News Briefs

The world's largest retail trade fair is delaying its first-ever show in the Middle East.

The premiere of EuroShop Middle East in Dubai has been postponed to October 25 – 27, 2027. The event was originally scheduled for October 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Center. The decision to delay was made by event organizer Messe Düsseldorf and the Messe Düsseldorf Gulf Office “to ensure the best possible environment for exhibitors, partners and visitors.” 

Launched in 1966, EuroShop is held every three years Düsseldorf, Germany. The planned expansion in the Middle East underlines the brand’s international standing and the growing relevance of the region for global retail, according to Messe Düsseldorf.

“EuroShop Middle East is a project of strategic importance to us and a significant step for the international further development of the EuroShop portfolio,” said Petra Cullmann, executive director, Messe Düsseldorf. “This is precisely why we wish to realize the event in an environment that offers our exhibitors, partners and visitors maximum planning safety and optimal conditions for successful business. We are convinced the postponement is the right step to make the event a success long term.”

The teams at Messe Düsseldorf and the Messe Düsseldorf Gulf Office said they continue to work intensively on preparations for the event, which has already generated strong market interest and attracted numerous companies and partners from the international retail sector.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has named a new leader – at least temporarily.

The Colorado-based chocolate brand has appointed former board member Al Harper as interim CEO and principal executive officer for a 180-day term, effective immediately. Harper replaces Jeffrey Geygan, who had served as the interim CEO since May 2024, and was previously chair of the board of directors.

Harper, CEO of American Heritage Railways, was named a member of Rock Mountain Chocolate’s board of directors in 2024. According to The Durango Herald, the move came after the rail tourism company acquired a significant stake in the confectioner earlier that year.

“We are pleased to welcome Al Harper as interim CEO,” said Mel Keating, chairman of the board of directors. “Al brings decades of executive leadership experience, a deep understanding of franchising and consumer brands, and a long-standing connection to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and the Durango community. Having previously served on our board of directors, he understands our business, franchise system and opportunities for growth. The board has full confidence in Al’s ability to lead the company through this next phase.” 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate says it does not anticipate any changes to its strategic direction or day to day operations as a result of the leadership transition.

[READ MORE: Kilwins plots Arizona debut with 20-plus stores]

“I am honored by the board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory during this important time,” said Harper. “Our focus remains on supporting our franchisees and employees, delivering exceptional products and experiences for our guests and executing the company’s strategic priorities.”

Rocky Mountain Chocolate and its franchisees and licensees operate over 250 stores across the United States, with several international locations.

JCPenney is holding a one-day savings event on the day that many Americans will be filling their gas tanks in preparation for the Fourth of July weekend.

“JCPenney has always been there to help families stretch their budgets without asking them to compromise on style, quality or value,” said Michelle Wlazlo, brand CEO of JCPenney. “You’re already heading to the gas pump, so why not use the opportunity to put some money back in your pocket? Fuel Up and Save is a fun way to take an everyday expense and turn it into something rewarding at JCPenney, so you can spend the holiday weekend making memories with the people you love — not worrying about every dollar spent getting there.”

[READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Q&A with JCPenney brand CEO on loyalty innovation]

JCPenney operates more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

[READ MORE: Study: Retail, consumer goods' AI adoption slow — but progressing]

“Our CX Maturity report highlights a turning point for global brands this year,” said Ante Pamuković, chief revenue officer at Infobip. “The race to adopt agentic AI is well underway, but customer experience maturity will be the key differentiator between brands prepared to launch effective AI-powered journeys that last and the ones that will struggle with scaling their adoption. To move from basic automated responses to deep, seamless customer journeys, brands must overcome the barriers presented by fragmented systems.”

Image: Nichcha

Dairy Queen is bringing its famous soft-serve ice cream back to a tropical market.

International Dairy Queen Inc. (IDQ), through its wholly-owned subsidiary American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ), will open 20 DQ Grill & Chill restaurants in Puerto Rico by 2036. IDQ last had restaurants in the American territory more than 20 years ago.

The deal was signed with Caribbean Creamery LLC (Caribbean Creamery), an affiliate of Richport Restaurants LLC, which owns and operates franchised restaurants in Puerto Rico.

Caribbean Creamery and Richport Restaurants expect to open the first DQ restaurant in San Juan in the first quarter of 2027. The 20 DQ locations will serve both hot food and a variety of ice cream treats.

“We are pleased to add Puerto Rico as a market for DQ restaurants. This new deal expands our established footprint in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico,” said Nicolas Boudet, chief operating officer, international, at IDQ. “We selected Caribbean Creamery as our franchisee based on the strength of their leadership team, their operational expertise and their long-term commitment to the market. We look forward to working alongside Caribbean Creamery to introduce the DQ brand to fans across Puerto Rico.”

[READ MORE: Dairy Queen expanding pilot of voice AI at drive-thru]

Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,800 DQ restaurants in more than 20 countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

A leading insurance company is partnering with two department store banners to offer customers more purchase protection options.

Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are bringing Allstate-backed enhanced product protection to shoppers nationwide. Customers can add optional product protection at the in-store point of sale for indoor and outdoor furniture, area rugs and mattresses, along with fine jewelry and watches.

The partnership expands to additional categories online, including appliances and electronics, lighting, luggage and baby gear, and more.

Building on Macy’s existing product protection program, Allstate now manages the customer experience including furniture service, claims and support. Customers can now receive “quick and easy” support, including fast shipping on stain removal kits and in-home repairs from expert technicians across the country, said Allstate.

“Allstate is committed to providing affordable protection that makes life easier for customers,” said Karl Wiley, CEO of Allstate Protection Plans. “With more than a decade of experience protecting products for leading retailers like Macy’s, we make it simple to get help with 24/7 online claims and fast, expert repairs backed by the Allstate brand they know and trust.”

[READ MORE: Macy’s posts strongest comp sales performance in four years as Q1 tops Street]

Headquartered in New York City, Macy’s Inc. operates stores under the Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. According to its website, it currently operates more than 400 Macy’s stores and 32 Bloomingdale’s locations nationwide.