News Briefs

Westport, Conn.-based PopUp Bagels is furthering its nationwide expansion plans.

The East Coast chain says it has officially signed deals for 300 franchise locations, setting up expansion in 10 states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, California and Maine. 

PopUp Bagels says its goal is to reach 100 open locations by the end of 2027. It currently operates 14 locations in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

[READ MORE: PopUp Bagels plans 35 SoCal stores]

“We’re not just opening stores - we’re redefining what it means to franchise,” said Tory Bartlett, CEO of PopUp Bagels. “We’re partnering with some of the most accomplished operators in the industry, and together we’re building a model rooted in connection, quality, and long-term success. This isn’t just scale – it’s a smarter way to grow.”

PopUp Bagels says it strategically selects locations in high-traffic, energetic urban and suburban communities, with retail spaces that typically span 1,100 sq. ft. The brand offers “Grip, Rip and Dip” bagels, along with unique weekly schmear offerings that aim to generate excitement and loyalty among guests.

To fuel its nationwide growth, PopUp Bagels says it is building dedicated regional production hubs for bagels and schmear to ensure that every store delivers the same “signature experience, regardless of zip code.”

“When we started baking bagels in my backyard, I never imagined we’d turn it into a national brand,” said Adam Goldberg, founder of PopUp Bagels. “We weren’t trying to start a business – we just wanted to make something great and share it with friends. The idea of hitting 300 stores is surreal, but the real achievement is building a company that still feels like that: small, connected and full of energy.”

Ace Hardware is expanding its supply chain network with a strategically located logistics hub.

The world’s largest hardware cooperative has opened a new retail support center in Kansas City, Mo. Initially announced in 2023, the new facility spans more than 1.5 million-sq.-ft., measuring a half-mile from end to end. 

Situated in nearly the exact geographic center of the continental U.S., the center is located along Interstate 29 and adjacent to Kansas City International Airport, offering access to major highway and air freight networks. This site is intended to enhance the retailer’s ability to deliver products quickly and reliably to thousands of locally owned stores across the central U.S.

The facility is nearly twice the size of the average Ace Hardware distribution center and is expected to generate more than 350 new local jobs. The new retail support center joins a network of more than a dozen distribution centers across the country and will feature advanced automation technology and efficiency systems designed to streamline operations, minimize environmental impact, and support Ace's long-term sustainability goals.

[READ MORE: Ace to invest $1B in remodels, new stores]

"This new 1.5 million-square-foot facility in Kansas City is more than just a building—it's a symbol of what hard work, purpose, and servant-hearted teamwork can accomplish," said John Venhuizen, president and CEO of Ace Hardware. "It exists for one reason only: to help our locally owned stores serve their neighbors with excellence that has made Ace famous."

Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace Hardware is the largest hardware cooperative in the world, serving more than 8,700 locally owned and operated stores around the globe, including almost 5,200 Ace retail stores in the U.S. 

Tilly’s is looking to revitalize its brand with a new leader. 

The young men’s and women’s casual apparel and accessories retailer has appointed Nate Smith as president, CEO and director, effective Aug. 18. In his new role, Smith will succeed Tilly’s co-founder Hezy Shaked who will transition into the executive chairman role effective on that date. 

Smith has served as CEO of Marolina Outdoor since September 2024. Previously, from June 2017 to April 2024, he was president, Americas, at Boardriders.

Prior to Boardriders, Smith served as VP/general manager, North American wholesale at Oakley from 2015 to 2017 and as VP Oakley Defense from 2012 to 2017. He has also served in executive roles at IPATH Footwear, MV Transportation, Inc. and Patagonia, Inc. following his eight years of service in the United States Navy.

“On behalf of myself and the board, we are very excited to have Nate join our leadership team, and I am looking forward to working closely with him as he transitions into Tillys,” said Shaked. “We believe Nate’s combination of robust industry experience, core values, and strategic vision will help revitalize our brand and drive further improvements in our business during this important time.”

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Tilly’s currently operates 232 stores across 33 states. 

“Tillys has had a strong track record of success over its 43-year history, and I am excited to work with Hezy, the board and the team to revitalize and build upon that history,” said Smith.

Shipley Donuts is touting its store expansion efforts as well as sales growth.

The Houston-based donut chain, known for handmade fresh daily donuts and kolaches, marked its 18th consecutive quarter of positive sales growth in the second quarter of 2025, while expanding into two new states and opening 16 new locations throughout the first half of the year. 

Shipley opened its first store in Virginia with a June opening in Lynchburg, increasing the brand’s footprint to 14 states. The brand also inked a deal in the second quarter to open its first Missouri location, which will bring a location to Branson by early 2026.

Shipley is on track to open a record-setting 40-plus new shops by the end of 2025. Ten of these are slated to open in the third quarter, including a new flagship location in Nashville’s high-profile Nashville Yards development. During the first quarter of this year, Shipley opened its first North Carolina location and signed a 30-unit development agreement to enter New Mexico and South Florida. 

“Shipley Donuts continues to prove that quality products are the foundation of consistent success and strong new market entries,” said Flynn Dekker, CEO of Shipley Donuts. “Eighteen consecutive quarters of positive growth is a testament to the strength of our brand and the dedication of our franchise partners who are bringing Shipley’s iconic taste to communities across America.” 

[READ MORE: McDonald’s, Krispy Kreme call it quits amid mounting costs]

Founded in 1936, Shipley Donuts operates more than 375 company-owned and franchised restaurants. The brand has more than 200 units in its development pipeline.

With new Aug. 1 tariffs on imported goods looming, many consumers are taking actions to avoid overspending in the future.

Shoppers are tightening their spending this summer in a number of ways. according to a new consumer survey from RetailMeNot. Dining out and takeout (50%), clothing and accessories (49%) and electronics (45%) are the three most popular categories for cutbacks, followed by travel (42%), groceries (29%) and home improvement (28%). Only 9% of consumers said they weren’t planning to make any cutbacks at all, meaning that over 90% are adjusting their personal finances in some way.

In other findings, more than half (55%) of shoppers said they are feeling increased pressure on their household budgets. Over 70% believe tariffs will make their financial situation worse. Forty percent expect their household finances to be “slightly worse” over the next six months due to tariffs, while 31% expect it to be “much worse.”

[READ MORE: Survey: Consumers looking for more discounts, buying fewer non-essentials to save money]

With potential price hikes looming, a majority (60%) of consumers surveyed say they’re starting holiday gift shopping early this year. Thirty-seven percent are already planning for back-to-school, 30% are thinking ahead to Thanksgiving, and 27% are prepping for Halloween. RetailMeNot says that shoppers are acting early because they don’t want to be caught off guard later by increased prices.

“Tariffs and trade policy aren’t abstract anymore – they’re showing up in grocery receipts, cart totals and shipping delays,” said RetailMeNot. “In response, we’re seeing a more strategic shopper emerge. They’re still spending, but with intention.”

RetailMeNot commissioned the Ziff Davis Shopping Survey on 1,120 adults. It was fielded in May 2025.

Chase Properties has added a handful of new outdoor shopping centers to its portfolio.

The Ohio-based real estate investment firm has acquired a four-property retail portfolio totaling 514,983 sq. ft. with two centers in Texas and two in Arkansas. This strategic transaction marks Chase Properties' entry into both states, expanding the company's growing footprint into four new markets.

The newly-acquired properties include the following: 

• Southloop Crossing (Lufkin, Texas) Anchored by Old Navy, Michaels, Ross, and Five Below.
• Killeen Marketplace (Killeen, Texas) Featuring Ross, Best Buy, and Shoe Carnival.
• Southcenter Shopping Center (Hot Springs, Ark.) Anchored by Kroger, Hobby Lobby, and Ross.
• Massard Crossing (Fort Smith, Ark.) Adjacent to a top-performing Walmart with TJ Maxx, Ross, and Five Below.

"We are thrilled to incorporate these four well-positioned community shopping centers into the Chase Properties portfolio," said Andy Kline, co-CEO of Chase Properties. "This acquisition represents our first retail assets in Texas and Arkansas. While we have previously invested in multifamily properties in Texas, this marks a significant expansion of our retail presence in both states. The addition of these retail shopping centers in secondary and tertiary markets aligns perfectly with our long-term retail investment strategy.”

[READ MORE: Florida’s Aventura tops USA Today’s 10 Best Malls list]

Prior to the acquisitions, Chase Properties operated 35 retail properties in 21 states. The company owns retail, industrial, and multifamily assets.