Barry Brown, Emirates DVP for Australia, and Rajeev Menon, President of Marriott International Asia Pacific, at the signing ceremony. Image: Emirates

Emirates, Marriott to Launch World’s First Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Australia

Emirates and Marriott International have signed an agreement to launch Emirates Wolgan Valley – a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, marking the global debut of The Ritz-Carlton...
BJ’s open three stores in January

BJ’s Open Three Stores in January

BJ’s Wholesale Club’s expansion plans for January include the opening of its second smaller-format location. The membership warehouse club retailer will open its second location under...
Beauty brand Merit steps up its international expansion, launching in Spain and Italy

US Beauty Brand Merit Launching in Spain and Italy

The US beauty brand is stepping up its international expansion. On February 10, Merit will take another step in its growth strategy in overseas...
Generation Tux opens showroom inside Kleinfeld Bridal

Generation Tux Opens Showroom Inside Kleinfeld Bridal

Kleinfeld Bridal is expanding its bridal gown offering with the opening of a Generation Tux shop-in-shop inside its Manhattan flagship, marking the menswear brand’s...
The Cotswold Company to open first London showroom in Kingston as it continues national expansion

The Cotswold Company to Open First London Showroom

The Cotswold Company, the digitally-led premium handcrafted furniture and homeware brand, is pleased to announce plans to launch its first London showroom in Kingston,...
Hollister has signed at Metrocentre

Hollister Signs at Metrocentre

The Metrocentre Partnership has announced that Hollister has signed at Metrocentre, adding another global powerhouse brand to the leading destination for fashion retail in the North East.  Hollister, owned by Abercrombie & Fitch, is set to open...
Accor’s Handwritten Collection debuts in Austria

Accor’s Handwritten Collection Debuts in Austria

Accor’s Handwritten Collection of independent hotels has made its debut in Austria with the rebranding of Hotel Rathauspark Wien, previously part of Radisson’s 'Individuals' portfolio. Launched in...
Italian jeweller Damiani launches flagship store in Seoul

Italian Jeweller Damiani Launches Flagship Store in Seoul

Italian jewellery maker Damiani has opened its first flagship store in South Korea, located in Seoul’s Gangnam District. Named Casa Damiani Seoul, the boutique is...
Last July, the chain announced that private equity firm Main Post Partners has made a minority growth investment in the chain. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Smoothie King said the investment positioned the chain for "accelerated growth, innovation and market leadership." Main Post Partners has decades of experience partnering with brands across all industries, including restaurant chains such as Jimmy John's and Krispy Krunchy Chicken, along with leading franchisee businesses like Flynn Group. “Our 2025 results reflect both the strength of the Smoothie King brand and the confidence franchisees continue to place in our system,” said Gavin Felder, president and chief financial officer at Smoothie King. “As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to build on this momentum by bringing a range of incredible new products to nourish our guests’ healthy habits and making it easier for our franchisees to open, operate and grow their businesses.” Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Dallas, Smoothie King operates more than 1,200 locations nationwide.

Smoothie King 90 Plus new Openings for 2026

The world’s largest smoothie franchise isn’t planning on slowing down its growth after a strong 2025. Smoothie King says it plans to open more than 90...
Primark confirms its UAE debut with three Dubai stores opening in 2026, starting at Dubai Mall, as it expands in the Middle East

Primark to Open Three Dubai Stores as it Enters the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar

Primark has announced it will open stores in Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar as it plans major expansion in the Middle East. Primark confirmed the plans...