News Briefs

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High prices, especially at the gas pump, are impacting consumers, and apparel appears to be among one of the primary category shoppers are scaling back in.

According to new data from Consumer Edge, apparel is among the weakest discretionary categories, with growth decelerating roughly 2 percentage points versus late February levels. Footwear and athletic apparel are seeing the sharpest pullback, with growth down approximately 6 percentage points, a sign of early trade-down or purchase deferral behavior, noted Consumer Edge.

The data found that core apparel segments like children’s and intimate are also softening, running between 3 and 6 percentage points below February levels. 

[READ MORE: Numerator: Consumer good prices stay volatile with April increase]

Consumer Edge noted that fast fashion is a relative outlier, but strength appears driven more by lapping easier comparisons than a true demand inflection. At the same time, discount and club channels have slowed to being flat year over year (0%), suggesting that even value-oriented apparel shoppers are starting to feel pressure from high prices.

New tenants are arriving at one of the Twin Cities’ largest retail destinations.

Rosedale Center, located between Minneapolis and St. Paul, is welcoming Abercrombie & Fitch, Hammer Made, Swarovski and a newly remodeled PacSun. The new tenants join several retailers and restaurants which opened in 2025 including Kendra Scott, J.Crew Factory, Johnston & Murphy, Lolli & Pops, Paris Baguette, and BRKThrough.

Abercrombie & Fitch will open its 5,500-sq.-ft. store this summer, while Hammer Made will open its 576-sq.-ft. store later this month. Swarovski opened a 1,051-sq.-ft. store in April, and PacSun opened its newly remodeled 3,995-sq.-ft. outpost last month as well.

[READ MORE: Mango makes a Midwest splash at Mall of America]

“We are listening to our customers, always looking to add new, innovative and unique brands to Rosedale Center,” said Lisa Crain, VP of retail and general manager at Rosedale Center. “Our goal is to be the premier destination in the Twin Cities and a model for others to emulate.”

Spanning more than 1 million square feet, Rosedale Center’s tenant roster features over 150 retailers, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, AMC Theatres, JCPenney, Macy’s, Rose & Loon and Von Maur.

“Retail continues to grow as customers look to gather with friends, be entertained, shop and dine,” said Holly Rome, executive VP of national retail leasing at JLL, which manages leasing at Rosedale Center. “We are seeing strong retail leasing fundamentals in the Twin Cities and across the country from new brands, expanding brands and e-commerce brands looking to add brick-and-mortar stores.”

A leading massage and spa franchise has tapped a new technology leader.

Massage Envy has named Abe Hong as chief technology officer. In the role, he will lead the company's technology strategy, digital transformation, cybersecurity and enterprise systems, with a focus on supporting franchisees, enhancing the member and guest experience, and advancing the brand's digital capabilities.

Hong brings more than 25 years of experience leading global technology organizations. Most recently, he served as chief technology officer at child care provider Learning Care Group, where he led enterprise technology, digital platforms and AI strategy for more than four and half years.

"Abe is a proven technology leader with deep experience supporting complex, multi-site businesses," said Todd Schrader, CEO of Massage Envy Franchising. "His ability to align technology strategy with business goals, combined with his collaborative leadership style, will be instrumental as we continue to evolve our digital capabilities and support growth across the franchise network."

Hong’s previous experience includes stints as chief operations officer at Technologent, chief information officer at Discount Tire and Red Rock Resorts, and senior technology leadership roles at Starbucks and Russell Investments.

[READ MORE: Massage Envy names first chief revenue officer]

"I'm excited to join a brand that is so focused on supporting franchisees and delivering meaningful experiences for members and guests," said Hong. "I look forward to working with the team to build on the company's strong foundation and continue advancing its technology capabilities to support long-term growth."

Founded in 2002, Massage Envy operates more than 1,000 locations in 49 states.

A lack of enthusiasm among younger workers and existing managers could be a looming problem for retail and hospitality businesses.

According to global technology company SafetyCulture’s latest Feedback from the Field survey, 62% of frontline managers report that younger workers are reluctant to take on leadership roles. SafetyCulture noted that this reluctance could lead to a shrinking pipeline of future leaders.

Among those already in leadership roles, enthusiasm is declining, as 66% of managers would rather not lead if given the choice. Frustration among existing frontline managers is widespread, with nearly nine-in-10 (88%) reporting challenges in their day-to-day roles, often driven by "heavy workloads, administrative burden and limited operational support."

[READ MORE: Study: Most retail workers considering switching careers or industries]

SafetyCulture noted that as fewer employees step into leadership roles and existing managers come under increasing strain, organizations could face slower decision-making, inconsistent processes, and a greater risk of errors or safety incidents.

“Management roles are becoming harder to sustain because the reality of the job is often overwhelming,” said Tom Murdock, managing director, Americas, SafetyCulture. “Frontline managers are expected to do more with less, balancing people, processes and performance without enough support. If businesses don’t address this, they risk losing the next generation of leaders, and with it, the operational stability that strong frontline management provides.”

SafetyCulture’s survey was conducted in conjunction with YouGov and fielded in August and September 2025 with 1,019 U.S. middle managers aged 18 and older in frontline industries (construction, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, transport/logistics).

 BJ's Wholesale Club's launch into the Lone Star State continues.

The membership warehouse club will open a location in Grand Prairie, Texas, on May 15. In celebration of the opening, the new club will offer members $2 per gallon on gas for one day only on Wednesday, May 13, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

BJ’s entered the Texas market in April, opening in Forney, which is in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It was followed by a location in Waxahachie, which opened on May 6, and Fort Worth on May 8. 

“BJ’s Wholesale Club is driven by a powerful purpose: we take care of the families who depend on us,” said Brent Jacobs, club manager, Grand Prairie BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We’re looking forward to serving the community and the families of Grand Prairie.”

BJ’s noted it has a long-standing commitment to nourishing its communities. For over 15 years, it has worked with Feeding America and its network of food banks, providing more than 165 million meals for those in need. In Grand Prairie, BJ’s is partnering with North Texas Food Bank to help local agency partners Grand Prairie United Charities and The Flanagan Foundation increase their food distribution capacity to serve more families.

BJ’s currently operates 266 clubs and 205 BJ's Gas locations in 22 states.