Charlotte, N.C. — Maaco, North America’s body shop and a leader in the $38 billion automotive paint and collision industry, is celebrating its 50th year of business on the heels of a record-breaking year. Founded in 1972 by Anthony Martino, Maaco began its operations with a pilot location in Wilmington, Del. In less than 5 years, Maaco quickly grew to nearly 200 franchised locations. “With our loyal customers, our dedicated network of owners and our time-honored brand name, Maaco has proven that we can stand the test of time,” says …
retailers
Los Angeles — On January 19, Forever 21 named Winnie Park as chief executive officer (CEO) of the fashion brand. The appointment is effective immediately. Park joins Forever 21 from Paper Source, where she served as CEO for the past 6 years. Park’s tenure at Paper Source is marked by transforming the brand from a brick-and-mortar retailer to a lifestyle brand with a robust digital platform spanning social, digital content, online subscriptions and affiliate partnerships. She also led the successful sale of the brand to an affiliate of Barnes & …
Seattle — Following the U.S. e-commerce launch of the women’s fashionable comfort footwear brand, FRANKiE4 has announced the opening of its new store and U.S. headquarters in Capitol Hill, one of Seattle’s hippest neighborhoods. FRANKiE4 Footwear has grown from its Australian roots with a focus on footwear fashion grounded in game-changing, patent-designed foot support. The store offers the full FRANKiE4 collection of luxe leather footwear: sneakers, dress flats, sandals, heels and boots. Private, expert fittings will be offered for customers to have a personalized experience that proves comfort shouldn’t be …
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company to Begin Renovations at its Flagship Locations in San Francisco
San Leandro, Calif. — Ghirardelli Chocolate Company plans to renovate its flagship location in San Francisco’s iconic Ghirardelli Square. The project is led by Bay Area-based design firm Eight Inc., with all three Ghirardelli spaces within Ghirardelli Square being updated in a three-phase project slated to be finished by 2024. At least two of the three spaces, along with a pop-up shop, will be open throughout the entire process. “We can’t wait to unveil the first refreshed Ghirardelli Square space later this spring. Our flagship locations in Ghirardelli Square are …
New York City — As part of its expansion plans and commitment to bringing a new kind of retail to young families nationwide, CAMP, The Family Experience Company, will open its newest location at Burlington Mall in Burlington, Mass. The retailer will bring its unique combination of play, product and programming, along with interactive-themed experiences that delight kids and adults alike. This will be CAMP’s eighth store and the first of many new brick-and-mortar locations set to open in 2022, including a flagship store in Los Angeles in early spring. Opening …
Hartland, Wis. — The nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, key fob and phone repair franchise, Batteries Plus, has solidified a record-breaking year in 2021. Significant fourth quarter growth caps off 12 months of success for the retail brand which brought a total of 88 signings through multi-unit agreements and organic growth with current franchisees. Twenty-two new stores opened during 2021. Included in the 88 new store agreements were many multi-unit signings, including a 10-unit signing for Nevada and Utah; another 10-unit deal in Texas and Louisiana; an 8-unit …
Columbus, Ohio — Big Lots, Inc. has provided a long-range growth and margin outlook, including a sales goal of $8-$10 billion driven by approximately 500 net store openings, merchandise sales productivity initiatives and continued e-commerce growth; an operating margin goal of 6% to 8% driven by gross margin improvement and expense leverage; and a return on invested capital goal of 20% to 25%. “We are highly confident that Operation North Star has put us on track to create tremendous long term value for shareholders, and that we now have the …
Maitland, Fla. — Cuhaci Peterson has added another office to its location portfolio. The Central Florida-based architecture and engineering firm has opened its new Phoenix office. Located in downtown Phoenix, the new space is in the historic Luhrs Tower. The local staff of nearly 15 will support the firm’s services in the grocery and retail sectors, among others. “The decision to expand our presence into Phoenix was a logical step in our business growth strategy,” says CEO Greg Simpson. “The area is rich with diverse talent, home to some of …
Charlotte, N.C. — John R. Howe, executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Cato Corporation, plans to retire on January 17, 2022 following 35 years of service with the company. He will remain employed with Cato through May 1, 2022 to assist with the transition. Chuck Knight will succeed Howe as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective January 17, 2022. He joins the company following previous service with The Vitamin Shoppe, first as senior vice president, chief accounting officer, and then as executive vice president, chief …
Kansas City, Mo. — Service Management Group (SMG), a global customer, patient, employee and brand experience management partner to more than 500 brands, is working with specialty golf retailer Club Champion on a new customer experience management program. The nation’s top club fitter and builder chose SMG for its location-level insights, industry-leading professional services and focus on business outcomes. Established in 2010, Club Champion operates more than 85 locations in major markets across the United States. The specialty retailer offers club fitting and building, repair services, personalization and private events. …