Retail & Consumer Goods

Point Pleasant, N.J. – September 30, 2026 -- Paladone WeCool has appointed Matthew Lauderbach as Product Development Director, bringing more than 25 years of toy design experience to the company's US operations.

Lauderbach brings leadership experience from Fisher-Price, Spin Master and Just Play

Lauderbach's career spans leadership roles at Fisher-Price, Spin Master, Skip Hop and Just Play, with expertise covering concept creation, design management, engineering and commercialization.

Executive says he was already a fan of the Compound Kings and iLY Sticker Maker lines

In his new role, Lauderbach said he had admired Paladone WeCool's product range prior to joining, citing the Compound Kings and iLY Sticker Maker product lines as examples of the company's approach to hands-on play.

Seoul, South Korea – September 30, 2026 -- DORCO, the South Korean razor manufacturer operating in more than 130 countries, has won the Red Dot Award in the Corporate Design & Identity category of the Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design 2026, one of the design industry's most established competitions running since 1993.

Rebrand tied to 70th anniversary consolidates global visual identity

The recognized corporate identity was developed as DORCO marked its 70th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1955, the company built the renewal around a new brand core, "Leading Edge," and a stated vision of "Achieving the Top with Leading-Edge Innovation," aimed at unifying how the brand communicates technological expertise and precision across markets.

Lexington, Ky. – September 30, 2026 -- Businesses ordering custom apparel should first define how the garments will be used before selecting materials, sizing, or decoration methods, according to guidance published by HelloNation featuring Printing Expert Adam Norsworthy of Minuteman Press in Lexington, KY.

Intended use determines material and durability requirements for uniforms

Employee uniforms require comfort and durability suited to the work environment, with outdoor roles facing different demands than office or restaurant settings. Temperature exposure, movement, dirt, and washing frequency all factor into material selection among cotton, polyester, blends, and performance fabrics.

Calgary, AB – September 30, 2026 -- High Tide Inc. placed No. 315 out of 375 companies on the 2026 Report on Business ranking of Canada's Top Growing Companies, posting a verified three-year revenue growth rate of 66% between 2022 and 2025.

Adjusted EBITDA climbed 161% over the three-year measurement period

The cannabis retailer's Adjusted EBITDA, a non-IFRS financial measure, more than doubled during the period, underscoring a shift toward profitability alongside top-line expansion. Founder and CEO Raj Grover said the company built Canna Cabana into Canada's largest cannabis retail chain through disciplined execution and a focus on customer value.

Englewood, Colo. – – September 30, 2026 -- Footprints Floors founder and CEO Bryan Park has been named one of the Denver Business Journal's Most Admired CEOs of 2026, marking a milestone for the flooring franchise he built from a single Colorado operation into a national network of more than 150 territories.

Air Force veteran built franchise from 2008 financial crisis into 150-territory network

Park founded Footprints Floors in 2008 during the financial crisis, spotting a gap for greater transparency and reliability in flooring installation. He structured the business around a lower-overhead model in which customers buy materials directly from vendors of their choice while the company manages professional installation, avoiding traditional showroom and inventory costs.

Nashville – September 30, 2026 -- Innocan Pharma Corporation (CSE: INNO) (OTCQB: INNPF) will showcase its VALITIC skincare brand at Shoptalk Fall 2026, a retail industry event running September 29 through October 1 at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Shoptalk Fall draws more than 3,500 retail executives to Nashville

The 2026 edition brings together over 3,500 industry leaders, including 1,300-plus retailer and consumer brand executives, under the theme "Retail Unplugged." Sessions center on strategies, technologies and consumer trends shaping the retail sector heading into 2027, spanning verticals from beauty and apparel to electronics and automotive.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – September 30, 2026 -- Uniform Advantage and HYPOTHESIS have donated a combined $25,000 to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® (NBF) to fund early detection, education, and patient support services ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Donation targets NBCF patient navigation and mammography programs

The contribution supports NBCF's mission of providing early detection, education, and support services to patients and their families. Susan Masimore, CEO of Uniform Advantage, said the company is proud to partner with NBCF again this year, contributing to ensure patients do not face breast cancer alone.

Miami – September 30, 2026 -- KNOX Hydration has secured a five-year partnership to become the Official Functional Sports Beverage of the Miami HEAT, marking the brand's formal entry into the United States market.

KNOX enters the US market through an NBA franchise platform

The multi-year agreement gives KNOX access to one of the NBA's most recognized franchises as it launches its no-sugar, no-caffeine electrolyte beverage to American consumers. The beverage is formulated with electrolytes, amino acids, vitamins and minerals targeting hydration, replenishment and recovery.

Hartland, Wis. – September 29, 2026 -- Batteries Plus has signed a four-store development agreement with franchise owners Clint and Jolene Coates to expand into Lake County, Florida, with the first location opening in The Villages within the next year.

Franchisees plan four stores across Central Florida within six years

The agreement calls for four Batteries Plus locations to open across The Villages and surrounding communities north of Orlando over the next six years, according to the company. The Coates family is structuring the venture as a multi-generational business, with son Cayden Coates and son-in-law Paul Clement taking on day-to-day retail and commercial management while Clint and Jolene Coates focus on sales and development as additional stores launch.

Irvine, Calif. – – September 29, 2026 -- Performance Brokerage Services has brokered the sale of Genesis of Glenview, Illinois, to Joe Ghaben, adding a fifth franchise point to the Chicago-area Ghaben Auto Group.

Ghaben Auto Group expands Chicago footprint with Genesis acquisition

Ghaben Auto Group, founded in 2004, already operates Volkswagen of Oak Lawn, Volkswagen of Orland Park, and the two-location Ultimo Motors luxury pre-owned brand in Northbrook and Westmont. The Genesis acquisition marks the group's entry into the Genesis franchise network.

Dealership will relocate to a new facility on Patriot Boulevard

Genesis of Glenview will retain its name but move operations to a newly built facility at 2929 Patriot Boulevard in Glenview, Illinois.