Express Checkout #63 - the latest in CPG, Retail, and eComm

Hello hello, finally back in NYC (for now)

And hello to all my new subscribers I met at eTail West! You know who you are!

Excited for the next big events on my calendar - ExpoWest and Shoptalk! If you’re going to either hit me up!

📆 And if you want to know about all the trade shows, conferences, and pitch competitions throughout the year my friend Brian Folmer at FirstLook VC put together a google calendar that has everything you would need to know!! — CHECK IT OUT

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🎉 Events! 🎉 

Now on to the news of the week!

(If you’re reading this email in gmail it might get clipped! You can always view full issues here.)

🔥 Big News - 10 items or less 🔥

• Amazon aggregator unravels - Thrasio, a startup known for its ecommerce aggregation strategy, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company, which raised over $3 billion in funding, aims to restructure its business and cut its debt. It has secured $90 million in emergency financing. (source)

• Zulily IP for sale, what are we picking up? - Hilco Streambank is seeking offers to acquire the brand assets of Zulily, including trademarks, domain names, customer data, social media assets, and code for the app. Interested parties must submit indications of interest by March 13, 2024. (source)

• There are folks still investing in CPG!! - BFG Partners, a Colorado-based VC, has activated its third fund with a target of $125 million to support healthy and sustainable consumer brands. The fund will focus on companies from seed to series B, with check sizes ranging from $3 million to $5 million. The firm has an impressive portfolio, including Olipop and Caulipower. (source)

• $50 Strawberry company raises - US vertical farming company Oishii has raised $134 million in a Series B funding round led by NTT. The funding will support Oishii's expansion into new markets, the opening of a solar-powered facility, and investments in advanced robotics and energy-saving innovations. (source)

• The dream job - Olipop is hiring two Senior Soda Consultants to travel to 4 major cities, representing the brand, and spreading joy as part of their Real Love Makes Us campaign. The job pays $40,000 for both friends and covers all expenses. The application deadline is March 22. (source)

🗞️ News from the week (2/26/24 - 3/3/24)

• Macy's plans to close about 150 underperforming stores and focus on opening new locations for its higher-end department store, Bloomingdale's, and beauty chain, Bluemercury. Bloomingdale's plans to open approximately 15 new stores. (source)

• The Container Store has laid off ~100 employees, approximately 2.5% of its workforce, due to ongoing sales declines. (source)

• Wawa Inc. has launched the Goose Media Network, a retail media network that allows customers to engage with partner brands through custom ads and campaigns across digital channels. (source)

• Earth Fare has hired its first in-house nutritionist, Rosanna Maffei, who will work with staff and vendors to develop recipes and grab-and-go items that meet specific nutritional needs. (source)

• Jones Road Beauty, the beauty brand founded by Bobbi Brown, has opened its fourth retail location in Palm Beach. (source)

• IKEA and Dutch designers Raw Color have collaborated to launch the TESAMMANS collection. It includes 18 pieces ranging from furniture to textiles and decorations, and will be available in all IKEA markets in April 2024. (source)

🛒 CPG & Consumer Goods

• BARK has launched a new line of dog treats called The Snack Pack, with packaging inspired by classic breakfast cereals from the 80s and 90s. The Snack Pack is available at BARK.co and Target. (source)

• Vacation has launched Instant Vacation, a browning lotion that combines bronzing lotion with SPF30 sunscreen. Vegan and cruelty-free, it uses natural mineral pigments and self-tanning ingredients. (Source)

• ESW Beauty has just launched in Target stores and online. Three best-selling facial masks, including The Pink Dream, Deep Detox, and Green Reset, are now available in over 1200 Target locations. (source)

• Oat milk maker Oatly is expanding its product line with the launch of Oatmilk Creamers. Plant-based creamers have seen growth in sales, with brands like Chobani on the up and up, Oatly aims to capture that attention. (source)

• Nature's Path is launching a new line of organic flours at Expo West 2024. The line includes organic all-purpose flour, organic gluten-free all-purpose flour, organic baker's blend flour, organic whole wheat flour, and organic keto all-purpose flour. (source)

💻 eCommerce

• Fast Simon, a leader in AI-powered shopping optimization, announces a partnership with Authentic Brands Group to bring shopping optimization to online stores across its platform. Authentic owns a portfolio of more than 50 iconic, including Juicy Couture, Brooks Brothers, Nautica, Eddie Bauer, Sperry, and more. (source)

🏭 Supply Chain

• Reflaunt, a fashion resale technology platform, has chosen DHL Supply Chain as its contract logistics provide. Reflaunt's services are already operational with luxury brands like Net-a-porter and Balenciaga. (source)

💸 Funding news

• Texas-based investment firm MNC Capital Partners has offered $2.9 billion to acquire Vista Outdoor. The offer represents a 17% premium over Vista's trading price. (source)

• Rowing Blazers, the menswear brand founded by Jack Carlson in 2017, has sold a majority stake to Burch Creative Capital, co-investing with Tom Vellios and Jason Epstein. The brand has had successful collaborations with Gucci and Target, and plans to open a flagship store in Manhattan in Fall 2024. (source)

• Tracksuit has announced a $13.5 million USD Series A funding round led by Altos Ventures and Footwork. The funding will be used to enhance their brand tracking solution and expand into the US and UK markets. The company aims to reshape the future of marketing and market research by providing affordable and data-driven solutions. (source)

• Italian spirits company Illva Saronno has acquired Engine Gin, a Piedmont-based gin brand. Engine Gin was initially purchased by Illva Saronno in 2021 as part of a distribution deal, and the complete acquisition will allow the brand to be brought to the 160 countries. (source)

🧐 Interesting reads

• 3 ways Amazon packages are delivered in densely populated areas like New York City (Amazon)

• Luxury retail is about ‘emotions, not transactions’ (McKinsey)

• Walmart and Amazon’s Retail Tug-of-War Now Focused on AI (PYMNTS)

• As payments platforms pitch more services, some brands fear too many options (modern retail)

• What's going on with Naadam and Quince? Behind the 'Cashmere Wars' of social media (Glossy)

• The commerce exec’s guide to the Apple Vision Pro (New Consumer)

• The Rise of Powdered Beverages AKA The Modern Day Kool-Aid (The Dieline)

• How the 92-year-old snackmaker behind Biscoff captivated Gen Z (FT)

💡 Data, reports, and trends

• The State of Wholesale Cannabis Payments (Leaflink)

• Are Consumers Swapping Shampoo Bottles For Bars? Spate Says Yes (Spate & Happi)

• An update on US consumer sentiment: Consumers see a brighter future ahead (McKinsey)

• Retailer Membership Review: Walmart+ vs. Amazon Prime (Numerator)

• Amazon's average customer is a white Gen X woman who spent $2,662 there last year (Business Insider)

• Roadie Survey Finds 80% of Companies Increase Revenue With Same-Day Delivery | Roadie

😋 Brands and things I’ve tried this week

What didn’t I try this week. This week I got to test out the crunchiest snack I’ve had in a minute. S’noods! They’re gluten free (potato flour air popped and baked) and packed with flavor!

Thanks for reading! If you have any suggestions, feedback, or stories I missed, let me know!

Nate :)

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