For restaurants and retailers, customer service doesn’t stop at the front door. It extends to the sidewalks and parking lots. During the winter months, prompt snow and ice clearing is essential for ensuring guest safety and maintaining smooth business operations. “A strategic snow and ice removal program is critical for mitigating safety hazards and preventing downtime and lost revenue,” says Dana Russell, vice president of exterior operations at MCS & Chain Store Maintenance. “Having a program in place as far in advance as possible helps ensure your business can keep …
retailers
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. — Simbe, a market leader in retail shelf digitization, has formed a strategic partnership with DeCicco & Sons, a family-owned New York grocery chain. The partnership brings Simbe’s Store Intelligence™ platform to DeCicco’s flagship Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., location, which opened in March 2025, as well as additional stores in Eastchester and Larchmont. Simbe’s platform delivers real-time, storewide visibility into pricing accuracy, product availability and inventory placement — supporting greater operational precision and in-store execution. “At DeCicco & Sons, we’ve always prided ourselves on providing the finest selection …
Livonia, Mich. — With the franchise industry expected to generate $936.4 billion in economic output this year, pet retail franchise leaders Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are capitalizing on the record-setting momentum with double-digit growth through the first half of 2025. The two brands have secured 15 new franchise agreements so far and are on track to open more than 25 stores in 2025, with a goal of selling 35 locations by year’s end. “The first half of 2025 has been incredibly successful and speaks to the strength …
Cambridge, Mass. — CambridgeSide, a New England Development shopping and entertainment destination in Cambridge, Mass., has added fashion brand Zara to its retail lineup. The expansive new Zara store spans two floors, dedicated to Women’s and Men’s collections. Conceived and developed by the Zara Architecture Studio, the store’s interior is accented with neutral tones and natural textiles that create a clean backdrop for customers to visit each section. Customer service is a pillar of the project. Zara is focused on providing all customers, wherever they are, with a seamless shopping …
Petoskey, Mich. — Kilwins, a beloved American confectionery brand known for hand-crafted chocolates, super-premium ice cream and warm, nostalgic in-store experiences, is set to expand its footprint in Texas in a big way, announcing plans for 10 new locations across the state. With store openings scheduled to begin this summer, the expansion marks a strategic move into one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. “Texas is a natural fit for Kilwins,” says Brian Britton, president and CEO of Kilwins. “The climate supports year-round ice cream sales, the population is …
Wawa, Pa. — Wawa, Inc. has opened its first three stores in Indiana, located in Daleville, Noblesville and Clarksville. These new stores are the first of eight stores slated to open in Indiana by year’s end. “We’re thrilled to fly into Indiana and bring our unique combination of fresh food and beverage, convenience and service to new friends and neighbors,” says Brian Schaller, president of Wawa. “This historic milestone kicks off the next chapter of our growth in the Midwest, and we’re overjoyed at the warm welcome we continue to …
Will AI Improve HVAC Performance?
Given the high cost of purchasing and running heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, restaurant and retail operators want their HVAC units operating efficiently to minimize utility bills and extend the working life of system components. In as little as a few years, however, business owners may have a powerful new tool to help meet those goals. This digital aid would not only monitor HVAC performance and alert owners to perform preventive maintenance or needed repairs, but may also suggest subtle operational adjustments or equipment substitutions to boost efficiency and cost …
Fort Mill, S.C. — Shoe Carnival, Inc. has appointed Kerry Jackson as senior vice president, new business development. In this newly created role, he will report directly to Shoe Carnival’s president and chief executive officer, Mark Worden, and spearhead the company’s merger and acquisition activities, integration of acquired businesses and synergy capture initiatives as part of the company’s strategic vision to become the nation’s leading family footwear retailer. Jackson brings 35 years of experience with Shoe Carnival, including 27 years serving as chief financial officer before retiring in 2023. He …
Batavia, Ill. — ALDI U.S. has promoted Jason Hart, currently ALDI U.S. chief executive officer, to join the executive board of ALDI South as group chief operating officer. Hart will help oversee the company’s global operations in Salzburg, Austria, effective Sept. 1. Atty McGrath, currently chief operating officer, will assume the ALDI U.S. chief executive role. During his decade-long leadership as ALDI U.S. CEO, Hart has led the rapid expansion and development of the ALDI brand, overseeing the store count nearly double from 1,300 in 32 states to 2,500 across …
Atlanta — The Home Depot® has named Angie Brown as executive vice president (EVP) and chief information officer (CIO). As CIO, she will be responsible for all aspects of the company’s technology strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity and software development for The Home Depot’s 2,350 retail stores and more than 790 branches, its supply chain facilities, store support centers and online systems. “Angie is an exceptional leader whose customer-first mindset consistently drives meaningful innovation across our business,” says Ted Decker, chair, president and CEO. “Her strategic vision and deep expertise have been …