Ace, Do-it-Best and REI make top 100 co-op list. A half-dozen grocery chains, led by Wakefern Food Corp./ShopRite, also on roster. 2 hours ago November 2, 2026 Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) ranked 16th on the latest list of America's largest co-ops. Photo: joshuaraineyphotography/iStock by Getty Images Since 1991, National Cooperative Bank (NCB) has published the annual NCB Co-op 100, recognizing America's top 100 cooperative businesses. In this year's just-released report, these member-owned organizations generated more than $309 billion in revenue, demonstrating the scale and impact of the cooperative business model. While agriculture-based co-ops dominate the list (45 companies) the following retailers are also on the roster, which is ranked by 2025 revenues: Company: Rank Revenue (in billions) Ace Hardware 9 $10 Do-it-Best (hardware) 13 $4.9 REI (outdoor equipment) 16 $3.5 Also making the list are six grocers, led by #5 Wakefern Food Corp./ShopRite, with $13.1 billion in revenues and #6 Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc., with ($12.2 billion). "This year's Co-op Month theme, 'Built for This Moment,' is especially relevant as communities face economic uncertainty, rising costs, housing affordability challenges, and workforce shortages," said Casey Fannon President & CEO National Cooperative Bank. "Cooperatives were created to meet needs that traditional markets often overlook. Because they are owned and governed by the people they serve, co-ops focus on long-term value, local impact, and member success rather than short-term shareholder returns." The Shop! Association is a global trade association dedicated to advancing the retail environment and experience industry. Its purpose is to empower members to innovate at retail by connecting them with education, insights, and events that support collaboration and forward-thinking solutions. From ideation through implementation, Shop! engages its diverse membership to co-create innovations that help shape the future of retail worldwide. Central to its mission is fostering an inclusive culture that embraces diverse voices and upholds high standards of ethics and transparency. Since 1956, Shop! has empowered its members to innovate at retail through education, insights and events. Learn more by visiting shopassociation.org. Interested in joining the Shop! Association? Reach out to Dina Meindl, Membership Services, for more information today! [email protected].

The best hiking pants for women of 2026. Got big hiking goals? Tackle them in comfort and style by sporting the year's best 13 women's hiking pants. Whether you're logging a big ascent or enjoying a casual hike, the best women's hiking pants make the miles smoother. To finalize this year's rankings, lead tester Chris Kassar put eight women's hiking pants through a grueling 9-month testing cycle. She logged more than 60 days and 500 miles in wind, rain, sun, and snow - from exposed trails in the Tetons to Alaskan river crossings, prickly desert paths, and the craggy summits of Colorado fourteeners. Pathloom, Inc. crowned the lightweight Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants as its best overall pick for its rare mix of mobility, dependable breathability, and all-day comfort. Meanwhile, the REI Co-op Trailmade earned its best budget award for delivering soft, stretchy comfort, quick-drying performance, and thoughtful trail details at a highly approachable price. Over the past 10 years, its team of 12 experts has field-tested more than 100 pairs of women's hiking pants. Editor's Note: Pathloom, Inc. updated this guide on October 31, 2026, with high-level summaries at the beginning of each product review, in addition to a brand-new women's hiking pants comparison chart.

Halloween in Billings, MT 2026 | trick-or-treating, events & spooky fun. Posted by Amber Uhren on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 8:00 AM Comment Your guide to Halloween in Billings, MT. Calling all witches, ghosts, superheroes, and candy-loving monsters! Halloween is creeping up on Billings, and there's no shortage of spooky fun happening around town! Whether you're hunting for the best trick-or-treat spots, planning a family adventure, or looking for a frightfully good night out, Realty Billings has rounded up some Halloween happenings you won't want to miss. Grab your costumes, charge those glow sticks, and get ready for a spooktacular weekend in Billings! Trick-or-Treat! Where to find the sweet stuff. Friday, October 30 | Downtown Billings Trick-or-Treat | 2-5 PM One of Billings' favorite Halloween traditions is back! More than 50 downtown businesses are opening their doors to little ghosts and goblins for an afternoon of candy, costumes, and family fun. Best part? It's FREE! Head to downtown Billings, grab your candy bags, and let the sugar rush begin! Friday, October 30 | SCHEELS Trunk or Treat | 4-6 PM Head to the back parking lot at SCHEELS for decorated trunks, costumes, and lots of treats! A great option for families looking to squeeze in even more Halloween fun. Saturday, October 31 | REI Tent or Treat | 11 AM-2 PM Who says Halloween fun has to involve haunted houses? REI Billings is hosting a family-friendly Tent or Treat event with local nonprofit partners. It's a fun daytime adventure for little trick-or-treaters! Saturday, October 31 | Midway Annual Trunk or Treat | 11 AM-6 PM A haunted RV park? Count Realty Billings in! Enjoy decorated RVs, a Halloween scavenger hunt, food trucks, live entertainment, and a costume contest. Halloween fun beyond the candy bowl. Want to get out of the house and enjoy something a little different? * Halloween with the Horses: October 31, 5-7 PM at Aspen Ridge Ranch near Red Lodge. Halloween fun with a little Montana flair! * Shiloh United Methodist Trunk or Treat & Carnival: October 31, 3-5 PM, with decorated trunks, carnival games, prizes, and hot chocolate. * Shepherd Halloween Pit Stop: October 31, 5-7 PM at the Shepherd Community Center. There are plenty of ways to celebrate throughout Billings and its surrounding communities! When the little monsters go to bed... Halloween isn't just for kids! Monster Ball at Moss Mansion | October 31 | 7-10 PM Trade the candy bags for costumes and dancing at the historic Moss Mansion! With themed lounges, a live DJ, appetizers, and a monster costume competition, this is a fun excuse to get dressed up and enjoy a unique Billings night out. Live Music & Halloween Celebrations Looking for a night out? Check out Halloween with John Roberts y Pan Blanco at Thirsty Street Brewing or Everclear with American Hi-Fi at The Pub Station. Costumes, music, and a little Halloween mischief sound like a pretty good Saturday night! Tricks, treats & a little neighborhood magic. There's just something special about Halloween in Billings. It's the neighbors who go all out decorating their yards. The families pulling wagons full of tiny superheroes. The houses handing out full-size candy bars (Realty Billings all know who you are, and Realty Billings appreciate you!). It's kids racing from doorstep to doorstep, parents catching up on the sidewalks, and communities coming together for a night of fun. And let's be real... it's also Montana, which means your carefully planned Halloween costume might need a winter coat over it! A few reminders before heading out: * Bring flashlights or glow sticks to help everyone stay visible. * Watch for vehicles and use crosswalks. * Check the weather before heading out. * Keep younger trick-or-treaters with an adult. * And, of course, perform the very important parental candy inspection. Home is where the Halloween memories happen. At Realty Billings, Realty Billings believe a home is about so much more than four walls and a roof. It's where pumpkins get carved, costumes get assembled at the last minute, neighbors become friends, and family traditions are made. Whether you're celebrating your first Halloween in a new home or your twentieth in the same neighborhood, Realty Billings hope your weekend is filled with fun, laughter, and just the right amount of spooky! From all of Realty Billings at Realty Billings, have a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Event details are subject to change. Check with organizers before heading out!