The Kroger Co.

Von Maur is a privately held, family-owned department store chain founded in 1872 by German immigrant J.H.C. Petersen, who began with a rented 20-by-50-foot space in downtown Davenport, Iowa. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership under CEO Jim von Maur, the company operates 39 locations across the United States, remaining independent while much of the department store sector consolidated or went public. The company runs two retail formats: its flagship upscale department stores under the Von Maur name, and Dry Goods USA, a subsidiary focused on contemporary fashion. Von Maur stores are distinguished by a consistent set of in-store practices - live piano music, complimentary gift wrapping on every purchase, and free shipping - designed to emphasize service over transaction volume. The company's stated philosophy centers on creating memorable shopping experiences. Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, Von Maur has grown steadily over 150 years without pursuing the aggressive expansion strategies common among larger retail competitors. Its privately held structure has allowed multigenerational continuity in both ownership and strategic direction. The company employs staff across store operations, corporate functions, and its Dry Goods USA subsidiary.

The Home Depot exists to solve a fundamental challenge for millions of people: making home improvement accessible, affordable, and achievable for everyone. Founded in 1978 by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, the company revolutionized the hardware store concept by creating massive warehouses stocked with an unprecedented selection of products, staffed by knowledgeable associates who could actually teach customers how to complete their projects. What began as two stores in Atlanta has grown into the world's largest home improvement retailer, operating more than 2,300 stores across North America and serving DIYers, professional contractors, and Do-It-For-Me customers alike. At its core, The Home Depot is driven by a simple but powerful mission: to help people improve the places they call home. The company's inverted pyramid philosophy puts customers and front-line associates first, recognizing that when people are supported with the right tools, knowledge, and guidance, they can transform their living spaces and their lives. With approximately 475,000 orange-blooded associates and a commitment to eight core values including Respect for All People and Taking Care of Our People, The Home Depot continues to evolve through interconnected retail, innovative technology, and a deep connection to the communities it serves.

We've grown from a single soda fountain in Atlanta, Georgia, into a total beverage company with 200+ brands reaching people in more than 200 countries. Every day, over 2.2 billion servings of our drinks are enjoyed worldwide. Our portfolio includes everything from the iconic Coca-Cola to hydration brands like Dasani and Powerade, coffee and teas from Costa Coffee to Gold Peak, and juices like Minute Maid and Simply. We're constantly evolving - reducing sugar in our drinks, bringing innovative products to market, and working to make a positive impact through water replenishment, packaging recycling, and sustainable sourcing. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, creating economic opportunity in local communities globally. Our purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference - not just through our beverages, but through our commitment to sustainability and the communities we serve. From our origins in 1886 to today, we've been about more than just drinks. We're about the moments of connection that happen when people come together, whether that's sharing a Coke, celebrating with family, or fueling everyday life.

We're a global dairy processor that started in 1954 when the Saputo family founded our company with just $500 and a bicycle for deliveries in Montreal. Today, we've grown into one of the world's top ten dairy processors with leading positions across Canada, the USA, Australia, Argentina, and the United Kingdom. Our team of about 19,400 people works across 59 manufacturing facilities, processing roughly 11 billion litres of milk annually into products that reach over 60 countries. We produce, market, and distribute a wide range of dairy products - cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life products, cultured items, and dairy ingredients - along with dairy alternatives. Whether we're making mozzarella, blue cheese, or extended shelf-life milk, our focus stays on quality, safety, and meeting the evolving needs of our customers. We're publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, but we've never lost sight of the family values and determination that got us here.

Belk is the nation's largest privately-owned department store chain, founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, North Carolina. What started as a small bargain store has grown into a premier retailer operating across 16 states with approximately 300 locations. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Belk offers an extensive selection of apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty products, and home merchandise from both national brands and exclusive private labels. With over 135 years of retail experience, Belk has become a Southern shopping destination known for quality merchandise and exceptional customer service. The company has evolved significantly while maintaining its commitment to customers and communities. Belk continues to modernize its retail experience through strategic initiatives including store refreshes, new brand partnerships, and enhanced e-commerce capabilities at belk.com. In 2023, the company celebrated its 135th anniversary by introducing 150 new brands and unveiling updated store concepts. Belk's dedication to community extends beyond retail through charitable initiatives and the annual Belk Charity Sale. The company remains family-focused and privately held, carrying forward the values established by its founder more than a century ago.

Pet Supplies Plus is America's favorite neighborhood pet store, with over 700 locations across 44 states serving pet parents for more than 35 years. Founded in 1988 by Harry Shallop and Jack Berry in Redford, Michigan, the company has grown to become the largest privately-owned pet specialty retailer in North America. Pet Supplies Plus has been recognized as the #1 pet franchise in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 for nine consecutive years, demonstrating consistent growth and operational excellence in a booming industry where 70% of US households own pets. With an impressive $2.6 million average unit volume, Pet Supplies Plus franchisees enjoy both financial success and the emotional rewards of becoming best friends with their communities. The brand offers seven omni-channel shopping options including online ordering, same-day delivery, curbside pickup, in-store shopping, grooming services, and self-serve dog wash stations - giving pet owners exactly what they need, when and how they need it. Each neighborhood store carries a wide variety of natural and non-natural pet foods and supplies, backed by team members who are pawsitively passionate about helping neighbors provide the best care for their furry, scaly, and feathery family members.