Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General Corporation has promoted Emily Taylor to be the company’s new chief operating officer (COO), effective Nov. 16, 2025. She most recently served as Dollar General’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. Taylor brings more than 25 years of Dollar General experience to the COO role, having first joined the company in 1998. As COO, she will have responsibility for store operations, global supply chain, merchandising, marketing and digital, real estate and store development, decision science, and process improvement organizations. “Emily’s strategic vision and tenured …
retailers
Bentonville, Ark. — The board of directors of Walmart Inc. has elected John Furner to succeed Doug McMillon as president and chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Furner was also elected to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. McMillon will retire on Jan. 31, 2026, but remain on the board of directors until the next annual shareholders’ meeting and help ensure a smooth transition. “John Furner is the right leader to guide Walmart into our next chapter of growth and transformation,” says Greg Penner, chairman of Walmart Inc. …
Tempe, Ariz. — Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest hot dog franchise, is celebrating its first restaurant opening inside a Walmart Supercenter, located in Tempe, Ariz., this month. This milestone marks the beginning of a broader non-traditional growth initiative, with six franchised restaurants planned for Walmart stores across the U.S. As Wienerschnitzel accelerates its expansion strategy, the opportunity with the retail giant represents a major step forward in bringing the legacy brand’s signature menu to high-traffic, convenience-driven environments. Additional restaurants are slated for Puyallup, Wash.; Alamogordo, N.M.; Reno, Nev.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; …
Boston — Wayfair Inc. will open its newest namesake retail location in Columbus, Ohio, in late 2026. At approximately 70,000 square feet, or about half the size of previously announced Wayfair stores, the Columbus location will serve as the company’s first prototype for a smaller-format model. This will also be Wayfair’s first brick-and-mortar location in the state of Ohio. “As we scale our retail strategy, we are focused on both expansion and experimentation,” says Liza Lefkowski, vice president of merchandising and stores at Wayfair. “Not only are we thrilled to …
Fort Mill, S.C. — Shoe Carnival, Inc., a leading retailer of footwear and accessories for the family, has noted that its board of directors has unanimously voted to change the corporate name to Shoe Station Group, Inc., subject to approval of the name change by shareholders at the company’s annual shareholder meeting in June 2026. The company expects over 90% of its fleet to operate as Shoe Station by the end of fiscal 2028, with the remaining locations being evaluated for re-bannering, outlet repositioning or closure. The company has completed …
New York City — German baby products brand CYBEX is opening its first flagship store in New York City, marking a new milestone for the international brand in the U.S. The boutique features the complete CYBEX product portfolio: strollers, car seats, baby carriers, home and living solutions, and accessories. Located on the iconic 127 Greene Street in SoHo’s historic Cast-Iron District, the boutique spans 2,300 square feet across a single floor, and embodies the brand’s philosophy of merging luxurious functionality with contemporary design. “After our flagships in Prague, Tokyo, Amsterdam …
Summit, N.J. — Boll & Branch, a leading luxury bedding and home brand, has opened its 14th retail location at SouthPark in Charlotte, N.C., and its 15th retail location at Bethesda Row in Bethesda, Md. With these additions, the brand will nearly double its retail portfolio in 1 year, growing to 15 stores nationwide and deepening its presence in key markets across the country. “Nearly doubling our retail footprint this year is a pivotal milestone in bringing the Boll & Branch experience to more customers nationwide, while creating meaningful, 1:1 …
Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, the largest specialty beauty retailer in the U.S., has opened its first store in the Middle East. Located at The Avenues in Kuwait, the store opened on Nov. 7, 2025. The highly anticipated launch follows the company’s earlier announcement of its partnership with leading international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group and marks a significant milestone in Ulta Beauty’s global expansion. “Opening our first Ulta Beauty store in the Middle East is a proud moment for our brand and our partnership with Alshaya Group — and …
Richmond, Va. — CarMax, Inc. has made leadership changes to strengthen its business. David McCreight, a member of the board of directors and proven retail business leader and brand strategist, has been named interim president and chief executive officer. Concurrently with McCreight’s appointment, current chair of the board, Tom Folliard, an executive with a 30-year history with CarMax, including as CEO from 2006 to 2016, has been appointed interim executive chair of the board. Current CEO Bill Nash is stepping down from his position and as a member of the …
Salisbury, N.C. — With a $484 million capital investment, Food Lion is enhancing the customer shopping experience with 153 remodeled stores that were unveiled on Nov. 5 throughout the greater Charlotte, N.C., designated market area (DMA), which includes multiple towns and cities across North and South Carolina. Food Lion, founded in Salisbury, N.C., in 1957, calls the Charlotte region home and continues to grow alongside the towns and cities it serves. With a deep commitment to providing fresh food at affordable prices, the omnichannel grocery retailer also prioritizes fighting food …