Salisbury, N.C. — Grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA has named Vipin Gopal, Ph.D., as senior vice president. In the role, he will serve as the chief data and artificial intelligence (AI) officer for the U.S. businesses. Reporting to the chief information officer, Ann Dozier, he will lead data, analytics and artificial intelligence strategy and advance Ahold Delhaize USA’s efforts to further embed data-driven decision-making and AI capabilities into its business. He will play a critical role in transforming enterprise data foundations, accelerating responsible AI adoption and enabling greater value …
retailers
Ronkonkoma, N.Y., and Dagsboro, Del. — Hounds Town USA is celebrating a defining moment in its growth with the opening of its 100th location. The milestone location opened on April 11 in Dagsboro, Del., introducing Hounds Town’s signature pack play model to the state for the first time. Founded in 2000 by former NYPD canine handler and Nassau County Police Department commanding officer Michael S. Gould, Hounds Town has grown from a single Long Island, N.Y., location into a national system built on a simple, consistent operating model. The brand’s …
Fairfax, Va., Williamsburg, Va., and Glassboro, N.J. — Rally House, a premier retailer of officially licensed collegiate and professional apparel, team merchandise and locally inspired products, has formed new partnerships with George Mason University, William & Mary and Rowan University to serve as the official campus retail and bookstore merchandise operator beginning later this summer. Through these partnerships, Rally House will elevate the campus bookstore experience by delivering an expanded assortment of officially licensed apparel, gifts and spirit merchandise, alongside a modernized retail environment tailored to each university’s unique identity. …
Research Triangle Park, N.C. — Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions has been named a leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Point-of-Sale (POS) Software in Grocery and Food Store Retail 2026 Vendor Assessment. This recognition comes as grocery retailers seek more open, intelligent platforms that can connect store data, support real-time decisions, reduce shrink and help operations adapt as conditions change. IDC MarketScape is the IT industry’s premier vendor assessment tool, providing in-depth quantitative and qualitative technology market assessment. This 2026 IDC MarketScape assesses the capabilities and strategies of enterprise POS software …
Portland, Ore. — Snow Peak, the renowned Japanese outdoor lifestyle brand with a 68-year legacy, has opened its fourth North American retail location, in Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood. The store is the brand’s first new retail store since the opening of its SoHo location (now relocated to Brooklyn) in 2014. Snow Peak Seattle offers guests an immersive environment to explore Snow Peak’s carefully curated collection of camping equipment, outdoor living essentials and lifestyle apparel. In addition to product displays, the space will host gear demonstrations, community gatherings and outdoor education …
Seattle — In 2025, REI Co-op saw a 15% reduction in emissions compared to the 2019 baseline year and achieved its waste diversion goal for the second consecutive year. To help achieve this, REI continued investing in circular textile innovation by entering a 3-year offtake agreement with Ambercycle to help scale performance materials made from existing textiles rather than virgin polyester. The co‑op is among the first outdoor retailers to invest in this approach and plans to share learnings to help accelerate industry adoption. “We want to make our mark …
North Reading, Mass. — BRUNT Workwear, the boot and apparel brand for modern trade workers, has opened its first flagship retail store, marking a major milestone in the company’s rapid expansion from a direct-to-consumer powerhouse to an omnichannel retailer. Situated at 70 Main St. in North Reading, Mass., the new 3,000-square-foot storefront introduces a new kind of retail experience all under one roof. Since launching at wholesale stores across the country with a selection of its core product assortment in 2024, BRUNT has grown its physical retail presence in partnership …
Lakeland, Fla. — Publix Super Markets’ executive chairman, Todd Jones, intends to retire, effective May 31, 2026. He will remain actively involved in the company as chairman of the Publix board of directors. “We celebrate Todd’s 46-year career and are thankful for his exemplary service to our company, our associates and customers, and the communities we serve,” says Kevin Murphy, CEO of Publix. “In addition to being an outstanding operator and mentor, Todd has led with integrity and a deep commitment to our mission that will have lasting impact. We …
Boston — RNR Tire Express (RNR), the nation’s leading franchise retailer for tires and custom wheels and part of the multi-brand franchisor company DX3 Brands, has signed a franchise agreement that will bring the brand to Massachusetts for the first time. The new location is expected to open in summer 2026 at 995 N Montello St., in Brockton, Mass. “This marks a significant step forward in our New England development strategy,” says Adam Sutton, CEO of DX3 Brands and RNR Tire Express. “Matt’s leadership, operational expertise and commitment to community …
Naples, Fla. — Zoom Tan has acquired all 23 South Beach Tanning Company corporate locations, bringing the company-wide total to 167 salons, signaling an accelerated expansion strategy and a deeper push into the tanning and wellness market. The transaction highlights ongoing consolidation across the indoor tanning space, as growth-oriented operators look to expand market share. The acquisition strengthens Zoom Tan’s position as a scaled, growth-oriented operator at a time when the retail sector continues to reward brands with strong fundamentals, disciplined execution and loyal customer bases. South Beach Tanning Company …