2025

Hermès reported a 9% rise in second-quarter sales to €3.9 billion, driven by continued demand for its iconic handbags, though signs of a broader luxury slowdown are emerging. Despite outperforming competitors like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, growth slowed in its fashion, silk, and beauty divisions, causing shares to drop up…Read More

OpenAI is quietly testing a checkout feature within ChatGPT that would let users complete purchases without ever leaving the platform. While the move could streamline online shopping and boost sales, many startup founders worry it signals a shift toward a “pay-to-play” model that favors large retailers with deep pockets. In…Read More

The impact of Donald Trump’s trade war is now being felt at the consumer level, as apparel prices rose 0.4 percent between May and June, the first increase since March, amid a broader inflation spike. This price uptick comes as newly implemented tariffs begin to affect goods hitting U.S. shelves,…Read More

Bonobos co-founder Andy Dunn has launched a new social media app called Pie, designed to combat social isolation by helping users form real-life friendships. Inspired by his own struggle to make friends after moving to Chicago, Dunn created the platform to foster group-based social experiences powered by AI. Through acquired…Read More

Brands like Glossier, Mejuri, and Velvet are replacing traditional checkout counters with mobile POS systems to create more open, engaging store experiences. This approach frees space for product testing, seating, and interactive brand moments. Associates guide customers from try-on to purchase, boosting personalization and sales. Velvet, for example, saw a…Read More

Chalice Collectibles turned an $8,000 purchase of Labubu dolls into $240,000 monthly sales, driven by viral TikTok videos, celebrity fans, and a booming resale market where rare dolls sell for thousands. Pop Mart’s Labubu dolls sell out quickly, fueling intense demand and high prices on platforms like Whatnot and StockX.…Read More

ThredUP reported strong first-quarter results, with rising consumer interest in secondhand fashion pushing revenue up 10.5% to $71.3 million. CEO James Reinhart says the resale boom could get an extra boost thanks to potential U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, which may drive up the price of new clothes and make…Read More

As global tariffs, especially under President Trump’s policies, introduce uncertainty into trade, many U.S. beauty brands are turning to Mexico for manufacturing due to its proximity and cost-effective shipping. While Mexican production technologies lag slightly behind China’s, they’re sufficient for many beauty products, and the country offers comparable access to…Read More

E.l.f. Beauty is acquiring Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand Rhode for $1 billion to strengthen its appeal with Gen-Z consumers. Founded in 2022, Rhode has quickly grown, generating $212 million in annual sales from just 10 products and preparing for a major Sephora expansion. Bieber will stay on as chief brand…Read More

Closet sales—where celebrities, influencers, and tastemakers open up their wardrobes to the public—are becoming the coolest way to shop, especially in style hubs like New York and L.A. It’s not just about snagging a deal; it’s the thrill of discovering a piece you’ve seen on someone you follow, admire, or…Read More