News Briefs

[READ MORE: Lamps Plus AI-enables omnichannel forecasting]

Established in 1976 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Lamps Plus is the nation’s largest specialty lighting retailer, operating its LampsPlus.com e-commerce business as well as 35 stores in the western U.S.

President Trump announced an array of new import tariffs set to go into effect on Oct. 1.

The new levies, which range from 25% to 100%, apply to imported pharmaceuticals, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, upholstered furniture and heavy trucks.

“The reason for this is the large scale 'FLOODING' of these products into the United States by other outside Countries," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “It is a very unfair practice, but we must protect, for National Security and other reasons, our Manufacturing process.”

Specifically, the United States will impose a 50% tariff on imported kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and associated products, a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture and a 25% tariff on foreign semi-trucks.

The highest levy, which is 100%, applies to any “branded or patented” pharmaceutical product coming into the U.S. However, industry analysts pointed out that a significant share of imported drug products could wind up being exempted from the levies, blunting their impact on consumers.

For example, it appears that the tariffs will not affect generic drugs, which account for nine out of 10 prescriptions filled in the U.S., according to the Food and Drug Administration. 

Also, the president suggested that the tariffs would not apply to pharmaceutical companies that currently have, or have committed to building, U.S.-based drug-making facilities. That’s a category that includes numerous major pharmaceutical companies, reported NBC News.

"Starting October 1st, 2025, we will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any branded or patented Pharmaceutical Product, unless a Company IS BUILDING their Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in America," Trump said in his post.

The new tariffs could weigh most heavily on consumers outfitting their homes, as well as home builders. An an increasing share of furniture, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities is imported from countries that include Vietnam, China and Malaysia.

Target Corp. is rolling out a slew of new toys, including hundreds of exclusives, for the holidays, along wit a new catalog.

The discounter will debut a new holiday kids catalog in October that highlights the top gifts for every age and interest. Customers can scan a QR code on the catalog to unlock a digital-first experience designed to spark imagination and simplify wish list creation and sharing for kids and gift-givers alike, according to Target. 

Also, and in a first, Target will also hold free in-store toy demonstrations every weekend from Nov. 8 to Dec. 21 at its stores nationwide.

The retailer unveiled its “Bullseye Top Toys List,” which features more than 40 “must-have” toys, starting at $5. The list will be clearly marked in store aisles and online. The lineup includes new and exclusive toys from national brands such as Disney, FAO Schwarz, LEGO, Mattel, Nintendo and items from Target's toy owned brand Gigglescape and the Bullseye-branded collection. 

Target said its toy assortment features thousands of toys under $20, with many new items from the top brands and hundreds of exclusives.

[READ MORE: Target holiday plans include 20,000 new items, expanded next-day delivery]

A major shopping center in one of California’s largest cities has changed hands.

Retail and mixed-use developer CenterCal Properties and real estate private equity firm DRA Advisors have announced the acquisition of Long Beach Towne Center – an 870,000-sq.-ft. regional destination in Long Beach, Calif. Located off Interstate 605, the center is anchored by Walmart, Lowe’s and Sam’s Club, and hosts a number of retail, dining and entertainment tenants, including a Regal Cinemas movie theatre and a Dave & Buster’s.

CenterCal and DRA said the acquisition underscores both firms' confidence in “grocery-anchored, experiential and necessity-based retail” as resilient and high-performing asset classes.

"Long Beach Towne Center is already a cornerstone of the community, and we see tremendous potential to make it even more dynamic and relevant for today's consumer," said Jean Paul Wardy, CEO of CenterCal Properties. "Together with DRA, we will transform Long Beach Towne Center into a destination that brings people together, drives strong results for our retailers, and creates long-term value for the community."

[READ MORE: NewMark Merrill named to manage Carriage Square in Oxnard, Calif.]

CenterCal and DRA said they plan to improve the property through retail curation, food & beverage activations, enhanced public gathering areas, greater entertainment and lifestyle offerings, and a “refresh” of the property’s signage, pathways and more.

"DRA is excited to partner with CenterCal on this iconic property," said Brett Gottlieb, senior managing director at DRA Advisors. "CenterCal's expertise in placemaking and tenant curation will ensure that Long Beach Towne Center continues to thrive and remain a premier destination for decades to come."

A veteran leader is returning to Shoe Carnival’s C-suite.

The footwear retailer has named W. Kerry Jackson as executive VP and CFO effective Sept. 28, 2025. Jackson rejoined Shoe Carnival in June 2025 as senior VP of new business development after retiring in May 2023. He previously served as the Shoe Carnival's CFO for 27 years and has been with the company for a total of 35 years.

As CFO, Jackson succeeds Patrick C. Edwards, who has served as senior VP and CFO since 2023. Edwards has been names senior VP and treasurer, and will continue to serve as a key member of the finance leadership team.

"I'm excited to have Kerry rejoin my executive leadership team at this pivotal moment for Shoe Carnival," said Mark Worden, president and CEO of Shoe Carnival. "This week we celebrated the grand opening of our 100th Shoe Station store, growing from the 21 locations we originally acquired, with plans to exceed 215 stores by July 2026. With Kerry already leading our business development efforts and his deep knowledge of our business, this is the natural time for his return to the CFO role as we execute our strategic plan."

​​Jackson will lead the Shoe Carnival’s investor relations activities and will participate in the company's third quarter 2025 earnings call.

[READ MORE: Shoe Carnival integrates AI-powered search on merchandising platform]

As of Sept. 25, 2025, Shoe Carnival Inc. operates 428 stores in 35 states and Puerto Rico under its Shoe Carnival, Shoe Station and Rogan's banners. The chain offers a broad assortment of dress, casual and athletic footwear for men, women and children.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is growing its footprint both at home and abroad.

The Texas-based fast-casual barbecue chain opened 46 new locations across 17 U.S. states and internationally in Canada and the Philippines during the first three quarters of 2025. The new openings included Alberta and Ontario in Canada.

With this momentum, Dickey’s is on track to exceed 60 new openings by the end of the year, which will push its systemwide store count past 400 restaurants worldwide.

“Barbecue has always been about gathering people around good food, and it is exciting to see that resonate everywhere from Texas to the Philippines,” said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, the restaurant’s holding company. “We are proving that legit flavor, paired with strong franchisee support, can thrive in any market.”

[READ MORE: Survey: Restaurants focused on growth despite challenges]

Dickey’s says the rapid expansion comes on the heels of 2024 being its slowest sales year on record.

“We took a serious look at our business and built a two year plan to return Dickey's to its position as a top fast-casual restaurant brand,” said Dickey’s Barbecue Pit CEO Laura Rea Dickey. “We have seen an enormous sales recovery. Our most important overall goal driving all of our plans is exceptional profitability and financial success of our amazing family of franchisees.”

Founded in 1941, Dickey’s is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. The chain is known for its meats smoked over hickory wood and various Southern side dishes.