Oak Brook, Ill. — Ace Hardware, the world’s largest hardware cooperative, has marked its 100th new store opening of 2026 and remains on pace to open more than 170 new stores by year-end. The growth reflects strong demand from existing Ace retailers expanding their businesses, independent operators converting to the Ace brand and new entrepreneurs joining the cooperative. “There is a special pride that comes with owning an Ace Hardware store because a great hardware store is more than a place to buy products. It’s part of the fabric of …
retailers
Carnesville, Ga. — Walmart, Inc. plans to build a high-tech, next-generation fulfillment center in Carnesville, Ga., creating 1,000 new jobs and bringing $1.3 billion in investment to Franklin County. The new 1.5 million-square-foot automated facility will be located at the Franklin 85 Logistics Center in Carnesville. Walmart’s next-generation fulfillment centers are located in strategic markets to expand same-day and next-day shipping capabilities across the United States. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026. “This massive investment from Walmart in a rural part of our state will not only create …
Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Kohl’s has named Ryan M. Waymire as chief merchandising officer, reporting to CEO Michael J. Bender, effective Sept. 28. Waymire has 25 years of experience at large retailers including Walmart, Amazon and Target, most recently serving as senior vice president of fashion at Walmart U.S. In his new role, Waymire will be responsible for Kohl’s overall merchandise strategy and all merchandising functions, including buying, omnichannel merchandising, product design and development, allocation and planning, sourcing and product portfolio strategy. “I am thrilled to have Ryan join the …
San Francisco — Gap Inc. has appointed Michael Francis as president and chief executive officer of Old Navy, effective Nov. 2, 2026. Francis will succeed Haio Barbeito, who will transition from his operating role into an advisory capacity. Francis joined Gap Inc. in March 2026 as chief customer officer, Old Navy, and head of marketing shared services. Past roles include strategic advisor to Walmart’s c-suite and board for a decade; marketing and operating roles at DreamWorks Animation and JCPenney; and a 26-year career at Target, where he served as executive …
Minneapolis — Target Corporation is bringing its new Target Beauty Studio, a reimagined beauty destination, to stores in September. Launching Sept. 10 in more than 600 Target stores nationwide and on Target.com, Target Beauty Studio combines Target’s expertise in curating the latest beauty trends with an elevated, discovery-led shopping experience. “When guests shop for beauty, they want to pick up their standbys while also exploring what’s new and trending, and Target Beauty Studio is designed with that mix in mind,” says Amanda Nusz, senior vice president of merchandising, essentials and …
New York City — Primark, an international fashion retailer, will open its first store in Georgia on Sept. 8. Primark will open at Sugarloaf Mills in Lawrenceville, bringing Primark to 47 total U.S. locations. Located in a suburb of Atlanta, the Sugarloaf Mills store will boast more than 26,000 square feet of retail selling space. Soon to follow, Primark will open its second Georgia location in Augusta. “Our expansion into the state of Georgia is something we’re extremely excited about,” says Kevin Tulip, president of Primark US. “We know that …
Secaucus, N.J. — The Vitamin Shoppe®, a leading specialty retailer of health and wellness products, has promoted Jack Gayton to senior vice president, merchandising, effective immediately. Gayton will report directly to CEO Sharon Leite. Gayton assumes the top merchandising role from Muriel Gonzalez, president of The Vitamin Shoppe, who announced her retirement after an extraordinary retail career spanning more than four decades. Since joining The Vitamin Shoppe in 2020, Gonzalez has played a defining role in advancing the company’s merchant-led specialty retail strategy by reimagining its product vision, accelerating the …
Perris, Calif. — Wood Investments Companies, Inc. (WICo), a fully integrated commercial real estate investment and development firm specializing in retail, has opened a new 149,655‑square‑foot Target at Plaza de Perris in Perris, Calif. The store officially opened on July 26, marking a significant milestone for the center and the surrounding Inland Empire communities. Target now occupies the former Regency Theatres building, which Wood Investments Companies demolished to make way for the retailer’s new store. Plaza de Perris totals nearly 300,000 square feet and is anchored by Burlington, Food 4 …
Bentonville, Ark. — Walmart celebrated the opening of its 100th company-owned and operated electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging site at the Walmart Supercenter located in Monument, Colo. Walmart EV Chargers are now available at 100 stores across 20 states. “By expanding EV fast charging at Walmart locations across the country, we’re giving drivers a dependable way to charge while they’re in the store,” says Shayne Wahlmeier, senior vice president, Walmart Energy. “Reaching 100 sites is an important milestone, and our broad footprint positions us to make EV charging more accessible for …
Los Angeles — On Aug. 27, a living 150-year-old olive tree rooted thousands of miles away in Spain will ceremonially open the first U.S. flagship of OLIVE TREE PEOPLE, the leader in Waterless Beauty, in Venice, Calif. From thousands of miles away, the tree will open the Los Angeles flagship through its live frequency — connecting the company’s newest chapter directly to the olive grove where its story began. The milestone comes only 3 years after OLIVE TREE PEOPLE began selling its products in the United States. Waterless Beauty is …