--- title: Weekly Consumer News Roundup // December 5, 2023 description: Here's our weekly roundup of recent consumer and retail news. This week, Zara and H&M refurbish their retail locations, TikTok teams up with TicketMaster, and more.  image: https://images.wsj.net/im-895141/?width=2000&size=1.5003750937734 --- [![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 Roundup // December 5, 2023 By [TRAUB](https://blog.traub.io/blog/author/traub) On December 05, 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)](https://blog.traub.io/blog/linkedin.com/company/traub-consulting) [![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)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/traub-consulting/) [![Share on email](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/3275719/hubfs/hs_marketplace_assets/modules/Social_Sharing/81/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:info@traub.io) Here's our weekly roundup of recent consumer and retail news. This week, Zara and H&M refurbish their retail locations, TikTok teams up with TicketMaster, and more.  --- **WORDS FOR THE WEEK** ![IMG_0258](https://blog.traub.io/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0258.jpg?width=320&height=316&name=IMG_0258.jpg) For more inspiration, visit @dailystoic and @dailyphilosopher on Instagram.    **M&A and INVESTMENTS** - Neiman Marcus Rejects **$3 Billion** Takeover Bid by **Saks** WSJ - Blackstone to Buy Rover Group for $2.3 Billion [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/blackstone-to-buy-rover-group-for-2-3-billion-d3d46bd3?mod=business_lead_pos3) - Alaska Air to buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/03/business/alaska-airlines-to-acquire-tk/index.html) - Tanger Acquires Its First Open-air Lifestyle Center for $193.5 million [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/real-estate/tanger-buys-its-first-open-air-lifestyle-center-1235984554/) - THG Beauty bid $20 million for skin care brand Biossance [WWD](https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/fashion-features/four-amyris-brands-including-biossance-sold-at-auction-1235987641/) - Farfetch founder bids to take company private [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/farfetch-founder-bids-take-company-private-telegraph-2023-11-28/?utm_source=www.execsum.co&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=rest-in-peace-charlie-munger) - Vail Resorts to Acquire Swiss Ski Resort[SGB Media](https://sgbonline.com/vail-resorts-to-acquire-crans-montana-mountain-resort-in-switzerland/) - Apparel Maker Faherty Explores Selling Minority Stake [BoF](https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/retail/fatherly-considers-sale/) - Panera Bread reportedly files to go public again through IPO [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/01/panera-bread-ipo-filing.html) - Mav Beauty Brands To Be Acquired by Nexus Capital Management [Happi](https://www.happi.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2023-11-27/mav-beauty-brands-to-be-acquired-by-nexus-capital-management/) - Activewear brand Bandier seeks buyer for IP, assets [Yahoo](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/activewear-brand-bandier-seeks-buyer-140300134.html)   ## **INDUSTRY NEWS** **CPG** ![Kraft Heinz's plant-based macaroni and cheese.](https://www.fooddive.com/imgproxy/-RTJKocr5UEkwjBi3Ax10ySDqGcythHfpUHtFgRqGmo/g:ce/rs:fill:1200:675:1/bG9jYWw6Ly8vZGl2ZWltYWdlL0tSQUZUX05vdE1hY19fQ2hlZXNlX0dyb3VwLmpwZw.jpg) Kraft’s newest Mac & Cheese is ditching cheese For the first-time ever, the household staple is going plant-based with a new version of the boxed favorite that contains a dairy-free alternative to its signature cheese. [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/29/food/kraft-mac-and-not-cheese-launch/index.html)   VF Corp lays off 500 salaried employees amid turnaround The job cuts come weeks after an activist investor demanded the conglomerate slash $300 million in expenses. [Retail Dive](https://www.retaildive.com/news/vf-corp-layoffs-500-vans-north-face/701135/)   CEOs Try to Beat Their Rivals in Softness and Cuddle-ability Plush-toy makers play hardball in a competition for the squishiest creatures in the hot stuffed-animal market. WSJ   Pet Wellness Is The Next Big Thing Since pets are the new children, owners are shopping for them in similar ways — looking for sustainable packaging, fun marketing, clean ingredients and benefit-driven products. [WWD](https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/wellness/rise-of-pet-wellness-1235960922/)   Food brands bet on gift sets to drive holiday sales As inflation has left people with tighter wallets this holiday season, a number of food companies are positioning their products as luxurious-yet-affordable presents. [Modern Retail](https://www.modernretail.co/marketing/food-brands-bet-on-gift-sets-to-drive-holiday-sales/)   ![](https://images.wsj.net/im-895141/?width=2000&size=1.5003750937734) Ozempic and a Protein Shake: Food Makers Prep Weight-Loss-Drug Side Dishes Startups and other food makers are pitching their products as natural alternatives or companion products for patients. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/ozempic-and-a-protein-shake-food-makers-prep-weight-loss-drug-side-dishes-ff36abf7?mod=business_feat5_retail_pos1)   General Mills leans into cereal as a snack with new twists on old favorites The CPG giant is betting on consumers continuing to see the breakfast staple as a treat option with new flavors and mini versions of some of its biggest brands. [Food Dive](https://www.fooddive.com/news/general-mills-leans-into-cereal-as-a-snack-with-new-twists-on-old-favorites/701451/)     **RETAIL** More US retailers adopt 'keep it' returns policies to shelter profits in holiday surge As holiday shoppers return items purchased during Black Friday and Cyber Monday online shopping sprees, more U.S. retailers could tell them to keep items that cost more to ship back than they are worth. [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/more-us-retailers-adopt-keep-it-returns-policies-shelter-profits-holiday-surge-2023-11-30/)   Class A malls continue to be in high demand Even as consumer spending cools down across the U.S., retailers continue to target upscale malls for expansion. [Modern Retail](https://www.modernretail.co/operations/class-a-malls-continue-to-be-in-high-demand/)   Best Buy to offer deliveries via DoorDash The partnership marks the first national consumer electronics retailer available on the DoorDash marketplace. [Retail Dive](https://www.retaildive.com/news/best-buy-delivery-doordash/701112/)   Shoppers are worried about the economy so they're 'doom spending' to make themselves feel better Similar to doomscrolling, consumers, especially younger ones, are mindlessly shopping to ease their concerns, a new report says. [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/shoppers-are-doom-spending-to-cope-with-financial-stress-2023-11)   Fashion’s New Look for Stores: Bigger, Better, Fewer Zara and H&M are adding beauty salons and new digital features to physical locations to renew their appeal. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/fashion-stores-new-look-8d3a9964)   Declining malls get second lives as lifestyle hubs Shopping malls across the country are adding lifestyle experiences and off-kilter attractions to draw in consumers in the age of e-commerce. [Axios](https://www.axios.com/2023/12/04/shopping-malls-lifestyle-experiences-gym-entertainment)     **MEDIA & TECH** Why super apps have yet to take off in the U.S. Despite the best efforts of multiple tech and e-commerce giants, no one company has yet to crack the code for building a successful super app in the U.S. [Modern Retail](https://www.modernretail.co/technology/why-super-apps-have-yet-to-take-off-in-the-u-s/)   Amazon Introduces Q, an A.I. Chatbot for Companies Amazon has been racing to shake off the perception that it is lagging in the push to take advantage of artificial intelligence. [NYT](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/28/technology/amazon-ai-chatbot-q.html)   Spotify Will Cut Headcount by 17% to Confront Slower Growth Spotify isn’t immune to ‘dramatically’ slowing economic growth as cuts will affect about 1,500 employees. [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-04/spotify-will-cut-headcount-by-17-to-confront-slower-growth?srnd=undefined)   ![TikTok/Ticketmaster](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/tiktok-ticketmaster.png?w=730&crop=1) TikTok expands its in-app Ticketmaster ticketing feature to users in 20 countries The partnership allows users to discover events and buy tickets for them directly in TikTok without having to leave the app. [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/tiktok-expands-its-in-app-ticketmaster-ticketing-feature-to-users-in-20-countries/)     **RESTAURANTS & HOSPITALITY** No More Dry Burgers: McDonald’s Overhauls Its Biggest Item In the heated competition for hamburger dominance, the fast-food chain has spent seven years making over its signature offering. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/business/hospitality/mcdonalds-burger-new-menu-2400d22b?mod=business_feat5_hospitality_pos2)   Red Lobster’s Popular Endless Shrimp Deal Ate Into Its Profits The all-you-can-eat deal contributed to an $11 million quarterly operating loss. [NYT](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/29/us/red-lobster-endless-shrimp.html)   Krispy Kreme: A Symbol of Culinary Evolution in the Heart of Paris On December 6, American chain Krispy Kreme is set to unveil its first outlet, a 550-square-metre “doughnut temple” strategically placed in the bustling Les Halles, a vibrant hub for workers, students, and tourists alike. [EuroWeeklyNews](https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/12/04/krispy-kreme-a-symbol-of-culinary-evolution-in-the-heart-of-paris/)   Marriott Resorts Turn To A Tiny Toy Retailer To Keep Kids Happy During Vacations The hotel giant has brought on Camp, a chain with nine locations, to reimagine its kids clubs as it looks to build its all-inclusive business. [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurendebter/2023/12/04/marriott-resorts-turns-to-a-tiny-toy-retailer-to-keep-kids-happy-during-vacations/?sh=1345d167733d)     COMINGS & GOINGS - Liz Rodbell Named President and CEO of Hudson’s Bay [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/retail/liz-rodbell-president-ceo-canada-hudson-bay-1235961801/) - Roark Names Former Volcom Exec Jason Steris as CEO [WWD](https://wwd.com/fashion-news/activewear/roark-vans-jason-steris-ceo-ryan-hitzel-1235958424/) - Avon **International** Promotes Kristof Neirynck To CEO [Happi](https://www.happi.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2023-11-30/avon-international-promotes-kristof-neirynck-to-ce/20556) - Disney Names Jeremy Darroch, Morgan Stanley’s James Gorman to Board [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/walt-disney-names-darroch-morgan-stanleys-gorman-to-board-085e74df?mod=business_feat3_deals_pos3) - Claire's names Chris Cramer as CFO and COO [Fashion Network](https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Claire-s-names-chris-cramer-as-cfo-and-coo,1582646.html) - Judd Crane Returns to Selfridges, Andrew Keith Given CEO Title [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/human-resources/judd-crane-returns-selfridges-andrew-keith-given-ceo-title-1236003065/) - Hailey Bieber’s Rhode promotes Lauren Ratner to President [Cosmetics Business](https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/hailey-bieber-s-rhode-promotes-lauren-ratner-to-president) - **Pangaia** CEO Exits Role [BoF](https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/retail/krishna-nikhil-pangaia-ceo-step-down/) - G-III Apparel Appoints Chief Growth and Operations Officer [SGB Media](https://sgbonline.com/g-iii-apparel-appoints-chief-growth-and-operations-officer/) - Sergio Rossi names ex-Hindmarch and Belstaff chief Wright as new CEO [Fashion Network](https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Sergio-rossi-names-ex-hindmarch-and-belstaff-chief-wright-as-new-ceo,1583554.html)   GOOD READS  - How luxury shoppers are driving retail estate’s expansion [TheRealDeal](https://therealdeal.com/magazine/national-december-2023/how-luxury-shoppers-are-driving-retail-estates-expansion/) - Consulting Giants See AI Shaving Years Off the Path to Partner [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-04/ai-could-shave-years-off-path-to-partner-at-law-firms-big-four?srnd=premium&embedded-checkout=true) - ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’ have lost their meanings as brands extend promotions [Modern Retail](https://www.modernretail.co/marketing/black-friday-and-cyber-monday-have-lost-their-meanings-as-brands-extend-promotions/) ### 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