Consumer and retail news: 10 things you need to know today
1. Buffalo Wild Wings reveals a new plan to take down its greatest competition
Buffalo Wild Wings plans to drive sales this year by focusing on its drinks and desserts. It also plans to make its larger-order and group-ordering takeout menus available online. The company's marketing efforts will zero in on its takeout business.
2. KFC made 3 drastic changes - and now the business is on fire
KFC is gaining traction thanks to its revival of the iconic Colonel Sanders, $5 fill-up meals, and its re-designed stores.
3. Ralph Lauren and Kohl's shares are getting annihilated
Both Kohl's and Ralph Lauren's shares were down double digits in morning trading on Thursday. They both reported dismal earnings.
4. Nasty Gal is suddenly laying off 10% of its staff
Bloomberg is reporting that the company is going to lay off 10% of its staff. The company's CEO Sheree Waterson told Bloomberg that axing these 19 employees is part of a "strategic restructuring."
5. Generation Z is killing Gap, Abercrombie, and J. Crew
Gen Z wants experiences, not things. This means traditional retailers, like the ailing Gap, may need to rethink the way they operate.
6. Apple Pay is coming to Chick-fil-A and Au Bon Pan
There are now 2 million locations accepting Apple Pay, according to Bloomberg, and Chick-fil-A and Au Bon Pan just got added to the list.
7. Ikea restaurants are getting a makeover
According to the Washington Post, Ikea's US president, Lars Petersson, said that "food is becoming a core business" for the retailer. Its food division saw sales surge 8% over the past year. Now, the restaurants are getting revamped, and Ikea plans to roll out veggie and chicken versions of its iconic Swedish meatballs.
8. Adidas has a new global ad campaign
The athletic apparel's new global marketing campaign proudly boasts a new slogan: "I'm hear to create." Media Post notes that this is meant to offer a different perspective on athleticism.
9. McDonald's new kale salad is worse for you than a double Big Mac
Coming in at 730 calories, McDonald's kale salad officially has more calories than a Big Mac, according to CBC. It also has 1,400 milligrams of salt and 53 grams of fat, making it a particularly unhealthy salad.
10. Watch Budweiser's new defensive Super Bowl ad that mocks craft beer again
This Super Bowl, Budweiser is airing an ad that pokes fun at craft brewers, saying the beer is "not small," "not sipped," and "not a hobby." It's reminiscent of the beer brand's ad from last year, which also made fun of craft beers.