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.
Dollar General to remodel 4,250 stores, open 575 stores in 2025; Q3 sales top Street
Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, Dollar General is embarking on an ambitious real estate expansion, planning 575 new U.S. stores, up to 15 in Mexico, and nearly 4,900 total projects, including thousands of remodels under its Project Elevate initiative. CFO Kelly Dilts emphasized the focus on enhancing customer experience with streamlined updates in mature stores. With these plans, Dollar General aims to solidify its presence in rural America while driving long-term growth.
2025 – A look ahead to the year in retail tech
As 2025 approaches, retail technology is evolving at breakneck speed with trends like AI "co-pilots," automated delivery, and smarter supply chains leading the way. Retailers are adopting predictive tools to combat lingering supply chain disruptions, following the lead of giants like Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods, which are using automation to streamline operations and improve visibility.
AI is emerging as a partner rather than a replacement, with companies like Target and Curated leveraging it to enhance both employee efficiency and customer engagement. Meanwhile, the race for faster delivery is accelerating, with drones, sidewalk robots, and driverless vehicles reshaping how retailers fulfill consumer expectations for near-instant gratification.
NRF: 2024 retail returns to total $890 billion
Innovative return solutions are gaining traction, with 84% of consumers preferring no box/no label returns and immediate refunds. Retailers are also tackling issues like fraud and "bracketing," a rising trend among Gen Z shoppers. As 68% of retailers prioritize upgrading returns capabilities, the focus is clear: simplifying reverse logistics and enhancing the customer experience is key to profitability in an increasingly competitive market.
Vacant Miami Retail Space? Good Luck Finding It.
Miami’s retail market is booming, with even closures turning into opportunities. When the high-profile Key Club shuttered, its Coconut Grove space was quickly snapped up by Chop Steakhouse. Vacancy rates remain below 5%, driven by a pandemic-era population surge and fierce competition from upscale hospitality groups.
While landlords raise rents and restaurateurs vie for prime spots, challenges like permitting delays and construction costs complicate openings. Still, Miami’s allure attracts top-tier concepts from New York, L.A., and beyond, making it a hotspot for retail growth and reinvention.
In-store traffic on Black Friday down 8.2%, according to initial analysis
Black Friday is evolving, with online retail emerging as the big winner this year. In-store shopper traffic was down 8.2% compared to 2023, continuing a trend of lower year-over-year foot traffic, according to Sensormatic Solutions. Shoppers are increasingly spreading out their purchases, thanks to extended promotions and deals that allow more flexibility during the busy holiday season.
Retailers are adapting by embracing technology and streamlining operations to meet shifting consumer expectations. With a shorter shopping period between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, the pressure is on to prepare for higher-than-average peak periods in the coming weeks. Despite softer Black Friday turnout, the holiday shopping season is far from over—eight of the top ten busiest shopping days still lie ahead.
