News Briefs

Sweetgreen is launching a new, free loyalty program for its guests.

The health-focused fast-casual chain has rolled out SG Rewards nationwide. SG Rewards allows members to earn 10 points for every eligible dollar spent, unlocking more perks and access to members-only deals. The program also offers members the opportunity to enjoy their favorite Sweetgreen entrees or sides for free when they redeem their points.

With every eligible dollar getting members closer to rewards, SG Rewards members can enjoy a seamless experience whether on-the-go or dining in. Members can skip the line by ordering ahead through the Sweetgreen app, or scan in-store for a quick and effortless checkout.

[READ MORE: Sweetgreen hits 250 locations]

Sweetgreen says the new program highlights its commitment to “enhancing the guest experience through digital innovation,” making it more to order, earn, and enjoy rewards. It comes almost two years after the chain launched its two-tier Sweetpass membership program.

“We’re constantly inspired by our community, and SG Rewards reflects what our fans love most about Sweetgreen,” said Jonathan Neman, CEO and co-founder of Sweetgreen. “Rooted in what our guests love, SG Rewards offers more value, more flexibility and more ways to enjoy Sweetgreen — from everyday surprise & delight moments to members-only deals and special perks.”

Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen operates more than 250 locations across the United States. In its most recent financial results released on Feb. 26, Sweetgreen said it anticipated at least 40 net new restaurant openings in fiscal 2025, with 20 slated to feature its "Infinite Kitchen" robotic kitchen system designed to automate food assembly. 

An iconic American restaurant chain is offering delivery for the first time ever.

Diner chain Waffle House is now offering “Late Night Delivery” at select locations through Dispatch from Olo, a restaurant technology provider. Guests can visit the Waffle House website or mobile app, enter their location, and place their order from a participating nearby store. Olo Dispatch then finds the best available delivery provider, ensuring meals arrive quickly through a “seamless and reliable” experience.

Waffle House delivery through Olo’s Dispatch is now available at more than 500 of its 2,000 locations and will continue to roll out to more locations throughout the year. Waffle House launched online ordering and payment for pick-up with Olo in late 2023.

“We are excited to offer our customers another ordering channel, with delivery, to enjoy Waffle House at night,” said Patrick Marshburn, executive VP of Waffle House. “We will continue to evaluate expanding delivery to more of our restaurants in the coming months. We are going to bring the same commitment of providing great food and hospitality to delivery, ensuring guests can enjoy their Waffle House favorites wherever they are.”

[READ MORE: Huddle House to open four new Georgia locations]

Known for its 24/7 service, Waffle House operates approximately 2,000 restaurants in 25 states. Best known for its Southern and Midwest footprint, Waffle House opened its first restaurant in Avondale Estates, Ga. in 1955.

Over 750 restaurant brands use Olo and its network of more than 400 integration partners.

Uniqlo is teaming up with two partners to help keep unwanted clothing from going into landfills.

The global apparel retailer has partnered with Piece of Cake Moving & Storage and SuperCircle to launch UNtrash It – a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help customers give their unwanted apparel a second life.

Clothes can be recycled in two ways. When customers book a move with Piece of Cake Moving, they will be given UNtrash It bags for their unwanted clothing alongside the boxes for their move. On moving day, the Piece of Cake Moving & Storage team will collect the bags and deliver them directly to Uniqlo’s Re.Uniqlo program for sorting, donation, upcycling, or recycling, which is powered by SuperCircle.

For those who are not planning to move, they can drop off their old clothes at any Uniqlo location in the United States via the retailer’s Re.Uniqlo bin. 

“Uniqlo is committed to taking responsibility for the clothing it manufactures and sells,” said the company in the announcement. “It has been collecting pre-worn Uniqlo items from customers to be reused or recycled for over 20 years. Re.Uniqlo is an initiative that gives pre-worn clothing new life and new value, providing customers with various solutions to appreciate and use clothing for a long time.”

[READ MORE: Uniqlo opens its first U.S. coffee shop]

A brand of Japanese holding company Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., Uniqlo operates 2,500 stores worldwide. The chain operates 68 stores in the U.S. as of Nov. 30, 2024.

A new study from SAP Emarsys indicates many brands are not using advanced consumer engagement strategies as shopper brand loyalty is declining.

The SAP Emarsys Consumer Products Engagement report, conducted in association with Deloitte, surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. consumers and 150 senior marketers at multinational brands. While 43% of brand respondents say they can engage with consumers at the moment, only 26% are currently doing so.

Brand survey results reveal other disconnects between brand respondent capabilities and actions when it comes to consumer engagement. For example, 35% of brand respondents say they can predict future consumer behavior but only 17% are doing so. 

Almost nine-in-10 (88%) brand respondents think they need to overhaul engagement strategies in 2025, yet only 32% believe their company can effectively personalize marketing and just 24% say they are currently doing so.  

In addition, only 35% of brand respondents are integrating customer engagement data with their financial and operational systems, such as ERP. SAP Emarsys identifies only 19% of consumer product brands as excelling in what it calls the “Engagement Era,” where brand success depends on a personalized omnichannel approach across the entire customer lifecycle in real time.

[READ MORE: Here’s how marketers are using AI]

Meanwhile, more than half (54%) of surveyed consumers say they ignore brand names when buying consumer goods. Close to six-in-10 (57%) have switched to private label alternatives because they are more affordable, and 55% think the quality of private label products is comparable to branded ones.  

"U.S. consumers aren’t just becoming less loyal to brands – they’re ignoring them entirely," said Sara Richter, chief marketing officer, SAP Emarsys. "That’s a wake-up call for marketers. Without a strong data foundation, it’s impossible to deliver the real-time, personalized experiences needed to achieve that all-important ‘true’ loyalty."

Mango continues to expand its U.S. store footprint. 

The Barcelona-based global fashion retailer has opened its first store in New Mexico, at Coronado Center in Albuquerque, and its first store in Oregon, at Pioneer Place in Portland. Mango also plans to open its first-ever stores in Connecticut, Arizona, Ohio and Louisiana this year. 

In addition, the company will increase its presence in California, with focus on the San Francisco area, and in Texas with a store in Houston Galleria.

This openings are part of Mango’s U.S. expansion plan, which began in 2022 with the opening of its flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York City. In 2025, the company plans to open 20 U.S. stores, for a total of approximately 65 company-owned locations by the end of 2025. Mango also expects to double its workforce to more than 1,200 employees across the country by the end of the year.

In a statement, Mango’s director of expansion and franchises, Daniel López, said the openings reaffirm the company's deep commitment to the U.S. market, "a fundamental pillar in our global strategy, as well as the positive reception of our differential value proposition by our customers in the U.S., a key market that is experiencing double digit growth.”

[READ MORE: Mango partners to upgrade its end-to-end planning capabilities]

The U.S. is currently one of Mango's five main markets, with the company aiming for the country to be in the top three ranking in terms of revenue by the end of 2026.

Batteries Plus is entering a new, tropical market.

The specialty battery retailer will soon make its debut in Hawaii. Local entrepreneur Pierre Parranto has signed on to open four Batteries Plus stores across Hawaii's four largest islands (Hawaii, Mau, O’ahu, Kaua’i), starting with a location in Honolulu on Oahu. 

The first location is slated to open at the end of the year. Parranto says he aims to leverage Batteries Plus' extensive commercial offerings to support industries across the islands, including local boat captains, restaurants, and car rental businesses.

"As a business owner, I was a customer in need and I was actively searching for a dependable battery supplier when I came across Batteries Plus," said Parranto. "The franchise model immediately stood out. It offers a strong support system and fills a critical need in Hawaii. Businesses and residents require reliable power solutions, and I'm excited to introduce a trusted national brand that provides both quality products and top-tier service.”

Batteries Plus currently has over 800 locations open or in development. The retailer offers batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. It also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services.

[READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Batteries Plus takes on tariffs]

"Expanding into Hawaii is a major milestone for Batteries Plus, and we're thrilled to welcome Pierre to our franchise family," said Victor Daher, VP of global franchise development at Batteries Plus. "His entrepreneurial background, deep understanding of the local business landscape, and commitment to community make him an excellent fit for our brand. As we continue to grow both domestically and internationally, partnerships like this strengthen our ability to provide power expertise while reinforcing our reputation as an industry leader.”