--- title: Traub Weekly Consumer News // February 28, 2023 description: Here's our weekly roundup of recent consumer and retail news. This week, Cartier launches Snapchat experience, DoorDash Challenges Instacart, and more.  image: https://blog.traub.io/hubfs/Z55QU3WJXVEY5FJOB5H4SPKPMU.jpg --- [![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/) # Weekly Consumer News Update // February 28, 2023 By [TRAUB](https://blog.traub.io/blog/author/traub) On February 28, 2023 [![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/weekly-news-2023-02-28&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/weekly-news-2023-02-28&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/weekly-news-2023-02-28&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.traub.io/blog/weekly-news-2023-02-28&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) Here's our weekly roundup of recent consumer and retail news. This week, Cartier's new Snapchat experience, DoorDash Challenges Instacart, and more.  ---  **M&A and INVESTMENTS** - Amazon completes $3.9 billion deal for One Medical [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/articles/ftc-wont-block-amazon-purchase-of-one-medical-network-of-health-clinics-c635495e) - Bill Gates Buys Stake in Heineken for $902 Million [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-22/billionaire-gates-buys-stake-in-heineken-s-controlling-holder?srnd=industries-v2&leadSource=uverify%20wall) - **Target** Investing **$100 Million** in Sortation, Speeding Up Online Orders [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/financial/target-sortation-centers-100-million-next-day-delivery-1235540491/) - Buzzy Storytelling Startup Tome AI Raises $43 Million in Series B Funding [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexkonrad/2023/02/22/storytelling-ai-startup-tome-raises-43-million/?sh=4837511574f1) - Dick’s Sporting Goods to buy e-commerce outdoor retailer Moosejaw from Walmart [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/22/dicks-sporting-goods-buys-moosejaw-walmart.html) - Levine Leichtman Capital Partners Acquires Kilwins Quality Confections [Business Wire](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230223005330/en/Levine-Leichtman-Capital-Partners-Acquires-Kilwins-A-Leading-Franchisor-Brand-of-Chocolate-Ice-Cream-and-Confectionary-Products) - GSK Spinoff Haleon Explores Potential $600 Million Sale of ChapStick Brand [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-24/gsk-spinoff-haleon-is-said-to-explore-sale-of-chapstick-brand?srnd=industries-consumer&leadSource=uverify%20wall) - L Catterton Nears Agreement to Buy Ilegal Mezcal [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-23/l-catterton-is-said-to-near-agreement-to-buy-ilegal-mezcal) - Altria in Talks to Buy Vaping Startup NJOY for at Least $2.75 Billion, Divest Its Stake in Juul [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/articles/altria-in-talks-to-buy-vaping-startup-njoy-for-at-least-2-75-billion-3f819149?mod=panda_wsj_author_alert)   ## **INDUSTRY NEWS** Starbucks bets big on olive oil-infused Oleato coffee line Starbucks is launching olive oil-infused coffee in Italy, with plans for a U.S. launch this spring. [Yahoo](https://money.yahoo.com/starbucks-bets-big-on-olive-oil-infused-oleato-coffee-line-142121260.html)   ![Z55QU3WJXVEY5FJOB5H4SPKPMU](https://blog.traub.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Z55QU3WJXVEY5FJOB5H4SPKPMU.jpg?width=320&height=180&name=Z55QU3WJXVEY5FJOB5H4SPKPMU.jpg) How Luxury Is Using Augmented Reality Cartier’s new augmented-reality experience in Snapchat highlights how luxury is testing the technology for storytelling and as a sales driver. [BoF](https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/technology/how-luxury-is-using-augmented-reality/)   Adidas renews deal with Major League Soccer The deal goes through 2030 and is valued at $830 million, according to a person involved. It represents Adidas’ largest-ever investment in North American soccer. [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/22/adidas-major-league-soccer-renew-deal.html)   Shopify to expand program offering better delivery date visibility Shop Promise provides shoppers with reliable and accurate delivery dates, which has helped merchants in the program see up to a 25% increase in conversion rates. [RetailDive](http://retaildive.com/news/shopify-expand-shop-promise-delivery-date-visibility-merchants/643146/)   Pay-Per-Chew: More restaurants trying subscription programs Large chains like Panera and P.F. Chang’s as well as neighborhood hangouts are increasingly experimenting with the subscription model as a way to ensure steady revenue and customer visits. [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/business-7012f0ee968e761b257818658c515648)   Beautycounter’s Conscious Decision to Expand Its Retail Footprint Proving that a true omnichannel approach is key to meeting the consumer wherever she is, Beautycounter has signed a deal to enter Ulta Beauty stores.[CEW](https://cew.org/beauty_news/beautycounters-conscious-decision-to-expand-its-retail-footprint/)   'Stubborn' food inflation leaves U.S. shoppers with slim appetite for other goods As American shoppers stomach soaring food prices, they are cutting back on purchases of other goods, such as toys, clothing and housewares, in a challenging trend for retailers. [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/stubborn-food-inflation-leaves-us-shoppers-with-slim-appetite-other-goods-2023-02-23/)   Kids Brand Hanna Andersson Launches Its Own Resale Site The children’s brand known for making clothes that become prized hand-me-downs when they are outgrown has launched an online resale shop. [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/2023/02/24/kids-brand-hanna-andersson-launches-its-own-resale-site/amp/)   Mercedes partners with Google to bring Maps and YouTube into its vehicles It’s an unusual deal that attempts to strike a Goldilocks-type balance between offering the Google services consumers want without ceding control over the entire operating system in the car. [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/22/mercedes-google-maps-youtube/)   Amazon is leaning into virtual influencers to engage younger consumers The tech giant’s investment in design studio Superplastic may mean the digital celebrity trend makes its way to your doorstep sooner than you think.[Retail Brew](https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2023/02/27/amazon-is-leaning-into-virtual-influencers-to-engage-younger-consumers)   How Party City’s Party Ended: What Went Wrong Helium shortages. Halloween parties. Home lockdowns. These are just a few of the factors that have led to Party City filing for bankruptcy. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/video/series/news-explainers/how-party-citys-party-ended-what-went-wrong/3EBB01DC-658D-4855-AF54-41C4039EB7F4)   Big city restaurants and bars are missing office workers’ spending on Mondays and Fridays Hybrid work is costing cities, like LA, NYC, ATL, and their businesses billions of dollars a year. [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/24/big-city-restaurants-bars-hybrid-work.html)   ![Subway Oasis EV charging centers](https://i.insider.com/63f4efc37b15f100194d3d08?width=700) Subway plans electric car charging "oasis" It's a hint of what's to come as companies with big retail footprints figure out creative ways to embrace the electric transition — and make a buck or two along the way. [Axios](https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/subway-electric-car-charging-oasis)   Sneaker resale prices are falling to Earth Price declines are signaling that the froth has left the market, leading sneaker heads and analysts alike to wonder if the market is crashing — or just normalizing. [Axios](https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/sneakers-resale-price-drop)   NPR to Cut 10% of Its Staff The nonprofit media organization, which has a staff of about 1,100 people, said the layoffs were required because of a slowdown in advertising and a drop in corporate sponsorships. [NYT](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/22/business/media/npr-layoffs.html)   DoorDash Challenges Instacart With Aldi Partnership The partnership will see DoorDash offer deliveries from more than 2,100 Aldi locations across the U.S. [The Information](https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/doordash-challenges-instacart-with-aldi-partnership?_cio_id=91f70230b62fb7a158&utm_campaign=%5BTI-AM%5D+The+Informat&utm_content=1003167&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio&utm_term=1000293)   Ulta Beauty Makes a Dedicated Luxury Push Chanel, Dior and Hourglass are among the inaugural assortment. [WWD](https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/beauty-features/ulta-beauty-luxury-brands-chanel-dior-ysl-tom-ford-hourglass-1235545026/)   Pizza brands like Domino's, Papa John's struggle with delivery decline It was a rough week for pizza companies, as some of America's biggest pie chains struggle to overcome waning demand for delivery. [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/pizza-brands-dominos-papa-johns-struggle-delivery-decline-2023-2)   Warner Bros. Discovery sues Paramount in South Park streaming fight The company claims Paramount ‘induced’ South Park Digital Studios to breach its licensing agreement with HBO Max. [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/25/23614610/warner-bros-discovery-paramount-south-park-lawsuit-hbo-max)   Elon Musk’s Twitter Cuts More Jobs as Platform Seeks to Slash Costs Social-media company’s staff has shrunk since billionaire acquired it last year. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musks-twitter-cuts-more-jobs-as-platform-seeks-to-slash-costs-ab9ef143?mod=tech_lead_pos4)   Food makers, feeling squeezed, pull the plug on slow-selling products Major consumer companies including Kraft Heinz Co and Conagra Brands are culling product lines to combat sky-high costs and falling consumer demand. [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/food-makers-feeling-squeezed-pull-plug-slow-selling-products-2023-02-24/)   Amazon Expands Same-Day Delivery, With Fees, While Battling Slow Growth Company invests in ultrafast delivery as it also tries to trim expenses. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-expands-same-day-delivery-with-fees-while-battling-slow-growth-344bd3a6?mod=business_lead_pos11)   ![Animated illustration of a tube man waving about inside of a pixelated computer web browser](https://images.axios.com/qMrQKf7mflP5vwaN-YaUw7IUUE0=/0x0:1280x720/1920x1080/2023/02/27/1677535249325.gif?w=1920) AI and ChatGPT are selling cars in the metaverse With their newly introduced "metaverse" dealerships, Fiat and Kia both hope to revolutionize the car-buying experience. [Axios](https://www.axios.com/2023/02/28/chatgpt-ai-sell-fiat-cars)   COMINGS & GOINGS - Bath & Body Works names new director under pressure from activist investor [US News](https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2023-02-21/bath-body-works-adds-second-new-director-amid-pressure-from-third-point) - Spotify Podcast Executive To Exit Company [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-21/spotify-official-overseeing-rogan-podcast-deals-to-exit-company?_cio_id=91f70230b62fb7a158&utm_campaign=%5BTI-AM%5D+The+Informat&utm_content=1003167&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio&utm_term=1000293) - Former Chanel CEO Maureen Chiquet Joins La DoubleJ as Chairwoman [BoF](https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/luxury/former-chanel-ceo-maureen-chiquet-joins-la-doublej-as-chairwoman/?utm_source=newsletter_dailydigest&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily_Digest_230223&utm_content=intro) - Apple reportedly names exec to build out streaming ad business [Seeking Alpha](https://seekingalpha.com/news/3940849-apple-reportedly-names-exec-to-build-out-streaming-ad-business) - Vice Media CEO Nancy Dubuc to depart [Axios](https://www.axios.com/2023/02/24/vice-media-nancy-dubuc) - Twitter Blue head Esther Crawford is out at Twitter [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/26/23615841/twitter-blue-esther-crawford-layoffs) - FarFetch CFO to exit in 2023 [Retail Dive](https://www.retaildive.com/news/farfetch-cfo-exit-2023/643556/) - Christie’s Names Global Head of Luxury [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/human-resources/christies-head-of-luxury-danan-1235552556/) - Ariana Grande’s **R.e.m. Beauty** Hires New CEO [WWD](https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/beauty-features/ariana-grandes-r-e-m-beauty-new-ceo-1235546899/?cx_testId=148&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=1#cxrecs_s) - **Kohl’s** Taps Dave Alves as President and Chief Operating Officer [Footwear News](https://footwearnews.com/2023/business/executive-moves/kohls-names-dave-alves-president-chief-operating-officer-1203419012/) - Marriott International announces five new executive appointments [Luxury Daily](https://www.luxurydaily.com/marriott-international-announces-five-new-executive-appointments/) **GOOD READS** - What Does the Future Hold for Malls? [Retail Touchpoints](https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/topics/retail-store-design/experiential-retail/what-does-the-future-hold-for-malls-design-visionaries-share-their-predictions) - A warning from Walmart about the health of the American consumer [The Economist](https://www.economist.com/business/2023/02/21/a-warning-from-walmart-about-the-health-of-the-american-consumer) - Why retailers and platforms are rushing to incorporate AI and ChatGPT into online shopping [ModernRetail](https://www.modernretail.co/technology/why-retailers-and-platforms-rushing-to-incorporate-ai-and-chatgpt-into-online-shopping/) - Consumers are reaching a breaking point [Vox](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/23614085/consumer-spending-inflation-corporations-profits-retail-economy)   **INSPIRATION** ![IMG_3301](https://blog.traub.io/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_3301.jpg?width=320&height=385&name=IMG_3301.jpg)     ### 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