News Briefs

A discount retail giant is on the hunt for new suppliers.

Dollar General has announced its annual Call for Small Businesses, which invites U.S.-based small businesses that have not sold products to the company within the last 18 months to learn more about supplier opportunities. The retailer says its 2026 program  builds on a multi-year initiative to increase engagement with a variety of small businesses.

The program provides certified vendors with the opportunity to learn and develop through the company’s SBD Academy, resources to support product discovery, access to services that provide funding, counseling and training, and more.

Interested and eligible small businesses may apply online here now through Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, and selected businesses will attend virtual meetings with Dollar General’s Small Business Development (SBD) team this fall. 

[READ MORE: Dollar General offers 2025 back-to-school prices, teacher perks]

“At Dollar General, our mission of Serving Others is grounded in providing meaningful products to our customers, and we are committed to engaging with a wide variety of vendors and suppliers across the country to help us fulfill that promise,” said Bryan Wheeler, Dollar General’s executive VP and chief merchandising officer. “We look forward to connecting with small businesses, learning about their offerings and exploring opportunities to collectively deliver the products our customers want and need.”

As of May 1, 2026, Dollar General Corporation operated 21,055 Dollar General, DG Market, DGX and Popshelf stores across the United States and Mi Súper Dollar General stores in Mexico.

Shipt continues to expand beyond grocery.

The same-day delivery company is partnering with DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, giving members access to same-day delivery of footwear and accessories during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. Through the partnership, nearly 75 million households nationwide will be able to access same-day delivery from DSW stores through the Shipt app and Shipt.com.

The launch comes as new research commissioned by Shipt and conducted by Morning Consult found that 71% of parents say that no matter how early they start preparing, they still end up making a last-minute back-to-school purchase

The partnership with DSW builds on Shipt's continued expansion across retail categories as its grow its marketplace through partnerships with retailers, including Michaels, Office Depot, OfficeMax, CVS, Lowe's and DSW. 

"Back-to-school is filled with meaningful moments, but it rarely goes according to plan," said Katie Stratton, chief growth and strategy officer at Shipt. "Whether it's realizing your child needs a new pair of sneakers before school starts or, for me personally, a last-minute scramble to accessorize a themed day, these moments matter. Through our partnership with DSW, we're making it easier for families to adapt with the personalized care, communication and flexibility that Shipt and our shoppers with Shipt are known for." 

DSW operates approximately 523 stores in the U.S. and Canada.

David’s Bridal has unveiled a hybrid retail format. 

The  bridal and special occasion dress retailer has opened a dedicated outlet shop-in-shop in its existing location at the River Valley Center McAllen, Texas. The shop is David Bridal’s first in-store outlet shopping destination, with the retailer planning to open additional outlet shops throughout the country in 2026.

The shop-in-shop features “outlet priced” wedding, bridesmaid, prom, mother-of-the-bride and wedding guest and special occasion dresses, along with the retailer's complete assortment of designer bridal and special occasion collections. Shoppers will continue to receive a personalized in-store experience, while stylists will be able to guide outlet shoppers, the company said.

[READ MORE: David’s Bridal CEO Kelly Cook discusses chain’s tech transformation]

“This is about delivering more choice, more value and more reasons to shop at David's," said Heather Braddock, chief global operations and transformation officer. "Whether a customer is searching for a designer wedding dress, an incredible outlet find or a complete bridal experience, she can now discover it all in one place, starting with our McAllen, Texas location. The Outlet Shop by David's Bridal reimagines how today's brides and special occasion shoppers experience our stores."

David’s Bridal operates more than 180 stores across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Cos, the upscale men’s and women’s fashion brand of Sweden’s H&M Group known for its clean lines and minimalist stylings, is looking to expand in footprint in North America.

Cos is focused on growing in the U.S. and Mexico, reported WWD, and has signed leases for stores at three Westfield shopping centers. The locations include stores at Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, Calif., and Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie, Ill, both of which are due to open this fall, according to the report, and Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, N.J., opening in 2027.

In partnership with Mexican real estate developer and architectural and design firm. Retail Fashion Group, Cos will open six franchised locations in Mexico starting this fall. In other moves, Cos recently debuted on the Nordstrom marketplace. The brand first with department store retailer in 2022 as a wholesale partner.

In a statement to WWD, Cos said that its expansion reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to the North America/Central American market “and its broader omnichannel growth strategy.”

“Each space will reflect COS’ architectural language: defined by considered materials, clean lines and a refined, modern aesthetic,” the company said.

To read the full WWD report, click here.

Cos (which stands for Collection of Style) currently operates 12 stores in North America, with seven in the U.S., seven in Canada and one in Mexico. According to its website, the brand has 252 stores in 50 markets and online stores in 38 markets.

A longstanding Canadian steakhouse chain has its first delivery partner.

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar, which operates over 100 locations across Canada and the United States, has made its delivery debut exclusively on DoorDash. Guests in both countries can now order the chain’s steaks, appetizers, sides, desserts and more and have it delivered to their doors.

“Delivery represents a new chapter for The Keg as we can offer the same level of care and intention we bring to every guest experience, but now directly to our guests’ homes,” said Jason Butler, senior VP of operations at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar, which was founded in 1971. “DoorDash shares our commitment to quality. That alignment made them the right partner to help us bring The Keg experience to countless households across North America for the first time.”

To celebrate the launch, guests can enjoy $10 off a delivery order of $40 or more from The Keg on DoorDash from July 23 Aug. 5, 2026 using promo code KEG10 (Canada) or 10KEG (United States) at checkout, while supplies last. DashPass members also receive $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders from The Keg on DoorDash.

[READ MORE: DoorDash integrates delivery services with Shopify]

“The Keg has built an incredible reputation as one of the most trusted restaurant brands in Canada and as a dining partner in celebrating life’s most meaningful moments,” said Vishwa Chandra, VP of enterprise restaurant partnerships at DoorDash. “We’re incredibly proud to be The Keg’s exclusive delivery partner, playing a small part in the moments that will be created at home.”

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, DoorDash provides on-demand delivery services in 25 countries across the globe.

Pacsun is teaming up with the country’s largest beauty brand.

The teen apparel and accessories retailer is partnering with beauty giant Ulta Beauty to launch an exclusive fashion and beauty collaboration. The limited-edition Pacsun x Ulta Beauty Collection collection, which pairs Pacsun's signature fashion perspective with curated beauty essentials, launches in Pacsun's SoHo store in New York City on July 28, before it expands to more than 100 Pacsun doors nationwide and online on Aug. 6.  

The collection includes two collaboratively curated beauty essential kits, The Lip Statement Kit and The Glow Authority, featuring top brands popular with Pacsun shoppers. It also includes an exclusive limited-edition hoodie.

The beauty essential kits will also be available at select Ulta Beauty stores, on ulta.com, and on TikTok Shop beginning Aug. 2. The hoodie will be available on ulta.com and TikTok Shop starting Aug. 6. 

[READ MORE: Domino's Pizza exec joins Ulta Beauty C-suite]

"At Pacsun, we're always looking for new ways to connect with our community through partnerships that feel authentic to their lifestyle," said Richard Cox, chief merchandising officer of Pacsun. "Our partnership with Ulta Beauty brings together two brands that celebrate self-expression, confidence and individuality. By combining Pacsun's fashion-first perspective with Ulta Beauty's leadership in beauty, we're creating an exciting new destination where our guests can discover products that reflect who they are."