Trader Joe's is suing its employee union in Los Angeles federal court, claiming the union's sales of merchandise related to the company violated its trademark rights. "The grocer's lawsuit said Trader Joe's United sells tote bags, buttons, mugs and other products featuring the store's name and logo that are likely to confuse customers into thinking it made or endorsed them," reports Reuters. "A lawyer for the union, Seth Goldstein, said the lawsuit was part of a 'union-busting campaign' to deprive Trader Joe's United of its ability to fund itself, calling it 'outrageous' and a …

With the aim of evolving its use of print circulars, Albertsons is going digital via new partnerships with Facebook parent company Meta and ad solutions company Kargo. "The pilot is replacing the traditional digital ads with ad campaigns on Facebook and Instagram in an effort to reach more shoppers on social," per Supermarket News. "The social campaigns serve up ads for local Albertsons stores, targeting users with relevant offers."

With an eye toward stabilizing its business, Banana Repubic is expanding into home goods. "Shoppers usually think about outfitting themselves, not their homes, when they walk into Banana Republic. But the brand is trying to change that," per The New York Times. "In March, the retailer announced it would begin selling home textiles, and since then it has rolled out items like throw blankets, rugs and the attention-grabbing bed frames, selling home products online and in 16 of its stores."

Federal regulators have approved Opill, made by the consumer health giant Perrigo, as a nonprescription oral pill used to prevent pregnancy. Opill is expected to be available over the counter in stores and online beginning in January or February, Perrigo said in a statement. The FDA decision does not apply to other forms of the birth control pill. It will be available in pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores and online.

AT&T and Soccer United Marketing, the marketing arm of Major League Soccer, announced a multiyear sponsorship extension between AT&T and Leagues Cup, Federación Mexicana de Futbol  and MLS. "With soccer hotter and more popular than ever in the United States, brands like AT&T are doubling down to continue their support of the world’s most popular game in the country with all eyes on the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to the continent," per Forbes.

Farmers Insurance appears to be following the lead of State Farm and Allstate and will be limiting the number of new home insurance policies it writes in California. "The Los Angeles-based insurer said that it was limiting new policies in California 'to a level consistent with the volume we projected to write each month before recent market changes,' effective July 3, and is continuing to renew its existing policies," per the Los Angeles Times. "Farmers said that 'record-breaking inflation, severe weather events and reconstruction costs continuing to climb' are behind its decision."

Bank of America is being ordered by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to pay over $250 million for unlawful practices, including “double-dipping” on overdraft fees, using customers’ information to open accounts without their knowledge since 2012, and failing to fulfill rewards bonuses that had been explicitly promised to individuals. “Bank of America wrongfully withheld credit card rewards, double-dipped on fees, and opened accounts without consent,” CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said in a statement. “These practices are illegal and undermine customer trust.”

The grandchildren of Dr. Bronner's founder Emanuel Bronner continue his legacy of taking a stand, both on their unusual packaging and in their actions. "Like many consumer brands, Dr. Bronner’s touts its products on its social media accounts, which feature the usual giveaways and customer testimonials. They have also become a bold extension of its activism," per the Los Angeles Times. "A recent post on the company’s Instagram grid displayed nothing more than the words, “END THE RACIST WAR ON DRUGS” along with a tiny image of a soap bottle in the bottom right corner. Another said: “SAFER GUN LAWS = FEWER DEATH."

Crocs is the latest brand to hop on the Barbie train leading up to the July 21 premiere. The shoe company posted a sneak peek of the shoe -- hot-pink, of course -- on Twitter and Instagram. "The ‘Barbie’ movie has collaborated with several brands leading up to the release, including Xbox, UNO cards, and Airbnb. "Crocs is no stranger to collaborations," per USA Today. "The last couple years, the shoe brand has worked with restaurants, musicians and luxury brands."

On July 21, two highly anticipated movies will be released on the very same day: "Barbie," Greta Gerwig’s movie about the world’s most iconic doll, and "Oppenheimer,"Christopher Nolan’s epic about the creation of the atom bomb. "It’s safe to attribute some of 'Barbie’'s anticipated success to an onslaught of marketing from Mattel and Warner Bros," per Time. "You cannot cross a street in New York, London, or Sydney without spotting a bus or billboard with Robbie’s face. Mattel has partnered with brands ranging from Bloomingdale’s to Ruggable to Pinkberry to roll out Barbiecore clothing, home decor, and even frozen yogurt. But the …