News Briefs
- 4/28/2026
H&M launches on Nordstrom’s online marketplace

For the first time ever, H&M is making its merchandise available on an online U.S. marketplace.
The Swedish fast-fashion giant has launched on Nordstrom Marketplace, expanding the brand's reach. It marks the brand's first launch on a curated retail marketplace in the U.S.
The platform features a selected range of specially curated H&M styles for women, men and kids, as well as the brand's sport collection, H&M Move. Styles will continue to evolve with fresh new arrivals.
“Our launch on Nordstrom Marketplace marks an important step in making H&M even more accessible to customers across the U.S.," said Kate Rogowski, head of customer activation and marketing for H&M Americas. "The platform provides a seamless new way for shoppers to discover and experience H&M where they already love to browse, complemented by Nordstrom's best‑in‑class customer experience.”
H&M currently operates nearly 500 stores across the U.S., in addition to its online site. According to a report by WWD, customers who order an H&M item from Nordstrom.com, can return it to a Nordstrom store or mail it back to Nordstrom. Customers will not be able to return the merchandise to an H&M store.
“We’re proud to welcome H&M to Nordstrom Marketplace, expanding our ability to serve more customers on more occasions," said Miguel Almeida, president of digital and customer experience at Nordstrom. "Customers shopping H&M on nordstrom.com will have access to all of the same Nordstrom services they know and love, including loyalty benefits, customer care support, styling, alterations, and returns that are fast and easy."
- 4/28/2026
Papa Johns guides customer orders with AI-based ‘digital concierge’

The world’s third-largest pizza delivery company is providing artificial intelligence help to customers placing orders via its app.
Papa Johns is unveiling Lou AI - a next-generation AI-equipped “digital concierge” available in the retailer’s app designed to help customers make decisions about orders such as how much food to order, what pizza toppings to get and what types of food (such as wings) to purchase.
Users can describe their group and their preferences and Lou AI will make real-time suggestions. Lou AI is first AI-based platform deployed through the Google Cloud Food Ordering agent and is the latest initiative in a longstanding partnership between Papa Johns, which migrated its data centers to the Google Cloud platform in 2021, and Google.
Other notable joint efforts between the two companies include the 2025 launch of a number of AI development projects, including proactive suggestion of orders based on learned customer preferences and anticipated needs, real-time website personalization, AI-driven marketing campaigns that can deliver personalized offers, and an AI chatbot.
[READ MORE: Papa Johns expands Google AI partnership]
“Let’s say you’re hosting your kid’s birthday party – the first order of business is always pizza,” said Kevin Vasconi, chief digital and technology officer at Papa Johns. “You want everyone to be happy, but how do you land on that perfect order? Lou AI is designed to take away this friction — so families and friends can spend less time deciding and more time enjoying being together.”
Lou AI, named to honor the retailer’s roots in Louisville, Ky. – is available now in the Papa Johns mobile app for iOS and Android.
Papa John's International Inc. is co-headquartered in Atlanta and in Louisville, Ky. and is the world's third-largest pizza delivery company with more than 6,000 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories.
- 4/28/2026
N.C.-based Legacy Markets acquires 10-store convenience chain

A regional convenience chain has doubled its footprint through an acquisition.
North Carolina-based Legacy Markets has announced its expansion into South Carolina with its acquisition of 10 PowerTrac convenience and liquor stores. Set to be rebranded as Triangle Stop stores, Legacy Markets now owns and operates 20 locations concentrated in southwestern North Carolina and northwestern South Carolina.
Legacy Markets has made Marathon the new branded fuel partner for the currently unbranded PowerTrac stores, providing Marathon’s fuel and loyalty benefits. In addition to enhancing the food, beverage, and merchandise programs at the PowerTrac stores, shoppers will also benefit from the addition of the Triangle Stop loyalty program and smartphone app.
PowerTrac was founded by Ankur and Krishna Patel of Piedmont, S.C. Beginning with one location, they steadily grew the business to 10 stores.
[READ MORE: Cumberland Farms to acquire 54-store Coen Markets]
“I want to congratulate Ankur and Krishna on the successful business they built,” said Jack Helmick, CEO of Legacy Markets. “We are excited to welcome their team members to the Legacy Markets family. We look forward to bringing our fast, friendly, and local philosophy to the Piedmont area."
- 4/28/2026
Bojangles opens first location in Oklahoma

A North Carolina-based quick-serve chain has expanded its footprint to another Southern state.
Fried chicken chain Bojangles has opened its first store in Oklahoma, in the northern section of Oklahoma City, the state's capital and largest city. Customers in the area will now be able to enjoy the chain’s Southern staples, including seasoned hand-breaded chicken, scratch-made biscuits and sweet tea.
Officially opened on April 28, the first 100 customers at the door received $100 gift cards, custom Bojangles merchandise including denim caps, and Oklahoma City-themed items. In addition, 10 lucky customers were randomly selected to win free breakfast for a year.
The Oklahoma entry is just the latest growth for Bojangles, which has its stores primarily located in the Southeast. Earlier this year, the chain made its debut in Michigan, and re-entered New York City after a several decade hiatus.
"We are ecstatic about introducing Bojangles to the Sooner state and bringing our unique Southern charm to its capital city," said Jose Armario, CEO of Bojangles. "Our recent expansions into markets have been met with tremendous enthusiasm, and we are confident that the community will embrace our delicious offerings with the same excitement."
[READ MORE: Bojangles expands Spanish ordering capabilities]
Founded in 1977, Bojangles operates more than 850 restaurants in 23 states.
- 4/28/2026
Albertsons offers curbside pickup of pharmacy prescriptions

Albertsons Companies Inc. is making a major addition to its curbside pickup assortment.
The supermarket/pharmacy conglomerate is expanding its free DriveUp & Go curbside pickup program to include eligible pharmacy prescriptions at more than 1,700 participating store and pharmacy locations nationwide.
Customers can place orders online or through the Albertsons store app, select a pickup time during designated pharmacy DriveUp & Go hours and pay in advance. Upon arrival, prescriptions are delivered directly to the customer’s vehicle.
Prescription pickup can be added to a grocery DriveUp & Go order as well, though no grocery purchase is required. Eligible customers who fill or transfer prescriptions to an Albertsons Cos. pharmacy for the first time can earn savings off groceries. The company began offering one-to-two-hour prescription delivery in select markets in late 2019.
[READ MORE: Albertsons writes script for fast prescription delivery]
“At Albertsons Cos., our focus is making health care simpler and more convenient for the customers we serve,” said Anthony DalPonte, president of pharmacy and health at Albertsons Cos. “Adding prescription pickup to DriveUp & Go removes friction, saves time and gives customers greater flexibility as they manage their health and wellness needs, reinforcing our commitment to a customer‑centered pharmacy experience.”
As of Feb. 28, 2026, Albertsons Cos. operated 2,244 retail food and drug stores with 1,713 in-store pharmacies, 405 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The company operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 22 banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market.
- 4/27/2026
Walmart’s annual report shows e-commerce boom

Walmart Inc. has released its first annual report under the leadership of John Furner, who took the reins as president and CEO in February.
The 2026 report illustrates the retail giant’s growing momentum in e-commerce. Walmart notched revenue growth of 5.1% in constant currency and profit growth of 5.4% on an adjusted basis for the year ended Jan. 31, 2026 (fiscal year 2026) driven by 24% global growth in e-commerce.
E-commerce sales totaled $150.4 billion and positively contributed 4.3% to the year’s comparable sales. That marks an increase from the 2.9% contribution to comps in fiscal 2025.
Walmart reported that its Walmart U.S., Sam's Club U.S. and Walmart International segments contributed to top-line expansion in FY2026.
“Our business model is getting stronger, our associates continue to come up with great ideas, and we have a strong culture and values,” stated Furner. “The consistency of our results reflects strong execution in our core business, digital innovation, re-imagining how we accelerate delivery speed, and business mix.”
Walmart chairman Greg Penner noted that like any investment — whether in AI, automation or store and club expansion and remodel programs — Walmart views capital deployment through the lens of return on investment, and "I’m pleased with the discipline we have."
"This will ensure that we can scale newer, tech-powered businesses alongside our core retail operations to drive growth at a lower marginal cost,” he stated.
To view, Walmart’s 2026 annual report, click here.