News Briefs

Walgreens is adding a new way for CPG brand partners to deliver promotional messages to shoppers in its stores.

The pharmacy giant, which in 2020 launched the Walgreens Advertising Group (WAG) retail media network based on its customer insights and first-party data, will implement in-store screens from Looma to 1,200 store locations by early 2027.

“We’re investing in stronger customer experiences, smarter audiences, advanced measurement, and one of the most exciting in-store media platforms in retail,” John Storms, digital and retail media VP, Walgreens, said in a LinkedIn post announcing the planned implementation. “The future is connected, and we're excited to build it with our partners.”

Looma's technology enables remote content management, digitizes end cap and other space planning, and provides full-funnel performance measurement. The content that airs on Looma’s network is produced or edited by a global network of independent filmmakers, editors and creators who specialize in point-of-decision content.

Retailers including BJ’s and Kroger have also implemented Looma advertising screens in their stores.

In December 2025, Walgreens partnered with data collaboration platform LiveRamp to enhance measurement of first-party data (information it directly collects from customers) across all advertising channels, including programmatic, connected TV, social, search, and buy- and sell-side platforms.

[READ MORE: Walgreens increases advertiser data access with new partnership]

Founded in 1901, Walgreens operates approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. 

Neighborhood Intelligence Inc., formerly known as Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., has canceled a deal that would have added more companies to its portfolio.

The company,  whose brands include Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock, BuyBuy Bavy Kirkland’s, The Container Store, Elfa and Closet Works and more, is not moving forward with its planned acquisition of F9 Brands Inc., which was announced in April.  F9 Brands Inc. owns and operates Lumber Liquidators as well as Cabinets To Go, Gracious Home / Thos. Baker, and Southwind Building Products,

In addition, F9 Brands offers integrated financing solutions including credit cards, HELOC, and credit union programs.  When the deal was first announced, Bed Bath & Beyony said the transaction wouldrepresent an additional step in building a national, fully integrated home services platform under a concept the company calls “Beyond Home Services.”

“We determined F9 was unable to satisfy all closing requirements within the contemplated timeframe,” the company stated in a release. “Neighborhood will not proceed with the acquisition or enter into a commercial or strategic collaboration with F9. The companies will continue to operate independently, and the terms and economics of the previously announced acquisition agreement are no longer in effect. “

In a statement, Neighborhood Intelligence CEO Marcus Lemonis said that “disciplined capital allocation and protecting shareholder value are central to how we evaluate every transaction.”

In this case, we determined the seller was unable to satisfy the closing conditions, which are essential to our confidence in any business we acquire,” he added. "We remain focused on the strength of the Home Services platform, anchored by Elfa, Closet Works and SFV Construction Services, and on pursuing opportunities that meet our strategic, financial, and operational standards.”

Boot Barn Holdings Inc. is streamlining its entire product development process.

The rapidly growing retailer of Western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories has successfully gone live with the Centric product lifecycle management (PLM) platform. 

Utilizing Centric PLM, Boot Barn centralizes product data and documentation, streamlines workflows, and creates greater visibility across design, merchandising, technical design, sourcing and cross-functional teams. The retailer is seeking to enable faster, more informed decision-making while accelerating product development and improving operational efficiency.

In addition, Boot Barn intends to improve internal and external vendor visibility and establish a single source of truth for product information. The retailer is transforming its product development process as it continues to expand its Executive Brands private label assortment and executes a growth strategy with a long-term goal of more than doubling its current footprint to reach 1,200 stores nationwide.

[READ MORE: Boot Barn raises guidance, hikes store count goal to 1,200 amid Western boom]

One of the world’s best-known toy brands is expanding its retail footprint in Canada.

The Lego Group will open three new Lego Store locations in Canada in the coming months, marking what it says is its largest expansion in the country in more than five years. The stores will open across the Greater Toronto Area this fall, including at CF Markville in Markham (Sept. 11), CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Oct. 23) and Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga (Nov. 6).

Lego Group says the Canadian expansion reflects its continued investment in physical retail and experiential shopping, while bringing the brand to cities that have never had a dedicated Lego Brand retail location.

[READ MORE: Colliers: How ‘kidults’ are fueling sales of toys and collectibles]

To celebrate each opening, the Lego Group is inviting local communities to "Add Your Piece," a special opening weekend initiative that encourages builders of all ages to participate in interactive experiences and collaborative activities that celebrate the creativity and character of their city.

Founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932, The Lego Group’s products are sold in more than 120 countries worldwide. The company has a total of more than 1,100 stores across the globe.

The largest outlet mall in Oklahoma has changed hands.

New York City-based real estate investment firm Lightstone has acquired OKC Outlets,  a 394,280-sq.-ft open-air outlet center in Oklahoma City, for $80 million, or $203 per square foot.

Lightstone said that as of July 2026, occupied square feet at OKC Outlets was 97.5%, and the center was leased to 94 national and regional tenants. Touted as the only center within a 100-plus mile trade area of Oklahoma City, tenants at OKC Outlets include Old Navy, Adidas, Gap, Levi’s, Aeropostale, American Eagle and more, alongside several quick-serve and fast-casual eateries.

“Lightstone's strategy is to preserve this current cash flow while incrementally improving the merchandising mix and tenant lineup as leases roll, supplemented by low-capital value drivers,” the company said, adding that OKC Outlets sees approximately 2.6 million annual visits.

[READ MORE: Placer.ai: Why Ikea will open its first Oklahoma store in its second-biggest market]

The acquisition brings Lightstone’s retail portfolio to five Class A outlet properties totaling approximately 2.4 million square feet.

First opened in 2011 as The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City, the property was developed by Horizon Group Properties and CBL & Associates Properties. It was renamed to OKC Outlets in 2017 following its acquisition by Singerman Real Estate.

An organic and natural grocery chain is entering a new third-party delivery partnership.

Natural Grocers is offering on-demand and scheduled delivery of its product assortment, including food, dietary supplements, body care and household essentials, from all 174 stores nationwide via the DoorDash app. As part of the offering, a DoorDash driver will shop a customer's requested products from a local Natural Grocers store and deliver them directly to the address provided.

"At Natural Grocers, we've spent more than 70 years helping customers access high-quality natural and organic products at affordable prices," said Raquel Isely, VP of marketing at Natural Grocers. "This partnership with DoorDash gives customers another convenient way to shop our stores while continuing to enjoy the quality standards, value and trusted products that define the Natural Grocers experience."

Natural Grocers has also been partnering with delivery provider Instacart since 2015.

Natural Grocers brings rewards program online

Natural Grocers' free member rewards program, {N}power, is also integrated into the retailer’s online shopping experience. Members who enter the phone number associated with their account can access eligible {N}power pricing, just as they do in stores. Customers are not required to create an account to place an order, although membership offers additional savings and benefits.

[READ MORE: Natural Grocers to open first Wisconsin store]

Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc. is headquartered in Lakewood, Colo., and operates 174 stores in 22 states. Launched in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, DoorDash provides on-demand delivery services in 25 countries across the globe.