This is the first issue of the Co-Lab Exchange newsletter, an internal publication for the RRHI Store Expansion Department. It documents the launch of a new collaborative meeting format that replaces the traditional Store Expansion Coordination Meeting. The newsletter is intended for team members across business units involved in retail expansion. The issue opens with an editor's note explaining…
This is the first issue of the Co-Lab Exchange newsletter, an internal publication for the RRHI Store Expansion Department. It documents the launch of a new collaborative meeting format that replaces the traditional Store Expansion Coordination Meeting. The newsletter is intended for team members across business units involved in retail expansion.
The issue opens with an editor's note explaining the rebranding from a coordination meeting to the Co-Lab Exchange. It describes the first gathering on January 16, 2026, which brought together representatives from site sourcing, lease management, and various retail concepts to share plans and align priorities.
A section titled "The People Behind" lists presenters from different business units, including Robinsons Supermarket, Shopwise, Toys "R" Us, DIY Group, Robinsons Appliances, Southstar Drug, and Premium Bikes. Each presenter shared their expansion outlook, covering topics like co-location, right-sizing, and network health.
The newsletter includes a "By the Numbers" section showing 2025 store network figures and 2026 outlooks for 19 business units. It lists current and projected store counts for concepts such as Robinsons Supermarket, Shopwise, Handyman, Daiso, and Premium Bikes, with the latter targeting 238 stores in 2026 and 338 by 2030.
"What We Heard" summarizes key takeaways from the launch, emphasizing collaboration over silos, data-driven expansion decisions, and the understanding that growth can take many forms beyond new stores. Lease management is highlighted as integral to network health.
The final sections outline the "Expansion Mindset" for 2026, including new stores, relocations, renovations, and the Lease Intelligence Agent pilot. The issue concludes by announcing the DIY Group as the next Co-Lab Exchange architects, passing the baton for the next collaborative session.