Wonder acquires a media company, Unilever dedicates more spend to influencers, and Ulta launches a third-party marketplace. Here are the eight most interesting retailers and brands from last month, as ranked on our “Behind the Numbers” podcast.

Shopify’s Q4 sales accelerate 31%: The company expects Q1 sales to grow in the mid-20% range as it ramps up efforts to attract major brands like Goop and Reebok to its ecosystem.

JCPenney joins forces with Aeropostale’s owner to form Catalyst Brands: The new company aims to tap into its vast pool of customer data to cross-sell across its portfolio.

Nike is once again selling wholesale to DSW and Macy’s: Renewing those relationships will help it reach the sizable segment of consumers who aren’t willing to seek out its products.

Nike’s shift to D2C gives other sportswear brands an opening: Adidas, Reebok, Allbirds, and more are jockeying to take Nike’s place on store shelves.