News Briefs

Walmart is doubling down on its investment  in the world’s most popular spot as it looks to expand the game’s growing popularity in the United States and engage its multi-cultural U.S. fan base.

The retail giant is partnering with Spanish soccer league LaLiga, serving as the first-ever presenting partner of the league’s highly anticipated “El Clásico,” a rivalry match-up between its two powerhouse teams: FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF. First played in 1929, the game typically is watched by more than 700 million people across 180-plus countries.

Walmart and LaLiga will kick off their multi-year partnership with a weekend of events in Houston from Oct. 24-26, timed to the first ElClásico match of the 2025/2026 season, in Madrid. (The second match will take place on May 10.) The partnership will include large-scale viewing events, El Clásico-inspired concerts, meet-and-greets with former stars, co-branded merchandise and in-store activations.  

In addition, the partnership will also include new visual identity for ElClásico — featuring Walmart as presenting partner — that will be used across all match-related properties and executions in the U.S. and Canada.

“Soccer has one of the most passionate fanbases in the world,” said William White, chief marketing officer, Walmart. “That passion is growing rapidly here in the U.S. as we look ahead to the 2026 World Cup across North America. “That’s why we’re thrilled to team up with LA LIGA and ElClásico to fuel the energy, create unforgettable experiences and give fans even more ways to celebrate the game they love.”

In July, Walmart entered a multi-year collaboration that made it an official partner and sponsor of Major League Soccer and the Leagues Cup North American soccer tournament.

One of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s top-flight malls is preparing to fly a little higher.

A 70,000-sq.-ft. luxury expansion is underway at San Diego’s Westfield UTC property that will welcome Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, Carolina Herrara, Zegna, Chanel, and Carolina Herrera to the property.

“This expansion brings an exciting mix of first-to-market luxury retailers and standout dining experiences that will elevate every visit to UTC,” said Kim Brewer, URW’s senior VP of development. “It’s a reflection of our refined, experience-driven vision for the future of retail—and we’re incredibly proud of what this project will contribute to the San Diego and La Jolla communities.” 

Currently under development, the new luxury section is scheduled to open in phases beginning in the spring of 2026. 

Enhanced amenities, sustainability features, community gathering places, and green spaces will also be added. URW’s stated goal is to position Westfield UTC as one of the most significant luxury and designer shopping destinations in Southern California.

Also being added to the mall’s tenant list are two new restaurants: Telefèric Barcelona, a 30-year-old institution in Spain known for its tapas and paellas; and Joey Restaurants, which bills itself as “The Ultimate in Casual Dining.”

“UTC is already a premier lifestyle destination on the West Coast,” noted Brewer, “and this next chapter will only strengthen its place at the forefront of culture and connection.”

Consumers are already noticing higher candy prices in the early stage of Halloween shopping.

The majority (86%) of consumers report noticing candy price increases compared to 2024, according to a new survey from cloud-based retail management solutions firm Trax. More than half of Americans (58%) say their Halloween candy budget has been impacted by economic factors such as inflation and tariff-related price increases, with 79% of those respondents reporting that they will cut back on their total purchase amount as a result. 

The majority of Halloween shoppers (83%) are keeping total holiday spending under $100. Of this group, an overwhelming 82% are reducing their candy purchase volumes. Nearly seven-in-10 (69%) shoppers are capping candy spending at just $20, which Trax says is down from historical averages that typically ranged $30 to $50 for Halloween candy purchases.

In response to price hikes, 41% of consumers are launching "early bird" candy hunts, now shopping weeks ahead of Halloween to secure the best deals.

[READ MORE: Survey: Most consumers plan to make Halloween purchases]

“We're seeing a notable shift in Halloween consumer behavior this year," said Brittany Billings, chief marketing officer at Trax. “The traditional late-October candy buying frenzy is evolving into extended, deal-driven purchasing windows that began much earlier this year. Brands and retailers must reassess their pricing and promotional structures to align with today’s price-conscious consumers hunting for deals.”

Trax’s survey of 6,048 American consumers was conducted through Shopkick, Trax's shopping rewards platform, between Sept. 3-19, 2025.

A global apparel retailer is gearing up to arrive in the United States.

Denmark-based Jack & Jones, which operates more than 4,000 stores worldwide, will make its U.S. store debut at five Brookfield Properties-owned shopping centers, starting in November at The Mall in Columbia, Columbia, Md. (See all five locations at end of article.) The move into the U.S. market follows the brand's recent expansion in Canada.

“The U.S. has always been an important and influential market for fashion,” said Anders Gam, brand director at Jack & Jones. “Entering this retail market is a milestone for Jack & Jones and we’re excited to introduce our unique blend of denim expertise and accessible fashion. We can’t wait to meet the U.S. consumers and share what Jack & Jones is all about — great denim, on-trend fashion and prices that make it easy to keep your style fresh.”

Founded in 1999, Jack & Jones operates in more than 30 countries. It has grown from a denim-focused menswear label into a global fashion brand that includes a women apparel division, JJXX. It is owned by Bestseller, a Danish family-owned affordable fashion and accessories company. 

“International retailers look to Brookfield Properties as a trusted partner when entering the U.S. market,” said Erin McCarthy, VP of leasing and head of retail development at Brookfield Properties. “We’re proud to welcome the first Jack & Jones location to our portfolio and know our communities will be excited for this too.”

[READ MORE: Luxury outerwear brand Moorer to open first U.S. store in NYC]

Here are the locations for Jack & Jones' five upcoming stores.

• The Mall in Columbia, Columbia, M.d.;

• Natick Mall, Natick, Mass. (menswear only);

• Staten Island Mall, Staten Island, N.Y.;

• Christiana Mall (Newark, Del.); and

• Willowbrook, Wayne, N.J. (All will open in 2026)

Brookfield Properties operates more than 800 properties spanning over 375 million sq. ft. worldwide.

Spirit Halloween is nearly quadrupling the footprint of its Christmas-themed retail store concept for the 2025 holiday season.

The company is opening 30 Spirit Christmas pop-up locations across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. Spirit Halloween debuted the concept last year, with 10 stores on the East Coast. 

Spirit Christmas returns with expanded offerings, including an immersive in-store experience (“Peppermint Village”) featuring festive décor, unique gifts, holiday apparel and interactive displays designed to spark joy and nostalgia, the company said. 

The Spirit Christmas experience also includes the return of Santa, hosted in partnership with holiday photography company Cherry Hill Programs and featuring interactive photo sessions.

"Back by popular demand and with even more locations, Spirit Christmas is an extension of our sensory-rich, interactive holiday experiences,” said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Christmas. “From our one-of-a-kind Santa photo experience to an exclusive collection of festive merchandise, we're thrilled to welcome guests back for another unforgettable season of magic and fun."

Spirit Halloween and mall retailer Spencer’s Gifts are both part of Egg Harbor Township, N.J.-based Spencer Spirit Holdings Inc.

Dollar Tree is moving forward with plans to rebuild a supply chain facility damaged by a tornado in 2024.

The discount retailer has broken ground on a new 1-million-sq.-ft. distribution center in Marietta, Okla., marking a major step in Dollar Tree’s return to the region following the destruction of its prior facility in April 2024 by a tornado. 

[READ MORE: Dollar Tree to rebuild Oklahoma distribution center damaged by tornado]