For its second quarter 2026 that ended in mid-July 2026, Domino’s Pizza, Inc., the largest pizza company in the world, announced a three percent increase in global retail sales, excluding foreign currency impact, U.S. same store sales growth of 0.1 percent, and a 0.1 percent decline in international same store sales. Global net store growth was 209 stores, including 26 net store openings in the U.S. and 183 net store openings internationally. Founded in 1960, the quick service Domino’s Pizza has more than 22,500 stores in over 90 markets. Its system is comprised of independent franchise owners who accounted for 99 percent of Domino’s stores as of the end of the second quarter of 2026. In the U.S. (Domino’s Pizza – www.dominos.com)……….
Jersey Mike’s Subs Inc. announced this week that it has commenced a roadshow for its proposed initial public offering. The company has filed its prospectus with the SEC, with expectations to raise up to $1.09 billion(US). Shares are expected to be priced between $21 and $25 each, that would give the chain a market of almost $8-billion(US). Introduced in New Jersey in 1956, Jersey Mike’s Subs is a fast-casual restaurant franchisor with more than 3,300 locations across the United States and Canada. (Jersey Mike’s Subs Inc. – www.jerseymikes.com)…………..
LILYSILK, a leading silk brand, has opened its first European retail store at Oberpollinger, one of Munich’s premier department stores. The opening expands LILYSILK’s international retail presence and offers European customers a new way to experience the brand’s silk craftsmanship in person, following the launch of its New York concept store and its first Asian flagship store in Hong Kong. Located on the second floor of Oberpollinger at Neuhauser Straße 18, the store presents a curated selection of LILYSILK fashion, home and lifestyle products. The assortment includes silk bedding and home textiles, premium apparel for women, loungewear, fashion accessories, and cashmere and wool pieces. (LILYSILK – www.lilysilk.com )……….
The Board of Directors of Calgary Co-operative Association Ltd has announced the appointment of Andrew Clarke as CEO. “After a thorough search process, we’re tremendously excited, proud and fortunate to have attracted someone of Andrew’s caliber to the Calgary Co-op, a true leader who understands our cooperative principles” said Sandy Edmonstone, Board Chair, Calgary Co-op. “Andrew brings the right mix of drive to increase the bottom line and will lead our cooperative with passionate vision.” Spanning more than 30 years in retail, Clarke brings extensive experience on four continents and in more than a dozen countries, beginning at Marks & Spencer in the UK, through senior retail roles in Europe, the United States, and beyond. (Calgary Co-operative Association Ltd. – www.calgarycoop.com)……….
The United States is set to impose a new 50 percent tariff on a broad range of Canadian-origin goods, including apparel and textiles, effective , under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The measure marks the first use of Section 338 and applies to products across textile and apparel, including knitwear, woven garments, and various made-up textile articles.
Unlike previous tariff measures, there is no exemption for goods that comply with the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, placing qualifying Canadian products on the same footing as all other Canadian imports.
The tariff applies based on the date goods enter the U.S., making shipment timing critical for exporters. While the U.S. government could still modify the duty rate, product coverage, or implementation date, the proposed action has created significant uncertainty for Canadian businesses.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned the tariffs as a unilateral violation of CUSMA and stated that Canada is prepared to negotiate while taking necessary measures to protect Canadian workers and the economy. Many observers believe the tariffs are intended to strengthen the U.S. negotiating position and may ultimately face legal challenges……….
While the 340-million U.S. population is attractive to Canadian exporters, because of proximity and similarities, businesses, and this includes franchisors as well as expanding retail and restaurant companies, there are other markets that might be explored. Mexico, for example, has a population of over 133-million of which about 40 percent is considered middle class income level. India, with a population that exceeds 1.48-billion has a growing middle class that comprises over 430-million people. The middle-class spending population in the European countries represents over 60 percent of the population.
Now, compare that to the U.S. middle class that accounts for roughly 51 percent of the population and it would appear that there are some more markets to explore. There are entrepreneurs that want to do business, be they in New York City, Mexico City or New Delhi.
Have a great day…………..