NRF Leader Argues for Tariffs, Big Lots Speeds Up Store Expansion

NRF Leader Argues for Tariffs, Big Lots Speeds Up Store Expansion

Catching up on This Week's Retail News

Wrap up your week with info on the latest happenings in the retail world. Here are some news bits that caught our attention, and what we're still pondering.

Shop 'til You Drop

Get your New Balance on at Nordstrom's NYC Pop-Up

Nordstrom recently teamed up with New Balance to launch an extended pop-up shop called New Balance @ The Corner at their NYC flagship. The space, located at the corner of 57th and Broadway, has transformed into a playground for New Balance fans.

Starting with May's "Grey Days," this three-month installation will feature a series of workshops, movement classes, and exclusive product drops showcasing New Balance's signature color. In June and July, the theme shifts to "Found in New York," celebrating NYC culture through limited-edition collaborations and in-store experiences.

Olivia Kim, Senior Vice President of Creative at Nordstrom, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating, "The collaboration [celebrates] craftsmanship and innovation through an experiential space for customers to explore exciting product and immersive experiences."

NYSE Kicks Solo Brands to the Curb

The NYSE has started delisting shares of Solo Brands due to their "abnormally low selling price." The company, which owns popular brands like Chubbies and Solo Stove, has a chance to challenge this decision. Back in March, Solo Brands received a noncompliance notice from the stock exchange[3].

Retail Rumblings

Buzzfeed Gets a Shopsense About It

On Monday, BuzzFeed and Shopsense AI announced a partnership to add AI-powered product recommendations to articles. Buzzfeed was the first editorial brand to collaborate with Shopsense, which uses AI technology to keep product suggestions updated in real-time. This system considers factors like inventory, promotions, and payment options to optimize sales.

Buzzfeed will feature two types of displays for product recommendations. The AI-driven carousel presents items based on article or image content, whereas the sponsored collections showcase curated collections from one retailer or brand. Keep up with retail news by subscribing to our free daily newsletter.

Panera's Stylish New Baguette(tte)?

In a blend of fashion and food, Panera introduced the Croissant Clutch, a handbag-shaped pastry holder made for its Croissant Toast Sandwiches. This isn't the first time Panera has dipped its toes in luxury fashion – two years ago, they also debuted the Baguette Bag designed to fit their baguette sandwiches. The Croissant Clutch sells for $39.50 and offers panera fans a unique mix of fashion, function, and flavor.

If you purchase the clutch, receive a $15 gift card, and bask in the admiration of fellow bread lovers.

A Mother's Day Meal Fit for a Queen(chick)"

For Mother's Day, KFC partnered with Benchmark Resorts and Hotels to offer a chicken and waffles meal on select room service menus from May 10-11. Several hotels in Boston, Seattle, Phoenix, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, and Portland, Oregon, are part of the collaboration, with rates starting at $159 per night.

What's Still on Our Minds

Raising Funds and Expansion

Energy drink brand Gorgie snagged a significant $24.5 million in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $37 million[5]. This funding round, led by Notable Capital, comes before Gorgie plans to launch in 2,000 Target stores this summer.

Big Lots' Comeback

Variety Wholesalers are spearheading the reopening of 132 Big Lots stores this month, marking the beginning of expansion efforts for the retailer[6].

Worrying About Tariffs

National Retail Federation CEO Matthew Shay recently expressed some conciliatory thoughts about tariffs, distinguishing between their potential benefits and the uncertainty they bring to the industry[7]. However, the NRF's official stance against tariffs remains strong, highlighting their potential impact on small businesses.

1. The New Balance pop-up shop at Nordstrom's NYC flagship, dubbed "New Balance @ The Corner," is transformed into a playground for New Balance fans.
2. Started in May with Grey Days, the three-month installation will feature workshops, movement classes, and exclusive product drops, displaying New Balance's signature color.
3. The collaboration between Nordstrom and New Balance celebrates craftsmanship and innovation, offering customers an experiential space to explore exciting products and immersive experiences.
4. The NYSE delisting of Solo Brands shares is due to their "abnormally low selling price," allowing the company to challenge this decision.
5. BuzzFeed partnered with Shopsense AI to add AI-powered product recommendations to their articles, making them the first editorial brand to collaborate with Shopsense.
6. BuzzFeed's collaboration with Shopsense uses AI technology to keep product suggestions updated in real-time, optimizing sales by considering factors like inventory, promotions, and payment options.
7. Panera introduced the Croissant Clutch, a handbag-shaped pastry holder for Croissant Toast Sandwiches, as a blend of fashion and food.
8. National Retail Federation CEO Matthew Shay expressed conciliatory thoughts about tariffs, recognizing their potential benefits and the uncertainty they bring to the industry.
9. Despite these thoughts, the NRF's official stance against tariffs remains strong, highlighting their potential impact on small businesses.
10. Energy drink brand Gorgie secured a substantial $24.5 million in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $37 million, with plans to launch in 2,000 Target stores this summer.
11. Big Lots reopening efforts are led by Variety Wholesalers, as they begin the process of reopening 132 stores this month, marking the start of expansion for the retailer.

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