The Kalibrate retail round-up: January 2023

In this monthly feature, we look across the industry and mainstream news to uncover some stories of note that we think are worth your attention.

January 25, 2023|2 minutes

Cookie Plug looks to disrupt the dessert category

With a brand identity than recalls the golden age of hip hop complete with graffiti text and spray paint drips, Cookie Plug, based in Riverside, CA, is planning to grow to at least 300 locations by the end of 2026. The cookie segment is experiencing rapid growth with Crumbl Cookies hitting 500 location in just five years of business. Maybe Public Enemy was wrong; maybe we can believe the hype – 125 franchised units are already signed under development.

Read more on QSR Magazine

9 retail trends to watch in 2023

Retail Dive cover recession threat, the expansion of the metaverse, eco-conscious retail and much more in their round of what to expect from the year ahead. The article also looks at resale with more and more brands introducing a secondhand offering.

Read more on Retail Dive

Report – Dollar Stores: Flexing Muscle in US Grocery

Coresight’s new research looks at dollar stores’ increasing focus on grocery and how the impact is being felt across grocery channels. The report suggests some supermarket chains will feel growing margin pressure from dollar operators in the years ahead.

Read more on Core Sight

Skiing at your neighborhood mall? Why not?

It’s always interesting to see how the mainstream press tackle the retail topics. Here, The Washington Post looks at the prospect of experiential retail revitalizing struggling malls – and it’s skeptical. Nevertheless, there’s some good commentary around success stories and the financials involved.

Read more at The Washington Post

Adidas launches immersive ‘Terrex Store’ in Canada

Adidas is giving Canadian customers a taste of the outdoors with a new immersive store in Vancouver. Terrex, the brand’s outdoor and adventure line, will be showcased alongside live plants and textured pebbles for testing. The store will also be used to demonstrate Adidas’ ‘dedication to innovation and sustainability’.

Read more on Apparel Resources

Dollar General launches health clinics

As margins are squeezed and retailers look to diversify to create new revenue streams, Dollar General has partnered with DocGo to provide basic healthcare services. Deploying a mobile medical service and citing its ability to deliver ‘last mile’ services including prescriptions, DocGo is part of Dollar General’s ‘Wellbeing’ initiative.

Read more on Supermarket News