--- title: "March 2024: Monthly Consumer News Roundup" description: A compilation of news stories from all corners of the consumer landscape, from CPG, retail, beauty, tech, hospitality, real estate, deals, investments, and more. image: https://images.mktw.net/im-39660552?size=1.5 --- [![logo-vert-traub (2)](https://blog.traub.io/hs-fs/hubfs/TRAUB_September2019/Image/logo-vert-traub%20(2).png?width=456&height=312&name=logo-vert-traub%20(2).png "logo-vert-traub (2)")](http://traub.io/) - [Who We Are](https://www.traub.io/who-we-are/) - [What We Do](https://www.traub.io/what-we-do/) - [Meet Our Team](https://www.traub.io/our-team/) - [See Our Work](https://www.traub.io/case-studies/) - [Read Our Content](https://www.traub.io/read-our-content/) - [Traub Capital](https://www.traub-capital.com/) # March 2024: Monthly Consumer News Roundup By [TRAUB](https://blog.traub.io/blog/author/traub) On March 28, 2024 [![Share on facebook](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/3275719/hubfs/hs_marketplace_assets/modules/Social_Sharing/81/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.traub.io/blog/monthly-news-mar-2024&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/3275719/hubfs/hs_marketplace_assets/modules/Social_Sharing/81/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.traub.io/blog/monthly-news-mar-2024&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/3275719/hubfs/hs_marketplace_assets/modules/Social_Sharing/81/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.traub.io/blog/monthly-news-mar-2024&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.traub.io/blog/monthly-news-mar-2024&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) Each month, we'll be sharing a compilation of the biggest news stories from all corners of the consumer landscape, from CPG, retail, beauty, tech, hospitality, real estate, deals, investments and more. --- Unilever to Cut 7,500 Jobs and Spin Off Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Unit The consumer goods giant said the moves would make for a “simpler, more focused company” as consumers trade down to cheaper brands amid high inflation. [NYT](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/19/business/unilever-ben-jerrys-job-cuts.html)   Wagyu-mart? Inside Walmart’s Bold Plan to Lure Luxury Shoppers The retailer is revamping over 800 U.S. stores to cater to wealthier customers. [Robb Report](https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/walmart-wealthy-shoppers-1235555043/)   Krispy Kreme donuts are coming to McDonald’s McDonald’s is planning to sell Krispy Kreme doughnuts at its restaurants nationwide by the end of 2026, the chains announced Tuesday. [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/26/business/krispy-kreme-mcdonalds/index.html)   ![](https://images.mktw.net/im-759164?width=700&height=697) Could a looming chocolate crisis shake Easter after cocoa prices doubled? The latest surge in cocoa futures has yet to reach the retail shelves, but as demand for chocolate stays strong and supply uncertainty persists, candy makers stand ready to pass on added costs to consumers. [MarketWatch](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/could-a-looming-chocolate-crisis-shake-easter-after-cocoa-prices-nearly-doubled-5c102f84)   From Coke to Hershey, CPGs search for their sweet spot in pack size Consumers are increasingly interested in smaller portion sizes, as well as value-priced multipacks, for their snacks and soda. These changing sizes can have implications from production to recycling. [Food Dive](https://www.fooddive.com/news/shrinkflation-small-pack-multipack-snacks-soda-sustainability/710563/)   Hilton Bets on College Towns With $210 Million Deal Lodging giant is acquiring Graduate Hotels, a brand with properties near dozens of college campuses. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/hilton-hotels-college-towns-expansion-74ca6e60?st)   With TikTok Under Fire, Brands That Rely on It Worry Many companies, particularly in the beauty and fashion industries, have boosted sales through the platform. They don’t really have a backup plan. [NYT](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/22/business/tiktok-beauty-fashion-companies.html)   Why Merch Madness Is Taking Over Beauty From Rhode's lip case to Milk Makeup's newest Reebok collaboration, beauty brands are increasingly building hype and personality through merch. [WWD](https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/beauty-features/rhode-hailey-bieber-phone-case-milk-makeup-reebok-glossier-brands-merch-beauty-1236253526/)   ‘Foot traffic is incredible’: Midtown Manhattan is once again a retail hot spot Although foot traffic tanked during Covid, Midtown is getting back up and running. Now, all types of brands and retailers are making the move to central Manhattan. [Modern Retail](https://www.modernretail.co/operations/foot-traffic-is-incredible-midtown-manhattan-is-once-again-a-retail-hot-spot/)   [![WFM-Daily-Shop-Juice-Java](https://blog.traub.io/hs-fs/hubfs/WFM-Daily-Shop-Juice-Java.webp?width=320&height=180&name=WFM-Daily-Shop-Juice-Java.webp)](https://www.businessinsider.com/whole-foods-launching-small-daily-shop-stores-new-york-city-2024-3) Whole Foods is launching mini-stores for quicker shopping trips Whole Foods Market Daily Shop stores will be about a quarter of the size of the grocer's normal locations and based in "dense, metropolitan areas." [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/whole-foods-launching-small-daily-shop-stores-new-york-city-2024-3)   --- Inspiring Words to Live By: ![IMG_0280 (1)](https://blog.traub.io/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0280%20(1).jpg?width=320&height=390&name=IMG_0280%20(1).jpg) For more inspiration, visit @dailystoic and @dailyphilosopher on Instagram.  --- If you don't already, follow us on [The Safari Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/39iJ2gQIJwJavlRUiGnxGz?si=wM65BcdyQqup77A7GTCBsg) as we interview the brightest and most innovative industry leaders who are shaping the retail, brand, and consumer landscape.    ### Subscribe Here! 477 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor New York, NY 10022 (646) 723-2990 [info@traub.io](mailto:info@traub.io) ![TRAUB](https://blog.traub.io/hubfs/TRAUB_September2019/Image/traub-logo.png) - [Who We Are](http://traub.io/who-we-are/) - [What We Do](http://traub.io/what-we-do/) - [Meet Our Team](http://traub.io/our-team/) - [See Our Work](http://traub.io/case-studies/) - [Read Our Content](http://traub.io/read-our-content/) - [Traub Capital](https://www.traub-capital.com/) Traub © 2023