The MULO Dozen: August Brands in Review
BOOMs, BUSTs, and C-Suite leadership changes don’t cool off during the summer months. Our wrap-up of hot August topics proves that out!
However, the hottest part of the Summer of 2025 is the big reveal of our impressive speaker lineup for Street Fight LIVE 2025, just a few short weeks away!
- Bravo! Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille declared bankruptcy for the second time in five years. Perhaps the third time will be the charm. We’ve seen other MULO (multi-location) brands come back from huge financial challenges. (BUST)
- The C-Suite has a new seat, with Levi’s appointing Chris Callieri as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer, leveraging his experience from Victoria’s Secret to help the brand increase its market share in the fashion space. (LEADERSHIP)
- The C-Suite shuffle continues, as SpartanNash brings on Ed Rybicki as Chief Information Officer, with hopes of strengthening the retailer’s internal tech systems prior to the brand’s merger with C&S Wholesale Grocers. (LEADERSHIP)
- Retailers are hopping onto the tech wave. Wawa has begun using machine learning to curb food spoilage, reducing waste while also creating room for more consumer personalization. (INNOVATION)
- Wakefern takes a page from Wawa’s handbook, teaming up with Nielson IQ to use tech personalization tools to better drive engagement throughout its various in-store locations, including ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer. (INNOVATION)
- It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a bowl of food! Chipotle is set to launch Zipline drone deliveries in an attempt to compete against growing consumer demand for faster and easier delivery. (INNOVATION)
- Stanton Optical fights against competition, partnering with Staples to tackle Warby Parker’s retail expansions headfirst. (INNOVATION)
- Even the lowly truck stop is getting a glow-up. Dash In is refurbishing multiple convenience stores across the country, in an attempt to better align its physical presence with customer experience. (INNOVATION)
- Starbucks takes health consciousness to the next level, shifting its focus to health with protein and coconut water beverages in hopes of appealing to the ever-growing health nut market. (INNOVATION)
- Lowe’s is expanding its horizons, acquiring Foundation Building Materials for nearly $8.8 billion, with the aim of doubling down on professional builder markets. (INNOVATION)
- Claire’s strikes gold, with the retailer obtaining a $140M private equity takeover deal, allowing the brand to pause store liquidation. (INNOVATION)
- Foot traffic is up in several unexpected retail sectors. Placer.ai published this excellent report on this year’s consumer “feet” and spending. (CONSUMER VOICES)
A special shout-out to summer associate, researcher, and writer Ukë Hasanaj. NOT ChatGPT!
