Author

Katie Lee

— By John Wright — Savvy retailers are finding innovative ways to boost efficiency. Modern building management systems can control everything from locked doors and temperature settings, to lighting and even audio and ambiance in today’s retail environments. But can they do more? Some retail leaders think so and are employing new strategies to gain a competitive advantage. “Dark deliveries” have emerged as one such strategy for optimizing efficiency and streamlining operations. This refers to an approach that allows retail stores to receive shipments during off-hours when operations are minimal …

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Boston Heights, Ohio — Arhaus, a leader in artisan-crafted furniture and home décor, has opened a new 17,000-square-foot showroom in Oklahoma City at OAK, the new mixed-use luxury development that opened in September. This showroom, which opened on Oct. 18, marks the brand’s first location in Oklahoma, with the nearest showrooms more than 200 miles away in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. Arhaus is an anchor tenant of the new center. Founded in 1986, Arhaus is a rapidly growing lifestyle brand and omni-channel retailer of premium home furnishings. With more …

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Campbell, Calif. — TOGO’S Sandwiches, a beloved West Coast sandwich chain, has appointed its chief financial officer, Matt Dowling, to CEO following Glenn Lunde’s decision to step down. Lunde’s leadership helped position the brand for growth, and Dowling will follow suit in overseeing overall operations, set strategic goals, focus on growing unit count and drive financial performance while continuing his role as CFO. Dowling has more than 40 years of experience leading operations, company finances, analyzing financial data to guide strategic decisions, managing risks and communicating financial performance to stakeholders. …

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Birmingham, Ala. — On Oct. 21, leading furniture design retailer Ballard Designs opened its first Alabama location in downtown Birmingham’s historic Hardwick Building. “Our beautiful new store [is] a playground for home decorators,” says Karen Mooney, president of Ballard Designs. “Birmingham [now has] an exciting, go-to source for home decor as vibrant and colorful as the murals that help make downtown a magnet for art and design lovers.” Situated along the popular Rotary Trail, Ballard’s newest location occupies the renovated Hardwick Building’s street level with restaurants and other businesses filling …

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Dallas — Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® has made two leadership appointments. Patrick Kirk, previously chief marketing officer, has been named president, in addition to his marketing role. Marshall Claycamp, previously executive director of operations services for IHOP, has been named chief operations officer for Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. In these new and expanded roles, Kirk will continue to define the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop experience, guide the brand’s future growth and manage all organizational aspects. Claycamp will lead all operations and franchise restaurant operations for the brand. “Patrick is no stranger to the …

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Seattle — Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op has announced its lineup of 2025 store openings, with a sneak peek into 2026. Stores will open in six communities next spring and summer, including the California cities of Carlsbad, Chico and Elk Grove as well as in Amherst, N.Y; Durango, Colo.; and Lynnwood, Wash. REI also intends to open in Prosper, Texas, in 2026, which will join a previously announced St. George, Utah, store. Additional stores for 2026 will be announced as leases are finalized. “Cities that will have new stores represent …

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Los Angeles — Lamps Plus, a leading home specialty lighting retailer, has hired Richard Hoalst as chief digital officer in a newly created role. Reporting to CEO Jason Goldberger, Hoalst will lead the transformation of the company’s digital commerce efforts across website, marketing, creative and marketplaces. He joins the company from Guitar Center. Hoalst joins the company with nearly 30 years of diverse leadership experience overseeing e-commerce, marketing and merchandising teams across iconic brands in a variety of industries. Most recently, he served as executive vice president – chief customer …

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— By David Shove-Brown, Robert Ervin & Katy Curtis — Expert strategies for aesthetic, functional and sustainable spaces. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in dining preferences, with more people gravitating toward outdoor environments rather than traditional indoor atmospheres, largely influenced by the pandemic even years later. This is evident across various settings, from bustling sidewalk cafes to outdoor-themed restaurants and even rooftop gardens and bars. Designing outdoor dining spaces has evolved into an art form that balances aesthetics, functionality and a strong connection with one’s surroundings. …

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Los Angeles — The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, the leading global specialty coffee and tea house, has appointed seasoned industry executive Cory Davenport as its new franchise sales manager. Davenport will be responsible for driving brand awareness and spearheading the company’s franchise expansion efforts across North America. He joins the company from Panera. Working alongside Michelle Reap, senior manager of franchise development, Davenport will focus on strategically communicating the brand’s value proposition to potential franchisees, highlighting its attractive and scalable business model. He will also manage franchise candidate recruitment …

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Mattoon, Ill. — In mid-October, Rural King, a family-owned retailer dedicated to the rural lifestyle, opened its newest store in Bainbridge, Ga. — marking its first in the Peach State. With a legacy spanning over six decades, Rural King has established itself as a cornerstone of the communities it serves. The new Bainbridge store location, located at 1615 E. Shotwell St., uses innovative features designed to enhance the shopping experience, including mobile and self-checkouts, while maintaining the personal touch that defines Rural King’s customer service. “Rural King is excited to …

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