Cremation companies such as Solace, Tulip and Eirene are offering D2C services that cut out the middle man, or in this case, the funeral home. “Taking this approach to an industry as emotionally charged — and legally complex — as the death care business might sound far-fetched,” per The New York Times. “But as the cremation rate balloons in North America, with that option expected to be taken in about 63 percent of deaths in the United States by 2025, investors are betting that the future of the business lies in e-commerce.”

After an 18-month process, The Washington NFL franchise has decided on its new team name: the Washington Commanders. “Earlier this month, the franchise teased its new uniforms as well as two different helmets: one burgundy and one black,” per CBS Sports. “In the video posted by Washington, team president Jason Wright ruled out the ‘Wolves’ and ‘RedWolves’ in their search for a new name, saying that they were, ‘not viable options because of existing trademarks held by other teams.’” Washington announced in July 2020 that it was retiring the "Redskins" moniker, which had been used by the franchise since 1933. 

Bolt, an app that helps online shoppers complete purchases quickly, has enlisted Sarah McLachlan to appear in an ad that parodies the emotional fundraising commercials the singer created for the ASPCA 15 years ago. “Now, the beloved Canadian songbird is beseeching us to do our part for another too-frequently abandoned staple of our modern lives: the digital shopping cart,” per Billboard.

Lowe's and Petco are partnering on a pilot program to open Petco shops inside Lowe’s locations. The first is scheduled to debut in early February at a Lowe’s in Texas, with 14 additional locations planned for Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina by the end of March. The branded in-store shops will offer pet nutrition and health and wellness supplies, including Petco's exclusive brands as well as national labels. Vet services and mobile grooming will be available at select times and locations.

Walmart and Quest Diagnostics are partnering to offer consumer-initiated laboratory testing. Consumers will be able to purchase more than 50 high-quality lab tests ordered by health care providers, including those for general health, digestive health, allergy, heart health, women’s health and infectious disease. Depending on the test, some users will be prompted to schedule an appointment at one of Quest’s 2,220 patient service centers across the United States, including at select Walmart stores.