News Briefs

Sustainable packaging is still resonating with consumers.

Nearly seven-in-10 (68%) Americans have changed how they shop to reduce plastic waste, and half (50%) of consumers choose the more sustainable-looking product when prices are equal, according to a recent survey from printing company Uprinting. 

More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents say they trust brands more when packaging appears eco-friendly, while nearly six-in-10 (57%) believe brands and manufacturers should take the lead in addressing the environmental impact of packaging.

Younger consumers are especially keen on making an impact when it comes to the products they purchase. More than half (53%) of Gen Z shoppers have actively stopped buying from brands that use excessive plastic packaging. ​​Twenty-one percent of Gen Z consumers say they "always" check for sustainability disclosures on packaging.

Overall, almost a third (32%) of those surveyed said they would be willing to pay 6–10% more for products that come in "sustainably made, well-designed" packaging.

[READ MORE: How supply chain transparency can boost sales]

“From our study, it's clear that packaging is no longer viewed as a cost to minimize, but rather as a strategic investment that can boost both brand equity and margin,” said Uprinting. “When design and sustainability align, consumers recognize and are willing to pay for the added thoughtfulness and quality.”

For its survey, Uprinting surveyed 1,000 adults across the United States via Pollfish in October 2025.

Kingsbury Center, a 53,910-sq.-ft. retail property in Chicago in the city's affluent Lincoln Park neighborhood, will soon get a big boost in store traffic.

Marcus & Millichap has arranged financing of $13.7 million for the new owners of the property, who will be allowed to transfer the center’s available air rights for the construction of a 28-story apartment building across the street.

Kingsbury Center, which is anchored by Sky Zone and PetSmart, has 500,000 square feet of air rights, and its owners are able to transfer the unused zoning capacity from one property to another to allow for denser construction.

Air rights from a second nearby property will also be assigned to the residential build. 

“This transaction reflects the strength of experienced sponsorship and the continued demand for well‑located retail assets in core urban markets,” said Dean Giannakopoulos, senior managing director in Marcus & Millichap’s Chicago office.

Media giant Time has named Target its inaugural design partner for four marquee events in 2026.

The partnership, described as “first-of-its kind,” will span the Time Women of the Year Leadership Forum & Gala, Time100 Creators and Time100 Next. It will also include the debut of Time100 Sports, Time’s newest editorial and event platform launching in July 2026.

As part of the partnership, Target will bring its design expertise to further enhance and elevate Time’s flagship event experiences for honorees and attendees, the retailer said in a release.

“These moments will reflect Target’s leadership in style, design and value and complement Time’s platforms that convene and recognize the world’s most impactful changemakers,” Target added.

Through the partnership, Time Studios, the award-winning film, television and branded content division of Time, will produce a dedicated digital hub on Time.com featuring branded content that highlights Target’s design activations across Time’s events. The content will have social-first distribution across Time’s platforms and include creator-led, behind-the-scenes coverage of the design process.

[READ MORE: Target plots 30-plus new openings, 130-plus remodels for 2026]

“Target is a brand that’s committed to offering great style, design and value to everyone,” said Cara Sylvester, chief merchandising officer at Target. “We're thrilled to be Time’s first official design partner in 2026. Time has its pulse on current culture, leadership and global conversations, and together we’ll create engaging moments that recognize influential people who are making a mark in culture today.”

Time’s global events have tripled in scale from 11 events in 2022 to a record 37 events in 2025, attracting more than 30,000 attendees to date across cities including Dubai, Cannes, Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and more.

The man who played a pivotal role in turning a family-owned real estate company into one of the most dynamic mixed-use development companies in the nation has passed away.

Fifty years ago, Frank S. Benson III and his cousin Don Casto helped Columbus-based Casto widen its reach outside of the Midwest to the Southeast with such projects as Park West Village, a 100-acre mixed-use development that includes a town center district, a community center with sought-after major retail anchors, upscale casual restaurants, and 600-plus luxury residential units.

In 1928, the company played a pivotal role in the development of retail real estate when it opened The Bank Block in Columbus — the first property that featured national chains joined together in one center.

“Frank was known for his warmth, passion and genuine care. He was a joy to work with — charismatic, thoughtful and approachable,” noted an obituary released the Casto company.

Don Casto, who is still involved with the company that turns 100 years old in 2026, said that his cousin and longtime business partner will be sorely missed. 

“His leadership was defined not only by vision, but by character,” Casto said. “Those who had the privilege of working alongside him will remember him as both a remarkable colleague and a cherished friend.”

Mobile gaming is widely popular among consumers – and represents a growing advertising channel for brands and retailers.

According to a new survey from market research firm Kantar and marketing platform AppLovin, 71% of mobile gamers shop online at least weekly, with 77% spending $100 or more per month. Seventy percent of mobile gamers play every day, and an overwhelming 97% report playing weekly.

Nearly 40% of mobile gamers reported purchasing a product within three months of seeing a mobile gaming ad. The purchases resulted in high satisfaction (92%) and strong intent to repurchase (82%).

[READ MORE: These consumers are discovering new products on TikTok]

Unlike the fatigue often associated with social feeds, 71% of players say they view ads favorably while playing mobile games, representing an opportunity for brands and retailers. More than half of households earning $200,000-plus describe their sentiment toward mobile gaming ads as “very positive,” with seven-in-10 affluent gamers purchasing from an in-game ad and almost half converting in the past three months.

“Mobile gaming has evolved into a true mass-reach consumer channel for advertisers, delivering not only national scale and demographic diversity, but also driving meaningful purchase outcomes for brands,” noted Kantar and AppLovin. “The research reveals that mobile gamers are influential household decision-makers with strong spending power.”

The Home Depot Foundation is now accepting applications for skilled trade educational grants from all 50 states.

Home Depot is making an initial $1 million investment in its Path to Pro Education Grants program that expands it to eligible programs in communities across the country. The home improvement giant founded its Path to Pro program, which aims to educate more people in the skilled trades and help them find careers in the home improvement industry, in 2020. 

The expansion of the grant program to all 50 states builds upon a 2025 educational grant pilot in Southern California, which funded training programs to support rebuilding efforts in the area following wildfires.

[READ MORE: Home Depot increases SoCal wildfire aid]

The Path to Pro Education Grants program is open to accredited K-12 schools, community and technical colleges, and nonprofit organizations with existing construction skilled trades programs. Eligible organizations may apply for grants of up to $10,000 to modernize training spaces or purchase tools and equipment to enhance their skilled construction trades training and certification offerings. 

Other notable Path to Pro initiatives have included a $1 million partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and teaming up with StrataTech Education Group (StrataTech), an operator of skilled trade schools, to provide educational content for a career in professional welding or refrigeration.

"Twenty years ago, ‘shop class' was all but phased out in favor of the traditional, four-year degree track," said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. "Today, these programs are seeing a resurgence as students seek high-demand, debt-free paths to financial stability and career longevity. Our investment aims to help empower students to one day become their own bosses while also building a robust pipeline of skilled professionals for years to come."