Retail
Hilton to Launch New Brand Aimed at Young Professionals
Hilton will introduce a new hotel brand targeting a young professional crowd, moving into an increasingly competitive part of the market. The new Hilton brand, which has been in development for about a year, will have a lifestyle concept, with modern design, and a bar and restaurant scene targeted at both urban travelers and locals, say people briefed on the matter.
Donatos Pizza Ignites Florida Expansion
Donatos is moving into Florida. The fast-casual pizza chain has signed three franchise agreements for the development of 13 restaurants across the state. “This surge in franchise development is a reflection of the brand’s aggressive growth strategy and is fueled by the ongoing success Donatos has experienced over the past several years. This success coupled with our brand refresh, which includes a new design, has continued to attract franchise operators interested in joining the growing brand,” says Donato’s Vice President of Development & Franchising, Jeff Baldwin. “We are fully confident that Floridians across the state will be thrilled to welcome Donatos’ delicious ‘Edge-to-Edge’ toppings pizza to their communities.”
Axel Schwan Joins Global Leadership Team at Restaurant Brands International
Restaurant Brands International CEO Jose Cil recently announced that Axel Schwan is joining the company’s global leadership team. Schwan was named Regional President of Tim Hortons for Canada and the U.S. in October. “I am very proud to welcome Axel to the leadership team. I have worked closely with him in Europe, the U.S. and now in Canada and he has proven himself to be a valuable leader of our Tim Hortons business, as well as a strong leader of people and teams," Cil said in a release. Cil also announced that Alex Macedo will leave the company in March 2020.
Partnerships
JAL Domestic Flight Invitations for International Visitors to Japan in Summer 2020
Japan Airlines, along with Nomura Research Institute, is launching a Win a Trip with JAL campaign for international visitors to Japan in summer 2020. This initiative is part of the Your Japan 2020 Campaign, which will be led by the Japan Tourism Agency and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Win a Trip with JAL will invite international visitors to trips aboard JAL domestic flights to regional destinations in Japan. Travelers will be able to select one of four destinations recommended by JAL. The campaign will begin in late February and offer up to 100,000 seats free for travel between July and September 2020.
Mood Media Partners with Earth Fare to Enhance Customer Experience in Charlotte, NC Store Café
Mood Media recently announced a partnership with organic and natural foods grocery store Earth Fare. Mood installed multiple digital signage display options and strategies in the café of a store in Charlotte, North Carolina. The trial, which was part of a full store renovation in mid-2019, led to a 10 percent increase in the café’s eat-in food sales. “In addition to our commitment to provide clean and healthy food options for our shoppers, we are also dedicated to ensuring that our shoppers have enjoyable and memorable experiences,” said Mike Savage, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Earth Fare. “Mood Media helped us create a branded café environment that positively distinguishes us from other grocers. With new visual technologies and engaging, customized content, shoppers felt invited to eat, drink, lounge and relax.”