Wingstop and Popeyes’ UK success encourages more US brands to cross the Atlantic
Shell to sell French forecourts to DCC Energy
Shell has agreed to the proposed sale of its French fuel station network and related transport fuel services to DCC Energy. The transaction covers around 70 sites and eight LNG installations, although it remains subject to consultation and has not yet been finalised.
Four restaurant brands reach major development milestones
Cava and Dave’s Hot Chicken have surpassed 500 restaurants, while Chipotle has opened its 1,500th Chipotlane. Their progress demonstrates that some restaurant brands are still achieving significant growth despite weaker consumer demand and high operating costs.
Smaller US convenience-store operators continue to exit the market
Rising operating costs, labour challenges, geopolitical uncertainty and weak consumer sentiment have contributed to a series of smaller US convenience retailers selling their businesses during 2026. The article examines 10 deals involving operators with fewer than 100 stores.
US retailers to close stores as businesses reassess their footprints
Dollar General, Stop & Shop, and other major retailers had individual US stores scheduled to close during October, with factors including lease decisions, financial performance and changes to shopping centres.
US beauty brands push further into international retail
American beauty brands are also expanding through overseas retail partnerships. An October BeautyMatter roundup highlights several examples, including US haircare brand Cécred making its first move outside the US through Space NK and Rhode entering 19 European markets through Sephora.
