--- title: Weekly Consumer News Roundup // August 6, 2024 description: This week, Walmart vies for next gen shoppers with I-Commerce site Walmart Realm, back-to-school spending could reach nearly $40 billion, and more. image: https://cew.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Walmart-Realm.png --- [![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 // August 6, 2024 By [TRAUB](https://blog.traub.io/blog/author/traub) On August 06, 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)](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) This week, Walmart vies for next gen shoppers with I-Commerce site Walmart Realm, back-to-school spending could reach nearly $40 billion, and more. --- **WORDS FOR THE WEEK** ![Unknown](https://blog.traub.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Unknown.png?width=320&height=320&name=Unknown.png) For more inspiration, visit @dailystoic and @dailyphilosopher on Instagram.    **M&A and INVESTMENTS** - Food giant Mars is exploring an acquisition of $20B-listed snack maker Kellanova [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/kellanova-m-a-mars-kellanova-m-a-mars-2024-08-04/) - **L’Oreal** Buys Stake valued at **$1.85B** in Swiss Skincare Company **Galderma** [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/loreal-buys-stake-in-swiss-skincare-company-galderma-8613439d?mod=business_lead_pos4) - CD&R is exploring a sale of card maker American Greetings for $1.5B [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/cdr-explores-sale-american-greetings-sources-say-2024-08-01/?utm_source=www.execsum.co&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=yolo-nvidia-bets-are-in&_bhlid=897c80db8aaa08e85e443217315a3f1b36cf1df5) - Ziff Davis is acquiring CNET for more than $100 million [NYT](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/06/business/media/cnet-ziff-davis.html) - Blackstone in bid to acquire shopping center owner Retail Opportunity [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/blackstone-bid-acquire-shopping-center-owner-retail-opportunity-sources-say-2024-07-30/) - Nonni’s Bakery to be acquired by Ferrero company [Food Business News](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/26513-nonnis-bakery-to-be-acquired-by-ferrero-company) - Bending Spoons acquires file transfer service WeTransfer [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/31/bending-spoons-acquires-file-transfer-service-wetransfer/) - Hanes Outlet and Maidenform stores acquired by Hilco division [CSA](https://chainstoreage.com/hanes-outlet-and-maidenform-stores-acquired-hilco-division) - Reddit will acquire GenAI ad startup Memorable AI [Bloomberg](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.dC22L7024aqiYTMhiRVaUGJLSe7TQPPGKcVrVftCHkEg6DbkFzbhBBcwSL-M_QLr96FFVe8ranN6Fsa-dznxaYF-g1OY-NvKskWqXG1g7LuZ64pe6NOrYBzQrx3RkjEQxxURwiFJQyGHGiNa-q8lUohou_EnfZR7NCtwsYBGMF_7RhX04owpUX5IEKkKjV-kKvzrhQEHQ2oryDAR6uFHaY03cv3Cbk-tydzGYEASOsQJWH_w9auxbhAv_Juh0BhJRA8RI8NYVQdHBcVfiJhELmPjrbPKM4lJdm1Vl-1-LTnEeZylNLjXc3XFJK9gUhlRlTO3-xLB84Yqttf5unRM1jOSDdk5PnKdk7wa7YTFm1o/48k/VZQswK5fTYuEU9AC7JTvFw/h39/h001.LFZ3HOLFpQLCiqrvjm1rC9KPLdnWUAWxU0dYVL4ScXw) - Under Armour acquires zero-plastic fashion brand Unless [SGB Media](https://sgbonline.com/ua-acquires-unless-taps-eric-liedtke/)   ## **INDUSTRY NEWS** **CPG** How Brightland strategically grew its Whole Foods presence Brightland initially said no to two requests from Whole Foods to carry its products. But the olive oil brand changed its mind after it finally felt ready to conquer wholesale. [Modern Retail](https://www.modernretail.co/marketing/how-brightland-strategically-grew-its-whole-foods-presence/)   Coffee is becoming a luxury, and there’s no escaping it Higher production costs could lead to coffee price inflation: Coffee lovers may have to shell out more in the future as prices surge. Roasters and coffee experts are also signaling that prices could remain higher for longer, as factors like climate change reduce the coffee global supply. [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/01/business/your-coffees-about-to-get-more-expensive-heres-why/index.html)   After Years of Raising Prices, Food Companies Hit Consumers’ Limits Food companies are working on fixes for consumers fed up with high prices, while trying to protect some of the biggest profits earned in years. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/economy/consumers/the-era-of-rapidly-rising-food-prices-is-over-a543eb7b?mod=business_trendingnow_article_pos1)   ![Little Spoon and Graza Olive Oil Launch to 'Little Drizzle' Collection for Kids](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/ywkO051P7aOz0nxt4VS5uSAY_8s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Little-Spoon-x-Graza-FT-BLOG0724-05-655e28f2cd6d4910bc4aadd78358e150.jpg) Little Spoon x Graza Launched Limited-Edition Meals for Gen Alpha The Little Spoon x Graza Babyblend and Biteable were purposefully created to help little ones explore new flavors and receive the many brain-boosting benefits of extra virgin olive oil. [TrendHunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-spoon-x-graza)   The Future of Junk Food Could Be Healthy Food The boldest move a struggling packaged food company could make right now is taking the leap from preservatives to the farm. [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-02/why-pepsi-junk-food-makers-should-shift-to-fresh-produce?utm_campaign=news&utm_medium=bd&utm_source=applenews&embedded-checkout=true)   Pringles leads the pack as Kellanova touts sales growth The snacking company’s CEO Steve Cahillane told investors the chip brand is driving volume improvements in North America. [Food Dive](https://www.fooddive.com/news/pringles-leads-the-pack-as-kellanova-touts-sales-growth/723031/)     **RETAIL** Savage x Fenty Expands Distribution With First U.S. Retail Partner The Rihanna-founded intimates, loungewear and sportswear brand will be available at 16 select Nordstrom stores. [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/retail/savage-x-fenty-distribution-nordstrom-1236511365/)   Retailers Locked Up Their Products—and Broke Shopping in America CVS, Target and other chains have barricaded everything from toiletries to cleaning supplies. It’s backfired in almost every way. [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-08-01/why-cvs-and-target-locking-up-products-is-backfiring?srnd=phx-businessweek)   Furniture retailers like Wayfair suffer as fewer people buy homes Besides Wayfair, furniture retailers RH, Ethan Allen and Williams-Sonoma [have all seen revenue declines in recent months](https://www.forbes.com/sites/hyunsoorim/2024/06/21/home-furnishing-retailers-struggle-as-fewer-houses-sell-from-williams-sonoma-to-wayfair-to-home-depot/). Turns out, the furniture industry is feeling some collateral damage from a stuck housing market. [Marketplace](https://www.marketplace.org/2024/08/02/wayfair-furniture-retailers-revenue-decline-housing/?ref=biztoc.com)   Retail space availability has reached its lowest point in decades As retailers push into new cities and brands lean hard into brick-and-mortar as a strategy, it has become incredibly difficult to find space for a new storefront. [Modern Retail](https://www.modernretail.co/operations/retail-space-availability-has-reached-its-lowest-point-in-decades/)   So much for TikTok’s ‘underconsumption’ trend, as back-to-school shopping hits its stride TikTok’s ”#underconsumptioncore” trend has been displaced by the start of the back-to-school shopping season — and with it ”#backtoschoolhauls.” [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/05/back-to-school-hauls-follows-tiktoks-underconsumption-core-trend.html)     **MEDIA & TECH** [![](https://cew.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Walmart-Realm.png)](https://cew.org/beauty_news/walmarts-gen-z-push-seen-in-new-i-commerce-site-walmart-realm/#:~:text=Walmart%20Realm%20Immersive%20Commerce&text=In%20a%20move%20to%20capture,in%20a%20metaverse%20style%20format.) Walmart Vies for Next Gen Shoppers with I-Commerce Site Walmart Realm In a move to capture Gen Z and even Gen Alpha shoppers, Walmart has launched an immersive virtual commerce site that taps social media content creators and Pinterest to curate clothing, furniture, and beauty items in a metaverse style format. [CEW](https://cew.org/beauty_news/walmarts-gen-z-push-seen-in-new-i-commerce-site-walmart-realm/#:~:text=Walmart%20Realm%20Immersive%20Commerce&text=In%20a%20move%20to%20capture,in%20a%20metaverse%20style%20format.)   TikTok Shop increases sellers fees as it plans to build the "marketplace of the future" TikTok Shop has confirmed changes to its seller fee structure, as the platform commits to building the "marketplace of the future", which will prioritise LIVE commerce and shoppable content. [theIndustry.beauty](https://theindustry.beauty/tiktok-shop-increases-sellers-fees-as-it-plans-to-build-the-marketplace-of-the-future/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tiktok-shop-increases-sellers-fees-as-it-plans-to-build-the-marketplace-of-the-future)     **RESTAURANTS & HOSPITALITY** Taco Bell to roll out AI drive-thru ordering in hundreds of locations by end of year The restaurant company announced that it is expanding its rollout of the tech in the U.S. as it eyes implementing it in drive-thru lanes globally. [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/31/taco-bell-to-roll-out-ai-drive-thru-ordering-in-hundreds-of-locations.html)   Why Americans are snubbing McDonald’s and Starbucks It’s not as if Americans have suddenly given up fast food, but after several years of rising prices, we’re seeking out deals where we can find them and splurging on the stuff we really want. [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/31/economy/mcdonalds-starbucks-sales/index.html)   How 4 chains are chasing Chipotle From small regional brands to old challengers undergoing an overhaul, Mexican brands are relying on menu differentiation and franchising to catch the segment leader. [Restaurant Dive](https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/how-4-fast-casual-franchised-Mexican-chains-chasing-chipotle/722897/)   IHOP, Denny’s join value menu wars to win back price-conscious consumers The two companies are the latest restaurants trying to appeal to consumers being more selective with their dollars in the wake of price increases. [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/31/business/ihop-all-you-can-eat-pancakes-five-dollars/index.html)     COMINGS & GOINGS - Campbell Soup names SVP, CMO of meals, beverage unit [Food Business News](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/26517-campbell-soup-names-svp-cmo-of-meals-beverage-unit) - Papa Johns appoints former Wendy’s chief as CEO [Restaurant Dive](https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/papa-johns-appoints-todd-penegor-ceo/723009/) - American Eagle Outfitters Names Stephanie Pugliese to Its Board [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/human-resources/american-eagle-stephanie-pugliese-board-under-armour-1236512114/) - Equinox Fitness Appoints President [SGB Media](https://sgbonline.com/equinox-fitness-appoints-president/) - Kate Spade Taps Eva Erdmann as CEO and Brand President [WWD](https://wwd.com/business-news/markets/kate-spade-eva-erdmann-ceo-brand-president-1236512616/) - Bogner’s CEO To Exit at Year’s Close [SGB Media](https://sgbonline.com/bogners-ceo-to-exit-at-years-close-bogner-family-to-sell-shares/)   ### 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