News Briefs
- 6/4/2025
Pret-A-Manger secures global payment processing
A U.K.-based quick-service chain is ensuring payment acceptance at stores in several countries with a payment processing platform.
Pret-A-Manger is leveraging the FreedomPay payment acceptance solution in the U.S., U.K. and Hong Kong. The retailer plans further deployments of the system in Europe later in 2025. Utilizing FreedomPay payment acceptance technology, Pret-A-Manger seeks consistently available and operational processing of customer payments.
The platform’s store-and-forward functionality helps ensure uninterrupted transaction processing even during connectivity disruptions, helping the retailer maintain business continuity and maximize revenue.
"At Pret, we are committed to providing a frictionless and enjoyable experience for our customers," said Chris Matthews, global retail technology director at Pret A Manger. "Partnering with FreedomPay allows us to leverage their best-in-class technology to ensure secure and reliable payment processing, no matter where our customers are in the world. This partnership is a key ingredient in our recipe for international success, allowing us to focus on what we do best: delivering delicious, freshly made food and organic coffee."
With the help of Dallas Holdings Limited, the retailer opened its first shop in Los Angeles in 2024 as part of its U.S. growth trajectory, with the chain aiming to reach 300 stores by 2029.
[READ MORE: U.K. restaurant chain to grow SoCal footprint]
"We are thrilled to partner with Pret A Manger to bring our secure and innovative commerce solutions to their expanding global market," said Chris Kronenthal, president at FreedomPay. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to empowering QSR brands with the technology they need to thrive in today’s digital landscape. We look forward to providing Pret with data-driven insights to enhance their operations and customer satisfaction through our integrated Next Level Commerce platform."
- 6/4/2025
Survey finds most beauty shoppers feel overwhelmed in stores
Too many choices are not always a good thing.
A majority (69%) of beauty shoppers say shopping for beauty products is overwhelming — and it's driving them away from physical stores, according to a study by experience agency ChangeUp. Also, 63% of respondents wish beauty stores were about more than just buying products. Almost half think beauty trends change quickly, and physical retail hasn't caught up.
"Today's beauty shoppers aren't just buying products — they’re seeking experiences," said Lynn Gonsior, COO of ChangeUp. "Consumers are looking for spaces that deliver discovery, inspiration, and authentic connections that even the best digital experience can't replicate. Our research proves that physical retail still plays a crucial role in the beauty journey, but it needs to change."
The report also finds that social platforms have completely reshaped product discovery, creating a new shopping paradigm. Seventy-percent of Gen Z and millennial shopper purchase directly though TikTok and influencer links.
Other highlights from ChangeUp’s “Beyond Transactions: Navigating Beauty Retail's New Normal” report are below.
- Out-of-stock items ranked as the top (47%) frustration of beauty shoppers, closely followed by stores that are too busy or crowded (46%). Another big frustration: long checkouts (40%).
- All beauty shoppers report they prefer specialty beauty, yet the satisfaction of drug and mass retailers vary by customer segment.
- 83% say they've become more value conscious when buying beauty products.
- 59% actively seek “dupes” ( affordable alternatives to premium products).
- 65% say trying on new beauty products is “one of my favorite things.”
The survey of over 1,600 U.S. beauty shoppers explores key customer segments and what retailers must do to stay relevant as social media, wellness, and value consciousness transform the industry.
- 6/3/2025
Sephora partners with NielsenIQ to understand omnichannel trends
Sephora is entering a strategic collaboration to obtain a more comprehensive view of the North American beauty landscape.
The beauty giant, a subsidiary of global retail conglomerate LVMH, is leveraging the recently expanded NielsenIQ omnishopper and digital purchases solution capabilities to gain access to NielsenIQ’s beauty panel of 250,000 consumers.
As a result, Sephora hopes to obtain detailed insights into in-store and online shopping trends and preferences across the mass drug, specialty, e-commerce and social channels.
“At Sephora, our beauty community is the heart of our business, and we are constantly seeking out forward-thinking partners to help us better serve our clients throughout their shopping journey with us,” said Ryan Oto, VP, business intelligence & analytics at Sephora. “This partnership with NielsenIQ is a strategic leap forward in how we listen to our beauty consumers, elevate insights across every touchpoint, and deliver on the future of beauty retail.”
This data sharing agreement includes point-of-sale coverage of Sephora’s omnichannel business, which will also increase NielsenIQ’s total coverage of beauty.
[READ MORE: Sally Beauty becomes data analytics provider]
"NielsenIQ is deeply committed to beauty—and we’re especially proud to expand our coverage in prestige through this partnership with Sephora," said Elizabeth Buchanan, president of North America at NielsenIQ. "Beauty is one of the most dynamic and culturally relevant categories in retail today. By combining Sephora’s leadership in the space with our unmatched measurement capabilities, we’re bringing new precision and visibility to the brands shaping the future of beauty."
Sephora operates more than 600 stores across the Americas, as well as more than 850 store-in-store locations in the U.S. via a long-term strategic partnership with Kohl’s.
- 6/3/2025
Zara opens two-level store at CambridgeSide
A global fashion retailer is expanding its presence in the Boston area in a big way.
Zara has opened a new, two-floor location featuring women’s and men’s clothing at the CambridgeSide shopping center, located just outside of the city in Cambridge, Mass. The retailer operates more than 100 stores across the United States, and the new CambridgeSide store marks its third in Massachusetts.
Conceived and developed by the Zara Architecture Studio, the store’s interior features neutral tones and natural textiles that aim to create a “clean backdrop.” Customers can browse two levels of Zara’s apparel offerings, including tops, bottoms, accessories, upscale apparel and more.
Zara is touting customer-friendly features at the new Massachusetts store, such as real-time browsing of in-store inventory, online order pickup silo and an assisted self-checkout area. Additionally, customers can place online orders for in-store pickup within just two hours.
The store also features a cardboard collection point, encouraging customers to recycle packaging responsibly,
alongside a clothing collection container to extend the useful life of pre-owned garments.“We are thrilled to welcome renowned fashion brand Zara to CambridgeSide,” said Melissa LaVita, regional marketing director of CambridgeSide. “Shoppers will love the new location with two expansive levels of women’s and men’s fashions. Zara at CambridgeSide is a beautiful and substantial addition to the Boston retail scene and is simply not-to-be-missed.”
[READ MORE: First Look: Todd Snyder expands in Boston]
At approximately 1 million sq. ft., CambridgeSide features two levels of shops and restaurants, along with office spaces, residential units and green spaces.
- 6/2/2025
Nike taps McDonald’s exec for lead communications role
Nike Inc. is naming a veteran executive from a fast food hamburger giant to lead its global communications organization.
Michael Gonda will become executive VP and chief communications officer of Nike effective July 7, 2025. In this role, Gonda will oversee all facets of the communications strategy, including storytelling, corporate and brand reputation, issues management, and employee engagement. He will report to Nike president and CEO Elliott Hill.
"Michael is a deeply strategic, emotionally intelligent, purpose-driven leader who understands the power of storytelling to move both brands and people," said Hill. "His vision for driving impactful communications, his instinct for building high-performing teams, and his ability to form authentic connections will help Nike amplify the voice of sport and athletes around the world in bold and meaningful ways."
[READ MORE: Nike promotes several to new leadership roles]
Gonda joins Nike from McDonald's, where he held several senior leadership roles, including chief impact officer for North America — overseeing communications, public affairs, sustainability, community engagement and philanthropy for the company’s largest markets and as global chief communications officer.
“Nike has always been more than a brand — it’s a storyteller, a cultural force, and a catalyst for belief,” said Gonda. “I’m deeply honored to join a company that has shaped how people see themselves and the world around them and am humbled to help Nike tell the stories that matter, connect even more deeply with athletes and communities, and write the next ambitious chapter with Elliott and this team.”
Prior to McDonald’s, Gonda held senior leadership roles at food company Chobani and communications agency Weber Shandwick.
- 6/2/2025
Cactus Club Cafe to make U.S. debut
A Canadian upscale dining chain is gearing up to expand into two major American cities.
Vancouver-based Cactus Club Cafe will open its 34th and 35th locations later this year, bringing its chef-driven "modern Canadian" food and beverage offerings to Boston and Miami. The two locations will mark Cactus Club Cafe’s first in the United States, while a third restaurant in Houston is on the horizon.
The chain will open a 10,000-sq.-ft. restaurant in Boston’s affluent Back Bay neighborhood later this year. Cactus Club Cafe’s first U.S. location will be within 500 Boylston St., a 1.3 million-sq.-ft. mixed-use building. The Boston restaurant will have space for more than 325 people across main and private dining areas in addition to a lounge and an outdoor patio.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Cactus Club Cafe to Boston,” said Cactus Club Cafe president Andrew Latchford. “Back Bay is a vibrant neighborhood that aligns perfectly with our vision for modern dining — timeless, social and stylish.”
Meanwhile, in Florida, Cactus Club Cafe will open its second U.S. location in Downtown Miami at Citigroup Center – an 810,000-sq.-ft., 34-story tower.
"Miami's energy and style align perfectly with the Cactus vision for elevated everyday dining," said Latchford. "The city's energy and passion for exceptional hospitality make it the perfect home for our first Florida location. This marks an exciting chapter in our U.S. expansion, alongside our upcoming openings in Boston and Houston."
[READ MORE: First Look: Stylish food hall to open in former Lord & Taylor NYC flagship]
Founded in 1988, Cactus Club Cafe currently operates 33 restaurants in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
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