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News Briefs

  • 1/22/2025

    Smoothie King eyes 100+ new stores in 2025

    Smoothie King

    After a strong 2024, Smoothie King is projecting even more expansion in the new year.

    The fast-casual smoothie chain is forecasting approximately 105 new store openings in the new year, with 26 new store commitments signed in the fourth quarter of 2024, including multi-unit agreements in key markets such as Atlanta, Little Rock, Ark. and South Bend, Ind. Additionally, Smoothie King is eyeing an expansion in Phoenix in 2025 as part of its strategic plan to grow its footprint across the Southwest.

    In 2024, Smoothie King opened 84 new stores, surpassing its 2023 total of 81.

    “Our growth in 2024 reflects the incredible commitment of our franchisees and the strength of our brand,” said Chris Bremer, chief development officer at Smoothie King. “We’re grateful to our franchise partners, team members, and loyal guests for making these milestones possible. We’ve set ambitious goals for 2025 that reflect our unwavering commitment to inspiring healthy and active lifestyles in communities across the country.”

    [READ MORE: Smoothie King reaches 1,200 stores; to expand in Illinois]

    In 2024, Smoothie King signed agreements for new store openings across 24 states and 39 designated markets. The top-performing markets for franchise agreements included Indianapolis (15 agreements), Dallas-Fort Worth (10 agreements), and Atlanta (seven agreements). The fourth quarter alone last year saw the opening of 25 stores nationwide, including the brand’s 1,200th domestic location. More than two-thirds (68%) of 2024 agreements were signed by existing franchisees.

    Based in Dallas, Smoothie King was founded in 1973 and operates over 1,200 stores nationwide.

  • 1/22/2025

    Puma personalizes customer experience across touchpoints with AI

    Puma Las Vegas flagship

    A global athletic apparel and footwear brand is leveraging artificial intelligence to engage customers via any channel they shop.

    Puma is deploying the AI-equipped SAP Emarsys omnichannel customer engagement solution to personalize the customer path to purchase across its direct-to-consumer platforms, in-store experiences and third-party channels.

    The company, which has also implemented a centralized site performance analytics portal from Yottaa and consolidated its global e-commerce data and workloads onto Google Cloud, is now leveraging SAP Emarsys to tailor offers, provide exclusive app content and drive early access to launches for customers wherever they are located.

    [READ MORE: Puma building global e-commerce platform with Google Cloud]

    These touchpoints include the referral marketing platform Mention Me, a sponsorship with the F1 auto racing organization it uses to launch motorsport-themed lines like its Speedcat collection, and TikTok shoppable videos. By combining the SAP Emarsys solution with the SAP customer data platform (CDP), Puma seeks to unify customer data, more precisely segment audiences, and deliver tailored campaigns that will increase engagement and drive conversions.

    The Puma Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and Stichd. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs about 20,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

  • 1/22/2025

    South Coast Plaza to give $1 million towards wildfire relief

    South Coast Plaza

    California’s largest shopping center is donating to the relief efforts for the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County.

    South Coast Plaza, the Orange County-based luxury center, and its owners, the Segerstrom family, have announced the donation of $1 million to support both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts for the fires that have destroyed parts of the Los Angeles area.

    From the $1 million fund, South Coast Plaza will donate the following organizations:

    • LAFD Fire Foundation Supporting Los Angeles Fire Department members with the equipment and supplies they need to battle wildfires.
    • California Community Foundation Providing critical recovery services for the most vulnerable and underserved communities affected by the fires, focusing on long-term recovery.
    • Baby2Baby Distributing emergency supplies for children and families including diapers, food, formula, water, clothing, blankets and hygiene products.
    • Center for Cultural Innovation Supporting the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund which will provide urgent support to artists and arts workers in LA who have lost homes, studios or livelihoods to the fires.
    • Pasadena Humane Society Providing medical care and supplies for the 400+ animals they have taken in from the Eaton Fire.
    • Best Friends Animal Society Supporting life-saving care and emergency assistance to animals impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles.

    [READ MORE: PRCP debuts 'Love Letter' campaign to uplift wildfire victims]

    “Our hearts ache for all those affected, and we are endlessly grateful to the firefighters and first responders whose courage and dedication protect our communities,” said the shopping center in a statement. “We look forward to continuing to support our community in Los Angeles and be part of the relief efforts.”

    Located in Costa Mesa, Calif., South Coast Plaza is home to more than 280 retail stores and restaurants.

  • 1/22/2025

    Japanese retailer Daiso expanding into Florida

    Daiso

    Daiso keeps growing its U.S. footprint — in existing markets and new ones.

    The Japanese budget retailer will open its first store in the state of Florida on Feb. 1. Located at Northdale Promenade in Tampa, the store will span 12,026 sq. ft. and feature an extensive selection of products across multiple categories. The merchandise mix includes Japanese-inspired home decor, kitchenware, beauty products, stationery and snacks.  

    "We're excited to bring the Daiso experience to Florida," said John Clarke, chief development officer for Daiso USA. "We've received strong interest from customers in this region, and we're eager to introduce more customers to our special and budget-friendly items. This opening is part of our broader expansion, with more locations planned across the U.S. in 2025.”

    Also on Feb. 1, Daiso will open a 6,428-sq.-ft. store Riverpoint Marketplace in West Sacramento, Calif. In January, Daiso celebrated the openings of four new stores in the Golden State, including location in Santa Maria, Foster City, Apple Valley and Riverside.

    Daiso entered the U.S. market in 2005 and has since expanded into multiple states. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Anaheim, Calif.

  • 1/21/2025

    Trump signs order to review trade policies; considers 25% tariff on Canada, Mexico

    Trade tariffs rubber stamp; Shutterstock ID 1042926847

    President Trump is targeting Canada and Mexico with the first of the tariffs that he promised during his campaign. 

    The newly sworn-in president told reporters on Monday that he was considering imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada — two of America’s top three trading partners — on Feb. 1

    Trump did not impose any of the day-one tariffs that he spoke about during his campaign. Instead, he signed an executive order that, among other things, directs federal agencies to investigate U.S. trade deficits and unfair trade practices. The National Retail Federation said it welcomed the review.

    “We are pleased with President Trump’s thoughtful decision to initiate a review of current trade policies before implementing significant new tariffs against many of our most important trading partners,” stated David French, NRF executive VP of government relations. “Tariffs are taxes paid by Americans, and any new tariff tax increases should be methodically and effectively deployed toward only the most strategic goods. “

    [READ MORE: NRF: Trump's tariffs could cause 'dramatic' price hikes]

    French noted that retailers are committed to working with President Trump and his administration to achieve his campaign promises, including "strengthening the U.S. economy, extending his successful Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and ensuring that American families are protected from high inflation."

    “Undertaking a strategic assessment of trade priorities is an important first step, and we look forward to working with the president to see that the resulting policy changes are carefully targeted and create an environment that attracts investment and protects critical industries,” French said.

  • 1/21/2025

    SPECS announces two more dynamic speakers

    SPECS

    Industry experts will take on two of retail’s most critical topics — AI and crime — at Chain Store Age’s SPECS Show. The annual event will be held March 9–11, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. 

    Gene Marks, tech consultant, author and founder of The Marks Group, will discuss how AI is impacting retail store development — and the implications going forward — during a presentation on Monday, March 10.

    Read Hayes, research scientist/criminologist and director of the Loss Prevention Research Council, will discuss how retailers can better protect their stores from theft, and share actionable takeaways at a presentation on Tuesday, March 11.

    Marks and Hayes will be among the spotlighted speakers at SPECS 2025, which will feature 30 educational sessions on the industry's hottest topics and latest trends, with insights from retailers and industry experts.  (Click here to see the full education program.)

    In addition, legendary football icon, Monday Night Football analyst and successful business entrepreneur Troy Aikman will deliver the opening keynote at SPECS. Aikman will share his journey from football hero to business leader, including his brewing company’s upcoming growth plans.

    SPECS attendees will also hear from trail-blazing financial news journalist Ron Insana, who will discuss the forces impacting the economy and business during his keynote 

    To register for SPECS, click here.

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