Prospecting: Key Moves from National Retail Brands This Week.

Prospecting: Key Moves from National Retail Brands This Week.

Actor Tom Holland’s non-alcoholic beer brand, Bero, is making a significant retail debut at Target, with placement in 1,400 stores across the U.S. The non-alcoholic beverage market is experiencing significant growth, with sales of non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits increasing 27% to $818 million last year, according to NIQ. This trend is driven by a shift towards reduced alcohol consumption, particularly among younger consumers, and Target has been finding more ways to cater to the demand.

Natural diamond prices have reportedly declined 8% since early 2020, while prices for lab-grown diamonds have fallen 75% worldwide, driven by reduced manufacturing costs and weak demand. De Beers has cut rough diamond prices 10% to 15%, a rare move reflecting the market downturn. China’s consumers have shifted toward gold over diamonds due to economic uncertainty, but U.S. consumers increasingly prefer affordable, large lab-grown diamonds.

True Religion has new owners. The denim apparel and lifestyle brand has been acquired by private equity firm Acon Investments and its partner, SB360 Capital Partners, an advisory and retail investment fund chaired by American Eagle Outfitter CEO and executive chairman Jay Schottenstein. Acon and SB360 will utilize their combined resources and sector expertise to accelerate True Religion’s further growth, broaden its geographic reach and continue the diversification of its product offerings, according to an Acon release. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lidl is expanding its footprint in strategic markets, including Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and New York City, where the grocer will open a new location in Brooklyn’s Gateway Center later this month and recently opened three new stores in the Bronx, Pelham and Glen Oaks neighborhoods. The company plans to open a third Manhattan store by summer 2025 as it works to strengthen its presence on the East Coast.

White Castle is reviving its Love Castle event for Valentine’s Day, promoting a romantic dining experience complete with roses, sliders and fries. The event, which started in 1991, invites not only couples but friends and families to enjoy the love-themed festivities. Reservations are now available via Open Table for the Feb. 14 event, which will take place at more than 300 U.S. units.

Restaurant chains are kicking off 2025 by reviving past menu items and introducing new beverages. Chick-fil-A has brought back the Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich, and El Pollo Loco has returned Double Pollo Fit Bowls. Bar Louie is marking its 35th anniversary with retro cocktails, while coffee chains including Dunkin’, Dutch Bros and Scooter’s Coffee have sweetened their drink menus this month.

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. has launched a “Free Groceries for Life” marketing campaign, which includes the opportunity for customers to win a lifetime of free groceries. Prizes include two opportunities to win “Free Groceries for Life” in the form of 12 $500 Gift Cards awarded annually for the winner’s life, up to 40 years. The approximate retail value of the prize is $240,000, Grocery Outlet said in a news release. The retailer is additionally offering 10 prizes of “Free Groceries for a Year” in the form of 12 $500 gift cards. And finally, 20 prizes of “Free Groceries for a Month” in the form of one $500 gift card.