Vibes: Brand text messages are driving purchases at scale
New consumer data from Vibes shows text messaging has evolved from a marketing touchpoint into a direct path to purchase for millions of shoppers.
Thorvardur de Shong
BrakeTime makes Burger King franchise deal to speed QSR expansion
The rollout will start in Illinois and Texas, two of BrakeTime’s largest markets.
Amazon takes aim at Walmart with supersized Chicago big-box store
Amazon plans a nearly 229,000-square-foot superstore in suburban Chicago, surpassing typical Walmart Supercenters and signaling a new phase in its retail strategy.
Target expands style offerings with exclusive bedding collection by Jeremiah Brent
“I’ve always believed that good design isn’t meant to sit still — it’s meant to be lived with,” said Jeremiah Brent.
AI, mobile loyalty and subscriptions to be key 2026 C-store growth drivers
Tim Ridgely, Paytronix VP of engineering, says advances in lightweight AI and affordable hardware enable businesses to adopt advanced tools without major infrastructure costs.
Meijer helps launch Grand Rapids beverage brand oHy
The product uses elemental magnesium to produce free hydrogen gas in water, a process the company says offers antioxidant and recovery benefits while keeping a clean, smooth taste.
Gulf marks 125 years with yearlong celebration
A new set of commemorative logos will serve as the centerpiece of the celebration.
Placer.ai: 2025 grocery traffic shows how shoppers redefined “value”
Grocery visits increased in 2025 as inflation prompted consumers to prepare more meals at home.
Iterate.ai names Mike Edwards executive chairman of Advisory board
Mike Edwards has been appointed executive chairman of the company’s Advisory Board and Corporate Development Committee.
Instacart launches Data Hub to boost retail media performance
New tool helps brands and agencies use Instacart’s grocery signals to gain insights, create custom audiences for off-platform activation, and perform tailored measurement.
Sam’s Club achieves 100% ‘Made Without’ standard in Member’s Mark foods
The process required extensive collaboration among merchants, product developers, suppliers, and the Member’s Mark Community.
NRF Foundation Honors raises $2.7M to support retail careers
“The NRF Foundation Honors is more than a celebration; it’s a catalyst for the work we do year-round,“ NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie.
December retail sales surge caps strong 2025 holiday season
NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said consumers continued to prioritize holiday spending despite ongoing cost pressures.
NRF: Tariff uncertainty weighs on early-2026 imports
January imports are forecast at 2.11 million TEU, up from last month but down 5.3% from last year.
Walmart launches Better Care Services and lowers prices on wellness essentials
Better Care Services connects customers to a curated network of third-party urgent care and behavioral health providers.
Retail labor pullback intensifies ahead of 2026
Entering 2026, indicators suggest the labor market remains fragile.