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Target Launches First-of-its-Kind Accessible Self-Checkout Nationwide

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Target Corporation has launched a first-of-its-kind accessible self-checkout experience, designed with and for guests with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision. Beginning this holiday season and continuing into early 2026, the solution will roll out to self-checkout stations across Target stores nationwide. “This season brings so much joy for our guests, but we know it can be overwhelming, too. That is why even small wins matter — like an accessible self-checkout that helps guests shop their way, with confidence,” says Adrienne Costanzo, executive vice …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

FEP Invests in 7 Brew Franchisee, Signs Development Deal for Over 200 Units

by Katie Lee

New York City — Private investment firm Franchise Equity Partners (FEP) has acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew, the second-largest franchise owner of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee. As part of the agreement, FEP will continue to execute 7 Crew’s existing development agreement with 7 Brew, which includes opening more than 200 new stands in addition to the 50 currently operating. FEP has taken a selective approach to investing in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector. After evaluating numerous opportunities, 7 Brew stood out as a differentiated, category-defining brand. 7 Brew …

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Warner Marketplace
construction and designmanagementNewsproperty managementretailers

Vestar to Manage Warner Marketplace in Los Angeles

by Abby Cox

Los Angeles — Vestar, a Phoenix-based privately held shopping center owner and manager, will provide comprehensive management services for Warner Marketplace, a 160,000-square-foot shopping center located in the Canoga Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Vestar will offer its full scope of management services including property management, leasing oversight and marketing and construction management, which will be tailored to optimize operations and drive long-term performance. “We are excited to add Warner Marketplace to our growing California portfolio,” says Patrick McGinley, president of management services at Vestar. “This asset is located in a vibrant …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Chipotle to Open First Restaurants in Asia in 2026

by Katie Lee

Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed a joint venture to open restaurants in Asia for the first time. In partnership with SPC Group, a leading South Korea-based food company, Chipotle plans to open its first restaurants in South Korea and Singapore in 2026. “With a rapidly evolving dining-out business, fueled by preferences for variety and convenience, expanding into Asia presents an incredible growth opportunity for Chipotle,” says Scott Boatwright, chief executive officer of Chipotle. “Real food prepared fast is in high demand in these markets and with …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Chuck E. Cheese Expands to the UK, Marking First Location in Europe

by Katie Lee

Irving, Texas — Chuck E. Cheese, a global family entertainment brand, will be making its debut in the United Kingdom. In partnership with a dedicated local team, this will mark the brand’s first location in Europe. “Chuck E. Cheese is an incredible global brand that brings families together across cultures through the universal language of fun,” says Mario Centola, chief operating officer of Chuck E. Cheese International. “We’re thrilled to bring our unique magic for family fun to the UK. We have partnered with an outstanding team that shares our …

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construction and designNewsremodelsretailers

Rack Room Shoes Continues to Open “Lighthouse Concept Stores”

by Katie Lee

Charlotte, N.C. — Rack Room Shoes is building on its strategic growth plan with the opening of seven new “lighthouse concept stores” across the country. The new locations aim to reimagine and enhance the shopping experience for the entire family. The elevated locations provide customers with an improved, multi-layered experience with better visual navigation and eye-catching elements throughout the store. The latest generation stores improve the wayfinding of Rack Room’s athletic assortment and enhance the presentation of key brands and seasonal assortments. The stores also include upgraded service elements, including …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Robert Talbott Opens First Permanent Store on Madison Avenue

by Katie Lee

New York City — American luxury menswear house Robert Talbott celebrated the grand opening of its new store on Madison Avenue in New York City on Sept. 10. The store opening represents a significant milestone for the brand as it celebrates its 75th anniversary and embarks on a new era of strategic growth and creative revival. Founded in 1950 in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif., by Audrey and Robert Talbott as a fine neckwear atelier, the brand has since grown into a full-fledged luxury menswear label known for uncompromising craftsmanship, timeless design and …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Playa Bowls Refreshes Leadership Team; Continues West Coast Growth

by Katie Lee

Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, a leading superfruit bowl brand with more than 340 locations, is fueling franchise expansion under a fresh executive leadership team following its 2024 acquisition by Sycamore Partners. Playa Bowls is poised to deepen its footprint from coast to coast. Since stepping into the CEO role earlier this year, John Cappasola has leveraged his 30 years of accomplished leadership in growing brands to drive Playa Bowls’ next chapter. Cappasola has served on the Playa Bowls board of directors since Sycamore’s acquisition and was previously CEO of …

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construction and designIndustry Voicessoftware/technologyvendors

Streamlining Retail Projects

by Katie Lee

— By Andrew Brister, AIA — How as-built consulting and technology drive faster, profitable store openings. Retailers managing large property portfolios face growing complexity — tight timelines, overlapping projects and pressure to hit grand opening dates. To stay ahead, many are embracing advanced as-built consulting powered by technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM), laser scanning, mobile mapping and virtual tours. When integrated early in the pre-design and design phases, these tools help reduce uncertainty, align stakeholders and streamline execution. The result: faster, more efficient rollouts with fewer surprises. Managing Multiple …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Walmart to Open First Branded Stores in South Africa

by Katie Lee

Johannesburg — Walmart plans to open its first branded stores in South Africa later this year. With sites already in development, these new stores are set to open before the end of the year, with official opening dates to be announced in October. The company will share further details about store locations, hiring, and community initiatives in the coming months. “Walmart’s South African stores will offer a wide range of merchandise, including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology,” says Kath McLay, Walmart International president and CEO. “Walmart also will …

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