The Consumer VC Roundup #98
The Latest News For the Emerging Consumer Ecosystem
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This Week In Consumer
🧃Consumer Brands👚
💸M&A💸
Saks Fifth Avenue parent HBC has secured a $2 billion bond to finalize its $2.65 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group, with plans to close the deal soon. As part of the process, HBC is also reviewing its store portfolio, including the closure of Saks’ Palm Beach location, which has been in need of upgrades. WWD
Coca-Cola has agreed to sell a 40% stake in its Indian bottling subsidiary, Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings, to India’s Jubilant Bhartia Group. While the financial terms were not officially disclosed, local media estimates the deal’s value to range between $1.18 billion and $1.47 billion. JustDrinks
The Independents has acquired PR agency Lucien Pagès, its fifth deal this year, expanding its global luxury and fashion network to 17 partner firms across 16 cities. Lucien Pagès, representing brands like Saint Laurent and Loewe, will retain its autonomy while leveraging The Independents’ resources. Backed by a $400M investment, the group forecasts $750M in 2024 revenue as it continues scaling in response to evolving luxury market demands. WWD
Zalando is acquiring a majority stake in About You to expand its European e-commerce reach. The deal will strengthen both brands' operations in areas like logistics and sustainability, while About You continues to operate independently. The acquisition, set to close by mid-2025, aims to boost growth in the fashion market. WWD
🚀Debuts, Distribution & Expansion🚀
Alex Cooper, host of the popular "Call Her Daddy" podcast, is launching a hydration drink called Unwell Hydration, aimed at young women. The ready-to-drink beverage is available in three flavors: Strawberry, Mango Citrus, and Orange Hibiscus, each containing 700 milligrams of electrolytes, B vitamins, and green coffee extract. FoodDive
Fazit’s Glitter Freckles Makeup Patches, which went viral and gained popularity after being spotted on Taylor Swift, are now available at CVS. The brand, known for its playful beauty innovations, predicts it will achieve $40 million in retail sales in 2025. BeautyIndependent
Josephine Ung, has launched Vacance, a new brand that elevates nail and hand care. Vacance incorporates Asian ingredients and innovative, non-greasy formulas designed to nourish, repair, and support everyday routines. BeautyIndependent
Spanish fast-casual chain PLANT SHACK is bringing its signature smoothie bowls, juices, and grab-and-go options to the UK, with its first London location in the works. The UK launch follows a franchise agreement with entrepreneur Michael Vosc, as PLANT SHACK eyes further expansion in the UK and beyond. Vegconomist
Alaïa has unveiled a café and bookstore at its London flagship on New Bond Street. Located on the second floor, the space is a collaboration with Claire de Rouen and Violet Cakes, blending fashion, literature, and culinary delights. WWD
Mizuno, Japanese sports equipment and sportswear company, has launched a new e-commerce website on BigCommerce’s platform to modernize its operations, improve customer experience, and enhance flexibility. The site integrates Deck Commerce for order management, Bolt Commerce for streamlined checkout, and real-time product availability, reducing checkout time by 90% and boosting average order value by 12%. WWD
Spanish jewelry label PDPaola is expanding in the U.S. with its first flagship store, opening Thursday in New York City's West Village. Led by CEO Humbert Sasplugas and North America CEO Jason McNary, the brand's latest move marks a key step in its U.S. growth strategy. WWD
Luxury cashmere brand Minnie Rose opened its first retail store, the "Cashmere Chalet," on Lexington Avenue in New York. The store showcases the brand's signature cashmere and cotton pieces, including crewnecks, T-shirts, blazers, shawls, hoodies, and exclusive one-of-a-kind items. Founder Lisa Shaller-Goldberg plans to open several more stores across the U.S. in the coming year. WWD
Emma Jethwa, a former knitwear designer for brands like Phoebe Philo’s Chloé and JW Anderson, has launched her own brand, Asme. Drawing inspiration from her English and Indian heritage and new life in Ireland, Asme celebrates humor, vibrant colors, and playful textures. WWD
Amazon now allows customers in 48 U.S. cities to browse, order, finance, and schedule pickup of new Hyundai vehicles directly from participating local dealers. The service will expand next year to include more dealerships, brands, cities, and additional features. AboutAmazon
🪇Collabs🪇
V8 has teamed up with Spritz Society to launch a limited-edition Bloody Mary Spritz. Made with white wine and inspired by V8’s signature tomato flavor and spices, the 12-ounce cans contain 4.5% alcohol, 120 calories, and 5 grams of sugar. This collaboration highlights V8’s versatility, following previous launches like its Dill Pickle Bloody Mary Mix with Grillo's Pickles and mocktail recipes with Ritual Zero Proof. FoodDive
Tiffany & Co. has partnered with Sotheby’s for an exclusive Tiffany Studios sale and a pop-up showcasing the new Tiffany & Co. x Fondation César homeware collection. Sotheby’s Design returns with auctions honoring Louis Comfort Tiffany’s legacy, featuring leaded glass masterpieces, Favrile glass, jewelry, and paintings. WWD
Bape and Stadium Goods are teaming up for the Varsity Blues Collection, celebrating basketball's influence on street culture. The collection features a new Bape STA sneaker, BapeX watch, and apparel like hoodies, varsity jackets, and T-shirts in a navy, white, and gold palette, priced from $99 to $599. WWD
Rixo and JoosTricot have teamed up to create a vintage-inspired collection that blends London and L.A. styles. The collaboration features 13 pieces that marry both brands' unique aesthetics, combining playful prints and bold takes on classic knitwear. Prices for the range, which is available on both brands' e-commerce sites, range from $196 to $590. WWD
Rapper Future has partnered with Grand Marnier for a multiyear collaboration, celebrating cultural innovation and tradition with a campaign titled "Remix Your Legacy, Make It Grand." The partnership kicks off with pop-up experiences in New York, Atlanta, and Houston, offering exclusive Grand Margarita tastings and the chance to collect Future's Dirty Sprite 2 vinyl in honor of its 10th anniversary. WWD
↪️Rebrands & Relaunches↩️
Eva NYC is relaunching with a brand refresh, featuring new packaging and clinically backed formulas. The update includes popular products like the Therapy Session Deep Conditioning Hair Mask and Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer, all priced between $13.99 and $17.99. WWD
🔻Closures🔻
Japan-based Yakult Honsha will close its Shanghai factory in China to enhance local business competitiveness. Manufacturing operations will shift to facilities in Wuxi and Tianjin, while the sales division will move to a new Shanghai branch under Yakult China. JustDrinks
Butterball will close its Jonesboro, Arkansas turkey processing plant next year, affecting 180 workers. The decision, driven by weak turkey prices and sector-wide profit pressures, includes plans to shift production to other facilities. FoodDive
Tina Chow Rudolf, founder of the skincare brand Strange Bird, has announced the closure of the business after five years. Known for its crystal- and flower-essence-powered products, Strange Bird faced retail challenges alongside Rudolf's personal life changes, leading to the difficult decision to shut down. BeautyIndependent
Rhode, the Los Angeles-based fashion label known for its vibrant prints and stocked in 170 retailers, is shutting down after 10 years. Following a West Elm collaboration and settling a trademark lawsuit with Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand, founders Purna Khatau and Phoebe Vickers announced the closure, citing a move toward new opportunities. WWD
📰 Consumer News📰
Albertsons has canceled its $25 billion merger with Kroger and filed a lawsuit accusing Kroger of breaching their agreement by failing to make sufficient efforts to secure regulatory approval. The deal was blocked by two US courts over antitrust concerns. Albertsons alleges Kroger refused necessary divestitures and ignored regulators’ feedback, while Kroger has called the claims “baseless and without merit.” Both companies are now disputing legal fees and a potential breakup fee. JustDrinks
The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America warn that new US tariffs on imported wine and spirits could threaten thousands of American jobs and lead to $5 billion in lost tax revenue, according to a commissioned study. JustDrinks
The USDA has issued a federal order to collect raw milk samples nationwide for bird flu testing. The expanded effort targets dairy farms, bulk milk transporters, and processing facilities to combat an outbreak affecting over 50 people and hundreds of herds. Previously, testing was limited to states with reported cases and interstate cattle movement. FoodDive
💻eCommerce and Retail Software💻
💰Fundraises💰
Eyva, an AI-driven SaaS platform designed to unify and streamline data across the beauty industry's product development, supply chain, marketing, and other sectors, has secured nearly $2.9 million in seed funding. This latest round, which values the Cologne, Germany-based company at approximately $13 million, was led by European venture capital firms Earlybird and Wenvest, with additional support from consumer-focused investor True, known for backing brands like Boy Smells and Maude. BeautyIndependent