It’s only mid-February, but already we hear from every source that retailers and restaurants are into store expansions, in a big way. And that’s just the beginning, the best is yet to come.
One does not need to have a crystal ball to figure out why Walmart just made a decision to make a “landmark investment” in Canada, to the tune of $4.5 billion, which includes building dozens of new stores, beginning with five locations in Ontario and Alberta.
But look at all the other news:
Sprouts will expand in Florida, with seven new stores to cater to all these fresh and green stuff lovers that moved to FL from the opposite shore. That’s good news for the residents of St. Jones, Orlando, St. Petersburg (not the one in Russia) and in Palm Beach County.
Love’s will upgrade 50 stores and open 20 new ones. More than half of Love’s 655 locations will be newly constructed or remodeled by 2035.
And will you just look at the amount of milk shakes we’ll be getting!
Smoothie King plans to have 105 new stores in 2025, including key markets like Atlanta. Meanwhile, Shake Shack sees the potential for its company-operated footprint to reach “at least” 1,500 locations over time, vs. its prior target of 450 sites. Shake Shack expects to open up to 85 new restaurants this year, including 45 company-operated locations.
What makes us the happiest is the news that Barnes & Noble will open 60 stores in 2025, if you can believe a publication not so closely associated with the retail industry – some tabloid called Financial Times.
Why is this important?
Because this is a sign that our economy - and our industry - is optimistic about tomorrow, and puts its money into growth, in order to make more money. Whether you are big or small, this is a wake-up call to you. Growth is priority #1, and if you need support from an expert on site selection, demand planning and sales forecasting to help you with growing in the right areas, and in optimal locations, all you need to do is to make one call to Ticon.
We are waiting, and we’ll be happy to see you.
