News Briefs

Kroger is launching a new artificial intelligence-powered tool to help customers shop.

The grocery giant’s new AI Shopping Assistant is now available across the Kroger family of companies’ websites and apps. Customers can use the new Kroger AI Shopping Assistant to plan meals for the week, find new recipes and build a cart around budget and dietary needs.

Within the tool, users can also snap a photo of a written list or recipe card, or paste a URL, and the digital assistant will find the products and create a cart in seconds. The tool can also help users plan for any occasion with tailored product suggestions and shopping lists based on events.

"We continue to invest in digital tools that make shopping simpler, more intuitive and more convenient for our customers," said Yael Cosset, executive VP and chief digital officer at Kroger. "The AI Shopping Assistant is another example of how we're using technology and AI to help families plan, discover and shop more easily."

[READ MORE: Kroger Co. in $1.65 billion deal to acquire Giant Eagle]

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, The Kroger Co. operates approximately 2,800 stores under a variety of banners across the U.S., including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick 'n Save, Metro Market and Mariano's.

American Eagle Outfitters is expanding its distribution center footprint.

The apparel retailer will establish a new distribution center in Salisbury, N.C. (Rowan County) investing $41 million and creating more than 200 full-time jobs. The news was announced in a press release from RowanEDC. 

American Eagle will occupy a 472,890-sq.-ft. facility at Innovation Logistics Center in Salisbury. The center is expected to begin operations in early 2027.

The facility will provide the retailer with a new distribution hub for the Southeastern United States.

"North Carolina offers the workforce, infrastructure and strategic location needed to continue powering our brands and connecting us to customers," Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman and CEO of American Eagle Outfitters, said in a release from North Carolina's Department of Commerce. "We're proud to have a presence in Rowan County and are excited about what this facility means for the long-term growth of our supply chain and distribution network."

A performance-based grant of $150,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will be awarded to AE Regional Distribution Co. to help the company locate in North Carolina. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. 

Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. AEO must create 70 jobs to receive One NC grant payments. All OneNC grants require matching participation from local governments, and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

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.

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.

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.