SHOPPING CENTER INSIGHTS BY JEFF DERVECHBlog

Starbucks is introducing a new AI assistance tool called “Green Dot Assist” to support store associates at 35 locations starting in June 2025, with plans for wider deployment across the U.S. and Canada in the fall. The tool, built on the Microsoft Azure DeepAI platform, is loaded onto iPads behind the counter and allows baristas to ask both verbal and typed questions about tasks such as order preparation or equipment issues. The AI provides instant,...

Walmart has launched Sparky, a customer-facing generative AI assistant integrated into its app, designed to assist shoppers by summarizing reviews, answering questions, offering recommendations, and aiding in purchase planning. Building on its earlier deployment of Wally, an AI tool for merchants, Walmart aims to enhance its retail operations and customer experience through AI-driven solutions. Sparky is expected to expand functionalities to include reordering and service booking, and it will soon support various input types such...

The quick-service industry has long discussed robotics and automation, but widespread adoption remains limited. A November 2024 PMQ article explores why, despite the promise of labor savings and efficiency, robots like burger-flipping machines or pizza automation tools have not yet become mainstream. Factors such as high costs, technological discomfort, and uncertainty about how pizza-specific automation fits into existing workflows have delayed their proliferation. However, experts believe that rising wages and the need to keep menu...

Weeks after announcing its intention to acquire Foot Locker, Dick’s Sporting Goods reported its fifth consecutive quarter of over 4% comparable sales growth, with net sales rising 5.2% to nearly $3.2 billion in the first quarter. Despite challenges like tariffs and declining consumer sentiment, the company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting comparable sales growth between 1% and 3% and net sales reaching up to $13.9 billion. During this period, Dick’s continued to revamp its store...

Despite ongoing tariffs impacting the industry, The Home Depot announced it does not plan to raise prices, maintaining a stable pricing strategy. In its first-quarter report, the retailer showed a 9.4% rise in sales year-over-year to $39.9 billion, although comparable sales declined slightly by 0.3%, with U.S. comps increasing by 0.2%. Operating income grew modestly by 1.1% to $5.1 billion, but net income dropped 4.6% to $3.4 billion. Home Depot’s leadership expressed confidence that they...

Since its debut in 2011, CAVA has evolved its dining spaces from minimalist, industrial designs that reflected a post-recession aesthetic to warmer, more inviting environments that emphasize hospitality and community. In 2022, the brand launched Project Soul, aiming to create a more welcoming atmosphere with softer lighting, plush seating, and greenery, aligning with the Mediterranean values of sharing meals and fostering human connection. CEO Brett Schulman highlights the importance of balancing physical and digital channels...

In April, retail sales experienced a notable increase as consumers actively pulled forward purchases to avoid anticipated price hikes resulting from tariffs. Core retail sales, which exclude restaurants, auto dealers, and gas stations, rose by 0.9% month-over-month and 7.11% year-over-year, according to the CNBC/Retail Monitor based on anonymized credit and debit card data. Overall, total retail sales—including restaurants but excluding automobiles and gasoline—grew by 0.72% month-over-month and 6.76% year-over-year. These gains contributed to a year-to-date...

Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA Entertainment, is facing significant challenges as tariffs imposed during the Trump administration threaten the toy industry and his company’s expansion plans. His factory in Ohio, which has been producing toys for over six decades and employs around 700 workers during peak season, is now on hold due to the high tariffs—rising to 145% on imports from China—making production costs skyrocket. Since approximately 80% of toys imported into the U.S. come...

Retail’s frontline workers are vital to delivering a positive customer experience, yet they often remain overlooked when it comes to technological innovation. As retailers face economic fluctuations, a tight labor market, and changing consumer expectations, high turnover rates among frontline staff continue to challenge operations. These workers are essential in providing efficient, personalized service, but are stretched thin managing multiple tasks. Investing in technology—such as Bluetooth headsets, digital tools, and streamlined communication devices—can ease their...

Rob Lynch, upon joining Shake Shack last May, anticipated a transformative year for the company. He outlined a long-term growth strategy aiming to quadruple the number of restaurants to 1,500, with a record-breaking 45–50 company-operated locations planned for 2025. In the first quarter, Shake Shack opened four new company units—including drive-thrus—and seven licensed locations, reaching a total of 589 stores globally. Despite this aggressive expansion, Lynch emphasized that the company is simultaneously reducing costs by...

Culver’s, the fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 1984, has navigated the complexities of the restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic with remarkable consistency in its expansion efforts. Over the past five years, Culver’s has opened a steady number of new locations, with 50 restaurants established in both 2019 and 2020, followed by 55 openings in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, the brand added 52 new locations and plans to open 53 in 2024, bringing its...

Chipotle Mexican Grill is expanding its international presence by entering the Latin American market, having signed a development agreement with Alsea, a prominent restaurant operator in the region. This partnership will facilitate the opening of Chipotle’s first restaurant in Mexico by early 2026, with plans for further expansion in additional markets within the area. Nate Lawton, Chipotle’s chief business development officer, expressed confidence that the brand’s commitment to responsibly sourced and freshly prepared food will...

Costco Wholesale Corp. experienced robust sales growth in March, reporting a net increase of 8.6% to $25.51 billion during the five-week period ending April 6. The company’s total comparable sales climbed 6.4%, with a 7.5% rise in the U.S. and 4.1% in Canada. Internationally, comparable sales grew by 2.9%. E-commerce also showed significant improvement, with comparable sales increasing by 16.2%. The calendar shift due to Easter added an extra shopping day, contributing roughly 1.5% to...

In March, the restaurant industry saw a significant shift in consumer spending, as average monthly dining expenditure dropped 14% year-over-year to $184, driven mainly by consumers with annual household incomes below $200,000. While nearly 49% of respondents reported spending less than the previous year, the amount was moderated by increased spending among more affluent diners. The overall engagement in dining remained robust, with 91% of respondents indicating they dine out at least a few times...

Frances Allen’s early tenure as CEO of Checkers & Rally’s coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting both unique challenges and opportunities for the fast-food chain. Having strategically prepared for her role, Allen engaged with employees, franchise advisory committees, and local restaurant visits prior to the pandemic’s escalation. This groundwork enabled her to establish a “crisis committee” that met daily to implement new operational procedures, ensuring the safety of both staff and customers...

Today’s consumers are increasingly engaged in digital spaces, prompting retailers to adapt their strategies and establish a presence in these interactive environments. The rise of the metaverse offers new avenues for retail engagement, exemplified by Walmart’s innovative efforts to tap into this trend over the past few years. Walmart has created various metaverse experiences, including interactive gaming partnerships and virtual retail environments, effectively positioning itself in immersive platforms that attract customers. By being a pioneer...

As the pandemic struck the U.S. in spring 2020, Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, faced numerous challenges driven by changing consumer behavior, shifting regulations, and increased operational costs. Despite these obstacles leading to a higher gross margin squeeze, Walmart was able to pivot effectively, enhancing its online presence and prioritizing an omnichannel approach that facilitated consumer engagement through pickup and delivery services. This shift aligned with a broader trend as many consumers embraced online shopping...

Farmside Kitchen aims to position itself as a prominent name in the fast-casual dining market, competing directly with established brands like Chipotle and CAVA. Co-founders Meg Schiffman and Ben Protheroe draw on their extensive backgrounds in the food industry to offer a unique dining experience centered around their signature product, the Farmbowl, which features healthy grains, local proteins, and seasonal vegetables sourced from regional farms. Each bowl can be customized with various ingredients, and the...

Dollar General has announced a new spring kitchen and housewares collection in collaboration with country music legend Dolly Parton. Building on the success of their first partnership, which launched a kitchen line in July 2024, this spring collection includes a variety of products such as home decor, drinkware, coffee bar supplies, and table linens, all priced at $10 and under. Signature items feature stylish designs, including a French press, tea kettle, and a rotating coffee...

Taco Bell is actively addressing its challenge of introducing Mexican cuisine to international markets where consumers have limited exposure to the food category. The company acknowledges that entering new countries requires not only presenting its brand but also educating potential customers on how to enjoy its offerings, prompting initiatives like “Tiltvertizing,” which demonstrates the proper way to eat a taco. Amy Durini, Taco Bell’s International CMO, emphasizes the novelty and enjoyment of this educational approach....

Foot Locker is accelerating its store strategy, focusing on its “reimagined” store concept, which first launched last April. During a recent earnings call, CEO Mary Dillon announced plans to either open or convert 80 stores to this updated format in the current year, significantly increasing from the eight currently operating. The retailer aims to refresh hundreds of smaller-scale stores in 2025, having upgraded 400 locations last year and targeting an additional 300 stores for this...

Shake Shack has broadened its collaboration with Delta Air Lines by offering its signature cheeseburger to first class passengers departing from airports in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, and Seattle. This menu addition comes after a successful launch in Boston last December. The cheeseburger, which features American cheese and toppings typically found on Shake Shack’s ShackBurger, is available for lunch or dinner on flights longer than 900 miles. It is served with chips, a Caesar...

TJX Companies concluded the year with impressive earnings and sales figures that exceeded analysts’ expectations, driven by strong customer demand across all its store banners. The off-price retail powerhouse reported a net income of $1.4 billion for the quarter ending February 1, translating to earnings of $1.23 per share, slightly up from $1.22 per share in the previous year. Despite net sales remaining flat at $16.35 billion, they surpassed estimates of $16.21 billion. The company...

Digital transformation is reshaping the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry by streamlining operations and enhancing customer experiences, with digital signage emerging as a pivotal tool in this shift. Its versatility allows QSRs to incorporate elements such as dynamic menus, interactive ordering, and engaging promotional displays, ultimately improving customer engagement and operational efficiency. By dynamically showcasing menu items and promotions, digital signage not only drives sales but also captivates customers, with studies revealing that over 80% of...

In January 2025, U.S. retail sales in core segments—excluding food, auto, and fuel—rose by 3.9% year-over-year, reaching a total of $234.88 billion, as reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce. E-commerce sales experienced a similar growth of 3.8% during the same period. Despite typically being a sluggish time for retailers, the January figures were viewed as impressive, particularly given the challenging winter weather that encouraged consumers to buy outerwear and warm clothing. The National Retail...

The potential of AI in the shopping landscape is immense. The author utilizes ChatGPT to locate the main water shutoff valve in their home. This experience illustrates how AI can facilitate daily tasks and hints at its future role in retail. By querying ChatGPT about a product, such as the Nike Pegasus 36 Trail running shoe, the author receives detailed, conversational responses that prove AI’s effectiveness as a shopping assistant. This interaction suggests that customers...

Chili’s impressive 30% increase in comparable store sales contrasts sharply with McDonald’s negative traffic counts, highlighting a shift in consumer dining preferences. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing overall experience, menu differentiation, and perceived value over affordability. This trend is reflected in the declining foot traffic in Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) and the rise in Casual Dining, as consumers, including higher-income brackets, are opting for higher-quality experiences. Price compression between QSR and higher-tier dining segments has made...

The toy manufacturer Lego has been transforming its retail spaces into immersive experiences that draw in customers and create memories. According to Martin Urrutia, Lego’s head of global retail experience and innovation, physical retail spaces can be seen as a media channel, a place for storytelling, and a way for customers to engage with a brand. To achieve this, retailers must have fundamentals in place, such as stock availability, the correct physical location, and streamlined...

Chipotle Mexican Grill reported a strong fourth quarter for the end of 2024, highlighting its ongoing expansion both domestically and internationally. The company plans to open between 315 and 345 new locations in 2025, with over 80% featuring a “Chipotlane” drive-thru for digital orders. As part of its vision to establish 7,000 restaurants across North America, Chipotle is also focusing on international growth, operating 85 locations worldwide, including 55 in Canada, 27 in Europe, and...

The current discussion around Artificial Intelligence (AI) reflects a growing interest across various industries, with a notable emphasis on its inclusion in corporate earnings discussions. While many sectors are undergoing rapid transformation due to advancements in AI, the restaurant industry is lagging behind. This disparity can be attributed to two main factors: financial constraints and lack of specialized expertise. Unlike tech companies that can absorb significant losses in pursuit of long-term gains, the restaurant industry...

According to a recent American Customer Satisfaction Index study, customer satisfaction with online retailers dipped by 1% over the past year, reaching a score of 79 on a 100-point scale. The study, which is based on 41,850 consumer surveys, indicated that more than two-thirds of online retailers experienced declines in customer satisfaction compared to the previous year. Chewy, however, stood out as a leader in customer satisfaction, maintaining a score of 85 and holding the...

The restaurant industry has faced unprecedented challenges in the past few years, from supply chain disruptions to labor shortages, and the lingering effects of inflation. To adapt and stay afloat, independent operators must rapidly evolve and innovate to meet shifting consumer attitudes, preferences, and expectations. The future of the restaurant industry relies on utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver value-driven, personalized customer experiences and maximize the human aspect of the dining experience.  Restaurants can adapt and...

Smoothie King had a highly successful 2024, achieving significant growth and expansion with a total of 84 new stores opened across 24 states. This marked an increase from the 81 stores opened in 2023, with a record-breaking 11 stores opened in December alone. Strong franchisee partnerships played a key role, with 68% of new agreements signed by existing franchisees. The brand also made notable strides in key markets, including Indianapolis, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta. The...

The retail real estate landscape in 2025 is shaped by evolving consumer behaviors, technological advances, and heightened competition for premium locations. Despite the growth of online shopping, physical stores remain integral, with brands facing increasing challenges to secure prime retail spaces. Trends have emerged in response to this competitive market, including the adoption of smaller and more flexible store formats, a focus on experiential retail, tailored geographical expansion strategies, and data-driven site selection. Retailers are...

Shake Shack is significantly expanding its presence in the U.S., now targeting at least 1,500 domestic locations, up from a previous goal of 450. The fast-casual burger chain plans to open 80-85 new restaurants in 2025, with 45 being company-operated and 40-45 through licensing. Since its first location in 2004, Shake Shack has grown to over 550 locations globally, including more than 350 in 33 U.S. states. CEO Rob Lynch, who took over in March,...

KFC launched a new spinoff concept called Saucy, which focuses on offering a variety of sauces, chicken tenders, and creative beverages. The first location opened in Orlando on December 23. Saucy features 11 unique sauces, inspired by KFC’s signature 11 herbs and spices, which can be paired with hand-breaded, made-to-order chicken tenders. The sauces range from Chimichurri Ranch to Sweet Teriyaki, allowing customers to experiment with over 4,000 possible flavor combinations. In addition to tenders,...