An approaching shift in refrigerants for heat pumps and air-conditioning systems will have far-reaching implications for restaurant and retail operators, potentially delaying the availability of new equipment, replacement parts and access to the service providers needed to install or repair them. “In the months before a rule change like this, everybody starts to scramble to get ready,” says John Brightwell, regional project manager at facilities repair service provider MaintenX. “We’ve budgeted for this and have adjusted our equipment, tools and training to install and service the new systems; but if …
retailers
Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer, will open nine new stores this fall in eight different states. The new stores will open soon in Beckley, W.Va.; Kingsport, Tenn.; Bloomington, Ind.; Selma, N.C.; Ft. Myers, Fla.; Birmingham, Ala.; Springfield, Ohio; Bradenton, Fla.; and Bulverde, Texas. Academy has already opened three new stores this year, with plans to open a total of 15-17 new stores in fiscal year 2024. “Academy Sports + Outdoors is excited to continue our company growth with nine …
Bentonville, Ark. — Nuqleous, a leader in B2B SaaS solutions specializing in big data, retail analytics and space planning optimization, has been included on the prestigious 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. For the fourth consecutive year, Nuqleous’s dedication to driving retail excellence and operational efficiency has earned it the rank of No. 3,822 overall, and within the top 500 in the software category. “Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for 4 years running reflects the hard work and dedication of our team and is a …
Grand Rapids, Mich. — Building upon a national trend to offer additional convenience to patients who need prescriptions filled before leaving the hospital, Meijer has expanded its partnership with Corewell Health with the opening of a new, full-service retail pharmacy on-site at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. This is the retailer’s second pharmacy inside a Corewell Health hospital, following the opening of a similar pharmacy inside Butterworth Hospital in 2015. “Our pharmacies are designed to be a one-stop health and wellness destination, and expanding our partnership with Corewell Health …
Herzogenaurach, Germany — Sports company PUMA has appointed Indrajeet Sen as senior vice president, PUMA group sourcing, taking over the operational responsibilities of the chief sourcing officer role. PUMA’s chief sourcing officer, Anne-Laure Descours, has decided not to extend her board contract and will support the company as an external advisor in the field of sustainability. In his new position, Sen will oversee the global sourcing and development of footwear, apparel and accessories, as well as operations and sustainability, reporting directly to PUMA’s chief product officer, Maria Valdes. He will …
Egg Harbor Township, N.J. — Spirit Halloween plans to open a record-breaking 1,525 stores in 2024. With more than 1,100 locations already open, the nation’s largest Halloween retailer plans to bring its unique carnival experience to a few hundred more locations before the end of September. “The Halloween fandom continues to grow, and our incredible team works year-round to create an unparalleled and unique in-store experience that will engage customers all season long,” says Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween. “Visiting a Spirit Halloween store is more than just a …
Los Angeles — Hollywood Mobile Grooming, Los Angeles’ premier mobile pet grooming service, has opened its first brick-and-mortar store in the heart of downtown Burbank, Calif. Known for its fleet of 11 luxury mobile grooming vans, Hollywood Mobile Grooming is now offering its top-tier services and exclusive pet products at a convenient physical location. The new store is situated in a bustling area filled with shops and restaurants, providing pet owners the convenience of dropping off their pets for grooming while they enjoy the surrounding amenities. Whether grabbing a bite …
Itasca, Ill. — Tony’s Fresh Market plans to reopen its Waukegan, Ill., store this week. The newly remodeled store is located at 1700 N. Lewis Ave. “This store was updated and redesigned to enhance the shopping experience and meet the needs of our local customers,” says Frank Ingraffia, chief executive officer of Tony’s Fresh Market. “This investment demonstrates our commitment to the Waukegan community and will provide an exceptional and expanded variety of fresh and authentic food options, friendly customer service and great prices in a refreshed and updated atmosphere. …
Dallas — Modern golf entertainment leader Topgolf will open its first venue in Iowa, Topgolf Des Moines, on Sept. 6. This is Topgolf’s 101st global outdoor venue. Located at 7655 Mills Civic Pkwy. within the West Des Moines city limits, the new venue will feature 72 outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays spanning two levels. Each bay will have lounge-type furniture or high-top tables. It will be equipped with Topgolf’s Toptracer technology, which traces each golf ball’s flight path, distance and other cool metrics. The new Iowa location will also feature a …
Atlanta — Floor & Decor, a leading high-growth retailer specializing in hard-surface flooring for homeowners and professionals, plans to open its first warehouse location in Rhode Island, located in Warwick, on August 29. The warehouse store and design center will be led by Mike Falco, the store’s chief executive merchant. “We’re thrilled to announce our first store location in Warwick, Rhode Island,” says Falco. “For more than two decades, Floor & Decor has had the opportunity to serve professionals and homeowners throughout the nation, and we are excited to expand …