LVMH Invests in Madhappy, Ugly Drinks' US Launch, Pepsi's $2BN Online Sales, Baublebar's Affordable Jewelry, Walmart Data, Nogroni, Science, Porsche vs. Tesla, Global Whiskey Boom
Covering commerce daily from Amazon to Zulily.
The future of fashion is optimistic as LVHM bets on a mental health-focused streetwear label
Madhappy is a streetwear label focused on optimism and inclusivity. Cofounder Peiman Raf says that the brand is on a mission to make the world a more optimistic place by creating conversations around mental health.
More broadly, the luxury fashion industry has had a reputation for being exclusive, and it’s telling that a mega-company like LVMH is investing in a brand that is about inclusivity and helping people feel accepted and emotionally sound.
‘It’s been a rollercoaster’: Ugly Drinks CEO shares lessons learnt from US launch
Twelve months on from launching in the US, Ugly Drinks CEO and co-founder Hugh Thomas shares lessons learnt from challenging the soft drink market across the pond.
Since the brand launched stateside in 2018, Ugly Drinks is listed in between two to three thousand stores across the US with healthy direct to consumer (DTC) sales: “We shipped around 25,000 deliveries last year,” Thomas confirmed.
“You need to be smart and strategic, you can’t just manufacture your products and [send them] everywhere without thinking about it.” Recognising the potential for winter sales in hotter climates, like in Tennessee and California, could also help inform geographical strategies, he continued.
PepsiCo will hit a mind-blowing $2 billion in online sales this year
PepsiCo is hauling in massive sales online. PepsiCo ( PEP ) will hit an impressive $2 billion in sales done online this year, CEO Ramon Laguarta told Wall Street analysts on an earnings conference call Thursday .
Many of the company’s big brands such as Gatorade and Frito Lay appear to be benefiting from the consumer shift online, according to PepsiCo Vice Chairman and CFO Hugh Johnston.
On this week's Glossy Podcast, Yacobovsky talks about the consumer opportunities opened up by selling affordable accessories, the data goldmine BaubleBar sits on and the difference a celebrity fan like Julia Roberts can make for a brand.
“We had been doing our research on the market and felt there was a huge opportunity at a lower price point than where the main BaubleBar brand sat,” said Daniella Yacobovsky, the company’s co-founder.
On this week’s Glossy Podcast, Yacobovsky also talks about the consumer opportunities opened up by selling affordable accessories, the data goldmine BaubleBar sits on and the difference a celebrity fan like Julia Roberts can make for a brand.
Global Whiskey Boom Has Japanese Distillery Working Day and Night
Distiller Nikka to boost production by 20%, double shifts. Demand seen growing with market reaching $148 billion in 2023.
For the first time in two decades, employees at Japanese distiller Nikka Whisky will be working day and night shifts to meet global demand for made-in-Japan whisky. Even so, the best fruits of their labor probably won’t be on the market for at least another decade, given the time it takes to age the finest vintages.
Target is helping to revive the Toys 'R' Us brand online
Target is bringing Toys "R" Us back online in time for the holiday shopping season. Tru Kids plans to open two new Toys "R" Us stores this year in Texas and New Jersey before increasing the number of locations to 10 by the end of 2020, according to a spokesperson.
The company says the stores will showcase new products, allow customers to test items before purchase and "create memorable experiences for kids and families."
Rare Global, a boutique digital talent management outfit that reps starry lifestyle creators like Jenn Im, Jackie Aina, and Wengie, has launched a new incubator division that will seek to bolster the careers of mid-tier influencers.
The so-called Rare Incubator division will provide clients with strategy, mentorship, resources, and connections -- given that the company believes such influencers bring in solid conversions, high engagement, and positive ROI. The first two clients signed to the sector are beauty vloggers Genelle Seldon (pictured above) and Brittany Sky. Seldon counts 271,000 YouTube subscribers and 418,000 Instagram followers, while Sky counts 32,000 YouTube subscribers and 230,000 Instagram followers.
Walmart has over 100,000 different machine learning or AI-based projects currently in production. The success rate, however, is still just 75 percent. While the tech teams are in charge of creating and managing the AI-based applications — like using cameras and sensors to help determine when shelves need to be restocked — the business side must be able to implement it to ultimately drive down costs or improve profits.
While relatively basic questions, Walmart's approach to AI exemplifies just how critical cross-collaboration is for advanced tech initiative to succeed — and how quickly they can fail it there isn't broad support internally.
Porsche and Tesla rivalry goes next level
Ask Porsche people if they see Tesla as a rival for Nürburgring EV lap-record honours and the language gets fruity. “We love competition, that’s for sure. But we need apples-to-apples comparison, not apples-to-pears,” says Mayk Weinkötter, special spokesman for the company’s all-electric Taycan. Specifically, it was a Turbo model fitted with extra-cost items like PDCC sport chassis control system, 21-inch Pirelli tyres, rear-wheel steering and ceramic brakes.
Seedlip launches bottled ‘Nogroni’
Seedlip Drinks has launched a bottled version of its non-alcoholic Negroni – the ‘Nogroni’ – in what is the cocktail’s 100th anniversary year.
The original Negroni was created 100 years ago when, reputedly, Count Camillo Negroni asked his barman to swap the soda in his Americano for gin.
Launched in the UK this week exclusively through department store Selfridges in a 20cl format (which serves two) for £10, the Nogroni will go on general release at a later date.
Adidas 1st to sell shoes via Snapchat game
Dick's Sporting Goods is also partnering on "Baseball's Next Level" to let gamers buy limited-edition cleats displayed in retro, 8-bit graphics.
Global esports revenue is forecast to jump 27% to $1.1 billion this year amid higher sales of advertising, sponsorship and media rights to competitive video gaming, according to researcher Newzoo .
Tapping on the Adidas logo in the app's menu bar activated the AR experience, which starts with an unboxing video before letting people choose to see more information or try on the virtual shoes.
Amazon held its first big ad conference last week, luring about 400 people to Seattle
At "AdCon 2019," Amazon promoted a business that surpassed $10 billion in annual revenue last year. The invite-only conference included case studies from brands like mattress company Tuft & Needle and pet food provider I and Love and You.
There were recommendations for reaching new customers, techniques for using sponsored ads and breakout sessions on best practices for hardlines (electronics, appliances), softlines (clothing, linens) and consumables.
Mirror launches 1-on-1 personal training for $40 per session
Get personal training in your home, sans personal trainer in your home. "We're democratizing premium fitness experiences and giving access to the best trainers, no matter where you live or how busy your schedule may be," Brynn Putnam, founder and chief executive officer of Mirror, said in a press release.
Mirror's personal training feature also offers opportunities for professional fitness trainers and specialized instructors to grow their businesses -- they can reach more clients without the constraints of geography or time.