News Briefs

Consumers are planning to use their tax returns quickly once they arrive.

That’s according to new survey data from marketing automation platform Omnisend, which found that 57% of Americans are expecting a tax return this year, and of that group, nearly six-in-10 (59%) plan to use it within a month of receiving it.

Emergency savings (39%), bills or mortgage payments (32%) and paying off credit card debt (22%) are the most common uses for tax refunds this year, while 13% intend to save their entire refund.

“Tax refunds are arriving this year in an environment with a lot of consumer psychological strain,” said Marty Bauer, e-commerce expert at Omnisend. “With ongoing economic uncertainty and global instability, people are treating this money less like a bonus and more like a buffer, something to put to work quickly to feel more secure.”

Overall, more than seven-in-10 (71%) respondents plan to spend part of their refunds on shopping, and nearly half (48%) say they’ll spend up to a quarter 25% of it on smaller, everyday items like clothing (57%), beauty (30%) or hobby supplies (21%).

Fifteen percent of consumers plan to treat themselves to “something special.” Only 11% are planning major purchases like furniture.

“For retailers, this means the opportunity isn’t in encouraging bigger spending, but in meeting cautious and fatigued consumers where they are – prioritizing value, flexibility and products that justify their cost immediately,” added Bauer.

[READ MORE: Survey: Tax return money most likely to go towards…]

Omnisend’s survey was conducted by Cint in March 2026 on a total of 1,370 U.S. respondents.

Target Corp. continues to expand its footprint as it remains on track to build more than 300 stores by 2035.

The discounter is opening six stores across four states in April (locations at end of article). The new outposts are part of Target’s $5 billion capital investment plan for 2026, which includes 30-plus new stores, more than 130 store remodels and investments in additional store payroll and training to enhance guest service.

Five of the stores Target is opening in April top its 125,000 square foot average as the retailer leans into larger formats. In addition to the April openings, Target has new stores planned for Mesa, Ariz., Farmington, Mo., and Mebane, Fayetteville and Lincolnton, Ala. (It did not give an opening date for the stores.)

“Our continued commitment to opening new stores is really about showing up for our guests and our communities — and it starts with our incredible store team members," said chief stores officer Adrienne Costanzo. "These new stores give our teams the tools and environments to bring our merchandising strengths to life, create easier and more inspiring shopping experiences, and use technology to move smarter and faster every day. It’s how we keep growing thoughtfully, stay connected to our communities and make Target an even better place to work and shop.”

Here are the stores (with approximate size) that Target is opening in April:

•Arizona: Buckeye (148,000 sq. ft.); Casa Grande (127,000 sq. ft.);

•Missouri: University City (149,000 sq. ft.);

•New Jersey: Jersey City (119,000 sq. ft.); and

•North Carolina: Wilmington (128,000); Selma (129,000 sq. ft.).

[READ MORE: Yum! Brands teams up with Nvidia to develop AI solutions — including voice ordering]

Cava is continuing to grow its footprint across the Midwest.

The fast-casual Mediterranean chain has entered the St. Louis metropolitan area with a 2,900-sq.-ft. restaurant in Cottleville, Mo., featuring a dining room, seamless digital order pick-up, and delivery options. A second St. Louis location is slated to open later this year.

Cava’s expansion into the St. Louis follows several other Midwestern openings in the past year. The chain opened its first Ohio location in March, and made its debut in Michigan and Indiana in 2025. Cava says its long-term goal is to reach at least 1,000 restaurants by 2032.

“St. Louis is a city with deep roots, bustling neighborhoods, and a culture that celebrates coming together – whether it’s cheering on your favorite sports team or connecting over a great meal,” said Jeff Gaul, chief development officer at Cava. “We’re excited to become a part of that fabric and introduce our fresh, bold Mediterranean flavors to the Cottleville community, creating a space where people can gather, recharge, and make Cava part of their everyday routine. With a second St. Louis location opening later this year, we look forward to inviting even more members of the community to our table.”

[READ MORE: Texas Roadhouse veteran to join Cava C-suite]

Founded in Rockville, Md., Cava, which went public in 2023, operates approximately 450 locations in 29 states and Washington D.C. The chain says it is on track to reach 500 locations this year.

Cava’s fully-customizable menu includes 38 ingredients, creating over 17 billion combinations for guests to enjoy through bowls, pitas, chips, dips, juices and dressings.

Krispy Kreme is entering a new European market.

The donut chain has partnered with hospitality operator Jafa Holding BV to bring the brand to the Netherlands, with the country’s first shop expected to open in late 2026. The first Netherlands Hot Light Theater Shop will feature Krispy Kreme’s Hot Light experience, and serve as both a retail location and a production hub, which the brand says will anchor a broader phased expansion across the country. 

Krispy Kreme expects to open approximately 30 locations in the Netherlands over the next five years.

[READ MORE: Survey: Consumers' favorite QSR restaurant chains include…]

“We’re thrilled to bring Krispy Kreme’s delicious, fresh doughnuts to the Netherlands,” said Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth. “Partnering with Jafa Holding BV, an experienced operator with deep knowledge of the local market, expands our European presence and reinforces our commitment to sustainable, profitable growth through our capital-light franchise model.”

Looking ahead, Krispy Kreme plans to open at least 100 shops globally and enter three to four new international markets this year, including the Netherlands. Last year, the chain made its debut in Spain, Brazil and Uzbekistan.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Krispy Kreme operates more than 1,600 locations worldwide. It operates approximately 360 stores in the United States.

QVC Group Inc. is planning to file for bankruptcy protection.

According to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company intends to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas within 90 days. QVC Group’s portfolio includes home shopping network pioneer QVC, HSN, Ballard Designs, Garnet Hill, Frontgate and Grandin Road. 

Amid declining regular television viewership and other shifts in consumer behavior, QVC Group has been struggling with slumping sales for some time. Its net revenue fell nearly 8% to $8.3 billion in 2025 as its as net loss more than doubled to more than $2.1 billion.  According to regulatory findings obtained by Bloomberg, the company had amassed $6.6 billion in outstanding group debt as of Sept. 30, 2025, which includes a credit facility that was expected to mature in October 2026.​

In its filing, the company cited “significant professional fees” in preparing for bankruptcy, with even greater costs possible through the proceedings. It warned that “we cannot assure that cash on hand, cash flow from operations will be sufficient to continue to fund our operations.”