News Briefs

America’s largest retail and entertainment complex is set to welcome an in-demand new tenant.

Mall of America will be the home of Minnesota’s first brick-and-mortar Pop Mart location, which is set to open this fall. Known for its artistic, character-driven collectibles, including the red-hot Labubu line of plush accessories, Pop Mart operates approximately 350 locations worldwide.

The new store will feature exclusive product offerings, rotating collaborations, and a “thoughtfully curated retail environment that highlights creativity and collectability.” Pop Mart offers a wide collection of figurines, bag charms, blind boxes and more, including from its broad and diverse portfolio of original IPs such as Crybaby, Skullpanda and Peach Riot.

[READ MORE: 2025 Top 10 Retail Center Experiences: No. 4 Mall of America]

“We are thrilled to welcome Pop Mart to Mall of America,” said Ashley Hofmann, leasing director at Mall of America. “Their innovative retail concept and globally loved characters bring a bold, creative energy to our tenant mix. At Mall of America, we’re focused on curating a dynamic mix of tenants that excite and inspire our guests. Pop Mart is a perfect fit; they’re not only a globally recognized brand, but they’re also redefining how people shop and engage with products.”

Based in Beijing, Pop Mart operates its stores and 2,300 Robo Shops (blind box vending machines) in over 30 countries. The brand opened its first store in the U.S. in 2023.

At 5.6 million sq. ft., Mall of America, located in Bloomington, Minn., is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with up to 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants, as well as multiple entertainment venues.

A Midwest-based pizza chain is highlighting its “powerful” store growth in the first half of 2025.

Marco’s Pizza opened 41 new locations over the first six months of the year, adding that if current trends continue, the chain is poised for a 28% year-over-year increase in new store openings for 2025. 

Last year, the pizza chain opened 70 new locations. Current franchisees are continuing to expand with Marco’s, as nearly 65% of 2024 signed agreements came from existing franchisees.

Earlier this year, Marco's welcomed back longtime team member Joe Stephens as VP of real estate to support franchisees' site selection and other real estate consultation. The pizza chain also credits a tech-forward site selection strategy for its strong growth. By utilizing predictive tools and consumer behavior insights, Marco's says it is looking “far beyond” traditional site selection methods.

To further support expansion, Marco's also launched a Franchise Development Royalty Incentive Program earlier this year designed to reduce barriers for qualified multi-unit owners.

"We entered 2025 with momentum from a very intentional development strategy – and that pipeline is now turning into stores," said Gerardo Flores, chief development officer of Marco's Pizza. "The potential of our model and the power of our culture create an opportunity to grow with a brand that's not just expanding but doing so the right way."

[READ MORE: Marco's Pizza continues global growth]

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco’s Pizza operates over 1,200 stores in 35 states, with 66 locations in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and Mexico.

Economic uncertainty hasn’t stopped consumers from splurging on their furry friends.

A new report from CouponCabin reveals that over half of the pet parents surveyed spend between $500 and $1,999 a year on their pets per year, covering everything from routine vet visits to food, toys and treats. More than 14% spend between $4,000 and $9,999 annually.

When it comes to where the pet owners surveyed are buying pet food, Chewy is the top choice, with 39% citing it as their go-to retailer. Petco ( 31%) and PetSmart (29%) are right behind the online retailer, followed by local pet stores (21%). 

More than half of those surveyed (54%) have considered switching where they buy their pet’s food, with 55% pointing to quality concerns. While nearly three-quarters of those surveyed say they opt for a pricier brand of pet food, that doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive brand, suggesting that quality matters, but budgets still play a role for consumers.

More than a quarter (28%) of pet owners buy new toys once or twice every six months, while 7% pick up a new toy every single week. Subscription boxes are gaining traction for pet owners looking to treat their pets often. BarkBox is the most widely used at 49%, followed by BoxDog (38%), PupJoy (31%), Meowbox (24%) and KitNipBox (20%).

[READ MORE: Sam’s Club launches pharmacy and insurance plan for pets]

CouponCabin’s survey was conducted by a third party on July 8, 2025, among 1,008 U.S. adults.

Summer is still in full swing, but some retailers are giving shoppers a head start on the spooky season.

Target Corp. has rolled out more than 1,500 Halloween-related items on its website, with prices starting at $1. The assortment include everything from an 8-foot-tall pumpkin ghoul and trick-or-treat and food items, to sophisticated mix-and-match décor items done in a “gorgeously bleak style,” the retailer said. 

Target is also offering an extensive lineup of costumes, starting at $10, for kids and adults alike. The selection includes hundreds of new and only-at-Target costumes.

“We know millions of families love Halloween and don’t want to wait until October to shop, so Target is ready with over 1,500 new items so you can start preparing right now,” said Rick Gomez, chief commercial officer at Target. “With great value on delicious treats from Favorite Day and beloved national brands, stylish decor and costumes for kids of all ages, Target has everything you need to celebrate a magical season.”

In other moves, Spirit Halloween started opening locations nationwide on Wednesday, Aug. 6, with the openings continuing through September. The company plans to open more than 1,500 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Spirit Halloween is part of Egg Harbor Township, N.J.-based Spencer Spirit Holdings Inc.

The Kroger Co. has settled a lawsuit filed by C&S Wholesale Grocers earlier this year.

C&S sued the supermarket giant in March, following Kroger’s failed $24.6 acquisition of Albertsons. C&S was in line to acquire nearly 600 Kroger and Albertsons stores, distribution centers and other assets as part of a divestiture plan. C&S claimed that it was owed a $125 million termination fee after the deal fell through. (In June, the company said it would acquire SpartanNash in a deal valued at $1.77 billion.)

In a short statement on Monday, Kroger, citing a Delaware Superior Court filing, said that all claims contained in the litigation have been resolved. It provided no other details, saying terms of the settlement are confidential.

"We are pleased to resolve the claims from C&S, and we look forward to a friendly relationship with them going forward," said Ron Sargent, chairman and CEO of Kroger. "Kroger remains focused on serving our customers and running great stores across the U.S."

[READ MORE: DoorDash opens online convenience stores]