News Briefs

The longtime CEO of Primark has departed following a company investigation into his behavior towards a woman in a “social environment.”

Paul Marchant resigned with “immediate effect” following an investigation initiated by parent company Associated British Foods (ABF) and carried out by external lawyers into an allegation made by an individual about his behavior towards her in a social environment. Marchant had served as chief executive of the global value fashion brand since 2009. 

“Paul Marchant acknowledged his error of judgement and accepts that his actions fell below the standards expected by the company,” Primark said in a short statement. “He has now made an apology to the individual concerned and to his Primark colleagues.”

The retailer said it remains in contacts with the individual “who rightly raised her concerns and have offered her our support.”

Eoin Tonge, finance director of ABF, will act as interim chief executive.

"I am immensely disappointed,” stated George Weston, chief executive of ABF. “At ABF, we believe that high standards of integrity are essential. Acting responsibly is the only way to build and manage a business over the long term. Colleagues and others must be treated with respect and dignity. Our culture has to be, and is, bigger than any one individual.”

[READ MORE: Primark expanding in Virginia, Maryland — here's where]

Primark has more than 450 stores in 17 countries across Europe and the U.S. The company has been expanding its U.S. footprint.

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.”

Most shoppers at Target Corp. make return visits.

The discounter saw a 86% repeat rate for customers in 2024, according to new insights from data and tech firm Numerator. The company provided a snapshot of the average Target customer, noting that they more likely to be Gen Z and millennials compared to all U.S. shoppers.

Similar to many retailers, Target has provided soft guidance for 2025 amid consumer uncertainty and tariff concerns. The retailer has also experienced pushback from some customers amid a rollback in its DEI initiatives.

Numerator found that, in 2024, 78% of U.S. households shopped at Target at least once, with the average customer spending $1,087 and making 23 purchases.

When it comes to income, 47% of Target shoppers are in the middle-income range ($40,000 to $125,000 annually, and 32% fall into the high-income bracket ($125,000 annually). Twenty-one percent of shoppers fall into the low-income (under $40,000 annually) bracket.

Other Target insights from Numerator are below.

•Target shoppers are 15% more likely to be Asian and 11% more likely to be Hispanic.

•Target shoppers are slightly more likely to be committed to organics compared to all U.S. consumers.

•Sixty-eight percent of Target shoppers are homeowners, 39% live in suburban areas, and 38% live in urban areas.

In January, Numerator combined with Kantar’s Worldpanel division to form a new global consumer data company. 

Walmart Inc. is making a big investment to expand its presence south of the border.

Walmart de México y Centroamérica (Walmex) plans to invest more than $6 billion in Mexico in 2025 to expand operations with new stores, generating approximately 5,500 direct jobs. The new locations will join the more than 3,200 stores Walmex currently operates in all 32 states of Mexico.

Walmex, which operates stores in Mexico under the Bodega Aurrera, Sam's Club, Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Express banners, plans to open more than 1,500 stores across the country in the next five years, with Bodega Aurrera serving as the main growth vehicle.  

Also as part of the investment, the company said it will continue advancing the construction of two state-of-the-art distribution centers in the Bajío region and in the state of Tlaxcala. The centers will feature robotics and artificial intelligence technology. 

"This announcement strengthens Walmart de México y Centroamérica solid purpose to help Mexican families save money and live better, reaffirming our long-term commitment to the country," the company said in a statement.

Walmex said its commitment to the country's economic development is reflected in its supply chain, composed of more than 33,000 suppliers, 85% of which are small and medium enterprises.

[READ MORE: Walmart opening, remodeling 45-plus fuel stations nationwide]

"And 83% of the products we sell are proudly 'Made in Mexico,'" the company added.

[READ MORE: Survey: Two-thirds of consumers think AI will improve customer experience]

Quick-serve chain Bojangles has added to its C-suite.

The North Carolina-based restaurant, known for its fried chicken, biscuits, and other Southern staples, has appointed Kate Ward as its new chief legal officer, effective immediately. She has more than 15 years of experience providing strategic leadership and business-focused legal guidance.

Ward joins Bojangles from KFC U.S., where she spent the past nine years progressing from attorney to chief legal officer. In her role at KFC, she led a team of 15 legal professionals, overseeing all aspects of legal strategy, compliance, risk management, and franchise relations. Ward also led negotiations for key franchise and development agreements, drove legal strategy enabling the execution of key technology initiatives, and served as the trusted advisor to the leadership team.

“Kate’s deep expertise in strategic growth initiatives, franchise law and compliance makes her the perfect fit for Bojangles,” said CEO Jose Armario. “Her leadership and experience will be instrumental as we continue to expand and innovate. I have no doubt that Kate will hit the ground running.”

Ward will report directly to Armario. She succeeds Laura Roberts, who is leaving in April after 12 years with Bojangles and more than five as chief legal officer. Roberts will assist with the transition to ensure a smooth transition.

[READ MORE: Church's promotes COO to CEO role]

“I am thrilled to join Bojangles and work alongside such a talented executive team,” said Ward. “Bojangles is an iconic brand, and I look forward to delivering bold results and navigating complex challenges to help the company continue its growth trajectory – all with ‘It’s Bo Time’ in mind.”

Founded in 1977, Bojangles operates more than 800 restaurants in 17 states.