Seattle — Amazon has unveiled plans to close its Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh physical stores, converting various locations into Whole Foods Market stores. The Seattle-based e-commerce giant states that it hasn’t “yet created a truly distinctive customer experience with the right economic model needed for large-scale expansion.” Customers can continue to shop Amazon Fresh online in available areas for delivery. At the same time, Amazon plans to open more than 100 new Whole Foods Market stores over the next few years, citing increased investment in “physical stores that are …
retailers
Irvine, Calif. — Boot Barn, the largest western and workwear retailer in the nation, has opened its 500th store, located in Huntington Beach, Calif. The milestone location represents a symbolic return to the area as the very first Boot Barn store opened its doors in Huntington Beach in 1978. From that single storefront, Boot Barn has expanded its nationwide presence to 500 stores in 49 states. “We’re proud and honored to be returning to our roots with the opening of our Huntington Beach store,” says John Hazen, CEO of Boot …
Amazon Plans to Open First-of-its-Kind Retail Store in Metro Chicago Totaling 230,000 Square Feet
Orland Park, Ill. — Amazonx has unveiled plans to open a first-of-its-kind retail store in the southern Chicago suburb of Orland Park. The planned brick-and-mortar store will occupy the long-vacant site of the former Petey’s II restaurant at the southwest corner of 159th Street and LaGrange Road. The Orland Park Village Board approved the project at its Jan. 19 meeting. Amazon’s plans call for a one-story building of approximately 230,000 square feet that will offer groceries, household essentials and general merchandise. The store would function similarly to a large-format retailer …
Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, the largest specialty beauty retailer in the United States, is set to make its debut in the United Arab Emirates with the opening of its store in Mall of the Emirates on Jan. 29, 2026 in partnership with Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading international retail franchise operators. Marking a major milestone in Ulta Beauty’s global expansion building on from the first store opening in Kuwait on Nov. 7, 2025, the Mall of the Emirates opening will be closely followed by new Ulta Beauty …
Seattle — Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. plans to relocate its Nordstrom Rack in downtown Seattle to 601 Pine St. The new store is scheduled to open in spring 2027. “We’re excited to welcome customers to our beautiful new downtown Seattle location, which features convenient street access and an enhanced shopping experience,” says Gemma Lionello, president of Nordstrom Rack. “Seattle has been our company’s home for more than a century, and we’re proud to continue serving this community with our selection of great brands at great prices. Customers can also …
Seattle — Over the past year, REI Co-op took meaningful steps to reduce its impact on the planet. This work reflects REI’s climate strategy, bringing cooperative action together to drive change with speed and scale. “When companies come together, climate action becomes more real and more lasting,” says Andrew Dempsey, director of sustainability, REI Co-op. “We’re grateful for the partners who’ve helped make this work possible. We’re focused on continuing this work and backing solutions that make a real difference for communities and help keep the outdoors healthy for the …
Salisbury, N.C. — Food Lion plans to open four new stores across the Carolinas in early 2026. Locations include Pontiac, S.C. (opening Jan. 21); Statesville, N.C. (opening Jan. 28); Greensboro, N.C. (opening February 2026); and Simpsonville, S.C. (opening March 2026). “Each new store strengthens our ability to deliver an easy, fresh and affordable omnichannel grocery shopping experience while supporting the communities where our neighbors live, work and raise their families,” says Greg Finchum, president, Food Lion. Each new store is designed with an easy-to-shop layout, and offers an expanded assortment, …
Bentonville, Ark. — The board of directors at Walmart Inc. has elected new leaders to its executive council. The company’s incoming president and chief executive officer, John Furner, also shared additional changes designed to help fuel innovation and drive the new era of retail. “Over my 32 years with Walmart, I’ve seen that our people are our greatest competitive advantage. These internal promotions reflect our culture of opportunity and the depth of our leadership bench,” Furner says. “These leadership changes also mark a key step in how we organize for …
Las Vegas — Phenix Salon Suites closed 2025 with continued development across the U.S. and internationally, reinforcing the strength of its business model as it enters a new phase of growth in 2026. During 2025, the brand opened 26 new locations, including one international location in York, UK, while signing a strong number of new, strategic franchise agreements across both new and existing markets. These additions further expanded Phenix’s footprint across Texas, Florida, California, New York and New Jersey. Looking forward, Phenix plans to open more than 30 new locations …
Saks Global Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Secures $1.75 Billion Financing Commitment
New York City — Saks Global Holdings LLC, the owner of luxury retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. The company secured a financing commitment of approximately $1.75 billion, comprising $1.5 billion from an ad hoc group of the company’s senior secured bondholders and roughly $240 million of incremental liquidity from its asset-based lenders. Saks Global says the financing package will strengthen its balance sheet and position …