The 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season returns from Jan. 18 through March 1, 2026, with more than 12,000 Girl Scouts in grades K–12 from over 90 communities across central and northern Arizona, including the Navajo Nation and Hopi Lands, putting their entrepreneurial and leadership abilities into action. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program … [More]
How CX (Customer Experience) Can Combat Customer Churn
Businesses should note that CX doesn’t stop at customer service
In today’s hyper-competitive market, customer loyalty can’t be taken for granted. Even long-standing customers are quick to move on if their experience falls short of expectations. That reality makes customer experience (CX) one of the most powerful levers for reducing churn. By focusing on seamless interactions, personalized service and proactive support, businesses can … [More]
Strategic Impact Partners Aligns Clients’ Brands with Heart
Strategic Impact Partners is a national visibility firm that helps businesses and executives align their external presence with their internal values. “Through on-demand photography, executive visibility consulting and strategic storytelling, we elevate the way organizations show up in the world — capturing their leadership, culture and community impact in ways that build … [More]
The Hidden YES: Decoding Consumer Psychology to Boost Sales in Finance and Insurance
Customers don’t need more reasons to say “yes” — they need fewer reasons to say “no.” Those in finance or insurance know this frustration all too well. Great products. Compelling offers. Yet still customers hesitate, delay, disappear. More often than not, the problem isn't the pitch. It's the invisible psychological barriers standing in their way. Matt Sucha is one of the … [More]
Celebrity Chef’s Sauce Line Launches with National Distribution from Arizona Retail Partner
James Beard Award-winning celebrity chef Scott Conant, celebrated for his soulful approach to Italian cooking in acclaimed restaurants around the world and longtime judge on Food Network's "Chopped," debuts MARTONE STREET™, a line of premium tomato sauces that bring restaurant-quality flavor to home kitchens while paying tribute to the childhood home where his culinary journey … [More]
Report: AI Improved Speed, Not Satisfaction, in 2025 Holiday Shopping
Artificial Intelligence surged throughout the 2025 holiday shopping season, but consumers remain divided on its impact. New data from the Liveops 2025 Holiday AI & Customer Service Report shows that nearly 8 in 10 consumers (78%) have used AI or automation for customer service this season, and 73% say they’ve relied on it more than last year. Yet despite its ubiquity, only … [More]
Auto Retail Sees Power Shift as AI Puts More Control in Hands of Consumers
The narrative surrounding Artificial Intelligence in the auto retail industry is fundamentally shifting. As 2025 closes, aggregate data reveals that AI is not merely an operational efficiency tool for dealerships; it has become the car buyer’s most valuable co-pilot, dramatically benefiting consumers through transparency, speed, and personalized leverage. The impact of AI on … [More]
Valley Retail Momentum Continues with Experiential Jewelry Pop-Up in Old Town
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Origami Owl has opened a limited time pop-up store in Old Town Scottsdale, bringing its signature personalized jewelry experience to one of Arizona's premier shopping destinations. Open now, the 800-square-foot space will invite locals and visitors to create custom jewelry pieces through spring 2026. "This pop-up is a homecoming … [More]
35,000-SF Electronics Superstore Set to Open in Phoenix
Micro Center, a national retailer of computers and electronic devices, will open its new Phoenix store on November 7, 2025. The Phoenix location will mark a major milestone as Micro Center’s 30th store in the U.S. and the first in the state of Arizona, bringing the retailer’s legendary tech expertise and hands-on experience to the vibrant and rapidly growing Phoenix tech … [More]
Community-Focused Retail Arrives at Eastmark, Construction Underway
Common Bond Development Group, the award-winning development team behind the world-renowned Global Ambassador Hotel, Park at 83 in Peoria, and a wide portfolio of best-in-class lifestyle destinations anchored by Fox Restaurant Concepts and Upward Projects, has officially broken ground on Eastmarket at Eastmark, a new, community-focused retail destination in the heart of Mesa’s … [More]
Queen Creek Retail Growth Continues with Major Anchor Opening
Vestar, one of the largest privately held shopping center owners and managers in the western United States, has announced the highly anticipated grand opening of Target at Vineyard Towne Center in Queen Creek, Arizona. The 145,000-square-foot store will officially open its doors to the public at 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, becoming the second Target location in Queen Creek and the … [More]
Selling to Younger Buyers – It’s a New World
3 points sales professionals must know about style-matching
Salespeople are getting older. Buyers are getting younger. So: a disconnect. In raw terms, the average age of a professional B2B salesperson in the United States is 47.1 years old. Fifteen years ago, that number was 42, so the sales profession is graying. Meanwhile, the average age of a B2B purchasing agent right now is 36 years old. In fact, according to a 2024 survey, … [More]
National Fashion Retailer Plans Goodyear Store, Deepening West Valley Retail Mix
Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. announced plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in Goodyear, AZ in spring 2027. "We look forward to being a part of the Goodyear community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices," said Gemma Lionello, President of Nordstrom Rack. "We're excited to grow our footprint in the … [More]
Old Town Scottsdale Luxury Retailer Expands, Creating Immersive Shopping Experience
Luv Luxe, Old Town Scottsdale’s go-to destination for pre-luved designer handbags, has undergone an exciting expansion to elevate its store and create a more immersive shopping experience for its loyal clientele. With over a decade of presence in the Valley and a growing demand for high-end resale, Luv Luxe has increased its space to accommodate more inventory from top tier … [More]
27,000 SF Tempe Retail Project Breaks Ground; 75% Pre-Leased
Thompson Thrift, a full-service nationally recognized real estate company, announced that construction is underway on South Tempe Square, a 27,000-square-foot neighborhood shopping center in the heart of Tempe. "The city of Tempe has been a great partner as we've worked to thoughtfully develop South Tempe Square," said Dan Sink, president and chief financial … [More]
Scottsdale Hearing Aid Co. Announces Expansion with Major Retail Partnership
Audien Hearing, the No. 1-selling over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid brand, announced that its flagship Atom One and Atom Pro 2 hearing aids will be available in Walgreens stores, as well as on walgreens.com and in the Walgreens app, this month. The rollout marks Audien's entry into retail pharmacy, advancing its mission to make hearing support more affordable and accessible … [More]
Arizona Retailers: New Law Targets Transnational Criminal Networks Exploiting Consumers
Governor Katie Hobbs has signed SB 1351 into law, a critical piece of legislation aimed at addressing the concern of gift card fraud in Arizona. Once considered isolated incidents, gift card fraud has evolved into a coordinated operation run by transnational criminal organizations. These networks exploit consumers, retailers, and gift card processors, using stolen redemption … [More]
Popcorn Shop Pops Up at Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4
Travel days just got a lot more delicious. Garrett Popcorn Shops, the world-famous purveyor of handcrafted gourmet popcorn, has officially landed in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 4, with a sleek new walk-up shop designed by Ideation Design Group (IDG). Located in one of the busiest terminals at Sky Harbor, the new Garrett Popcorn location … [More]
