report.

The president announced a series of sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries on April 2. On April 9, he paused the levies for a 90-day period, with the exception of those imposed on China, which he raised to 125%.

More than half of Walmart and Target's imports are from China, according to company figures, reported Reuters. The Home Depot and Lowe's also import from the country, as do many other retailers.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) is renewing its collaboration with its consumer financing program partner.

The apparel retailer, which operates stores under the American Eagle and Aerie brands, has announced a multi-year extension of its agreement with Synchrony to manage its credit programs. Synchrony will continue to provide consumer financing experience for American Eagle and Aerie customers to earn rewards when they use their Real Rewards credit card to shop online and in stores.

The Real Rewards credit card can be used at American Eagle and Aerie, in-store or online and the Real Rewards Visa credit card can be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted. The card offers rewards and special discounts for AEO customers.

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"Our partnership with AEO has thrived for nearly three decades because it is founded on shared values," said Darrell Owens, executive VP and CEO of lifestyle at Synchrony. "Our companies are committed to providing customers with a great experience and exceptional value. Together, we will continue to advance those goals by understanding our customers' needs, innovating new ways to meet them where they are and exceeding their expectations."

AEO’s Real Rewards program was recognized as one of America's Best Loyalty Programs by Newsweek for the fifth-consecutive year, and the Real Rewards Credit Card was named Money's Best Retail Credit Card: In-Store Rewards for 2025.

As of March 12, 2025, AEO operated approximately 1,170 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.