News Briefs

Zaxbys is deploying new artificial intelligence technology to improve drive-thru operations at its stores.

The quick-serve fried chicken chain has selected Berry AI’s Camera Timers to be used at its drive-thru locations. The AI technology leverages cameras to measure operational metrics like speed of service and line abandonment while preserving privacy for guests, only capturing anonymous operational data. Restaurants can use this data to identify bottlenecks in the ordering process and improve real-time decisions.

[READ MORE: Zaxbys sets sights on store expansion in Philadelphia]

"As our drive-thru operations evolve and we look to the future for our brand, we are excited to leverage AI with camera timers in partnership with Berry AI," said Sharlene Smith, COO of Zaxbys. "This state of the art technology will help us better understand and improve the drive-thru experience for our customers in a way traditional loop timers have been limited."

Berry AI’s other restaurant partners include Little Caesar’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Wendy’s and more.

"Restaurant team members have embraced the tech as it suggests actions based on real-time bottlenecks, allowing team members to focus on higher priority tasks," said Eric Lam, CEO at Berry AI.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Zaxbys operates more than 970 stores in 17 states, with plans to enter two new states on the East Coast this year: New Jersey and Maryland.

Fast-growing global fashion brand Mango is replacing its  fragmented, outdated systems with an integrated, AI-powered, and data-driven planning framework.

To support its growth and improve operational efficiency, Mango is digitally transforming its merchandise financial planning, assortment planning and demand planning capabilities. The retailer has chosen enterprise AI software platform provider o9 to enhance its planning capabilities and foster more data-driven decision-making across its operations. 

[READ MORE: Mango to open 20 U.S. stores in 2025, with growth in these markets]

With a wide range of platform capabilities, extensive experience in fashion planning, and a deep understanding of planning complexities, o9 will support Mango as it advances its digital planning transformation. The o9 Digital Brain platform integrates key planning processes on a single platform, eliminating functional silos and enabling synchronized decision-making across teams. 

The platform’s future-proof architecture allows Mango to expand planning capabilities, develop its own data science models, and seamlessly scale the solution to support long-term growth.

“This partnership is a testament to Mango’s forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology for improved planning and decision-making,” said Chakri Gottemukkala, co-founder and CEO of o9. “By integrating its planning functions on the o9 platform, Mango will gain the agility, intelligence, and real-time decision-making capabilities necessary to achieve better business outcomes.”

The parent company of Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Johnny Was and more is automating its upcoming distribution center.

Apparel company Oxford Industries, Inc. has selected global warehouse robotics provider Exotec to automate its large-scale distribution center in Lyons, Ga. The new 560,000-sq.-ft. facility, slated to open in late 2025, is designed to process more than 20 million units of apparel a year, making it Exotec's largest and most intricate robotic deployment to date. 

Exotec’s Next Generation Skypod system, which will serve as the picking engine for the whole warehouse, will consist of over 450,000 storage locations and more than 450 robots. Exotec will integrate its hardware and software with third-party machinery to offer end-to-end warehouse automation and support receiving, decanting, sorting, and packing, as well as outbound shipment.

[READ MORE: Survey: Automation helps warehouse retention]

With the new technology, Oxford Industries will be able to effectively handle returns, decreasing the amount of time and labor needed to inspect, sort, and store returned items, streamlining the process of making it available for resale.

"We are excited about making this large investment in an expanded facility in Toombs County which, together with the great workforce we already have here, has been a great place for Oxford for many years," said Mark Kirby, Oxford's senior VP of operations. "This new facility, with convenient access to Southeastern U.S. ports, will be supported by Exotec's next generation Skypod system and ensure best-in-class direct to consumer throughput capabilities for our brands."

Founded in 1964, Oxford’s apparel brands include Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Johnny Was, Southern Tide, The Beaufort Bonnet Company and Duck Head.

New data from a popular low-cost shopping app reveals what issues will have the biggest effect on U.S. shoppers in 2025.

A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Shein indicates the most pressing issue for the coming year is inflation, cited by 67% of respondents (more than one issue could be referenced). Tax increases followed at 43%, with 35% of respondents saying that the impact of tariffs on the cost of goods is an issue.

Respondents ages 55 and up expressed even higher concern across all these three categories (72%, 47%, and 45% respectively).

The survey also reveals that when it comes to selecting a clothing retailer, 80% of respondents say price is the most important factor when selecting a retailer. Respondents also placed a lot of importance on brands that offer a variety of styles, making it easier for them to find what they want (56%).

Clothing shopping trends for Shein customers

The survey also looked at how respondents who are Shein customers feel about certain clothing shopping issues:

• More than seven-in-10 (72%) respondents who are Shein customers (and 66% of all respondents) report having a tight budget for clothing shopping.
• Almost all respondents (93%) agree they feel good when they’re able to buy the exact clothing style they want; this jumps to 97% specifically for respondents who are Shein customers.
• More than nine-in-10 (92%) surveyed Shein customers say they try to avoid throwing clothes in the trash and 91% try to find ways to repurpose or recycle.

[READ MORE: Shein to open polyester recycling hub]

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has achieved a significant milestone. 

The company, whose brands include Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn and West Elm, is now a member of the S&P 500, a benchmark of the largest and most influential publicly-traded companies in the United States.

“Being included in the S&P 500 is a significant milestone that acknowledges the power of our brand portfolio and growth strategies,” said Laura Alber, president and CEO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. “We remain committed to driving innovation, delivering exceptional products and experiences to our customers, and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.”

In a statement, Williams-Sonoma said the the company’s growth and strong profitability has been driven by its omni-channel strategy, dynamic brand portfolio, differentiated product offering and dedication to customer service.

The company's inclusion in the S&P 500 follows a strong finish to 2024. Its net revenues rose 8.04% to $2.462 billion for the holiday quarter, ended Feb. 2. Net income totaled $410.72 million, or $3.28 per share, compared to $354.44 million, or $2.72 per share in the year-ago period.

“We are proud of our strong finish to 2024. In Q4, our comp came in above expectations at positive 3.1%," Alber stated in the earnings release. "We exceeded profitability estimates with an operating margin of 21.5% and earnings per share of $3.28."

Canada’s oldest company has begun selling the inventory at nearly all its stores as it continues to hold out hope for a last-minute option to restructure.

The move comes after an Ontario court on Friday gave Hudson’s Bay permission to proceed with a revised liquidation plan, which will temporarily exclude six stores from the initial list. The company operates 80 Hudson’s Bay stores and, through a licensing agreement, three Saks Fifth Avenue and 13 Saks Off 5th stores, which are also scheduled to close.

The six stores excluded from the liquidation sale include the Hudson’s Bay flagship on Yonge Street in Toronto, a store in the city’s Yorkdale Shopping Center and one at Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The remaining three are in downtown Montreal; Carrefour Laval mall, Laval, QC; and Point-Claire, QC.

“If a solution can be found, there is an opportunity to pull additional stores out of the liquidation, but if a restructuring solution is not found very quickly, (the six) will be added to the liquidation sale,” Hudson’s Bay lawyer Ashley Taylor said during the court hearing, reported the AP.

Hudson’s Bay said its revised plan was bolstered by strong sales during the past week that far exceeded projections, giving the company the flexibility to continue operating the six stores while pursuing a restructuring solution

“Canadians have shown extraordinary support for Hudson’s Bay over the last two weeks and overwhelmed us with their encouragement and endearment for the brand,” said Liz Rodbell, President and CEO of Hudson’s Bay. “We are extremely fortunate to have such an engaged community behind us.”

Hudson’s Bay filed for creditor protection earlier this month citing, among other things, trade tensions between Canada and the United States and a drop in downtown traffic.