---
title: Traub Weekly Consumer News // February 21, 2023
description: Here's our weekly roundup of recent consumer and retail news. This week, Canada Goose and The North Face invest in stores, Walmart and Home Depot ready for a consumer slowdown, and more.
image: https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bl383u0v/production/db383028e1f1bef14eca5ff30130c49955161cef-2400x1696.jpg?w=900&h=636&q=80&fit=max&auto=format&dpr=1
---
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# Weekly Consumer News Update // February 21, 2023
By [TRAUB](https://blog.traub.io/blog/author/traub) On February 21, 2023
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Here's our weekly roundup of recent consumer and retail news. This week, Canada Goose and The North Face invest in stores, Walmart and Home Depot ready for a consumer slowdown, and more.
---
**M&A and INVESTMENTS**
- **Subway** confirms it's exploring a possible sale [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/14/sandwich-chain-subway-explores-sale.html)
- Moët Hennessy to Acquire Majority Stake in Minuty Wine Estate [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/mergers-acquisitions/moet-hennessy-acquires-majority-stake-chateau-minuty-wine-estate-provence-rose-1235528415/)
- Liverpool FC owner John Henry calls off sale [Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/content/7fb9cc76-bb7d-475c-adc3-693c664e12e5)
## **INDUSTRY NEWS**
Is Sephora Enough to Revive Glossier?
The jury is still out on whether or not partnering with Sephora can jump-start the formerly direct-to-consumer darling. [WWD](https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/beauty-features/can-sephora-revive-glossier-retail-beauty-1235529006/)
Chipotle Mexican Grill to launch new spinoff, Farmesa Fresh Eatery, in a ghost kitchen
Farmesa marks Chipotle’s first spinoff attempt during CEO Brian Niccol’s tenure and will have a soft opening in late February. [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/15/chipotle-mexican-grill-farmesa-fresh-eatery.html)
Pacsun launches first-ever branded ‘building tycoon’ on Roblox
The launch signals a move for brands away from gaming launches centered on shopping, and instead into world-building. [Glossy](https://www.glossy.co/fashion/pacsun-launches-first-ever-branded-building-tycoon-on-roblox/)
PwC Research Shows Shoppers Seeking In-store Experience
The report also revealed the consumer mindset around inflation, ESG and their financial situations. [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/research-shows-shoppers-seeking-in-store-experience-1235526955/)
PayPal and Shopify See Big Business in Returns. Merchants Want to Fix the Problem Themselves
They offer services to help brands salvage revenue by convincing shoppers to swap out purchases or buy something else instead of requesting a full refund. [The Information](https://www.theinformation.com/articles/paypal-and-shopify-see-big-business-in-returns-merchants-want-to-fix-the-problem-themselves?utm_campaign=Automated+Fallback+R&utm_content=89&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio&utm_term=19)
Neiman Marcus is laying off 5% of its workforce
Neiman Marcus Group said it plans to lay off about 500 people across the organization, as part of a “strategic realignment to accelerate high-value luxury customer growth.” [RetailDive](https://www.retaildive.com/news/neiman-marcus-layoffs-5-percent-workforce-500-employees/642805/)
Twitter becomes first social media platform to allow cannabis advertising
The policy represents the biggest step forward that any major tech company has made toward allowing cannabis advertising where it's legal in the U.S. [Axios](https://www.axios.com/2023/02/15/twitter-cannabis-advertising-elon-musk)
Kraft Heinz to abandon further price hikes as shoppers stretched thin
Kraft's move mirrors PepsiCo Inc that last week said it would not raise prices any further, expecting some consumer pushback in the second half of the year. [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/kraft-heinz-beats-quarterly-sales-estimates-higher-prices-steady-demand-2023-02-15/')
By Adding Apartments, Malls Seek to Bring Shopping Closer to Home
Facing an existential crisis over empty space, owners are trying to fill malls with residences, building on the live-work-play model sought by young adults. [NYT](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/business/shopping-malls-residences.html)
Instagram sunsets live shopping as commerce retreat continues
Creators and brands who are livestreaming will no longer be able to tag products to sell in their broadcasts. [RetailDive](https://www.retaildive.com/news/instagram-sunsets-live-shopping-social-commerce-retreat/642841/)
Pets Don’t Get Inflation, but They Are Feeling Its Effects
People used to spoiling beloved animals are having to make harder choices with higher prices. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/articles/pet-food-costs-inflation-toys-treats-f0ade222)
Smooth sailing ahead for (most) off-price retailers
TJX is a standout in a space that continues to benefit from a dicey economy, while Nordstrom Rack struggles to gain a foothold. [RetailDive](https://www.retaildive.com/news/off-price-retail-accelerates-TJX/643044/)
The RealReal Announces Layoffs, Store Closures
In an effort to cut costs, the luxury resale platform will lay off 230 employees and close four stores this year. [BoF](https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/retail/therealreal-layoffs/)
Barnes & Noble Takes Page From Amazon With $40-a-Year Membership Program
Book retailer also launches free membership program in effort to learn more about its customers. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/articles/barnes-noble-takes-page-from-amazon-with-40-a-year-membership-program-11b1dcbc?mod=business_lead_pos4)
Jen Atkin Releases Hot Tools as Part of New Brand
The celebrity hairstylist is first unveiling a $75 Triple Ripple Jumbo Hair Waver, accessories and merchandise. [WWD](https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/hair/exclusive-jen-atkin-releases-hot-tools-mane-by-mane-addicts-huda-mona-kattan-investors-1235526992/?cx_testId=148&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=2#cxrecs_s)
TikTok expands its research API to nonprofit academic institutions in the U.S.
“TikTok is working to enhance transparency with the research community." [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/21/tiktok-expands-its-research-api-to-nonprofit-academic-institutions-in-the-u-s/)
Why apparel companies like Canada Goose and The North Face are investing in stores
"Physical retail has never been more important." [Modern Retail](https://www.modernretail.co/operations/physical-retail-has-never-been-more-important-why-apparel-companies-like-canada-goose-and-the-north-face-are-investing-in-stores/)
ChatGPT launches boom in AI-written e-books on Amazon
There were over 200 e-books in Amazon’s Kindle store as of mid-February listing ChatGPT as an author or co-author.[Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-launches-boom-ai-written-e-books-amazon-2023-02-21/)
Chanel Set to Open a Beauty Store in Williamsburg This Summer
The store will reportedly house beauty and fragrance, further cementing the neighborhood as a hotspot for luxury. [BoF](https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/beauty/chanel-opening-williamsburg-brooklyn-store-beauty/)
Social networks’ latest business model is charging for security
Meta and Twitter are both using account security to attract paid subscribers — but in very different ways. [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/20/23607106/twitter-facebook-instagram-meta-security-subscription)
Uniqlo’s Quest to Conquer the US, One Cashmere Sweater at a Time
Although Uniqlo is a fixture in shopping streets of New York, parent Fast Retailing Co. is giving its flagship clothing brand a hefty marketing budget to reach Iowa and Texas. [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-19/uniqlo-s-quest-to-conquer-the-us-one-cashmere-sweater-at-a-time?leadSource=uverify%20wall)
Why Big Soda’s Alcohol Drinks Worry Health Experts
PepsiCo and Coca-Cola enter hard soda markets, causing concerns among regulators and researchers. [NYT](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/21/health/alcohol-soft-drinks-health-risk.html)
Zalando to Axe Hundreds of Jobs as Pandemic-Fueled Online Shopping Fades
The German online retailer will cut hundreds of jobs across several teams to cope with "a challenging macroeconomic environment" as the pandemic-fueled shift to online shopping ebbed away. [MarketWatch](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/zalando-to-axe-hundreds-of-jobs-as-pandemic-fueled-online-shopping-fades-cd1051b8)
Walmart and Home Depot are getting ready for a consumer slowdown
The retail giants' outlooks preview a tougher year for the retail industry. [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/21/walmart-home-depot-cautious-consumer.html)
The secret behind building Instagram’s favorite luxury lifestyle brand
Chelsea Hansford, CEO and creative director, of Simon Miller on taking the brand from selling denim to a modern and fun luxury label. [Retail Brew](https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2023/02/17/the-secret-behind-building-instagram-s-favorite-luxury-lifestyle-brand)
COMINGS & GOINGS
- Cartier Promotes Mercedes Abramo to Deputy Chief Commercial Officer Role [BoF](https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/luxury/cartier-promotes-mercedes-abramo-to-deputy-chief-commercial-officer-role/)
- Hearst Publisher Carol Smith to Exit the Company [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/media/hearst-publisher-carol-smith-exit-company-1235533695/)
- Yeti names permanent CFO [RetailDive](https://www.retaildive.com/news/yeti-names-permanent-cfo/643040/)
- Nike's Chief Digital Information Officer, Ratnakar Lavu, resigns [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/nikes-top-technology-executive-ratnakar-lavu-resigns-2023-2)
- Sweaty Betty E-Commerce VP Joins Harvey Nichols [SGB Media](https://sgbonline.com/sweaty-betty-e-commerce-vp-joins-harvey-nichols/)
- Etro Names Dan Rothmann CEO Americas, Global Travel Retail [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/human-resources/etro-names-dan-rothmann-ceo-americas-global-travel-retail-1235537358/)
**GOOD READS**
- Emily Weiss Is the LeBron James of Beauty [BoF](https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/beauty/glossier-nyc-soho-flagship/?utm_source=newsletter_dailydigest&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily_Digest_210223&utm_content=intro)
- Why doesn’t Trader Joe’s deliver? [Retail Brew](https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2023/02/17/fsq-frequently-searched-questions-why-doesn-t-trader-joe-s-deliver?cid=30590406.162181&mid=e183fe4871484fb95d54c5b936067b52&utm_campaign=rtb&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=morning_brew)
- Tech Giants are Barreling Headfirst into an AI Arms Race [Vanity Fair](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/02/artificial-intelligence-chatgpt-bing-microsoft-google)
**INSPIRATION**
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