Author

Katie Lee

Forever 21 Plans to Open 14 New Stores in U.S.

by Katie Lee October 12, 2022

Los Angeles — Forever 21 plans to open 14 new stores across the U.S., starting with a new location at the Gran Plaza Outlets in Calexico, which opened this past August. The Calexico, Calif., store is the first in a series of Forever 21 openings across America scheduled through June 2023. “We’re seeing even more consumers returning to the in-store shopping experience,” says Winnie Park, CEO of Forever 21. “While our online business remains strong and a key component of our growth strategy, we love interacting with our consumers in-store. …

October 12, 2022

California Pizza Kitchen Opens New Location at LAX

by Katie Lee October 11, 2022

Costa Mesa, Calif. — California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), the creator of California-style pizza, has opened a new franchise location at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The opening marks the brand’s second location within the airport as CPK continues to expand across U.S. markets. Located within Terminal 6 at LAX, the new restaurant is owned and operated by Greg Plummer, CEO and managing partner of Concord Collective, a minority-owned airport concession operator. “We are thrilled to partner with Concord Collective to provide a fresh, healthy, alternative dining option for the most …

October 11, 2022

construction and design News retailers software/technology

West Elm Launches Virtual Design Experience on Roblox

by Katie Lee October 11, 2022

Brooklyn, N.Y. — Global design company West Elm, a member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, has launched its own virtual world, West Elm Home Design, on Roblox, a global platform bringing 52 million daily users together through shared experiences. The first major specialty home retailer to premiere on Roblox, West Elm’s debut into the metaverse offers a best-in-class virtual experience with high-fidelity design and unprecedented photorealism that will appeal to new and existing West Elm fans and design enthusiasts. The West Elm Home …

October 11, 2022

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

Johnny Rockets and Hurricane Wings Debut First Co-Branded Location

by Katie Lee October 10, 2022

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has opened its first co-branded Johnny Rockets and Hurricane Wings. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., at the Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House, the restaurant combines Johnny Rockets’ classic menu with the all-new co-branded model of sister wing brand Hurricane Grill & Wings, Hurricane Wings. “Burgers and wings pair perfectly together, which we have witnessed firsthand at FAT Brands with the co-branding of Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express,” says Jake Berchtold, COO of FAT Brands’ fast-casual division. “The demand for that co-branded …

October 10, 2022

construction and design News property management remodels retailers

Macerich Underway on Next Phase of its Renovation of Scottsdale Fashion Square

by Katie Lee October 10, 2022

Santa Monica, Calif. — Macerich, one of the nation’s leading owners, operators and developers of one-of-a-kind retail and mixed-use properties in top markets, is underway on the next phase of ongoing reinvestment in its iconic Scottsdale Fashion Square located in Scottsdale, Ariz. Plans include an extensive interior and exterior renovation of the south wing, building on the successful first phase that launched the property’s spectacular luxury wing in 2018. New, complementary uses coming soon to Scottsdale Fashion Square include high-end fitness + wellness destination Life Time Scottsdale and the new …

October 10, 2022

Cover Story From The Magazine people restaurants

Leading Ladies

by Katie Lee October 7, 2022

— By Paige Ward — Women who lead from executive-level positions are bringing much needed diversity, strength and stability to a rebounding restaurant industry during uncertain times. With the quick-service restaurant industry drastically shifting as a result of post-pandemic consumer trends, many brands are searching for innovative ideas that will keep up with the rapid change of pace. Four brands — Mongolian Concepts, Wetzel’s Pretzels, On the Border and Salata — are altering the very way their corporate suites think by diversifying their teams to place more …

October 7, 2022

management News property management software/technology vendors

ChargeFUZE Mobile Phone Charging Stations to Roll Out in Westfield Shopping Centers

by Katie Lee October 7, 2022

Los Angeles — chargeFUZE will scale its innovative and autonomous out-of-home mobile phone charging stations into Westfield shopping centers in the U.S. The initiative is part of an effort to ensure that Westfield guests have the best experience possible and can take advantage of all digital and tech-forward initiatives onsite. chargeFUZE’s portable charging network is being rolled out across Westfield’s US shopping centers, allowing guests to charge their devices while ‘on the go.’ chargeFUZE’s technology will enable Westfield visitors to remain untethered and to charge any device from the comfort …

October 7, 2022

News people retailers software/technology

Target Names Chief Digital and Product Officer

by Katie Lee October 6, 2022

Minneapolis — Target Corporation has hired Prat Vemana as executive vice president, chief digital and product officer. Vemana will join Target on Oct. 31 as a member of Target’s leadership team, reporting to Cara Sylvester, chief guest experience officer. In this role, he will oversee Target’s digital business, including site merchandising, user experience, digital operations and product, and Target+, the retailer’s growing online third-party marketplace. Additionally, Vemana will provide key support for Target’s industry-leading product teams across the company by bringing a holistic view to the retailer’s overall product strategy. …

October 6, 2022

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

Wings and Rings Creates a New Remodel Program; Implements New Technologies

by Katie Lee October 5, 2022

Cincinnati — Wings and Rings, an 85-unit sports restaurant and bar franchise, continues to open new stores around the country; is implementing a new remodel program, the first of which was in Crestview Hills, Ky.; and is leveraging technology to streamline operational and back-of-house needs. The brand has also extended its development incentive program, with no franchise fee and no royalties for the first 6 months of operation. Recently the brand opened a new-generation unit in Campbellsville, Ky. Additional openings are in the works in Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Kentucky and …

October 5, 2022

News people retailers

Qurate Retail Group Names Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee October 5, 2022

West Chester, Pa. — Qurate Retail GroupSM has appointed Scott Barnhart as its new chief operating officer (COO), effective immediately. As COO, Barnhart leads supply chain, procurement, global business services, and corporate real estate and workplace services (CREWS) for all Qurate Retail Group brands globally; customer service and experience for all U.S. brands; and QVC® and HSN®’s U.S. fulfillment operations. Barnhart also oversees the transformation management office for Project Athens, Qurate Retail Group’s 3-year plan to establish revenue stability, OIBDA margin expansion and incremental cash flow generation. Barnhart reports to …

October 5, 2022

Newer Posts

Older Posts