The Consumer Roundup #116
The Latest in Emerging Consumer Brands, Tech & Commerce Enablement
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Hey friends,
If you’re in Austin, come join us on May 5th for Consumer VC Live! It’s a live podcast event where I’ll be sitting down with CPG legends Clayton Christopher and Brian Goldberg — and then followed by a happy hour. Would love for you to come by!
Thank you as well to EisnerAmper for sponsoring this event – EisnerAmper offers a comprehensive set of accounting and audit, tax, advisory, and outsourcing services to SMBs.
Alright, onto the news of the week…there’s a fair amount to cover.
📰 Consumer News📰
Walmart, Target, and Home Depot met with President Trump this week to discuss tariffs, calling the talks productive. Retailers warn that new import duties could raise prices ahead of key shopping seasons like back-to-school and the holidays. Executives emphasized the need for a clear trade policy and pledged to minimize consumer impact despite rising costs. RD
Walgreens will pay up to $350 million to settle a DOJ lawsuit over allegedly unlawful opioid prescriptions. The $300 million settlement could rise by $50 million if the company is sold before 2032. While denying liability, Walgreens says the deal helps close all opioid-related litigation and supports its ongoing turnaround. RTP
Keurig Dr Pepper workers in Iowa have ended a 12-day strike after securing a new contract with an 8% wage increase, guaranteed paid time off, and improved health insurance. Over 100 Teamsters Local 238 members have returned to work. JD
Foot traffic to stores has surged as shoppers stock up ahead of price hikes from tariffs. Increases were seen in grocery, clothing, and electronics, with consumers fearing higher prices. However, sectors like furniture and auto sales saw declines as uncertainty lingers. MR
Constellation Brands is facing a shareholder lawsuit accusing it of misleading investors about its wine and spirits business. The suit claims the company falsely touted its wine sales, which dropped 7% last year, and mishandled funds. The allegations suggest Constellation inflated its performance ahead of selling off lower-priced wines to focus on premium offerings. FD
Walmart will invest $6 billion in Mexico and Central America to expand its store network, adding to its 3,200-store footprint. New locations will open under Bodega Aurrera, Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenters, and Walmart Express. RD
Chobani is investing $1.2 billion to build a 1.4 million-square-foot dairy processing plant in Rome, New York, the largest in its history. The facility, set to be completed by 2026, will create over 1,000 jobs. It’s Chobani’s third dairy plant in the U.S. and is being built on land previously occupied by Griffiss Air Force Base. FD
Saks Global is reshaping its structure by merging the buying teams of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus under one commercial team, as part of its ongoing integration and cost-cutting efforts. The move includes executive reshuffling and the layoff of 550 employees. While aiming to cut $500 million in costs, Saks is also closing select stores, including in San Francisco and Palm Beach, but says only up to 10 stores may close. WWD
🧃Consumer Brands👚
💰Fundraises💰
Xcel Brands has secured a $9 million investment from China’s United Trademark Group (UTG) to expand globally and strengthen its social commerce presence. The partnership aims to optimize supply chains, grow existing brands, and pursue future acquisitions. UTG’s expertise in retail and brand management complements Xcel’s influencer-driven strategy. WWD
UK iced tea brand Harry Brompton’s has secured a £2M investment from Traditum to boost marketing, expand in the UK grocery, convenience, and wholesale sectors, and explore international markets. JD
Sunday Supper, a plant-based Italian food brand, has appointed a new leadership team and launched a $2.5 million seed funding round to accelerate growth and expand its retail presence in the plant-based food sector. V
Puresport, a UK-based performance and hydration brands raised £3.6 million (about $4.5 million USD) to fuel international expansion and product innovation. The round includes backing from high-profile investors like rugby stars Finn Russell and Ben Earl, along with Redrice Ventures and Five Seasons Ventures – CityAM
💸M&A💸
Private equity firms Kingswood Capital Management and Performance Investment Partners have agreed to acquire The Vitamin Shoppe from Franchise Group for $193.5 million. The deal is expected to close by May 15, 2025. RD
Lowe’s will acquire Artisan Design Group for $1.3 billion in cash to expand its pro services. The deal, expected to close in Q2 pending approvals, could grow Lowe’s addressable market by $50 billion. RD
Capezio, the iconic dancewear brand founded in 1887, has been sold to private equity firm Argand Partners. While financial terms weren't disclosed, family members including CEO Michael Terlizzi will stay involved. Argand plans to modernize the brand with new products and licensing deals. RD
UK-based kids' sleepwear brand Mori has acquired Kidly, an online lifestyle brand for children aged 0-5. This marks Mori's first acquisition, aimed at expanding its presence in the preschool category and boosting omnichannel growth in the UK and US. FN
🚀Debuts, Distribution & Expansions🚀
Target has launched Good Little Garden, a new private-label brand offering fresh flowers and plants. With prices starting at $6 and over 60 seasonal and everyday options, it's available in stores and via same-day delivery. The move follows a tripling in floral sales since 2020. RD
Miu Miu has opened a new flagship store in Wuhan’s SKP mall, spanning three stories and 5,200 square feet. Designed around its “home” concept, the store features full collections and a private lounge. This marks Miu Miu’s 24th store in China, highlighting its continued expansion in the region. WWD
Vuori is expanding its London retail presence with a new store on King’s Road in Chelsea, marking its third location in the city. This growth comes just over six months after opening its international flagship on Regent Street and follows the brand’s 2022 debut in Covent Garden, reflecting strong momentum for the $5.5 billion California-based activewear company. WWD
Barnes & Noble plans to open over 60 new stores in 2025, following the 57 it opened last year—the most in a single year since 2009–2019. Four new locations will launch this month in Illinois, New York, Florida, and Nebraska. RD
Western Union has launched a media network to monetize its owned media across web, mobile, and apps, reaching 15 million U.S. customers. Partnering with ad tech firm Magnite, the network will also enable direct ad buying via premium streaming inventory. RTP
Hershey has opened a new 250,000-square-foot chocolate processing plant in Pennsylvania, its first in over 30 years. Part of a $1 billion supply chain upgrade, the facility will supply chocolate for brands like Reese’s, Kit Kat, and Hershey’s. FD
↪️Rebrands & Relaunches↩️
Boy Smells' recent rebrand, aimed at attracting Gen Z consumers, has faced backlash from its loyal fanbase. Many critics on social media feel the redesign sanitizes the brand's edgy identity and scents to cater to a younger audience. BI
🪇Collabs🪇
Mytheresa is now Prada’s global e-commerce partner, expanding from Europe to worldwide distribution. To mark the launch, Mytheresa released a new editorial campaign and is finalizing its acquisition of Yoox Net-a-Porter, forming the new luxury e-com group LuxExperience B.V., set to trade under “LUXE” on the NYSE. WWD
Target is launching an exclusive lower-priced home collection with Parachute, available online and in nearly 90 stores starting Sunday. The “Parachute for Target” line includes over 200 bedding and bath items, with most priced under $90, as part of Target’s broader merchandising revamp. RD
Toys ‘R’ Us is expanding into South America through a new partnership with Ripley. The brand will debut shop-in-shops in Ripley stores in Peru and Chile, launching in Q4 2025 alongside an e-commerce rollout. RTP
The New Balance x Miu Miu collaboration has tapped Coco Gauff as its latest muse. She'll wear the collection both on and off the court at upcoming tournaments, including Rome, Berlin, and Cincinnati. FN
🔻Closures, Bankruptcies & Downsizes🔻
The Container Store has laid off 2% of its workforce—fewer than 70 mostly corporate roles—and paused capital projects as part of its post-bankruptcy turnaround. The company exited Chapter 11 earlier this year with $88 million less debt and is now led by an interim office of the CEO. RD
Constellation Brands is selling off lower-priced wines like Woodbridge and Meiomi to focus on premium offerings. This move, which will save over $200 million annually by 2028, comes amid projected sales declines of 17%-20% in its wine and spirits segment. The company also faces challenges from tariffs and international boycotts, particularly in Canada, where wine sales account for 20% of its portfolio. FD
💻Consumer Software💻
💰Fundraises💰
Fora Travel, a modern travel agency that lets individuals curate experiences and personalized itineraries, has raised $60 million in Series C funding. The round was led by Thrive Capital with participation from Forerunner Ventures, Heartcore Capital, and others – Fortune
WineFi, a UK-based alternative asset platform modernizing the fine wine investment model through fractional ownership and AI-powered portfolio management, has raised £1.5 million (approximately $1.9 million USD) led by Coterie Holdings – Tech Funding News
Poppins, a French medtech startup offering digital therapy for children with dyslexia through AI-powered tools, has raised €5 million (around $5.4 million USD) led by Racine2 with participation from Eurazeo, Kurma Partners, BNP Paribas Développement, and Verve Ventures.– Tech Funding News
Nourish, a virtual nutrition counseling startup that connects patients with registered dietitians for insurance-covered care, has secured $70 million in Series B funding. The round was led by JP Morgan Growth Equity with participation from Thrive Capital, Index Ventures, and Y Combinator – Fierce Health
IrriGreen, a Minneapolis-based company that develops smart sprinkler systems using AI to optimize water usage for landscaping, has raised nearly $19 million Series A from Natural Ventures, Burnt Island Ventures, Ulu Ventures, MFV Partners, Tamiami, and Sum Ventures – Tech Funding News
Superpower, a healthtech startup that provides biannual lab testing (for $499) paired with AI-driven insights to help individuals detect and address health issues before symptoms appear, has raised a $30 million Series A round led by Forerunner, with participation from Day One Ventures, Susa Ventures, Long Journey Ventures, Family Fund, Opal Ventures, Valia Ventures, Visible Ventures, and Winklevoss Capital and notable celebrities including Vanessa Hudgens, Steve Aoki, and NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo – TechCrunch
TaxDown, a Madrid-based startup using AI to streamline tax filing for individuals in Spain and Latin America, has raised €4 million (approximately $4.3 million USD) to further develop its platform and double down on AI capabilities. The round was led by Bonsai Partners – EU Startups
NiaHealth, a Canadian healthtech company focused on preventative health testing and personalized wellness plans, has emerged from stealth with $2.5 million CAD (about $1.8 million USD) in pre-seed funding. The round included participation from Version One Ventures, ScaleGood Fund, Garage Ventures, Union Capital, and other investors – BetaKit
🛒eCommerce & Retail Tech🛒
💰Fundraises💰
Respondology, a startup that helps brands and influencers filter out toxic comments and hate speech on social media, has raised a $5 million Series A extension. The round was led by Iron Gate Capital with participation from SJF Ventures. The raise comes as platforms like Meta scale back content moderation efforts, creating demand for third-party solutions like Respondology’s moderation technology – AdWeek
FundThrough, a Toronto-based fintech platform that provides invoice financing for small and medium businesses raised $25 million Series B, led by Klister Credit. They also acquired U.S.-based Ampla, a working capital platform for consumer brands – BetaKit
Flipkart, India’s leading e-commerce giant owned by Walmart, announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Singapore to India ahead of its highly anticipated IPO. While the company did not disclose new funding tied to the move, the relocation signals a strategic shift to deepen its presence in its core market as it prepares for public listing – TechCrunch
💰Funds Raising Funds💰
Fortson, Seattle’s newest venture capital fund focused on early-stage software startups, has closed a $50 million fund. The firm aims to back Pacific Northwest founders building the next generation of enterprise software companies. Investor names were not specified – GeekWire
Just One More Tab
📰 Is Elon Musk Suppressing Content On X? – NYT
Pretty wild to see the stats on how the reach of certain people dropped after they had public debates with Elon on X. It highlights how power dynamics and personal influence are reshaping the role of social platforms, with real implications for speech, politics, and the future of online discourse. It raises the question: is content moderation becoming a strategic weapon rather than a tool for safety or fairness?
💸 “Let My People Sell”: Hunter Walk on the Rise of Founder Liquidity (Hunter Walk / Medium)
Investor Hunter Walk makes the case for why selling shares on the secondary market should be a normalized part of early-stage startup financing — and why founder liquidity can be a smart way to align incentives. It reflects a meaningful shift in how early-stage financing is evolving, moving away from the “founders must suffer” mentality toward a healthier, more sustainable founder journey.
Thanks for reading!