News Briefs

Chicken Salad Chick has signed the largest franchise development agreement in its history.

The fast-growing chain, which bills itself as the nation’s only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, has entered into a 25-unit agreement that will introduce the brand to communities across upstate New York. The restaurants will be developed across several key markets in the state, including Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and the Upper Hudson Valley.

The announcement comes shortly after Chicken Salad Chick opened development opportunities in both New York and New Jersey, marking an important step in its long-term Northeast growth strategy.

"This is a landmark moment for Chicken Salad Chick as we expand into new regions," said Mark Verges, VP of franchise development at Chicken Salad Chick. "New York represents a tremendous growth opportunity, and we're excited to partner with a seasoned operator to introduce our brand to guests across the state. Our concept continues to resonate nationwide, and we're confident in its ability to perform well in new markets."

[READ MORE: Chicken Salad Chick adds 50-plus restaurants to pipeline in Q1]

In 2025, Chicken Salad Chick celebrated a record year, awarding nearly 100 new franchise restaurant deals and opening 42 locations across 14 states. The company, which currently has more than 330 restaurants across 22 states, has over 300 locations in its development pipeline.

Jennifer Hyman is departing as CEO, president and board member of the company she co-founded 18 years ago.

Hyman's departure is effective May 15. She will stay on an advisor through January.   

“Building Rent the Runway has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Hyman stated in a press release announcing her departure. “Rent the Runway is stronger today than it has ever been, and that is exactly why this is the right moment for me to step down so Rent the Runway can write its next chapter.”

Hyman has served as chief executive of Rent the Runway since she and Jennifer Fleiss co-founded the fashion rental company in 2009. In a LinkedIn post on Wednesday, Hyman wrote, “It’s time for me to take on a new adventure.”

“On behalf of the board, we want to thank Jennifer for her visionary leadership in guiding Rent the Runway’s evolution from a disruptive startup into a category-defining fashion technology platform,” stated Dhiren Fonseca, executive chairman. “Today, the business is uniquely positioned to further transform how women experience fashion, powered by proprietary data, AI-driven technology, scaled logistics, and a highly engaged customer base.”

Rent the Runway board member Teri Bariquit, a Nordstrom veteran who most recently served as chief merchandising officer, will serve as interim chief and president.

Urban Outfitters is rolling out a delivery partnership with DoorDash timed for graduation season.

In a collaboration initially announced in March 2026, Urban Outfitters is offering delivery of its fashion, accessories, beauty, gifting and lifestyle assortment via the DoorDash platform nationwide. This marks Urban Outfitters’ entry into the on-demand retail space.

[READ MORE: Four apparel retailers partner with DoorDash]

"At Urban Outfitters, we want to stay in sync with how our customers shop, and live their lives," said Urban Outfitters president Shea Jensen. "We are excited to partner with DoorDash, and our hope is that Urban Outfitters is more accessible and available to our customers. Door Dash is another example of how we are meeting our customers on their terms."

To celebrate the launch, Urban Outfitters and DoorDash will roll out “Deliver Joy,” a multi-touchpoint program featuring experiential immersive activations and exclusive discount offers during May. DoorDash will also support the annual Urban Outfitters “Special Delivery” graduation initiative, where the retailer responds to thousands of organic graduation invites.

Customers can now shop Urban Outfitters on DoorDash by downloading the DoorDash app and visiting Urban Outfitters' storefront here.

Founded in 1970 in a small space across from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores across the U.S., Canada and Europe, as well as a digital presence. Since opening for business in 2013, DoorDash has expanded to more than 40 countries with a growing international presence that now includes Deliveroo and Wolt.

[READ MORE: Ulta Beauty shares data with NielsenIQ]

Founded in 1990, Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty beauty retailer in the U.S. and operates more than 1,500 stores across the U.S. and is also expanding its presence internationally through its subsidiary, Space NK, a luxury beauty retailer operating in the U.K. and Ireland, its joint venture in Mexico, and its franchise in the Middle East.

High prices, especially at the gas pump, are impacting consumers, and apparel appears to be among one of the primary category shoppers are scaling back in.

According to new data from Consumer Edge, apparel is among the weakest discretionary categories, with growth decelerating roughly 2 percentage points versus late February levels. Footwear and athletic apparel are seeing the sharpest pullback, with growth down approximately 6 percentage points, a sign of early trade-down or purchase deferral behavior, noted Consumer Edge.

The data found that core apparel segments like children’s and intimate are also softening, running between 3 and 6 percentage points below February levels. 

[READ MORE: Numerator: Consumer good prices stay volatile with April increase]

Consumer Edge noted that fast fashion is a relative outlier, but strength appears driven more by lapping easier comparisons than a true demand inflection. At the same time, discount and club channels have slowed to being flat year over year (0%), suggesting that even value-oriented apparel shoppers are starting to feel pressure from high prices.

New tenants are arriving at one of the Twin Cities’ largest retail destinations.

Rosedale Center, located between Minneapolis and St. Paul, is welcoming Abercrombie & Fitch, Hammer Made, Swarovski and a newly remodeled PacSun. The new tenants join several retailers and restaurants which opened in 2025 including Kendra Scott, J.Crew Factory, Johnston & Murphy, Lolli & Pops, Paris Baguette, and BRKThrough.

Abercrombie & Fitch will open its 5,500-sq.-ft. store this summer, while Hammer Made will open its 576-sq.-ft. store later this month. Swarovski opened a 1,051-sq.-ft. store in April, and PacSun opened its newly remodeled 3,995-sq.-ft. outpost last month as well.

[READ MORE: Mango makes a Midwest splash at Mall of America]

“We are listening to our customers, always looking to add new, innovative and unique brands to Rosedale Center,” said Lisa Crain, VP of retail and general manager at Rosedale Center. “Our goal is to be the premier destination in the Twin Cities and a model for others to emulate.”

Spanning more than 1 million square feet, Rosedale Center’s tenant roster features over 150 retailers, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, AMC Theatres, JCPenney, Macy’s, Rose & Loon and Von Maur.

“Retail continues to grow as customers look to gather with friends, be entertained, shop and dine,” said Holly Rome, executive VP of national retail leasing at JLL, which manages leasing at Rosedale Center. “We are seeing strong retail leasing fundamentals in the Twin Cities and across the country from new brands, expanding brands and e-commerce brands looking to add brick-and-mortar stores.”