DEERFIELD, Ill. —Walgreens Boots Alliance has announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specializing in retail and consumer investments. The deal, valued at up to $23.7 billion, positions WBA for future growth as a private company after nearly a century as a publicly traded one.

The transaction, unanimously approved by the WBA Board of Directors, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending shareholder approval and regulatory clearance. xcc

Under the agreement, WBA shareholders will receive $11.45 per share in cash at closing and one non-transferable Divested Asset Proceed Right (DAP Right) per share, potentially worth up to $3.00. This represents a premium of 29% in cash and up to 63% in total consideration compared to WBA’s closing share price of $8.85 on December 9, 2024, before reports of a possible acquisition.

The acquisition aims to reinforce Walgreens, Boots, and other consumer brands by leveraging WBA's healthcare expertise and Sycamore's strength in retail. The company will continue operations under its existing brand names, maintain its headquarters in the Chicago area, and remain committed to serving its customers and communities.

“Throughout our history, Walgreens Boots Alliance has played a critical role in the retail healthcare ecosystem. We are focused on making healthcare delivery more effective, convenient and affordable as we navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving pharmacy industry and an increasingly complex and competitive retail landscape," said Tim Wentworth, Chief Executive Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance.

"While we are making progress against our ambitious turnaround strategy, meaningful value creation will take time, focus and change that is better managed as a private company. Sycamore will provide us with the expertise and experience of a partner with a strong track record of successful retail turnarounds. The WBA Board considered all these factors in evaluating this transaction, and we believe this agreement provides shareholders premium cash value, with the ability to benefit from additional value creation going forward from monetization of the VillageMD businesses,” Wentworth added.

“Our trusted brands and deep commitment to our customers, patients, communities and team members have and will continue to anchor our business as we realize our goal of being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services. I am grateful to the more than 311,000 team members globally who are fiercely committed to WBA, our customers and patients,” Wentworth concluded.

Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners, expressed confidence in WBA’s future: “Walgreens and Boots have been essential to their customers for over a century. We are committed to supporting the company’s trusted brands and driving continued innovation in pharmacy and retail.”

WBA has initiated a 35-day “go-shop” period to solicit alternative proposals. While a superior offer is uncertain, the company remains open to evaluating other opportunities.

As part of the deal, WBA will continue evaluating options for its debt and equity interests in VillageMD, including Summit Health and CityMD. A newly formed Divested Assets Committee will oversee the process to maximize shareholder value.

Centerview Partners and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisors to WBA, while Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Ropes & Gray LLP provided legal counsel. Sycamore was advised by UBS Investment Bank, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Citi, among others.

The transition to private ownership is expected to streamline WBA’s focus on healthcare and retail services, allowing for operational improvements and long-term value creation. According to the announcement, the company remains dedicated to its mission of being the first choice for pharmacy, retail, and health services worldwide.

NEW YORK – For the first time, direct-to-consumer maternal health brand Bodily is entering mass retail, marking a significant milestone in postpartum and breastfeeding support accessibility. Starting March 9, Bodily’s best-selling Spiced Vanilla Lactation Latte will be available both online and in-store at Target.

In a press release, the company stated: When postpartum and breastfeeding support becomes available in mainstream stores like Target, we all win.

Now Certified Organic and newly reformulated, the Spiced Vanilla Lactation Latte is designed to nourish and support lactation with four proven galactagogues: Oats, shatavari, Moringa, and Goat’s Rue. This creamy, warming blend offers superior taste and function, staying true to Bodily’s commitment to clean, research-backed postpartum care.

Developed with insights from clinical research and experts like Professor Emily Oster and IBCLC Lactation Expert Andrea Syms-Brown, Bodily’s Lactation Latte offers:

· Delicious & Versatile – A blend of Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, organic oat milk, and coconut milk for a rich, creamy taste.

· Functional & Nourishing – Packed with organic lactation superfoods to help support milk production.

· Clean & Gentle – Free from caffeine, soy, artificial sweeteners, brewer’s yeast, fenugreek, and dairy.

Tovah Haim is the founder and CEO of Bodily. She started the company after the birth of her first child, when she was blindsided by how intense the recovery was and unprepared for the products she needed. She left her career as an executive in companies like Blue Apron, Daily Harvest, and Ralph Lauren and dove headfirst into women’s health to provide new parents with the information and products they deserve.

Since its launch in 2019, Bodily has been leading change in the postpartum and lactation industry, which has seen little retail innovation. Unlike many products in the market, Bodily’s latte is made with only clean, organic, and evidence-based ingredients.

WASHINGTON – President Trump stated in a social media post today that Mexico will not be obligated to pay tariffs on goods covered by the trade agreement between the two countries and Canada until April 2.

Trump said Thursday on his Truth Social platform that he suspended the tariffs on Mexico until April 2 "as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl."

Trump has not confirmed whether Canada will also be suspended. This latest move marks Trump's second reversal in two days regarding his tariffs. On Wednesday, he indicated that he would temporarily exempt carmakers from the 25% import taxes just one day after implementation.

CINCINNATI, Ohio—The Kroger Co. reported mixed fourth-quarter results today. Revenue declined to $34.31 billion from $37.06 billion in the same period last year, slightly missing Wall Street estimates of $34.57 billion. It reported a profit of $634 million for the three months ending February 1, down from $736 million during the same period last year.

Fourth-quarter highlights:

• Identical Sales without fuel increased 2.4%
• Operating Profit of $912 million; EPS of $0.90
• Adjusted FIFO Operating Profit of $1,174 million and Adjusted EPS of $1.14
• Delivered 11% digital sales growth, excluding the 53^rd week in 2023

Fiscal 2024 highlights

• Identical Sales without fuel increased 1.5%
• Operating Profit of $3.8 billion; EPS of $3.67
• Adjusted FIFO Operating Profit of $4.7 billion and Adjusted EPS of $4.47
• Delivered more than $13B in digital sales
• 17% increase in Media, excluding the 53^rd week in 2023, contributed to $1.35B in Operating Profit from Alternative Profit Businesses
• Increased associate wages resulting in average hourly wage of more than $19 and rate of more than $25 with comprehensive benefits factored in, which is a 38% increase in rate in the last seven years
• Commenced a $5.0B Accelerated Share Repurchase Program to be completed under Kroger's $7.5B share repurchase authorization

The retailer issued a conservative outlook for the fiscal year 2025, projecting earnings of $4.60 to $4.80 per share, below estimates. Its profit was $4.47 a share in the recently completed fiscal year.

“Kroger is unable to provide a full reconciliation of its earnings projections without unreasonable effort because it is not possible to predict certain of our adjustment items with a reasonable degree of certainty,” the company stated. “This information is dependent upon future events and may be outside of our control, and its unavailability could have a significant impact on 2025 results.”

Full-Year 2025 Guidance*

• Identical Sales without fuel of 2.0% – 3.0%
• Adjusted FIFO Operating Profit of $4.7 – $4.9 billion
• Adjusted net earnings per diluted share of $4.60 – $4.80
• Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $2.8 – $3.0 billion**
• Capital expenditures of $3.6 – $3.8 billion
• Adjusted effective tax rate of 23%***

The earnings update comes just days after Kroger named board chairman Ronald Sargent as interim CEO following the resignation of longtime CEO Rodney McMullen, who stepped down after an investigation into his personal conduct. The company did not provide details about the investigation.

Kroger announces resignation of CEO Rodney McMullen

Ronald Sargent appointed chairman of the board of directors and interim CEO.

Mass Market RetailersMMR

“I am excited to join this talented and experienced management team in my role as interim CEO. I am committed to ensuring that we execute with speed and that our teams continue to advance our go-to-market strategy to deliver for our customers, associates, communities, and shareholders,” said McMullen.

“Kroger is operating from a position of strength, delivering fourth quarter results that came in ahead of expectations due to the strength of our model and the disciplined execution of our teams. We enter 2025 with positive momentum, focused on delivering an incredible customer experience through great quality at low prices.”

Kroger attempted to acquire smaller rival Albertsons Cos. Inc. for $25 billion earlier this year, but the deal was blocked by the Federal Trade Commission and several state attorneys general in December. Regulators argued that the merger would stifle competition and increase consumer prices. In response, Kroger announced a $7.5 billion share-buyback program.

Albertsons retaliated by suing Kroger, alleging that Kroger did not put its full effort into completing the deal and seeking billions in damages. Kroger dismissed the lawsuit as “baseless and without merit.”

For more information, visit Kroger’s investor relations site at ir.kroger.com.

*Without adjusted items, if applicable. Kroger is unable to provide a full reconciliation of the GAAP and non-GAAP measures used in 2025 guidance without unreasonable effort because it is not possible to predict certain of our adjustment items with a reasonable degree of certainty. This information is dependent upon future events and may be outside of our control and its unavailability could have a significant impact on 2025 GAAP financial results.

**Adjusted free cash flow excludes planned payments related to the restructuring of multi-employer pension plans, payments related to opioid settlements and merger litigation costs.

***The adjusted tax rate reflects typical tax adjustments and does not reflect changes to the rate from the completion of income tax audit examinations and changes in tax laws and policies, which cannot be predicted.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Soda Health has announced a partnership with Southeastern Grocers (SEG), the parent company of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie, to enhance access to health and nutrition benefits for Medicaid, Medicare, and employer-sponsored program members.

Through this collaboration, eligible members can use their &more Smart Benefits cards to purchase approved healthy foods and over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare items at Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie locations. The &more program, powered by Soda Health, ensures that benefits are used exclusively for products and services that support a healthier lifestyle, helping members maximize the value of their healthcare plans amid rising costs.

Soda Health’s Smart Benefits platform connects individuals to essential resources by addressing social determinants of health. Southeastern Grocers selected Soda Health as a partner due to its innovative approach to delivering dynamic, personalized benefits. This initiative expands access to nutritious foods and quality healthcare products for millions of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries across the Southeast.

“I grew up in the South shopping at Winn-Dixie, and we are so pleased to partner with these best-in-class retailers to deliver a whole-health approach to care,” said Robby Knight, CEO and co-founder of Soda Health. “Together, we are setting a new standard for localized, personalized, comprehensive health care to customers at the stores they shop every week of the year.”

For more information, visit www.sodahealth.com.

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Waterboy, a hydration solution explicitly designed to combat hangovers, has been making a splash at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. Located at Booth 8251, Waterboy's innovative product has garnered much interest.

Frustrated by the lack of effective options on the market—most filled with sugar, low-quality ingredients, or simply not made for adults—Waterboy’s founders set out to create a better alternative. Packed with science-backed ingredients like electrolytes, ginger, and L-theanine, their formula helps cut hangover recovery time.

In April 2024, Waterboy launched in retail with one item and has continued to expand its retail footprint by adding Waterboy to the shelves at Walmart, Wegmans, HEB, and Sprouts, to name a few key retail partners.

For more information about Waterboy and its commitment to hydration innovation, please visit www.waterboy.com.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) today announced the promotion of Stephen Perlowski to senior vice president of industry affairs and member relations. Currently, Perlowski serves as vice president of member relations and industry affairs.

Perlowski will report to NACDS President and CEO Steven Anderson. 

Perlowski joined the staff of NACDS in 1988. He has served in an array of roles focused on member service, industry affairs issue management, and association administration. Currently, he provides staff support to the NACDS Retail Advisory Board, which makes recommendations to the NACDS Board of Directors on total-store issues, and he serves on the Coresight AI Council.

He also played leadership roles in prior initiatives of NACDS, including the Supply Chain and Logistics Committee and Conference; the Loss Prevention Committee and Conference; the American Greetings Research Council; the Executive Development programs at Cornell University and the Kellogg School at Northwestern University; the MIT Auto-ID Center; the Uniform Code Council/GS1 – U.S. Board of Directors; the GS1-U.S. Health Care Executive Committee; the Point of Purchase Advertising Institute; and the NACDS Anti-counterfeit Initiative.

“Steve has demonstrated strong leadership, wide-ranging knowledge, and a top-tier commitment to member service throughout his career at NACDS. From working with suppliers and retailers on the NACDS Retail Advisory Board, to handling complex supply chain issues, to knowing the needs of the membership over the course of decades, Steve defines service to a truly member-driven trade association,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson. “We look forward to his continued work with the team to deliver unsurpassed value to retailer and supplier members alike.”

This news coincides with last week’s announcement that NACDS Senior Vice President of Member Programs and Services Jim Whitman will retire in June 2025, and yesterday’s announcement that Terry Arth will serve as senior vice president of member services and conferences. Perlowski’s and Arth’s promotions will be effective in June 2025.

Jerome “Jerry” Kuske, 73, died on February 25, passing away peacefully at home in Arizona.

Kuske built an impressive career in retail, beginning at Payless Drug Stores before making a lasting impact in senior merchandising management. He reached the height of his career as Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager at Kmart, where his leadership, vision, and generosity helped shape the industry.

Always eager to mentor and uplift others, he was a guiding force for colleagues and friends alike.

Beyond his career, Kuske found his true joy on the water, according to his family. An avid and accomplished sailor, he was happiest with the wind in his sails and the horizon ahead.

To honor his memory, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to navysealfoundation.com or thewisdomdojo.org, which is an impactful meditation group for veterans.

A memorial service will be held at his home in Arizona, with details forthcoming. Jerry Kuske is survived by his wife Claudette and his sons Chad and Mark.

Jim Devine, former Chain Drug Marketing Association president, has died in Texas.

The leadership of Devine for more than two decades was credited with maintaining the viability of CDMA, which traced its roots to 1926. He retired in 2017, but remained with the organization in a consulting capacity. His commitment to CDMA led him to attend trade shows, develop new endeavors, and consistently voice his support of the association, while appreciating its fragility in a changing marketplace. He subordinated his own agenda to something larger, the viability of an organization that has proven instrumental to the survival of smaller retailers.

CDMA markets the Quality Choice private label program and offers a variety of other programs and services for retail and wholesale members.

BOSTON – Force Factor has been named to Bain & Company's 2025 Insurgent Brands list, recognizing companies that are redefining growth in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. Force Factor is one of 120 brands to earn this prestigious distinction.

"We're incredibly grateful to be named a 2025 Insurgent Brand by Bain & Company. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team, strong partnerships with our suppliers, and the trust our consumers and retail partners place in us. Our mission at Force Factor is to help all kinds of people Unleash their Potential and we are passionate about creating the highest-quality and clinically researched nutritional supplements to help make that possible. We're honored to be part of this group of exceptionally fast-growing brands driving meaningful category growth," said Daniel Wallace, Force Factor Co-Founder & CEO.

Bain & Company defines insurgent brands as those generating more than $25 million in annual revenue in tracked channels, growing more than 10 times their category's average growth rate over the past five years, and maintaining positive growth over the past two years while remaining independent or having been acquired by a large consumer packaged goods company only within the past two years.

"Bain's insurgent brands list offers valuable insight into where innovative, disruptive growth is taking place within the consumer packaged goods sector," said Charlotte Apps, executive vice president of Bain's Consumer Products practice.

"While the broader sector continues to grapple with stagnating volumes, limited pricing power, and consumer headwinds, these insurgent brands are unlocking incremental growth by addressing unmet consumer needs in new, authentic, and often founder-led ways. These brands provide a roadmap for sustainable growth in this evolving marketplace, and they showcase the power of compelling consumer-centric value propositions, strong brand engagement, and superior velocity on the shelf. Looking ahead, we anticipate these insurgents will continue to capture an increasing share of category growth and play a meaningful role in shaping the future of the industry," she said.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Dollar Tree has appointed Stewart Glendinning as its next Chief Financial Officer, effective March 30, 2025, the company announced today.

Glendinning, who joined Dollar Tree earlier this year in a senior role focused on company-wide transformation initiatives, will succeed Jeff Davis, who previously announced his plans to step down. Davis will remain with the company for a transition period to ensure a smooth handover.

“We are pleased to announce that Stewart will become our next CFO,” said Mike Creedon, Chief Executive Officer of Dollar Tree. “Stewart is a proven leader with a strong track record of driving financial excellence. In his short time with us, he’s contributed significantly to the review of strategic alternatives for our Family Dollar business, where we continue to make good progress. I look forward to working closely with Stewart as we seek to accelerate growth at Dollar Tree in 2025.”

Before joining Dollar Tree, Glendinning was CEO of Express, Inc. and held global CFO roles at Tyson Foods and Molson Coors Brewing Company. He also served as president and CEO of multiple operating segments at both companies. A graduate of the College of William and Mary, he holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami Law School and serves on the board of The North West Company.

“I’m honored to step into the CFO role at Dollar Tree at such a pivotal time,” said Glendinning. “What attracted me to Dollar Tree is its amazing culture, the passion of its people, and a very meaningful opportunity to drive a huge amount of value for the business. I look forward to working with the leadership team and our talented finance organization to drive continued growth and financial strength.”

Glendinning will join Creedon and Davis when Dollar Tree reports its fourth-quarter 2024 financial results on March 26, 2025, followed by an investor conference call at 8 a.m. ET.

Dollar Tree names three new board members

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Dollar Tree Inc. has named chief executive officer Michael Creedon to its board of directors. The company has also appointed William Douglas, a 30-year veteran of Coca-Cola, and Timothy Johnson, a retail industry veteran, to its board. “Bill and Tim are both esteemed financial leaders with a strong

Mass Market RetailersMMR

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) has announced Terry Arth's promotion to senior vice president of member services and conferences. Arth, who currently holds the role of vice president of member programs and services, will assume his new position upon the retirement of Jim Whitman, NACDS’ senior vice president of member programs and services, in June 2025.

Arth will continue to report to NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson.

Having joined NACDS in 1991, Arth has played a key role in shaping the association’s meetings and conferences. Before his current role, he served as senior director of meetings and international programs, where he helped elevate NACDS’ events, including the NACDS Annual Meeting, NACDS Total Store Expo, and NACDS Regional Chain Conference. He was instrumental in the development and 2013 launch of the NACDS Total Store Expo, which consolidated several major NACDS conferences into one comprehensive industry event. Additionally, Arth has led the charge in integrating technology to enhance the member experience and optimize event marketing.

“Terry has been a visionary and disciplined leader in making NACDS meetings and conferences the gold standard in the industry,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson. “He is uniquely positioned to further elevate our events as essential platforms for industry collaboration. His commitment to member service remains unwavering, and I am confident that under his leadership, NACDS will continue to set the benchmark for excellence.”

This leadership transition follows last week’s announcement of Whitman’s retirement. Additional news will be announced soon.

NACDS announces retirement of Jim Whitman after 48 years of service

Whitman will leave behind a legacy of commitment to member service and industry leadership.

Mass Market RetailersThorvardur de Shong

CHICAGO — Panty Fresh won the MMR Buyers Choice Award for its Emergency Panties and Briefs at ECRM’s Impulse, Front-End & Checklane Session held February in Chicago. Sober IP was the finalist for its Sober Self-Test sobriety testing strips. 

 Both products were selected from dozens of entries submitted by participating suppliers and displayed in the hospitality area of the session. Attending buyers evaluated each entry and cast their votes based on product packaging and innovation.  

 “Many successful impulse products are those that fulfill an immediate need or are good to have on hand in case such a need arises,” said Tony Giovanini, SVP of General Merchandise for ECRM. “An umbrella is a classic example of this – you either scramble to get one if you are caught in the rain, or else you purchase one in advance to be prepared for when it does. Our two Buyers Choice winners fill just such roles – whether the need is a fresh change of underwear or to make sure you are safe to drive after an evening out. In either case, they are great products to have ‘just in case.’ Congratulations to both winners. 

 Panty Fresh offers premium-quality products designed for today’s fast-paced, on-the-go consumers. Specializing in compact, travel-friendly 3-in-1 solution kits, its product line—including Emergency Panties for women and Emergency Briefs for men—is designed to help customers stay fresh, comfortable, and prepared for life’s unexpected moments. Whether dealing with accidents, travel mishaps like lost or delayed luggage, forgotten personal care items, or simply needing a quick refresh after a long day, its all-in-one kits provide everything needed for a complete refresh when away from home. 

 According to the company, the products are designed to fill a significant gap in the sundries, travel, and personal care sections where tampons and pads are commonly offered, but where customers' most-soiled item—underwear—is often overlooked. While tampons and pads address specific needs, they don’t provide a solution for changing underwear in these situations. Panty Fresh seeks to bridge that gap by offering a complete, on-the-go solution: premium-quality reusable underwear paired with a fresh wipe, empowering customers to confidently and comfortably navigate unexpected situations. 

 Each compact kit includes premium-quality reusable underwear, a fresh wipe, and a liner (for women), all packed into a discreet pouch small enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand. The pouch can also be used to store soiled underwear for later laundering. Available in two sizes—Small-XL and Plus Size (1X-3X)—the kits cater to a wide range of customers, including the plus-size community. Perfect for travel, daily use, and on-the-go surprises, these kits provide immediate convenience, encourage planned purchases and are packaged for a variety of channels, including mass retailers, hotels, cruise lines, airports, hospitals, and pharmacies.  

 Sober IP is the parent company of the Sober Self-Test, a 99% accurate sobriety self-test that allows those who regularly consume alcohol to make the responsible decision to always drive sober. Founder and CEO Tim Downey worked for 12 years to develop the Sober Self-Test’s proprietary formula and launched the brand in late 2023.  

 To take the test, a user simply swabs their mouth with the test strip, waits two minutes, and if the pad turns blue, it’s not safe to drive. Consumers can discreetly test themselves anywhere: bars, restaurants, restrooms, lobbies, or cars, and the product is ideal for any occasion where alcohol is purchased or consumed, including convenience stores, supermarkets, pharmacies as well as sports arenas, concert venues, and hospitality. 

 ECRM’s 2026 Impulse, Front-End & Checklane Session will be held February 3 to 5, 2026. Click here for more information. 

CHICAGO—NIQ Brandbank, a global leader in product attribution and omnichannel content solutions, announced a new collaboration with RangeMe, the industry’s leading product discovery platform. This collaboration leverages NIQ Brandbank’s robust extended attribution capabilities with RangeMe’s expansive retail and brand network to enhance the visibility and accessibility of wellness-driven products, including Gluten-Free and No-Sugar-Added categories.

Through this collaboration, NIQ Brandbank’s verified product data will integrate seamlessly with RangeMe’s platform, ensuring that retailers and buyers can easily identify and source products that meet evolving shopper health trends. By offering enhanced wellness filters and improved search functionality, this collaboration empowers retailers to curate more precise assortments that cater to growing shopper demand for healthier, more transparent product choices.

"At RangeMe, our mission is to streamline product discovery and help retailers access the best and most relevant products for their shelves," said Vir Satyan, Senior Vice President, Supplier Success at RangeMe. "Collaborating with NIQ Brandbank enhances this process by ensuring that wellness-driven products are accurately categorized and easily searchable. This collaboration means that retailers can confidently stock products that meet consumer demand for transparency and health-conscious options."

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Wellness Filters – Retailers and buyers can now efficiently search for and source products based on precise wellness attributes, such as Gluten-Free and No Sugar Added, ensuring they align with shopper health trends.
• Improved Search Accuracy – NIQ Brandbank’s verified product data refines search terms and classifications, allowing retailers and buyers to quickly and confidently discover relevant products.
• Stronger Retailer Assortment Capabilities – Retailers can better identify and stock products that match their customers’ dietary and lifestyle preferences, creating a more tailored shopping experience.
• Verified Product Claims–NIQ Brandbank’s rigorous data validation process supports brands in making product claims that are accurate, strengthening shopper trust in the brands they buy.
• Optimized Product Discoverability – Verified attributes help products surface in the right searches, connecting brands with qualified buyers actively seeking specific wellness-focused items.

“As shopper demand for transparency and wellness-focused products continues to grow, our new collaboration with RangeMe ensures that retailers have the most accurate and detailed product information available,” said Joshua Walker, vice president, North America at NIQ Brandbank. “By combining our verified product attribution with RangeMe’s powerful discovery platform, we are making it easier for retailers to find and stock the right products while giving brands a competitive edge in reaching their target buyers.”

Together, NIQ Brandbank and RangeMe are revolutionizing the way retailers discover and source products based on need-states and unique differentiators by equipping them with the insights needed to meet evolving shopper preferences. This collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to innovation, accuracy, and the continued advancement of more intelligent, data-driven product discovery.

For more information about NIQ Brandbank and this opportunity, please visit https://nielseniq.com/global/en/landing-page/brandbank/ 

WASHINGTON – The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) today issued the following statement ahead of President Trump’s remarks before a joint session of Congress:

"The American people will be listening tonight to hear President Trump explain his plan to bring down costs and grow the U.S. economy. American families face a growing stack of tariffs that will impact everyday items. Tariffs on Canada and Mexico in particular risk destabilizing the North American economy and further pinching household budgets," said Michael Hanson, RILA’s senior executive vice president, public affairs.

"Americans want to see a booming economy and lower costs. President Trump already has the playbook to do just that — the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 made the U.S. economy the envy of the world. The nation’s leading retailers are ready to help President Trump and Congress implement that playbook once again, championing tax policies that support retail workers, communities and consumers."