Shoplifting incidents, losses rise dramatically
Shoplifting is surging, with incidents up 93% and losses up 90% since 2019, according to a new survey by the NRF and others. Retailers report growing violence, with threats or weapon use rising sharply. Organized retail crime (ORC) is a major concern, involving groups stealing large quantities of goods for resale.
The spike in theft and aggression has made it harder to hire employees and forced retailers to increase security and invest in loss prevention measures. With 94% calling for federal legislation, the retail industry is seeking stronger laws and resources to combat this escalating crisis.
Mitch Modell looks to buy Party City, Big Lots
Mitch Modell is gearing up to bring new life to two struggling retail giants. The former CEO of Modell’s Sporting Goods plans to submit bids to acquire Party City and Big Lots, both of which recently filed for bankruptcy and announced plans to shutter their stores. Modell envisions transforming the brands into budget-friendly retail powerhouses, with a focus on apparel, sporting goods, and $10-and-under treasures sourced directly from factories and farms.
Joined by retail veterans Demos Parneros and Larry Meyer, who would take on leadership roles in the revamped venture, Modell aims to save all 1,600 stores and their employees. “We’re gonna get the deal,” he confidently declared, promising a prototype store by mid-January and a shopping experience that’s “a treasure hunt on steroids.” Despite the bold claims, details on financing remain under wraps, and neither company has yet commented on his plans.
In Florida, Demand For Industrial Warehouses Is Going Strong
Florida’s industrial market, spanning from Jacksonville to Miami, is finding stability after years of rapid growth and rising vacancy rates. Moving into 2025, economic shifts are shaping a more predictable environment, easing the tension between supply and demand and boosting business optimism. While vacancy rates have risen in markets like Miami and leasing has slowed in Orlando and Jacksonville, demand for build-to-suit developments remains strong, offering long-term stability and customized solutions.
Catamount Constructors, a nationwide contractor with extensive Florida operations, is helping businesses navigate these fluctuations with strategic preconstruction planning, risk mitigation, and collaborative processes. By leveraging deep market insights and industry relationships, Catamount delivers efficient, cost-effective projects, from speculative warehouses to build-to-suit facilities.
Emerging markets in southwest and northwest Florida are also gaining traction, with projects like middle-mile distribution centers enhancing logistics networks. Despite challenges such as labor shortages and rising construction costs, Florida’s industrial sector continues to adapt and grow, driven by infrastructure improvements like Brightline commuter rail and innovative partnerships that create opportunities beyond construction.
Higher tariffs likely — retailers should prepare
Retail sales rose more than expected in November, fueled by auto, online
The holiday shopping season started strong in November, despite a late Thanksgiving pushing key shopping days into December. Retail sales rose 0.7% month-over-month and 3.8% year-over-year, exceeding analyst expectations. Growth was driven by strong sales in auto dealerships (up 2.7%) and online shopping (up 1.8%), while clothing stores and grocery stores saw slight declines. Core retail sales, excluding autos, gas, and restaurants, increased 0.4% month-over-month and 3.8% year-over-year. According to the National Retail Federation, the results align with their holiday sales forecast of 2.5% to 3.5% growth over 2023, reflecting solid consumer spending fueled by job and wage gains, modest inflation, and healthy household finances.
Lowe’s 2025 growth plans include store expansion, marketplace launch and more
Lowe’s is gearing up for a transformative 2025 with its "Total Home Strategy," designed to fuel long-term growth and strengthen its market share. The plan focuses on expanding Pro services, boosting online sales, growing home services, enhancing loyalty programs, and improving space productivity. Key initiatives include opening 10-15 new stores annually in high-growth U.S. markets and launching the first product marketplace in the U.S. home improvement industry, offering an expanded online selection without added inventory costs.
The retailer is also extending its rural-focused assortment to 150 more stores and rolling out advanced AI tools to enhance customer experiences and boost efficiency. Pro customers can look forward to the relaunch of the MyLowe’s Pro Rewards program and new solutions like jobsite delivery for large orders. With these efforts, Lowe’s aims to capture more Pro spending and meet the needs of DIYers and professionals alike.
CEO Marvin Ellison emphasizes the company’s commitment to evolving with customer demands, stating, “We’re creating a best-in-class omnichannel shopping experience for all generations of homeowners.” With over 1,700 stores and 300,000 associates, Lowe’s is well-positioned to lead the home improvement sector into its next phase of growth.
Orangetheory and franchisor form $3.7 billion company
A powerful new player in the wellness industry has emerged: Purpose Brands, a global health and wellness holding company born from a partnership between Orangetheory Fitness and Self Esteem Brands. Announced in November, Purpose Brands boasts a $3.7 billion portfolio across 7,000 franchise locations in 50 countries, including top names like Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory, and Stronger U Nutrition.
With dual headquarters in Boca Raton, FL, and Woodbury, MN, Purpose Brands aims to capitalize on the booming wellness market, projected to grow from $6.3 trillion in 2023 to $9 trillion by 2028, according to the Global Wellness Institute. CEO Thomas Leverton plans to drive global expansion, building on the company’s success in serving six million members, 46% of whom are outside the U.S.
"With demand surging for personalized, science-backed wellness solutions, Purpose Brands is uniquely positioned to meet and exceed expectations," said board member and Anytime Fitness cofounder Chuck Runyon.
The fastest-growing private label brands are…
Private labels now account for nearly 24% of unit sales across 10 major product sectors, with the highest shares in office supplies, home & garden, and household goods. Notably, more than 99% of U.S. households purchased private label groceries in the past year, highlighting their widespread appeal. While consumers cite affordability (42%) and value (59%) as key drivers, fewer than one-third (27%) believe private label items match name-brand quality.
Retailers like Aldi and Trader Joe’s rely heavily on private labels, comprising 80% and 70% of their sales, respectively, while Walmart and Target see about one-third of their sales from owned brands. Meanwhile, Amazon lags behind with only 3% of its sales volume coming from private labels.
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