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This week, mall chains like Abercrombie, Foot Locker, Kohl’s, Nordstrom report mixed quarterly results, Walmart expands its premium beauty offering, and more.
RETAIL NEWS
Farfetch to Shutter Its E-commerce Software Service
The luxury e-tailer is closing Farfetch Platform Solutions, which provides online shopping tools for retailers like Harrods, as Farfetch’s operating losses drags down its new owner Coupang’s profits.
H&M’s Big Bet on Fashion’s Elusive Middle
In an exclusive interview, CEO Daniel Ervér outlined his strategy to turn the Swedish fast-fashion giant’s greatest weakness — its positioning above Shein but below Zara in the category’s pricing hierarchy — into a strength. It all kicks off with a collection launching next month.
Saks Apologizes for Delinquent Vendor Payments; Neiman’s Deal Could Close by End of Fiscal Year
Officials say the Neiman Marcus deal, new financing, expected fall upticks in business and future real estate sales will all help fulfill vendor obligations and normalize payment flow.
DVF names new CEO as it takes operations in-house
Diane Von Furstenberg is bringing design and operations in-house for the first time since the pandemic, to be led by former Prada and Valentino exec Graziano De Boni.
Inside Uniqlo’s fascinatingly intentional approach to U.S. success
The retailer, which has seen consistent North American revenue growth over the last several quarters, is in the midst of a significant U.S. retail expansion process that reflects the fascinatingly intentional and prudent way in which it caters to American shoppers.
What Luxury ‘Dupe’ Brands Get Right About Shoppers
Start-ups like Quince and Italic that sell affordable basics made in the same factories as high-end brands are generating massive growth in appealing directly to middle-class shoppers who don’t want to resort to Shein hauls.
Department Stores Fight Back, but Will New Strategies Work?
For decades, a viable future for the sector has been in doubt, but a sea of strategies unleashed this year by Macy’s, Nordstrom, Kohl’s, JCPenney’s and more brings some hope that market share losses can be reversed over time.
The Optics Behind Warby Parker’s 600-Store Expansion Plan
Eyewear brand Warby Parker is pushing ahead with plans to operate nearly 900 stores, even as its online sales gain steam. What does this digital native see in bricks?
Shoppers Are Still Spending at the Mall–but They Are Picky
Abercrombie, Foot Locker, Kohl’s, Nordstrom and other mall chains report mixed quarterly results.
Brands took over Europe’s luxury beach clubs this summer. Are they here to say?
“This summer’s host of luxury beach club and yacht partnerships demonstrate how cozy the luxury and hospitality worlds have become,” says Fiona Harkin, director of foresight at strategic foresight consultancy The Future Laboratory.
Ted Baker Unveils New Website After Shutting All U.K. Stores
Authentic Brands Group picked United Legwear & Apparel Co. to manage the e-commerce operations for Ted Baker in the U.K. and Europe.
BEAUTY NEWS
Growing up glamorous: Navigating the world of Gen Alpha beauty influencers
Gen A has already contributed significantly to the beauty industry's market value. Despite the oldest member of the generation only being 14, the demographic is reportedly responsible for 49% of skincare sales growth in the past year. This is no surprise considering that a further 49% of Gen A parents confirm their daughter has a strong interest in skincare as cosmetics, followed by a lesser 16% who state their son has also shown intrigue in the category.
The co-founder of Patrick Ta Beauty and his new C-suite team are ready to take the brand to the next level. Industry sources say revenue sat between $30 million and $50 million in 2023, and data consultancy Launchmetrics reports that the brand’s total media impact value reached £112 million in 2024 — up 35 per cent on 2023.
Lip oils and balms are beauty’s slickest new bet. Do they have staying power?
Beauty brands are expanding their lip categories to meet demand for comforting formulas, tech-led innovations and next-gen ingredients.
Unilever Mulls Sale of Kate Somerville and Ren Clean Skincare
Unilever is looking to dispose of the two prestige skincare brands, and has retained Pricewaterhousecoopers to explore a sale, per Sky News.
Dolly Parton launches beauty line
The brand, called Dolly Beauty, was released with a collection of four lipsticks available online now, with a full in-store rollout scheduled to begin in 2025.
The “Medicalization Of Beauty”: Unpacking Skincare And Aesthetics’ Convergence
The overlap between the beauty and aesthetics industries is increasing. L’Oréal recently took a 10% stake in Galderma, the pure-play dermatology company that markets Botox alternative Dysport, and Crown Laboratories announced it’s acquiring Revance Therapeutics, the company behind Daxxify, another Botox alternative.
Walmart Expands Premium Beauty Offering With New Custom Online Shops
The Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer is adding Premium Beauty to its online marketplace, starting with 20 brands and more than 1,000 stock keeping units, with a heavy focus on skin care and hair care. Those brands include CosRX, Paul Mitchell, Foreo, ColorWow, PerriconeMD, Bio Ionic and the Beachwaver Co., among others.
COMINGS & GOINGS
