Burlington, N.J. — Burlington Stores, Inc. is continuing to roll out its refreshed in-store shopping experience. This nationwide refresh is a part of the off-price retailer’s long term vision to stay aligned with modern shopping habits. Half of Burlington stores have already been converted, and all future new stores openings will feature the updated branding and a smaller, more efficient layout. Most remaining locations are expected to transition to the new format by the end of 2026. “At Burlington shoppers already know that they can find the very best values …
retailers
Wawa, Pa. — Wawa, a privately held, family-owned chain of more than 1,100 convenience retail stores currently operating in 12 states and Washington, D.C., will soon be opening in Middle Tennessee. On Aug. 12, construction began on new stores in Murfreesboro and Clarksville. Both stores are projected to open in the second half of 2026. “We are thrilled to continue growing in new markets to provide the community with our one-of-a-kind offer and commitment to supporting the community,” says Joe Collins, director of store operations for Wawa. “We are excited …
Newtown, Pa. — Norman’s Hallmark continues to grow its brick-and-mortar footprint with a portfolio of 22 stores in Maryland. The acquisition, which includes locations in Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, Columbia, Frederick and Rockville, punctuates sustained growth for the Newtown, Pa.-based greeting card and specialty gift retailer and marks the company’s largest portfolio addition in its 86-year history. With 100 locations and a strong e-commerce presence, Norman’s Hallmark has grown from a single retail store in Trenton, N.J., to a leading force in the social expression industry. An independent owner of Gold …
Alpharetta, Ga. — British fashion brand Boden is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in the United States, marking a key milestone in the brand’s U.S. growth strategy. Located within Avalon, in Alpharetta, Ga., the 2,000-square-foot retail space will open in mid-November 2025. The in-store design includes a gallery-style exhibition of hand-selected work curated by British artists, alongside the brand’s signature use of stripes and color in joyful, unexpected combinations and details throughout the interior. Bespoke Boden wallpaper visually illustrating the brand’s heritage, inspiration and British wit will wrap the fitting …
Secaucus, N.J. — On Aug. 5, The Vitamin Shoppe® appointed Mike Forbes as executive vice president and chief strategy officer. In this newly created role, Forbes will lead enterprise-wide strategy and long term growth planning, with a focus on digital acceleration, innovation and organizational transformation. He will report directly to CEO Sharon Leite. Forbes brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the retail and consumer packaged goods sectors, including CEO roles at MaryRuth Organics, Alter Eco Foods and Safely. His proven track record of scaling digital-first brands and …
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again for U.S. Operations, Aims to Close Underperforming Stores
Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Claire’s U.S., the operator of Claire’s and Icing stores across the United States, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware. The jewelry retailer listed both its liabilities and assets between $1 billion to $10 billion. Hoffman Estates-based Claire’s previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018. Claire’s says that the proceedings will enable the company to immediately commence the monetization process for its assets to maximize value for the business. The retailer is continuing a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives, including discussions with potential …
Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors has appointed Brandy Treadway to the role of executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. She will oversee all enterprise legal, compliance and risk management functions supporting the company’s corporate, distribution centers and retail initiatives. Most recently, Treadway served as senior vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary for RumbleOn, Inc., based in Irving, Texas, and was previously a corporate partner at Martin Powers & Counsel, PLLC. She also served as senior vice president, general counsel & secretary at JCPenney. …
Phoenix — PetSmart, a leading omnichannel pet retailer, has appointed Jesica Duarte as executive vice president and chief commercial officer. In this role, Duarte will oversee merchandising, proprietary brands, merchandise planning & allocation, digital and marketing organizations at PetSmart. She joins PetSmart from Albertsons. “Jesica is a strategic and growth-minded leader, with an impressive career tenure working across successful retail brands,” says Ken Hicks, PetSmart’s president and CEO. Duarte has more than 30 years of leadership experience, having worked for some of the world’s most recognized brands across retail, grocery, …
The Other Overhead: Love Your Roof, Customers Will Thank You
A roof is often out of sight and out of mind for business operators, but failure to regularly inspect the roof risks more than voiding the roofing manufacturer’s warranty. An undetected and unaddressed leak, loose debris or similar rooftop hazard can expose a restaurant or retail operation to water damage, wildlife infestations, electrical failures and even fires. That’s why Justin Hicks, senior roofing account manager at MaintenX, encourages clients to schedule regular inspections by one of the company’s roofing experts. MaintenX is a facility maintenance provider serving multisite retailers, restaurants …
Oak Brook, Ill. — Ace Hardware, the world’s largest hardware cooperative, has opened its new Retail Support Center (RSC) in Kansas City, Mo. The new facility spans more than 1.5 million square feet, measuring a half-mile from end to end. It represents a major investment in Ace’s continued growth and commitment to supporting its network of independent retailers through best-in-class logistics and supply chain efficiency. “This new 1.5 million-square-foot facility in Kansas City is more than just a building — it’s a symbol of what hard work, purpose and servant-hearted …