The Consumer VC Roundup #120
The Latest News in Emerging Consumer Brands, Tech & Commerce Enablement
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📰 Consumer News📰
The U.S. will reinstate reciprocal tariffs announced on April 2 for countries that don't reach trade deals during the current 90-day pause, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. President Trump, during a visit to the UAE, noted countries will be notified of specific tariff rates within weeks. The pause, which lowered duties for nations like Vietnam, India, and Japan, expires July 9. While deals have been reached with the U.K. and China, the administration is focusing on 18 key partners and considering regional agreements for others. RD
New York City has fully funded a $400 million transformation of Fifth Avenue, adding $250 million to the previous budget. The redesign — led by Mayor Eric Adams and the Future of Fifth Partnership — will widen sidewalks, reduce traffic lanes, add greenery and seating, and boost safety. Set to begin in 2028, the project aims to boost economic growth and rival iconic global boulevards like Paris’ Champs-Élysées. WWD
The U.S. Small Business Administration is boosting support for small- and mid-sized manufacturers by awarding up to $1.1 million to three applicants for training and assistance through its Empower to Grow Program. Additionally, new legislation aims to double the 7(a) small business loan limit from $5 million to $10 million, pending Congressional approval. RD
Harvey Nichols is launching a three-year transformation under new CEO Julia Goddard to return to profitability, starting with a major refurbishment of its Knightsbridge flagship and a sharper focus on fashion and customer experience. The retailer will cut around 70 jobs (5% of staff), exit noncore areas like branded food products and hampers, and introduce 75 new fashion brands. Despite creative moves like appointing Kate Phelan as creative director, the company posted a £35.3M pre-tax loss in 2024 amid declining revenue and weak luxury demand. WWD
Heineken has lost its legal case against Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo. The dispute arose after Jumbo, part of the global buying group Everest, temporarily reduced orders of several Heineken brands, citing the brewer’s prices as too high. JD
The FTC has dropped its price discrimination lawsuit against PepsiCo, which accused the company of giving unfair pricing advantages to a large big-box retailer while raising prices for others. The lawsuit, filed in the final days of the Biden administration, was dismissed with FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson calling it a rushed, politically motivated case. JD
Victoria’s Secret has adopted a one-year poison pill plan to prevent a hostile takeover after investment firm BBRC International accumulated about 13% of its shares. The plan grants shareholders rights that become exercisable if anyone buys 15% or more of the company, protecting shareholder interests amid BBRC’s growing stake and its launch of a competing lingerie brand. RD
Marks & Spencer revealed that the April cyberattack will reduce its operating profits by $400 million and continue disrupting online transactions through July. The attack affected food sales due to limited availability and forced the company to temporarily cut online shopping services, impacting online sales and trading profits in fashion, home, and beauty categories, though department stores have remained resilient. RD
An Arla Foods plant in Upahl, Germany, experienced a cybersecurity incident involving “suspicious activity” on its IT network. Due to security measures taken in response, production at the facility has been impacted. Arla has provided only a brief statement and declined to share further details. JD
🧃Consumer Brands👚
💰Fundraises💰
Singapore-based plant-based dessert brand Kind Kones has secured funding from Epic Angels to fuel its expansion into Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with a focus on Dubai. The capital will support growth through both company-owned and franchised stores. V
💸M&A💸
The Nordstrom family and Mexico’s El Puerto de Liverpool have taken Nordstrom Inc. private in a $6.25 billion all-cash deal. The Nordstroms now control 50.1% of the company, with Liverpool holding 49.9%. Erik and Pete Nordstrom become co-CEOs, and the company is delisting from the NYSE. Going private allows the family to focus on long-term growth, expand its Rack off-price stores, and strengthen digital efforts — all without Wall Street pressure. WWD
Levi’s is selling Dockers to Authentic Brands Group for $311 million, with the deal potentially reaching $391 million based on brand performance. The move allows Levi Strauss & Co. to focus on its core labels. Authentic will license Dockers to Centric Brands, who will operate it in the U.S. and Canada. RD
Chobani has acquired plant-based food maker Daily Harvest, expanding its presence into ready-to-make meals like smoothies, pasta, and breakfast bowls. Founded a decade ago, Daily Harvest pioneered direct-to-consumer delivery of clean, nutritious food and has since grown its product range available online and in stores. FD
🚀Debuts, Distribution & Expansions🚀
David’s Bridal has launched a new upscale boutique concept called Diamonds & Pearls, opening May 29 in Delray Beach, Fla. The 3,500-square-foot store offers a curated, tech-enhanced shopping experience with personal stylists, exclusive designer gowns, and interactive touchscreens. Prices range from $400 to $7,000. The concept targets higher-income, tech-savvy brides and reflects the company’s strategy shift after two bankruptcies, as it aims to blend affordable luxury with innovation and expand into more premium markets. WWD
Pottery Barn is expanding into the U.K. this fall, launching a dedicated website with a curated selection of furniture, bedding, lighting, and décor. The brand will also offer its personalized design services, both online and in-home, to U.K. customers for the first time. RD
FreshDirect is launching its first physical retail presence in nearly 25 years with a pop-up store opening Memorial Day weekend in Southampton, N.Y., running through December. Styled like a farmer’s market, the store offers seasonal favorites, local products, and FreshDirect groceries, including small-batch cheeses and regional farm items. In-store events include ice cream socials, wine and cheese tastings, pizza-making classes, and kids’ activities featuring local farmers. RTP
Celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas, known for working with clients like Jamie Lee Curtis and Rachel Brosnahan, has launched Arove, an eco-friendly powder haircare brand that uses absolutely zero water. Frustrated by the lack of effective sustainable haircare products, he created Arove to deliver results while being environmentally conscious. BI
Army veteran and influencer Julianna Christensen has launched Roame, a personal care brand focused on affordability and quality. Aiming to avoid the typical influencer product trap, Christensen created Roame to offer elevated, practical self-care essentials without chasing fleeting trends. BI
Hazel, a VC-backed modern incontinence brand, has launched its premium disposable absorbent briefs in over 300 Target stores, marking a major retail expansion. BI
The newly launched London-based brand Beame is encouraging Gen Z to regularly reapply sunscreen by offering fun stickers and spray products that make sun protection more engaging and routine. BI
The Perfume Shop is launching two boutique stores in the UK this summer at Brent Cross and Lakeside shopping centres, aiming to meet rising demand for niche, high-end fragrances with a more personalized and exclusive retail experience. RG
Qosmedix has launched bio•wand™, the beauty industry's first fully biodegradable disposable cosmetic applicator. Made from plant-based bioplastics like Polylactic Acid (PLA), bio•wand™ features biodegradable tips and handles, combining eco-friendly materials with the high performance professionals expect. Available this spring in lip gloss and eyeshadow designs, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional single-use applicators without sacrificing quality or hygiene. BP
K-beauty brand Fwee has opened its first permanent U.S. flagship store in SoHo, New York, featuring a NYC-exclusive keychain-making station for its popular lip and cheek products. Known for its viral Glowy Jelly Pots and Blurry Pudding Pots, Fwee offers innovative, portable cosmetics in over 50 inclusive shades. BP
RoC Skincare has launched its “Empowered Aging” initiative to promote long-term skin health and positive aging. The program includes the creation of a Longevity Council, funding research at Brown University, expert education, advanced clinically-proven skincare technology, and continued support for the SeekHer Foundation. BP
BioHarvest Sciences, a biotechnology company, is entering the fragrance market by developing plant-based fragrance compounds using its patented AI-assisted Botanical Synthesis technology. BP
Origins has launched its U.S. Amazon Premium Beauty storefront, offering skincare, body care, and gift sets. With over 30 years of expertise blending natural and scientific ingredients, Origins joins the latest Estee Lauder Companies brand to expand its online presence. BP
E.l.f. Beauty has expanded into the Netherlands and Belgium, now available in Kruidvat and Trekpleister drugstores. This move supports e.l.f.’s mission to make high-quality beauty products accessible to all. BP
Givaudan has launched Myromi, a patent-pending handheld aroma delivery device controlled by smartphone, enabling real-time user interaction and the collection of valuable consumer feedback. GCIM
Nobody’s Child opened its largest store yet on East Street in Brighton, its second location outside London, with a third store planned for Leeds next month. The 1,715 sq ft space features handmade joinery, vintage and reclaimed furniture, and a dedicated accessories area launching the brand’s first footwear collection alongside bags, fragrance, and jewelry. FN
🪇Collabs🪇
Saks Fifth Avenue men’s apparel is headed to Costco through a licensing deal with Centric Brands, likely tied to the Authentic Luxury Group venture. The move aims to boost distribution but has raised concerns about damaging Saks’ luxury image. WWD
Spanish brewer Hijos de Rivera has signed a distribution deal with local start-up Destiny Spirits to distribute its brands Ricetta Real Food Cocktails, Lilou Salted Gin, and Tequila Brix in Spain and Portugal. JD
Revlon has signed a long-term global fragrance licensing deal with luxury streetwear brand Palm Angels to develop permanent fragrance lines for men and women, along with scented ancillary products. This partnership will help Palm Angels expand its product range worldwide, with the first fragrance collection set to launch in 2027. BP
Fragrance brand PHLUR has teamed up with The Butcher’s Daughter restaurant in Los Angeles for a limited-time multi-sensory experience to launch its new Peach Skin Hair & Body Mist. Starting May 19, the collaboration features an exclusive Peach Glow beverage inspired by the mist’s fruity notes, crafted by executive chef Richard Rea in partnership with PHLUR. GCIM
🔻Closures, Bankruptcies & Downsizes🔻
Nike has laid off a “limited number” of employees from its Global Tech team as part of changes announced last week, which involve shifting some systems and product work to managed services. The company acknowledged the impact on affected employees but did not specify the number of layoffs. This move is part of a broader turnaround strategy under new CEO Elliott Hill. Last year, Nike also cut about 2% of its workforce in cost-saving measures. RD
Walmart is cutting about 1,500 jobs across its U.S. retail operations and global tech teams as part of a restructuring to become more agile and innovative. The layoffs mainly affect end-to-end operations and the Walmart Connect marketing team, while some new tech roles are being created. The company is working with affected employees to explore other opportunities within Walmart. RD
US-based Delicato Family Wines has ceased winemaking at its Francis Ford Coppola satellite facility in Geyserville, California. While crushing has stopped, bottling and canning operations continue. This decision has led to the layoff of 15 employees. JD
💰Corporate Investments💰
Kraft Heinz confirmed a $3 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing facilities, its largest in decades, aiming to offset tariffs and weak consumer spending. The investment is expected to create thousands of jobs, including 60 at a new $400 million distribution center in DeKalb, Illinois. FD
💻Consumer Software💻
💰Fundraises💰
PlaySafe ID has raised €1M in pre-seed funding to combat cheating and child predation in gaming. The platform offers a verified yet anonymous digital ID to ensure fairness and safety without compromising player privacy. The round was led by Early Game Ventures,with participation from Hartmann Capital and Overwolf. TechEU
Kidola, a Luxembourg-based childcare management platform, has raised €1.3M in seed funding to support product development, team expansion, and entry into the French market. The round was led by Expon Capital, with participation from Super Capital and LBAN. EUS
London-based digital pension provider Penfold has raised €4.6 million to expand its reach in the UK SME and accountancy sectors and enhance its pension app with new features for both savers and businesses. The funding round was led by Gresham House Ventures, which focuses on growth-stage, digitally driven companies. EUS
Veesion, a French startup developing AI tools to detect suspicious behavior in physical stores, has raised €38 million in Series B funding, along with €15 million in non-dilutive funding, totaling €53 million. The round was led by White Star Capital, Red River West, and Bpifrance, alongside existing investors. The new funds will fuel Veesion's international expansion and the application of its technology in new environments and use cases. EUS
Stuttgart-based scale-up Flip, which develops software for deskless workers, has raised a €25 million Series A extension to enhance its AI capabilities and accelerate growth. The round was led by existing investors LEA Partners, HV Capital, Notion Capital, and Roland Berger. EUS
🛒eCommerce & Retail Tech🛒
Google launched AI Mode, an AI-powered shopping assistant that helps users track prices, make purchases, and virtually try on apparel using their photos. Combining Google’s Gemini and Shopping Graph—which features over 50 billion product listings updated hourly—AI Mode offers personalized recommendations and a custom image generation model that understands how clothes fit different body types. RD
Siro, the AI-powered conversation intelligence platform for in-person sales, announced it has raised $50 million in Series B funding led by SignalFire, with participation from 01 Advisors, StepStone Group, and existing investors CRV, Fika Ventures, and Index Ventures. The funding will be used to accelerate product development and expand the team across engineering, sales, and customer success. PRN
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