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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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franchise developmentNewsrestaurantsretailers

Potbelly Corporation to be Acquired by RaceTrac in Approximately $566 Million Transaction

by Katie Lee

Chicago — Potbelly Corporation, an iconic neighborhood sandwich shop concept, and RaceTrac, Inc., one of the largest privately held companies in the United States and a leading convenience retailer, have entered into a definitive merger agreement in which RaceTrac will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Potbelly for $17.12 per share, in an all-cash transaction with an equity value of approximately $566 million. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Until the transaction …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

TOGO’S Reaffirms Leadership of Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

Campbell, Calif. — TOGO’S Sandwiches, a beloved West Coast sandwich chain, has reaffirmed Glenn Lunde as its chief executive officer. Lunde’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the brand’s position in the competitive fast-casual market, and he will continue driving the company’s growth and strategic direction. With Lunde at the helm, TOGO’S will advance several key priorities in the years ahead. These include enhancing loyalty programs, expanding digital and delivery capabilities and driving continued franchise growth. He will collaborate closely with the leadership team and franchise partners to ensure TOGO’S …

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DICK’S Sporting Goods Completes Acquisition of Foot Locker

by Katie Lee

Pittsburgh — DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc., a leading U.S.-based full-line omnichannel sporting goods retailer, has completed its planned acquisition of Foot Locker, Inc., a leading footwear and apparel retailer. As a combined company, DICK’S will now operate more than 3,200 stores plus e-commerce and digital businesses across 20 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, plus a licensed store presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. DICK’S will continue to operate Foot Locker’s portfolio of brands, including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS and atmos, under …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

QDOBA Inks 50-Unit Franchise Agreement; Aims to Double Footprint by 2032

by Katie Lee

San Diego — On the heels of a record-breaking year of growth and franchise development, QDOBA, America’s rapidly growing #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, has signed one of the largest development deals in brand history. Barry Dubin of B Wild Investments, LLC has signed on to develop 50 new QDOBA restaurants across the states of Alaska, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico. Initially, Dubin plans to focus on locations in Salt Lake City, St. George, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and areas surrounding Colorado Springs. Additionally, B Wild Investments …

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construction and designgreen building/LEEDgreen newsNewsretailers

IKEA to Open First New Zealand Store in December

by Katie Lee

Malmö, Sweden — Two years after breaking ground in Sylvia Park, Auckland, Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, has announced that it will open its first store in New Zealand on Dec. 4th, 2025. “The interest and anticipation for IKEA in New Zealand can be felt all the way to Sweden, and we are very humbled by it,” says Tolga Öncu, Ingka retail manager (COO) at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). “Welcoming a new country to the IKEA family always brings special emotions, and we could not be more excited to …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Jersey Mike’s Appoints New President and Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs has appointed Stacy Peterson as president and chief operating officer. Peterson is a restaurant industry veteran who has led revenue-driving initiatives in various leadership roles, including at fast-growing global brands. In her new role, Peterson will lead Jersey Mike’s U.S. operations and oversee marketing and technology, drawing on her extensive experience to drive innovation and operational excellence, accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the company’s leadership in the marketplace. “As we continue to build out our strategic growth plan to support global expansion, I am …

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construction and designNewsretailers

MarineMax Opens Flagship Yacht Sales & Service Center in Florida

by Katie Lee

Oldsmar, Fla. — MarineMax, Inc., the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, marina operator and superyacht services company, has opened its flagship Yacht Sales and Service Center in Fort Myers, Fla. The 23-acre waterfront property is designed to elevate the customer experience and support Southwest Florida’s boating community. “Our new location in Fort Myers is designed to meet the increasing demand in one of Florida’s top yachting and boating markets,” says Brett McGill, CEO and president of MarineMax. “Covering over 30,000 square feet, the Yacht Sales & Service Center …

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Sweetgreen’s CFO to Retire; Successor is Announced

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Sweetgreen, Inc. has announced the retirement of Mitch Reback and the appointment of Jamie McConnell as the company’s chief financial officer. Reback’s retirement will be effective Sept. 21, 2025, and McConnell’s appointment will be effective Sept. 22, 2025. Reback will remain engaged with the company in an advisory role for 6 months to support the transition. McConnell joins the company from Chipotle. Reback had served as chief financial officer of Sweetgreen since 2015. He joined the company in its early stages, when it was a fast-growing regional …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Ulta Beauty Advances International Growth Strategy with Debut in Mexico

by Katie Lee

Bolingbrook, Ill. & Mexico City — Ulta Beauty, the largest beauty retailer in the U.S., is opening its first stores in Mexico, marking the brand’s brick-and-mortar international debut and a milestone in Ulta Beauty’s growth strategy. In partnership with Axo®, Ulta Beauty brings its unique retail experience to a new market. Ulta Beauty’s first store in Mexico opened on Aug. 21 at Antara Fashion Hall in Mexico City, followed by Galerías Metepec on Aug. 30, with further openings scheduled to debut across the region throughout the year. To commemorate this …

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