Express Checkout #74 - the latest in CPG, Retail, and eComm

Hello hello!

I had my first video to break 1M views (1.6M to be exact) on TikTok! I never thought I’d be creating a newsletter let alone TikTok videos! Please give me a follow (I’m also on Reels)!

Oh what was the video about you ask? Well Welch’s just launched RTD cocktails!

The wonderful Matt Clifford and I launched a podcast! A really nerdy one at that…introducing Packaged Past.

We do a deep dive on your favorite CPG brands. Our first episode is out now all about the delicious Häagen-Dazs!

Oh and this isn’t the only podcast I’m launching, I’m working on another one. So stay tuned!! 👀 

There are some fun industry events on the horizon!

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I’m proud to partner with The Lead on solid event on July 10-11 in NYC - The Lead Summit!

The Lead Summit 2024 is a 2-day event taking place on July 10-11, 2024. It features various sessions and speakers covering topics like marketing in a post-cookie world, in-store renaissance, growth through partnerships, and emerging AI capabilities.

Brands & Retailers go for FREE - USE THIS LINK to apply

All other attendees can use my special LINK for 25% OFF

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I’m also hosting a few dinners, if you’re a brand doing $5M+/year I’d love to invite you to some private dinners in NYC. Please reach out!

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 🔥

• Uniqlo is taking over - GU, the Japanese apparel retailer and sister brand of UNIQLO, has announced the opening of its first overseas flagship store, GU NY SOHO, in New York in the fall of 2024. Simultaneously, GU will also launch an online store. source

  • Aside from GU, Uniqlo is seeking to open 20+ stores in the US and Canada in 2024

• Gallo scoops up a cold snack - GALLO has entered the beer category through a strategic investment in Montucky Cold Snacks, a light and (extremely) sessionable lager. source

• Everyone wants to be Target private label - CVS has announced the launch of Well Market™, a new store brand line featuring snacks, beverages, and groceries. Source

• A loss in the family - Equinox gym chain's decision to replace Kiehl's products with Grown Alchemist has sparked lots of controversy among its members. Despite some positive reviews, the switch has caused a divide among gym-goers. source

  • Some members are even thinking about leaving the gym due to this decision. People care about their brands and make lots of decisions because of that love….

• It hurts being rejected - Shein has been rejected by the National Retail Federation as it pursues a potential U.S. IPO. Shein, which filed to go public in the U.S., has been trying to become a member of the NRF, but has been repeatedly turned down. The NRF is the largest trade association in the retail industry and its acceptance could help legitimize Shein in the eyes of lawmakers. source

🗞️ News from the week (5/13/24 - 5/19/24)

🛍 Retail

• The Walgreens Boots Alliance is exploring the sale of UK-based drugstore chain Boots for $8.78 billion. This comes after the company previously abandoned the sale in 2022 due to the lack of a suitable buyer. source

• Glossier has opened a new store in Vegas. This marks the brand's 13th store. Source

• Kizik, the hands-free footwear brand, is opening two new retail locations in Mall of America and King of Prussia. source

• Walmart has announced layoffs affecting several hundred jobs at its campus offices. Additionally, remote workers and personnel in certain offices will be required to relocate. Source

• Uber Eats has partnered with Costco to offer on-demand delivery from select locations, regardless of membership status. source

🛒 CPG & Consumer Goods

• Kendall Jenner has launched her own Smoothie at Erewhon partnering with GT's Synergy Peach Paradise Raw Kombucha and non-dairy Cocoyo Peach Nectarine Living Coconut Yogurt. source

• Tower 28 and OUAI have collaborated to create a limited edition St. Barts Lip Jelly, a clear non-sticky lip gloss with a tropical scent.

• Good Condition, a new eco-luxury skincare brand focusing on sustainability, has just launched. The brand, founded by Cherie Baughn, offers Face and Body Collections in biodegradable and plastic-free packaging. source

• Kopari Beauty launched a Vitamin C Collection, a range of products designed to address hyperpigmentation and improve the complexion. source

• Primark's TikTok-viral Beauty Brand is set to launch in the U.S., expanding its reach to a new market. The Dublin-based retailer aims to capitalize on its success by introducing PS... by Primark to American consumers. Source

• Dolce & Gabbana is facing a lawsuit for misleading customers and misrepresenting the value of the NFTs. Source

• Via Carota Craft Cocktails announces a new sparkling range of ready-to-pour cocktails. source

• Adore Me has launched AM by You, a generative AI-powered custom design tool that allows consumers to create their own customized bralette and panty set. Designs are put through a moderation process, and approved designs are printed by Prompt.ly. source

• Eggo has launched high protein waffles ever, along with a custom pair of sneakers called "Eggo Fully Loaded Kicks." The new waffles, known as Eggo Fully Loaded Waffles, contain 10 grams of protein per serving. source

• Oobli and Grupo Bimbo have partnered to integrate sweet proteins as a new way to sweeten baked goods. Sweet proteins are plant proteins that taste up to 5,000x sweeter than sugar and can replace 70-90% of sugar in food and beverages. source

• Dave's Killer Bread has launched a new line of snack products called Amped-Up Organic Protein Bars. Source

• Aer, a backpack and carry brand, has released their first suitcase - The Aer Carry-On Suitcase. source

💻 eCommerce

• Poshmark has introduced its Promoted Closet feature, leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance the visibility and sales potential for sellers on its fashion resale marketplace. The tool uses search algorithms to match products with shoppers' search terms, improving traditional search methods and ensuring relevance. Source

• Pinterest has collaborated with Real Simple to launch the magazine's first shoppable issue, featuring over 120 products. Source

• Coca-Cola is launching Coca-Cola Lens, a new data and insights platform aimed at sharing consumer behavior and industry trends with retailers and foodservice providers. Source

🏭 Supply Chain

• Maersk has expanded its air cargo footprint by opening a full-service air cargo gateway in Miami. The 90,000-square-foot facility aims to improve connectivity to LatAm markets, transshipping European and Asian cargo via Miami. source

• Ferrero North America celebrates the opening of its first chocolate processing facility in North America. The facility will produce chocolate for popular Ferrero brands such as Kinder, Ferrero Rocher, Butterfinger, and CRUNCH. source

💸 Funding news

• Procurement platform GoodShip has closed an $8 million Series A funding round led by Bessemer Venture Partners. The platform aims to provide shippers with transparency into their freight data and insights into the operations of their procurement ecosystems. Source

• Kent Companies has acquired Jack's Convenience Stores, an 8-store retailer in West Texas. Source

• Blackbird Foods, a plant-based food company, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support its growth and explore opportunities in school lunches. Source

• Former First Lady Michelle Obama's PLEZi Nutrition has announced its partnership with actress and global advocate Kristen Bell as an investor and brand partner. Source

• Jay-Z's Marcy Venture Partners has invested in ready-to-drink brand The Finnish Long Drink. The investment aims to support the brand's growth in the U.S. market. source

🧐 Interesting reads

• Opinion: An Unvarnished Review of the Smart Cart Shopping Experience - Retail TouchPoints

• The battle between low and no - The Spirits Business

• What the Montucky Cold Snacks Investment Says About Gallo's RTD Ambitions - Vine Pair

• Golden Era of Airbrush Ads - Snaxshot

• Why more DTC brands are selling on Amazon—behind the risks and rewards - AdAge

💡 Data, reports, and trends

• 3/4 of Young Consumers Favor Click-and-Mortar™ Grocery Shopping - PYMNTs

• Redefining Retail: Consumer Finance Trends Driving the Evolution of Installment Plans - PYMNTS and Splitit

• Voice of the Consumer Survey 2024: Shrinking the consumer trust deficit - PWC

• State of the Marketplace report - Plant Based Foods Association and vegconomist

😋 Brands and things I’ve tried this week

This is probably the most interesting product in my collection, coffee paste made with honey! Really tasty and super easy to make coffee and really good in smoothies. https://bee10coffee.com/

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

Nate :)

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