Guest Contributors

Summer 2025 airport visits lag overall YoY since February, hinting at a slower season. Despite this, New England and Northwest states show growth. Specific DMAs in Florida and California also defied overall declines. This suggests travelers are more discerning, impacting broader travel patterns.

FSRs show resilience in 2025. Casual and upscale dining saw mostly positive YoY visits. Casual dining's per-location growth reflects rightsizing success. Steakhouses and American-style restaurants grew share, while Mexican declined. Strong per-location trends signal industry resilience moving forward.

Starbucks faces stiff competition and flat visit frequency. Its "Back to Starbucks" plan focuses on innovation and experience to boost loyalty. Despite challenges, the brand's core customer base remains stable, positioning it for a potential turnaround through strategic in-store enhancements.

Darden is considering ceasing Bahama Breeze operations after 15 closures. Visit data shows consistent YoY declines, with 2025 being particularly challenging. The brand's foot traffic struggles suggest a strategic pivot or more drastic measures may be ahead for the remaining restaurants.

The US economy shows a split. Retail visits rebounded in May-June, driven by value and promotions, after a slow start. This consumer resilience contrasts with a slowdown in manufacturing and port activity since May, as businesses brace for potential tariff volatility in H2 2025.

Limited-service dining thrives. Coffee's growth is led by small chains and affluent visitors. Short visits boost coffee and fast-casual. Chicken's share grew, impacting burger chains. The category evolves through diverse strategies, showcasing resilience.

Big Lots' relaunch leverages deep discounts and a treasure-hunt model. Reopened stores attract shoppers, drawing a higher-income demographic. This strategy positions the brand for growth by appealing to value-seeking customers.

Limited-edition product launches powerfully drive retail traffic. Trader Joe's Mini Totes and Target's Kate Spade launch show how manufactured scarcity and non-price incentives engage diverse consumers, proving their enduring power in today's market.