Call it what you want, but do not call Printemps’s new outpost in New York a “department store,” CEO Jean-Marc Bellaiche said, as the iconic French retail store’s US flagship opened its doors last week.

A week before its actual launch, curious onlookers had already set foot in the store, strolling and even grabbing a coffee at Café Jalu, an all-day French café situated on the ground floor of the Art Deco building. The Printemps team told us it’s part of the brand’s “soft opening” that wasn’t necessarily advertised as we walked the two grand floors of the store.

The retailer has piqued consumers’ interest as it aims to differentiate itself both from other established department stores in the city and its own counterparts in France and the Middle East. A key factor in being able to achieve that is the unique design touches courtesy of architect Laura Gonzalez, who decorated the space with bold patterns and unexpected materials. It also comes with about five different food and beverage offerings including said café, champagne and wine bars, and Maison Passerelle, a fine dining restaurant by culinary director Gregory Gourdet. Another significant attraction is the “The Red Room,” which once served as the famed entrance to the Bank of New York, with original details such as red ombre and gold mosaic walls intact, but some updated touches.

Keep reading here.—JS

Along with being owned by the same German private company, Aldi Nord, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi have something else in common these days: They’ve both been on a roll in the US when it comes to increasing foot traffic.

Foot traffic increased 18.2% year over year at Aldi and 6.2% at Trader Joe’s for 2024, according to a recent report from Placer.ai. And it’s not just because both chains added new stores; visits per location also rose over 2023: up 13.5% at Aldi and 3.2% at Trader Joe’s.

While both chains are known for lower prices, Trader Joe’s shoppers tend to be higher income, according to Placer.ai’s analysis. Compared to median household income of $82,000 for supermarket chains nationally in 2024, Trader Joe’s was significantly higher, at $110,100, while Aldi was lower, at $75,700.

Keep reading here.—AAN

March brought with it several retail executive shifts—some, interestingly, on the exact same day. Here are the moves to know:

• Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen suddenly resigned from the grocer following “a board investigation of his personal conduct,” that determined his actions contradicted its business ethics policy. Lead director Ronald Sargent took over as interim CEO.
• On the same day, Albertsons also said its CEO Vivek Sankaran will retire from his role on May 1, with COO Susan Morris slated to take over.
• David’s Bridal named Kelly Cook, its president of brand, technology, and finance, as its new CEO starting April 1, with current CEO Jim Marcum shifting to executive chairman. Cook’s plans include marketing the retailer as a media company, and introducing an online marketplace, she told CNBC.
• Beyond, Inc. appointed executive chairman Marcus Lemonis as its principal executive officer after Dave Nielsen, its president and principal executive officer since June 2024, left the company.

Keep reading here.—EC