Savers Value Village is launching a new AI tool, ThriftIQ, to assist in product pricing. The tool is already live in 58 test stores, having priced about 25 million items thus far. “We’re getting clear sell-throughs, larger baskets, it’s helping our new stores ramp more favorably, and obviously there is the profitability improvements,” CEO Mark Walsh said (more).

Culver’s is beefing up its supply chain by working with Armada Supply Chain Solutions to support its ongoing expansion of 50-55 stores per year. “We selected Armada because they demonstrated the expertise, technology, and commitment required to support our long-term growth strategy,” said Adam Shrif, chief supply chain officer for Culver’s (more).

Hot Topic is slated to be acquired by Spencer Spirit Holdings — parent of Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween — in a deal reportedly estimated to rest at a value of ~$350 million. “The strategic transaction unites six iconic, highly complementary retail concepts under one umbrella, expanding the combined company’s total footprint to more than 3,000 stores across North America,” Spencer said in a statement (more).

WK Kellogg has announced that its entire portfolio of cereals will be free of artificial colors by the end of 2026. “More and more consumers are looking for foods made with simple, recognizable ingredients and we are proud to meet those expectations, even sooner than planned,” said exec Doug VanDeVelde (more).

RetailMeNot is launching an AI-based rewards app, one with one key feature that shoppers are sure to love: the promise of a working code every time one is presented, rather than the oft-frustrating practice of trying multiple useless codes. “The RetailMeNot Rewards app gives consumers confidence that they’ll get verified savings while making every shopping trip more personalized,” said Magali Darling, chief commercial officer at RetailMeNot (more).