Big efficiency wins don’t always require big changes. At Midland, we helped a client cut 65+ hours of manual labor per week by automating just one part of their packaging process.

Did you know that messing up can be good for your brand in the long run? Find out more with Lauren Ackerman, VP of Client Strategy at J.Schmid as she walks through the five key moments that drive customer loyalty. watch video at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/5-key-moments-that-drive-customer-loyalty/

A U.K.-based company ranks as the fastest-growing retailer in the U.S. following its acquisition of Alabama-based Hibbett in 2024. J.D Sports tops the National Retail Federation’s “2025 Hot 25 Retailers” list compiled by Kantar. The annual study ranks the fastest-growing retailers in the U.S. based on increases in domestic sales between 2023 and 2024.   JD Sports achieved 41.5% domestic sales growth after adding nearly 1,200 Hibbett, City Gear and Sports Addition stores across 36 states in a deal valued at approximately $1.1 billion. (List of all 25 retailers at end of article.) Rounding out the top five are Primark at No. 2 with 30% sales growth, followed by Uniqlo parent Fast Retailing (27.7%), Shell (26.8%) and Abercrombie & Fitch (15.2%). Primark and Abercrombie & Fitch both jumped two spots on this year’s list, while Fast Retailing remained at No. 3 for the second year in a row.

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) today announced the renewal of its partnership with Hunger Task Force and a $750,000 commitment over the next year to ensure more Milwaukee-area children, families, and seniors have access to healthy, free food. Coming at a time of growing need, the donation extends Kohl’s hometown partnership with Hunger Task Force and will help sustain its network of more than 60 food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters. Funding will also help fill the gap in food access that many youth face during the summer through next year’s Summer Meals Program. “Together with Hunger Task Force, we’re strengthening access to healthy food for families across Milwaukee at a critical time right now when so many need extra assistance during the holidays,” said Christie Raymond, Kohl’s chief marketing officer. “We’re proud of our longstanding partnership and are working to immediately minimize the gaps in nutritious food resources for our community. If you are looking to help neighbors in need this season, we encourage you to please join us in supporting Hunger Task Force.” Kohl’s Cares has contributed more than $12 million to Hunger Task Force since 2009, fueling programs that have delivered more than 1.3 million suppers for youth through the Summer Meals Program and 3.5 million pounds of healthy food served across its network.