Retailer Expansion Plans for 2025
Numerous prominent restaurant and retail chains are preparing for significant expansion initiatives, with the goal of broadening their presence both within the United States and on an international scale. Below is a detailed examination of several key players poised to make a substantial impact.
Emerging Restaurant Chains
- Chick-fil-A plans to open 25 to 30 new locations in Michigan by 2028, initiating expansions in Lansing/Jackson, Flint-Saginaw, and Benton Harbor in 2025.
- Shake Shack continues its expansion, having grown its footprint by approximately 15% in 2024 and partnering with Delta Airlines to offer its cheeseburgers to first-class passengers on select routes.
- First Watch, a breakfast favorite, has opened several locations in 2024, entering new markets such as New England and Las Vegas, which contribute to a total of over 500 restaurants.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers plans to add over 130 new restaurants in 2024 and 2025, with franchise openings in New Jersey, Texas, and Washington State.
- Chip City, a cookie chain renowned for its delectable offerings, aims to increase its presence from 43 to 100 locations by the end of 2025.
- Port of Subs is set to expand significantly, with a development agreement to introduce 70 new stores in the Washington, D.C. area.
- Bonchon, the Korean-inspired chicken chain, aims for a total of 1,000 global stores within five years, with around half projected to be located in the United States.
- Culver’s approaches a milestone of 1,000 locations and intends to maintain steady growth into 2025, having opened approximately 50 new restaurants annually since 2019.
- Nick the Greek, specializing in Greek cuisine, aims for a 30% increase in locations in 2024, primarily expanding in California and entering markets in Arizona, Texas, and Kansas.
- Huddle House is preparing for its largest franchise deal to date, with plans for nearly two dozen new locations in Texas by June 2025.
These ambitious expansion strategies underscore a dynamic and competitive landscape within the restaurant industry, as chains cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Retail Giants on the Move
Despite facing challenges in the brick-and-mortar retail sector in 2024, several major chains are announcing significant expansions for 2025:
- Walmart intends to open six new Supercenters, with two planned each in California and Texas, along with new Neighborhood Market locations in Alabama and Florida.
- Sam’s Club is set to introduce a new store in Arizona.
- Costco aims to launch approximately 30 new locations, including six in March, with expansions in California, Texas, Michigan, and Massachusetts.
- Target anticipates opening 30 new stores, with confirmed sites in South Lake Tahoe, California; Surprise, Arizona; and Denton, Texas.
- Trader Joe’s plans to unveil 12 new stores across various states, including California, Washington, Pennsylvania, New York, Alabama, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
These expansion efforts starkly contrast with the wave of store closures witnessed in 2024, during which over 7,300 stores were announced to close—a 57% increase from the previous year. Retailers such as Macy’s, Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, Victoria’s Secret, and Foot Locker are expected to continue downsizing in 2025.
As these new retailers prepare to make their mark, we’re excited to see what the transformation leads the market to look like in 2025!
