Walgreens Boots Alliance, in partnership with VillageMD, will open another 40 full-service physician-staffed Village Medical clinics by the end of next summer. The partnership launched in July when Walgreen's invested $1 billion in VillageMD and announced plans to open up to 700 of the clinics over the next five years.

Several Costco stores have started selling plant-based meatballs from Beyond Meat -- news that came on the heels of the retailer's new animal welfare policy, which bans the use of cages in Costco's global egg supply chain. The retailer reported a 14.2% increase in same-store sales in November and a 70.9% increase in online sales.

Khloe Kardashian's size-inclusive Good American fashion label has added a footwear line with ergonomic heels that allow for a greater diversity of widths. The shoes and boots come in sizes 4 to 14, and the ergonomic feature allows shoppers to choose from among 72 different sizing options.

Cath Kidston has reopened its last remaining store, a 7,040-square-foot London flagship that will serve as a showroom to complement the retailer's online offerings. The company closed its 60 stores when it entered administration earlier this year and emerged with a digital-first model.

Walmart has joined Amazon in committing to a new round of bonus pay for front-line workers, a move meant to mark the holiday season and show appreciation for staff members who have worked through the pandemic. Walmart's fourth bonus round since the start of the pandemic will give $300 in cash to full-time employees and $150 to part-timers at Walmart and Sam's Club, to be paid on Christmas Eve.

Dollar General and Dollar Tree are reporting stronger sales of home goods, party products and other categories that come with higher profit margins than food items. Both retailers have created new store formats with products priced between $1 and $5 to capitalize on the growing trend.

NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay and Ralph Lauren Corporation President and CEO Patrice Louvet will discuss Louvet's predictions for retail in 2021 in a webinar next week. They'll also discuss how Ralph Lauren has accelerated digital investments and its commitment to global citizenship and sustainability to win over a new generation of global consumers on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. ET. Register now.

Since early November, 59% of consumers say they have started their holiday shopping. Source: NRF's Annual November Holiday Consumer Survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.

As the United States' 66th Secretary of State and national security advisor from January 2005 to January 2009, Dr. Condoleezza Rice pioneered a policy of transformational diplomacy and has proven to be a significant leader during a time of unprecedented and tumultuous world affairs. Join her in a candid fireside chat as she delivers the keynote address at NRF 2021: Retail's Big Show - Chapter 1, a virtual show in January. This is an off-the-record session and closed to the press. Register now.

Outback Steakhouse parent Bloomin' Brands has expanded its focus on off-premises dining this year, but casual dining is still part of the company's DNA, CEO Dave Deno said. "America misses dining. There's a culture of food and service -- there's no way we're ever going to lose it," he said.

A summary in Wednesday's NRF SmartBrief misstated a delivery feature. It should have said items will be delivered within 90 minutes. SmartBrief regrets the error.