News Briefs

Amazon is expanding its supply chain footprint in Missouri.

The online giant will build a new 65,000-square-foot last-mile facility in Sedalia, Mo. It will be built on 15 acres within the Thompson Meadows Industrial Park, a Missouri Certified Site designed for seamless development. 

Last-mile facilities support the last mile of Amazon's order process and are designed to help speed up deliveries. Packages are shipped to a delivery station from neighboring Amazon fulfillment and sortation centers, loaded into delivery vehicles, and delivered to customers.

[READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: First Look at Amazon's new robotic fulfillment hub in Mass.]

According to Amazon, its last-mile facilities generally create more than 100 direct and indirect jobs.

"We're proud of the job creation we're bringing to Sedalia and this last-mile facility will allow us to better serve our growing customer base throughout west central Missouri with faster delivery speeds," said Jason Vangalis, Amazon economic development manager. "We're grateful for our collaboration with all of our area partners, along with the region's skilled workforce and strategic location, which were all positive factors in Amazon building a new site in Missouri."

Amazon said that launch plans for this delivery station, particularly those around when operations will start and hiring, are still in the very early stages, with construction getting underway.

Burlington Stores is capitalizing on the demise of bankrupt Joann to grow its footprint.

The off-price retailer won the lease assignments of 45 Joann store locations, according to a court filing. Burlington will take over the leases, which are for stores across the country, in May and June.   

Joann filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2025, and subsequently said it would liquidate and close all its stores. In March, GA Group and A&G Real Estate Partners announced plans to auction 790 Joann store leases and five distribution centers in conjunction with the wind-down of operations at the fabric and crafts retailer.

Burlington has been investing in store expansion. In reporting its fourth-quarter results in March, Burlington said it planned to open approximately 100 net new stores in fiscal year 2025. The company opened 101 net new stores in 2024 and relocated 31 of its older oversized locations. It ended the year with 1,108 stores in 46 states.

[READ MORE: Ross details 2025 store expansion]

The available Joann leases cover a range of property types across 49 states, including freestanding stores, power centers, strip malls and urban retail corridors, ranging from 7,500 sq. ft. to 52,000 sq. ft.

Financing and tariffs are top-of-mind for small business owners, despite remaining optimistic about growth.

 More than half (53%) of small business owners say they need more financing now than they did a year ago, according to a survey of small business owners from WalletHub. More than eight-in-10 (83%) said that they have used a personal credit card for business expenses in the past.

A third (33%) of small business owners say that taxes are their biggest frustration, while 24% cite inflation and 14% cite borrowing. Two-thirds (66%) of those surveyed believe that tariffs are not good for small businesses.

Despite these challenges, more than three-in-five small business owners believe now is a good time for a small business to grow. Forty percent of owners believe that Small Business Week (May 4-10) helps their businesses grow.

[READ MORE: Fiserv: Small business sales see boost in March]

“You can classify the mood among the small business community as cautiously optimistic,” said WalletHub editor John Kiernan. “Businesses just need a bit of help. Most business owners say they need more financing now than they did a year ago. The good news is that some great options are available, as the best business credit cards can easily save you thousands of dollars.”

Additional survey insights from WalletHub include:

• Three-in-five respondents think it is unfair that small business owners get worse interest rates on bank accounts and credit cards than consumers.
• More than half of those surveyed believe Google doesn’t treat small businesses fairly.
• Roughly three-in-five respondents believe the Federal Reserve should cut interest rates.

JCPenney is recruiting a fashion icon to create an exclusive namesake collection for full-figured women.

The department store company has tapped plus-size supermodel and entrepreneur Ashley Graham to create the collection, which is set to launch fall 2025. The line will reflect Graham’s signature bold style, and feature stylish on-trend pieces that celebrates and actually fits real bodies, Penney said in a release.

"This is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time," said Graham. "JCPenney was a true champion for me right from the very beginning, giving me one of my very first opportunities as a model. Now, to see JCPenney boldly embracing their role as a fashion leader for all body types feels incredibly powerful and inspiring. This isn’t just a partnership – it’s the culmination of our shared history and a meaningful step forward in making real, affordable fashion truly inclusive."

This is not the retailer's first foray into plus-size apparel.  All private label JCPenney brands are offered in extended sizes.

"Collaborating with Ashley is a milestone moment for JCPenney," said JCPenney CEO Michelle Wlazlo. "This partnership goes beyond just launching a product – it’s a strategic move to redefine the Plus category with fashion-forward, runway-inspired looks that truly embody Ashley’s style and spirit. Her genuine connection to JCPenney and her passion for making fashion more accessible to the plus-size community make her the perfect partner to further amplify our 'Yes, JCPenney' message."

The new line with Graham follows the recent debut of Penney's humorous brand marketing campaign featuring the tagline, "Yes-JCPenney!" 

As part of the campaign, for the first time ever, the retailer is teaming up with the ABC "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" late-night talk-show program with in-show reveals. Every Thursday night through May 22, the show will announce "Really Big Deals" on products in categories including fashion, home and beauty

[READ MORE: JCPenney partners with 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' to promote fashion]

With Mother’s Day around the corner, roughly two-thirds of Americans are expected to shop for the moms in their lives.

A new survey from RetailMeNot found that of the 65% of consumers who will celebrate this year, they will spend an average of $360 on Mother’s Day gifts, an increase of $43 compared to last year. This figure is up slightly from $300 in 2023, $134 in 2022, $120 in 2021 and $97 in 2020.

A recent estimate from the National Retail Federation revealed that total Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $34.1 billion this year. The amount is up from last year’s $33.5 billion and follows closely behind the record of $35.7 billion in 2023.

RetailMeNot’s survey found that floral arrangements (38%, up 5% from last year), greeting cards or letters (36%, up 3% from last year) and gift cards (35%, up 9% from last year) are anticipated to be the most purchased items for the May 11 holiday.

Other planned gifts include the following:

• Food and beverages – restaurant/bar (31%, up 4% from last year)
• Food and beverages – at home (24%, up 3% from last year)
• Clothing, including shoes and accessories (23%)
• Jewelry (21%)
• Makeup and skincare (17%)
• Experiences/services (e.g., haircut, massage) (17%)
• Handmade/DIY gift (16%)

[READ MORE: Numerator: Consumers to spend $25-100 on Cinco de Mayo supplies]

RetailMeNot’s survey of 1,144 American adults was conducted by Ziff Davis. It was fielded in February 2025.

Consumer spending for Cinco de Mayo is expected to be on par or slightly more than last year.

New survey results from Numerator reveals that 17% of U.S. consumers plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (May 5) this year. More than a quarter (27%) of Gen Z plans to celebrate, while 23% of millennials plan to do so.

Celebrators plan to spend between $25 and $100 on their Cinco de Mayo supplies. More than half (61%) plan to spend the same as last year, while 22% expect to spend more and 17% expect to spend less. The overwhelming majority (93%) of Cinco de Mayo celebrators plan to purchase something for the holiday, with food (75%) and alcoholic beverages (58%) topping shopping lists. 

Cinco de Mayo celebrators plan to buy their supplies at grocery stores (47%), liquor stores (35%), big box stores (32%), restaurants, bars or food delivery services (32%), and discount or dollar stores (18%). 

The top celebration plans are going out to eat (38%), gathering with family & friends (35%), going out for drinks (33%), cooking / baking at home (25%), and grilling / barbecuing (25%). Millennial celebrators are the most likely to order food for takeout or delivery (19% vs. 13% for all celebrators), while Gen Z is the most likely generation to attend a public celebration (20% vs. 12%).

[READ MORE: Mother’s Day spending to rise over last year]

Among those planning to purchase alcohol, more than three-quarters (78%) will purchase margaritas and over half (51%) will purchase beer. Gen Z celebrators are twice as likely to purchase hard seltzers or canned cocktails (45% vs. 23%). Gen Z celebrators are also more likely than other generations to purchase party supplies (29% vs. 21%) and candy (31% vs. 14%).