Consumer Goods & Shopping

New York – September 22, 2026 -- GROWNSY's Smart Drawing Robot, a screen-free toy that teaches kids ages 3 to 8 to draw using 150 picture cards, has won a 2026 National Parenting Product Award (NAPPA).

The toy skips screens entirely and uses cards instead

Children scan one of 150 included picture cards, and the robot draws the image step by step using light guidance and voice prompts. Kids can then trace, color, or attempt the drawing themselves, practicing observation and hand-eye coordination. The device requires no app or Wi-Fi connection.

NAPPA evaluators praised the setup and results

One evaluator noted the setup was simple and intuitive right out of the box. Another evaluator described watching a daughter learn to draw by following the robot's guided demonstrations.

Kansas City – September 22, 2026 -- The Dog Stop, an all-in-one dog care brand, will open its first Kansas City location in late October at 2713 Cherry St., bringing daycare, boarding, grooming and retail services to the Midtown, Downtown, Crown Center, Union Hill, Hyde Park, Crossroads and River Market neighborhoods.

New York – September 22, 2026 -- J.Crew is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Barn Jacket by photographing 160 people across five U.S. cities and launching a new 2026 collection priced from $98 to $898.

The brand shot 160 people in five cities for the campaign

Photographer Robert Nethery captured subjects in New York City, Los Angeles, Austin, Boston and Chicago in intimate portraits. The cast mixes open-cast discoveries with athletes, artists, musicians and designers, including names like Spike Lee, Chance the Rapper, Scottie Pippen, Bowen Yang, Jenny Slate and Dave Franco.

Each portrait shows a different way of wearing the same jacket. Julia Collier, Chief Marketing Officer of J.Crew, said the 160 participants across five cities demonstrate how one design takes on a different life depending on who wears it, adding that the jacket has moved across wardrobes and generations for 40 years without being tied to one moment.

Cleveland – September 22, 2026 -- Minwax has introduced Minwax One Step Stain & Topcoat, a water-based product that combines wood stain and protective finish into a single application, cutting DIY project time significantly.

The formula skips wiping and dries in two hours

Unlike traditional wood finishing, which requires staining, wiping, and then applying a separate protective topcoat, Minwax One Step is brushed on like paint with no wiping step required. The product dries in just two hours, which the company says helps DIYers finish projects up to three times faster compared to using Minwax Wood Finish Water-Based Stain and Polycrylic Protective Finish separately.

Houston – September 21, 2026 -- Olight has launched the Oclip 2 Series, a clip-on light lineup that now tilts up to 115 degrees and rotates a full 360 degrees so users can aim the beam without repositioning the clip itself. The series includes two models, the Oclip 2 Pro at $49.99 and the Oclip 2 Ultra at $69.99, both available now through the Olight Official Store, Amazon, and authorized retailers. The line builds on Olight's original clip-light product, which the company says has more than one million users worldwide.

Self-locking pivots keep the beam fixed once adjusted

The new dual-axis design lets the head tilt and the clip rotate independently, with self-locking pivots holding whatever angle is selected. Olight tested the mechanism through 10,000 clipping cycles and 10,000 rotation cycles for durability.

Katy, Texas – September 21, 2026 -- Academy Sports + Outdoors is running a monthlong "Brooks Month" promotion from September 21 through October 18, spotlighting the Brooks performance running brand across its stores and online.

Shoppers can choose from more than 50 Brooks footwear styles

The lineup includes popular models like the Glycerin 23, Ghost 18 and Adrenaline GTS 25, alongside new arrivals in footwear, apparel and accessories designed for runners at every level.

A Houston community run kicked off the celebration on September 19

Academy and Brooks partnered with Loose Lace Run Club to host "Roll Call," an event in Houston -- Academy's hometown -- where runners tried Brooks products and connected with the local running community.

Millsboro, Del. – – September 21, 2026 -- Couples shopping for an engagement ring face a core choice between full customization and instant availability, according to a new HelloNation article featuring insights from Sergio Palazzo of Palazzo Jewelers in Millsboro, Delaware.

Custom rings give buyers control over every detail

The article explains that custom engagement rings let clients select a diamond or gemstone, choose a setting, and refine band details to reflect a personal vision. This appeals to buyers who want a design that stands apart from standard styles and carries personal meaning.

The custom design process takes four to eight weeks

Building a custom ring starts with a consultation covering ideas, budget, and preferences, followed by sketches or digital renderings before production begins. According to the article, this timeline typically runs four to eight weeks depending on complexity, requiring buyers to plan ahead.

Wilmington, Del. – September 21, 2026 -- ESR has released a new charging lineup built for the iPhone 18 Pro series, including a wireless pad with active cooling and two retractable cable chargers, with prices starting at $35.99.

A magnetic pad fights heat buildup during wireless charging

The Cyclone 25W Magnetic Charging Pad with CryoBoost combines Qi2 25W wireless charging with active cooling technology designed to reduce heat and protect long-term battery health. It was named an IFA Innovation Award 2026 Honoree. The pad includes an adjustable kickstand that tilts from 0 to 150 degrees for portrait or landscape use, plus a 5.9-foot cable, letting users watch videos or use StandBy mode while charging. It costs $36.99.

Carbondale, PA and Randolph, MA – September 21, 2026 -- Gentex Corporation and Randolph Engineering have launched a limited-edition Thunderbirds x Gentex x Randolph Sunglasses Collection, capped at 600 individually produced pairs and sold exclusively through Randolph Engineering.

The collection pairs Randolph's American-made Aviator frame with the same silver mirror lens technology flown by the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds.

The lenses use military-derived optical technology

Made in the USA with globally sourced materials, the lenses are engineered to military-derived performance requirements, offering optical clarity, accurate color perception, impact protection, enhanced durability, and all-day visual comfort, according to the companies.

Windham, N.H. – September 21, 2026 -- SQAIRZ has added Black and White colorways to its 2026 XRZ2 Pickleball footwear line, available now at SQAIRZ.com in both men's and women's sizing. The two new looks join four existing color options already offered across both lines.

The shoe features a roomier toe box designed for lateral stability

The XRZ2 includes a patented toe box built to let toes spread naturally, aimed at improving balance and enabling sharper cuts during pickleball play. Four stability outriggers support lateral movement and rapid direction changes, while Blumaka cushioning technology is designed to provide energy return. Sta-Put traction is intended to help players maintain a secure grip on the court.