Core retail sales up 7% year over year in April as consumers stocked up pre-tariffs 1
By: Jeff Dervech - May 16, 2025 Core retail sales up 7% year over year in April as consumers stocked up pre-tariffs

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...

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Cold play: Toy industry faces ‘devastating’ impact from tariffs 2
By: Jeff Dervech - May 16, 2025 Cold play: Toy industry faces ‘devastating’ impact from tariffs

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...

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Investing in frontline workers is investing in customers 3
By: Jeff Dervech - May 16, 2025 Investing in frontline workers is investing in customers

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...

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A ‘Transformational Year’ for Shake Shack Gets Underway 4
By: Jeff Dervech - May 16, 2025 A ‘Transformational Year’ for Shake Shack Gets Underway

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...

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Culver’s Steady Growth Continues to Set it Apart 5
By: Jeff Dervech - April 30, 2025 Culver’s Steady Growth Continues to Set it Apart

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...

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Chipotle to make Mexico debut in 2026 6
By: Jeff Dervech - April 30, 2025 Chipotle to make Mexico debut in 2026

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...

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Costco reports strong March sales as e-commerce surges 7
By: Jeff Dervech - April 21, 2025 Costco reports strong March sales as e-commerce surges

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...

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Add ‘Value’ to the Restaurant Categories CAVA is Winning 8
By: Jeff Dervech - April 21, 2025 Add ‘Value’ to the Restaurant Categories CAVA is Winning

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...

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Checkers Changes the Drive-Thru Game Yet Again  9
By: Jeff Dervech - April 8, 2025 Checkers Changes the Drive-Thru Game Yet Again 

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...

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How to meet your customers where they are – virtually 10
By: Jeff Dervech - April 8, 2025 How to meet your customers where they are – virtually

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...

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E-commerce is here to stay after a push from the pandemic  11
By: Jeff Dervech - April 3, 2025 E-commerce is here to stay after a push from the pandemic 

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...

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Why Farmside Kitchen is One to Watch  12
By: Jeff Dervech - April 1, 2025 Why Farmside Kitchen is One to Watch 

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...

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Dollar General expands private-label partnership with Dolly Parton 13
By: Jeff Dervech - March 21, 2025 Dollar General expands private-label partnership with Dolly Parton

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...

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Taco Bell Spices Up Global Expansion with Cultural Buzz and Cravings 14
By: Jeff Dervech - March 18, 2025 Taco Bell Spices Up Global Expansion with Cultural Buzz and Cravings

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....

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Foot Locker to refresh 300 stores this year 15
By: Jeff Dervech - March 13, 2025 Foot Locker to refresh 300 stores this year

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...

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Shake Shack expands partnership with Delta Air Lines 16
By: Jeff Dervech - March 11, 2025 Shake Shack expands partnership with Delta Air Lines

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...

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TJX maintains momentum in Q4 with gains across divisions; to open 90 U.S. stores 17
By: Jeff Dervech - March 6, 2025 TJX maintains momentum in Q4 with gains across divisions; to open 90 U.S. stores

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...

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How QSRs Can Use Digital Signage to Power Growth and Guest Engagement  18
By: Jeff Dervech - March 4, 2025 How QSRs Can Use Digital Signage to Power Growth and Guest Engagement 

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...

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Monthly retail sales from the US Commerce Department 19
By: Jeff Dervech - February 25, 2025 Monthly retail sales from the US Commerce Department

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...

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Retail in the age of AI vision  20
By: Jeff Dervech - February 22, 2025 Retail in the age of AI vision 

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...

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Chili’s & McDonald’s: A Tale of Two Earnings Calls 21
By: Jeff Dervech - February 21, 2025 Chili’s & McDonald’s: A Tale of Two Earnings Calls

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...

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How Lego builds unique store experiences 22
By: Jeff Dervech - February 14, 2025 How Lego builds unique store experiences

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...

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Chipotle to open 315 to 345 locations in 2025; Q4 sales, traffic up  23
By: Jeff Dervech - February 11, 2025 Chipotle to open 315 to 345 locations in 2025; Q4 sales, traffic up 

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...

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The Delay of AI Adoption in the Restaurant Industry  24
By: Jeff Dervech - February 7, 2025 The Delay of AI Adoption in the Restaurant Industry 

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...

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Chewy holds the top spot as overall satisfaction with online retail declines 25
By: Jeff Dervech - February 5, 2025 Chewy holds the top spot as overall satisfaction with online retail declines

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...

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From Personalization to Value, How Restaurants Can Thrive in 2025 26
By: Jeff Dervech - January 31, 2025 From Personalization to Value, How Restaurants Can Thrive in 2025

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...

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Smoothie King eyes 100+ new stores in 2025 27
By: Jeff Dervech - January 29, 2025 Smoothie King eyes 100+ new stores in 2025

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...

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 The Trends Reshaping Retail Expansion in 2025 28
By: Jeff Dervech - January 24, 2025  The Trends Reshaping Retail Expansion in 2025

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...

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Shake Shack Plots Massive Expansion  29
By: Jeff Dervech - January 21, 2025 Shake Shack Plots Massive Expansion 

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,...

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KFC’s New Saucy Concept Puts Flavor and Chicken Tenders on Center Stage 30
By: Jeff Dervech - January 14, 2025 KFC’s New Saucy Concept Puts Flavor and Chicken Tenders on Center Stage

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,...

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25% Food And Dining Inflation Indicates Recession 31
By: Jeff Dervech - August 16, 2024 25% Food And Dining Inflation Indicates Recession

Both, restaurant and at home food prices are up 25% since the beginning of COVID 2020. The article discusses the impact of a 25% increase in food and restaurant prices on consumers, particularly those with lower incomes. This significant rise in prices, resulting in meals that were once $10.00 now costing $12.50, has broader implications beyond just low-income diners. Labor costs have also increased by 25%, further adding to the financial strain on restaurants. The...

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Impossible Foods opens plant-based Chicago pop-up 32
By: Jeff Dervech - August 14, 2024 Impossible Foods opens plant-based Chicago pop-up

Impossible Foods, a leading meat alternative brand, has recently launched its first brick-and-mortar foodservice concept called Impossible Quality Meats in Uptown Chicago. This pop-up concept offers a diverse menu of plant-based options, including appetizers, salads, wraps, burgers, and hotdogs. Operating from Aug. 13 through fall, the pop-up is open on Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is situated within Chicago’s XMarket Food Hall, managed by VEG House and leased through PlantX...

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Truth Behind The Numbers: Vacancy Rates In Commercial Real Estate 33
By: Jeff Dervech - April 26, 2024 Truth Behind The Numbers: Vacancy Rates In Commercial Real Estate

Darrell Huff’s influential book “How to Lie with Statistics” highlights the susceptibility of individuals to misleading information when interpreting statistics, emphasizing concepts like random sampling, correlation versus causation, and visual misrepresentation. This challenge of accurate interpretation extends to the commercial real estate industry, where traditional metrics like vacancy rates may not provide a comprehensive picture of the overall market. The discrepancy between vacancy rates and actual availability rates in the industry can significantly impact decision-making...

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How Better-for-You Brands Keep Pricing in Check 34
By: Jeff Dervech - April 23, 2024 How Better-for-You Brands Keep Pricing in Check

Health-forward restaurants are facing challenges as higher commodity and labor costs impact their profitability. Clean Juice, a health-focused juice bar franchise, has seen costs rise across various areas, including paper goods, meat, dairy, and produce. To address these challenges, Clean Juice has introduced marketing strategies focused on price, such as offering products for under $6 and a pick-two menu for under $13. The company is also working with franchisees to identify underpriced or overpriced items...

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Walmart CEO says demand for convenience trumps price 35
By: Jeff Dervech - April 10, 2024 Walmart CEO says demand for convenience trumps price

Walmart’s CEO, John Furner, highlighted the importance of convenience for consumers in the retail industry, emphasizing that saving time and reducing friction in their lives can outweigh price considerations. Furner noted the increasing demand for innovative solutions that streamline decision-making and enhance customer experience. He expressed optimism for the consumer health in 2024, despite challenges like inflation, citing early sales data that showed positive trends in spending on health and personal care products.  Furner also discussed...

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Portillo’s Future Lies in the Sun Belt 36
By: Jeff Dervech - April 10, 2024 Portillo’s Future Lies in the Sun Belt

Portillo’s, a Chicago-based brand led by CEO Michael Osanloo, is strategically focusing on expanding its presence in the Sun Belt region of the U.S., known for its warmer climates and lower taxes. With data showing significant population growth in counties in Arizona, Texas, and Florida, Portillo’s is directing 80% of its future growth efforts towards these states, particularly targeting areas like Phoenix, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth. The brand has seen success in Texas, with four...

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