The MULO Dozen: May in Review

Perhaps the biggest news of May is the announcement of some of our amazing and visionary speakers for Street Fight LIVE 2025. However, we’re biased. That said, you won’t find this much diverse and forward-thinking insight anywhere else this fall. The lines have blurred between digital and conventional media, marketers, influencers, and retail, restaurant, and service industries. We’re here for it all!

Enough about us. Here’s what went on in the MULO ecosystem in May:

1. Lowe’s is now leveraging a new suite of tools, including an AI assistant named “Mylow Companion,” designed to help store associates easily access product data, inventory, and customer information. Check out what else is new in the hardware world here. (INNOVATION).
2. Rite Aid is back in the bankruptcy headlines. After emerging from bankruptcy in 2023, the pharmacy chain has again filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, following mounting legal challenges, rising debts, and intense competition (BUST).
3. Dick’s Sporting Goods is stepping up its game, acquiring Foot Locker for $2.4 billion, bolstering its position in the sneaker and athletic apparel market. The athletic apparel market isn’t slowing anytime soon, with a market size currently estimated at $223.92 billion (BOOM).
4. Dollar Tree is officially cutting ties with Family Dollar. After buying the chain for $8.5B back in 2014, they are now selling it for $1B. This move comes after numerous store closures and underperformance (BUST).
5. Wendy’s is going full tech mode. The burger joint is now using AI to power its drive-thru requests, including digital menu boards tailored and personalized to each individual customer. Welcome to the future of fast food (INNOVATION).
6. Slim Chickens wants in on the tech game. The fast-growing chicken chain has also begun using AI to streamline its drive-thru operations and order efficiency, chasing the same tech-savvy success of Wendy’s (INNOVATION).
7. Cracker Barrel’s makeover is causing a ruckus. The Southern chain has updated their menu and in-store ambience to reflect a more modern vibe; however, However, not everyone is satisfied. Some claim the chain has now lost its classic country charm (CONSUMER VOICES).
8. Self-service is becoming the new MVP. Jack in the Box is embracing technology, increasing digital sales by over 18% after rolling out self-ordering kiosks in more than 1,500 restaurants (INNOVATION).
9. Despite the growth in plant-based diets (up 22% since 2022), Planta, a 20-unit fast-casual restaurant, declared bankruptcy (BUST). 
10. C-stores, or convenience stores, are continually innovating and adding new products. How can they keep up with consumer demand and keep their locations organized? 7-Eleven just announced a new VP of Merchandising, Sembe Cole. He’ll oversee categories like packaged foods, snacks, confectionery, frozen treats and ice cream, health and beauty, and toys for 12,500 stores. (LEADERSHIP)
11. Loyalty is getting a B2B upgrade. Grocery retailer, Albertsons, new invoice-payment program now helps business customers manage their cash flow, automating purchases to reduce billing errors (INNOVATION).
12. Waffle House is adding volts to its value menu. The 24/7 diner is teaming up with BP Pulse to install ultra-fast EV chargers at select southern locations, allowing customers to fuel up on both power and hashbrowns (INNOVATION).

Want more? Find it at Street Fight LIVE 2025!