Key Trends from NRF 2025 Big Show: AI, RMN’s, Digital Twins, ESG, and More Every January, the retail industry kicks off the new year by converging at the Javits Center in New York for the National Retail Federation’s Big Show to explore new solutions and…
While AI—particularly Generative AI—is still in its infancy within the Retail industry, a clear convergence is emerging in how it is being deployed, with notable similarities in pilots and subsequent rollouts. However, critical differences arise in how Retailers prioritize these pilots and use cases, creating…
We’re excited to share that three of our McMillanDoolittle consultants have been named to the prestigious RETHINK Retail Top Retail Experts (TRE) list for 2025! This distinction celebrates their thought leadership, expertise, and commitment to driving innovation in the Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods industry….
Within just three weeks, Vancouver-founded women’s apparel brand Aritzia has opened three new flagships: SoHo (NYC) on November 26, Michigan Avenue (Chicago) on November 30, and Fifth Avenue (NYC) on December 16. These flagship locations serve as ultimate brand destinations. Aritzia’s US Geographic Expansion Strategy…
We’re back with our annual guide to the top trends and brands to watch in the new year. Our team of retail experts curated a list of over 60 must-have brands across 12 categories. Happy shopping! Gear for Outdoor Recreation: For nature enthusiasts, items to…
London-based women’s activewear brand Sweaty Betty has returned to U.S. brick-and-mortar retail with the opening of two new stores this past weekend: one in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., and the other in Chicago, located in the Southport Corridor. Our team visited the Chicago store to better…
A slew of new stores have opened during October and November – just in time for holiday shopping! Several retailers are establishing their first locations in the city, and as a Chicago-based firm, we’re excited to see this expansion. Contact us to learn more about our Study…
In the ever-evolving retail landscape, the ability to harness data effectively can truly set retailers and brands apart. At their recent Inspire event in Northwest Arkansas, Walmart Data Ventures showcased how retailers can transform their first-party data into powerful insights that drive sales and enhance…
Amazon recently opened its first small-format grocery store, Amazon Grocery, in Downtown Chicago. The 3,800-square-foot location offers a streamlined, 3,500 SKU assortment of convenience and grocery basics. The first-of-its-kind concept is located on the ground floor of the One Chicago building at 3 W. Chicago…
Our McMillanDoolittle team attended the inaugural Shoptalk Fall conference in Chicago from October 16-18. This event is the latest addition to Hyve Group’s portfolio, which also includes Groceryshop, Shoptalk Europe, and Shoptalk Spring. Shoptalk focuses on digital and technology innovation. The theme for Shoptalk Fall…
