Portland, Maine's celebrated dining scene is operating under pressure these days. At least 15 Portland restaurants closed during 2025, while more than 60 restaurant closures were recorded across Maine that year. The strain has continued into 2026, with Portland establishments announcing shutdowns, including Noble Pizzeria & Barbecue and the 34-year-old Fresh Approach Meat Market. Restaurant owners across Maine also report cutting lunch service or closing on slower weekdays because staffing has become harder and housing costs make it difficult for workers to live nearby.

Spot 9 red flags before hiring a gutter contractor in 2026. 12 vetting questions, regional cost data, and the 3-quote rule for US homeowners.

Walmart wants your groceries at the door before the ice cream softens. On May 29, the retailer said its 30-minute-or-less delivery had reached 33 U.S. markets, adding a wave of new cities across the Northeast. Shoppers in those areas can order from more than 100,000 items, everything from fresh produce and baby formula to pet food, electronics, cold medicine, and prescriptions. Behind the scenes, the service leans on Walmart's store network and an algorithm that factors in order size, available drivers, and distance from the store.

Trader Joe's keeps adding stores, and shoppers keep showing up. The California grocer has marked nine more locations as "opening soon," pushing its expansion into new corners of the country. The grocer also took first place in the American Customer Satisfaction Index's 2026 supermarket rankings. It has held a spot near the top of that list for years.

Target is rolling out its most ambitious store overhaul in more than ten years, with plans to remodel over 130 locations and open 30 new stores across the country this year. The retailer is also putting money into supply chain technology upgrades to keep pace with how shoppers buy today.

Bob's Discount Furniture is growing while its competitors shrink. The Manchester, Connecticut-based retailer reported strong fourth-quarter results in its first earnings call since going public in February, with revenue climbing 8.2% to $648.8 million. Full-year net revenue jumped 16.8% to $2.4 billion, and net income rose to $121.7 million from $87.9 million the prior year. CEO Bill Barton told analysts the company plans to open about 20 new stores in 2026 and sees a path to more than 500 locations by 2035, roughly two and a half times its current 209-store footprint across 26 states.

Kroger is spending $112 million to build two new stores and renovate 15 existing locations across central and northwest Ohio. The company calls it a "record-breaking" commitment to the region. The two new Kroger Marketplace stores will rise in Canal Winchester and Delaware, Ohio, each costing roughly $30 million to build. Kroger broke ground on the Canal Winchester location on March 19 at the southeast corner of Diley Road and Greengate Boulevard. The 118,000-square-foot store is expected to open in late fall 2026 and will create around 250 jobs.

Loblaw Companies Limited is putting serious money into its retail network this year. Canada's largest food and pharmacy retailer announced it will spend $2.4 billion in 2026 to open new stores, renovate existing locations and strengthen its supply chain. The company plans to open 70 new stores in 2026. That includes 34 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix pharmacies and care clinics, along with 31 hard-discount No Frills and Maxi grocery stores. On top of the new openings, Loblaw will renovate another 191 stores and continue construction on a roughly 1.2 million-square-foot automated distribution center in Caledon, Ontario.

The Swedish home furnishings giant announced it will open 10 new U.S. stores in 2026 - up from the six originally planned. The expansion comes after a strong 2025 fiscal year that saw the company post $5.3 billion in total sales, including $1.9 billion in e-commerce. The new locations will pop up across the country:

The rental market in New York can be tricky: prices fluctuate and some companies add unnecessary insurance or extra fees. Travelers recommend booking early because making a reservation several months ahead can lower your price. It's also important to pick a reputable company and read the terms carefully to avoid hidden charges. Below you'll find local advice on where to find affordable car rental in New York and why Drivo stands out.