Ace Hardware and True Value are independent buying co-ops, and while Home Depot and Lowe's still dominate the DIY retail channel, each of these other retailers is also a big factor in the business. And a big change in the ownership of True Value could mean big changes in this channel as the status quo finds itself evolving. Retail co-ops are a pretty rare phenomenon these days.

The online fashion market has grown at a 14% compounded annual growth rate since 2012, a stark contrast from 1% of growth offline, according to Forrester. According to the data, fashion is the second-largest retail spending sub-category, trailing behind the food and drink category, and makes up 12% of the total retail spend. The fashion market grew from $375.6 billion in 2012 to $433.6 billion in 2017.

A Petco billboard taking a stab at both its competitor and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently went up in Boston. “Goodell shops at PetSmart,” the billboard states, along with a picture of a dog with its tongue hanging out and Petco’s logo. New England Patriots fans have held a grudge against Goodell since he suspended Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for four games in 2015 after the “Deflategate” controversy.

In late 2015, Bob Dylan filed a trademark application for the term “bootleg whiskey.” Among those who noticed the news was Marc Bushala, 52, a lifelong fan and a liquor entrepreneur whose bourbon brand, Angel’s Envy, had just been sold for $150 million. Bushala reached out, and after being vetted, talked to Dylan by phone, and proposed working together on a portfolio of small-batch whiskeys.

Teen apparel retailer Abercrombie & Fitch said at its annual investor meeting that it plans to grow into a $5 billion business. The retailer is looking to continued growth of direct-to-consumer sales, including online, and an improved store base due to a remodeling effort, the report said. Abercrombie will remodel 100 to 150 Hollister locations and between 50 and 75 namesake stores in the next three ears.

Burger King is getting personal in its direct assaults on McDonald’s. It is smoking out its burger foe with a print ad campaign that literally goes into its arch rival's backyard. The series of ads features what Burger King says are patios of former homes of one-time McDonald's executives in order to show they had grills. The message: Burger King's patties are better than McDonald's because they are grilled over open flames instead of fried.

Wilson Sporting Goods is releasing details on its new smart football, whose sensors, it claims, will provide information on release time, spin rate, spiral efficiency and speed. The Wilson Connected Football system will help quarterbacks learn to throw the ball more efficiently, the company said. Sam Darnold, the standout USC Trojans quarterback who’s expected to go high in the draft, said the high-tech ball helped make him a better passer.

A recent TMR report predicted that the demand in global allergy treatment will translate into $41.17 billion in revenue by the end of 2025. March is traditionally the kick-off to ad campaigns designed to get people ready for the pollen that hits alongside the sunshine. Taking a look at the top TV ads in the category for past month, it is clear that the top-selling over-the-counter allergy treatments are spending big to ensure that they continue being placed in consumers’ shopping baskets.

PepsiCo reported first-quarter earnings that topped analysts' estimates, but its core North American beverage business continues to struggle. "North American beverages sector continues to work through some challenges," CEO Indra Nooyi told analysts. Pepsi plans to step up spending on its trademark cola, and improve brand communications as it launches its Pepsi Generations ad campaign.

Yeti Coolers, a favorite brand among outdoor enthusiasts, has cut ties with the National Rifle Association, potentially putting it at odds with a sizable percentage of its customer base. The NRA sent a note to its members Friday saying the company informed the group it would no longer sell products to The NRA Foundation. NRA supporters are expressing their displeasure via social media, with some calling for a boycott campaign.