Store Expansion News: July update
Retailers and restaurants alike made headlines in July with store expansions and new formats.
Here are the major stories as reported by Chain Store Age, starting with the most recent.
- Wayfair to bring large-format store concept to Denver The online home furnishings giant will open its next large-format retail location at The Shops at Northfield in Denver, in late 2026. Spanning two floors, the approximately 140,000-sq.-ft. store will showcase Wayfair's vast assortment, including "Verified" items, a program that spotlights the brand's “most-trusted” products.
- First Look: Martha Stewart launches first-ever stores The world’s first Martha Stewart store has opened at City Centre Mirdif in Dubai, followed by a second location at the Dubai Hills Mall. The stores are operated through Marquee Brands, which acquired the Martha Stewart brand of home furnishings and other branded products and media in 2019.
- PopUp Bagels hits 300 store agreements The East Coast chain says it has officially signed deals for 300 franchise locations, setting up expansion in 10 states. PopUp Bagels says its goal is to reach 100 open locations by the end of 2027.
- Trader Joe’s has 25-plus stores ‘opening soon’ The popular grocer, which operates in 43 states and the District of Columbia, keeps a running list on its website of its upcoming locations, with the list updated on a regular basis. Recent Trader Joe’s openings include Northridge Calif., Sherman Oaks, Calif. and Westminister, Colo., with plans for expansion in New York, Texas, Oklahoma, Utah and more.
- Nordstrom Rack adds eight new stores to 2026 lineup The department store retailer, which in May closed on its deal to go private, is on track to open 21 Nordstrom Rack stores this year. It expects to open roughly the same amount in 2026, and has already announced a handful of openings, including a 30,000-sq.-ft. store at Turkey Creek in Knoxville, Tenn., and a 27,000-sq.-ft. store at Sarasota Pavilion in Sarasota, Fla.
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- Little Caesars signs largest Canadian franchise deal yet Detroit-based Little Caesars has signed its largest franchise agreement in Canada through a collaboration with North Sun Energy, a leading fuel and convenience retailer in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. North Sun Energy will bring Little Caesars to consumers on the go across 18 of its gas stations and convenience stores.
- Ollie’s to hit store milestone as it expands into new state The off-price retailer opened its 600th store. The new Ollie’s store is located in Belmont, N.H., and is the chain’s first ever in the Granite State. The company has been expanding its footprint by buying bankrupt leases. It expects to open roughly 75 stores in 2025.
- Fashion retailer Dry Goods expanding in four malls Department store retailer Von Maur is expanding its young women’s fashion banner into new and existing markets. Dry Goods is opening four new stores in 2025, giving it a total of 88 locations in 24 states. The retailer also plans to relocate its Woodfield Mall location in Schaumburg, Ill. to a fresh new space within the center this fall.
- Perkins Griddle & Go plots large expansion in New Jersey Diner-style restaurant chain Perkins American Food Co. (formerly known as Perkins Restaurant & Bakery) is expanding its new Perkins Griddle & Go concept into New Jersey. The company has signed multi-unit franchise deals to bring a total of 46 locations to Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties.
- Quick-serve hot dog franchise Wienerschnitzel expanding to East Coast Wienerschnitzel has signed a seven-unit development deal in the Norfolk and Richmond, Va. markets. Coupled with a recent agreement to open locations inside Walmart stores and engagement with additional non-traditional growth channels, the East Coast deal further strengthens Wienerschnitzel's strategic development plans, the company said.
- Target opening eight stores in July and August Target Corp. is celebrating the opening of eight new stores this summer — including its 320th location in California. The openings are part of the 20 new locations that Target plans to open this year, and also reflect the retailer’s commitment to building more than 300 stores over the next decade. Target is also leaning into larger footprints. Three of the new locations top the chain’s 125,000-sq.-ft. store average.
- First Look: Save A Lot debuts new Hispanic-focused store concept As part of its strategic collaboration with Leevers Supermarkets, Save A Lot unveiled a new store format, called Save A Lot y Mas, in the St. Louis suburb of Overland. It features an expanded selection of fresh Hispanic produce, specialty meats and bakery items designed to deliver both “cultural relevance and everyday value.”
- Fast-growing lifestyle brand Eastside Golf opens first U.S. store Eastside Golf has opened its first-ever U.S. store at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The shop features a curated selection of the brand's apparel and accessories, including its signature Swingman sweatshirts, tracksuits, performance polos and bucket hats.
