The Ordinary launches on Amazon Premium Beauty
The Estee Lauder Companies has announced The Ordinary brand is the latest in its portfolio to launch a storefront on the US Amazon Premium Beauty Store. US customers can access The Ordinary’s bestselling products, with the added convenience of fast, free shipping for Prime members.
L’Oreal North America appoints President of Consumer Products
L’Oreal has announced the appointment of Christina Fair as President of Consumer Products, North America, effective immediately. Fair succeeds Nathalie Gerschtein who is leaving the company after a 23-year career at the French beauty giant.
The Estee Lauder Companies Group President hands in his notice
The Estee Lauder Companies has announced that Peter Jueptner will step down from his role as Group President, International on April 1, 2025 and will leave the company at the end of June. His replacement is yet to be announced.
Target becomes latest US firm to step back from diversity
Target has announced that it will bring its Racial Equity Action and Change programs to an end this year, and instead is ushering in an initiative more in line with Trump’s mission to ‘restore merit-based opportunity’.
e.l.f. Beauty launches “e.l.f. von zehn” in Germany
e.l.f. Beauty has introduced its “e.l.f. von zehn” campaign in Germany, showcasing its affordable, high-performance products through a playful approach to beauty.
Amorepacific’s Aestura debuts in the US with Sephora partnership
Amorepacific’s derma cosmetic brand, Aestura, is set to enter the US market through an exclusive partnership with Sephora.
Levi Strauss & Co. Welcomes Sephora North America CEO Artemis Patrick to Board
Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) has appointed Artemis Patrick, CEO of Sephora North America, to its board of directors effective February 1, 2025.
Chanel Cuts 70 US Jobs Amid Luxury Market Slowdown
Chanel Inc. has announced the elimination of 70 jobs in the US, representing approximately 2.5% of its workforce in the region.
Ulta Beauty CMO Departs Amid Leadership Shakeup and Strategic Expansion
Ulta Beauty’s Chief Marketing Officer, Michelle Crossan-Matos, has exited the company following a tenure that began in 2023.
Kenvue names President of Skin Health & Beauty, Asia Pacific and Latin America
Kenvue has announced the appointment of Penelope Giraud to the role of President, Skin Health & Beauty for Asia Pacific and Latin America. Giraud joins from L’Oreal where she has worked for 23 years, most recently leading the global team charged with integrating CeraVe into the portfolio.
American Exchange Group acquires Urban Skin RX
American Exchange Group has announced that it has acquired Urban Skin Rx. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
P&G Q2 2025: sales inch up 2 percent
Procter & Gamble has announced its second quarter results for the current fiscal year. Net sales hit US$21.9 billion, an increase of two percent versus the prior year. Diluted net earnings per share were US$1.88, up 34 percent on 2024 figures.
Gloss Ventures raises US$15 million in growth capital
Gloss Ventures has raised US$15 million via an investment from Peterson Partners. Gloss Ventures is the firm behind TikTok-famous lip liner brand Sacheu Beauty, which is said to have pulled in revenue of more than US$40 million in 2024.
Locked cabinets ‘off-putting’ to customers, says Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO
Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO, Tim Wentworth has revealed that locked cabinets, originally ushered in to reduce shrinkage, have hampered sales. Paying customers are reluctant to wait for sales staff to unlock cabinets, the pharmacy chain executive said.
Sephora to debut Hulu series
Sephora has announced that it has created a docuseries with Hulu. Faces of Music will debut on the streaming service today and is described as a ‘get ready with me’-style format featuring Victoria Monet, Becky G and Chappell Roan.
Maybelline New York collaborates with Saturday Night Live on series of ads
Maybelline New York has been named as make-up sponsor for Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary season. The notorious US sketch show has worked with the L’Oreal-owned brand on a series of ads starring some of the SNL cast.
L’Oréal and IBM Partner to Build First AI Model for Sustainable Cosmetics Innovation
L’Oréal and IBM have joined forces to develop a groundbreaking generative AI (GenAI) foundation model, designed to revolutionize cosmetic formulation with a focus on sustainability.
Estée Lauder Partners with Exuud to Revolutionize Fragrance Innovation with Soliqaire™ Technology
The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has entered an exclusive agreement with Exuud Inc. to introduce the Soliqaire™ fragrance delivery system to its prestige and luxury fragrance portfolio by late 2025.
Reckitt Strengthens US and China Supply Chains Amid Rising Trade Tensions
Reckitt is ramping up local production in the US and China to reduce its reliance on imports and safeguard its supply chain against potential trade conflicts.
Target Reports Strong Holiday Sales and Announces Leadership Transitions
Target Corporation delivered a solid 2.8% sales growth during the 2024 holiday season, with digital sales soaring nearly 9%. Simultaneously, the retailer announced leadership changes, including the retirements of two executives and the promotion of Adrienne Costanzo as Chief Stores Officer, alongside expanded roles for Prat Vemana and Sarah Travis to drive Target’s technology and digital strategies forward.
Estee Lauder debuts limited edition collab with Laduree
Estee Lauder has unveiled a limited edition collaboration with French macaron maker, Laduree. The Estee Lauder x Laduree Collection comprises lip oils and an eyeshadow palette with shades inspired by the patissier’s confections as well as the US beauty brand’s bestselling 420 Rebellious Rose lipstick and classic scents in limited edition packaging.
US FDA announces ban on Red No.3 Dye
The US FDA has announced that it will ban the use of Red No.3 food coloring in food products, effective January 15, 2027. Drugmakers, such as Rite Aid, Takeda Pharmaceutical and Abbott Laboratories, who use the dye currently will need to reformulate their products by January 2018, 2028.
Klarna in talks for sale of loan book ahead of IPO
Klarna is said to be in talks with Citigroup, RBC, Nordea and Societe Generale as part of its bid to find a buyer for its portfolio of US four-instalment loans. The Swedish buy now, pay later operator sold its UK loan book to Elliott Management in a similar deal last year.
Macy’s Q4 2024: US retailer expects sales to be slightly below expectations
Macy’s has published an update on its fiscal fourth quarter 2024 results and outlook. The US retail giant said that it expects Q4 adjusted diluted earnings to be in line with expectations, while net sales are predicted to be at or slightly below the previously issued range.
Nordstrom holiday sales exceed expectations
Nordstrom has announced a 4.9 percent net sales increase for the nine weeks ended January 4, 2025 versus the prior-year period. Comparable sales rose 5.8 percent over the holiday season.
Amway Unveils Nutrilite™ Begin 30: Transform Your Gut, Transform Your Life
Amway has launched the Nutrilite™ Begin 30 Holistic Wellness Program, emphasizing the pivotal role of gut health in overall wellbeing.
Target Invests in Wellness
Target Corporation has unveiled its most extensive wellness initiative yet, adding over 2,000 new items to its assortment in 2025.
Nordstrom Partners with SkinSpirit
Nordstrom is enhancing its beauty services by partnering with SkinSpirit, a leading med spa chain, to launch an exclusive treatment space at its New York flagship store.
Ulta Beauty Partners with Instacart for Nationwide Same-Day Delivery
Ulta Beauty has joined forces with Instacart to offer same-day delivery across the U.S.
Walgreens Boots Alliance Q1 2025: Cosmetics Growth Amid Challenges
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) reported fiscal Q1 2025 results with US$39.5 billion in sales, a 7.5% year-over-year increase. While overall earnings faced challenges, the beauty and personal care category, led by its Boots brand, remained a strong contributor to the company’s performance.
Ronald S. Lauder retires from The Estée Lauder Companies’ board
The Estée Lauder Companies has announced the retirement of Ronald S. Lauder from its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Sephora Canada becomes first founding partner of Toronto Tempo WNBA team
Sephora Canada has become the first Founding Partner and Official Beauty Partner of the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team.
Tru Fragrance & Beauty buys majority stake in Lake & Skye
Tru Fragrance & Beauty has announced that it has purchased a majority stake in Lake & Skye. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but the fragrance brand is expected to hit sales of US$25 million in 2025.
Honest Company CFO to retire
The Honest Company CFO, Dave Loretta, has announced his intention to retire this year. The company has begun its search for his replacement and Loretta will stay with the company through the selection of his successor and to support the transition.
Macy’s appoints Independent Director
Macy’s Inc has announced the appointment of Robert Chavez to its Board of Directors as an Independent Director, effective April, 2025.
‘Groundbreaking’ massage chair recognised with CES award
Bodyfriend’s Standing Rovo massage chair has been named 2025 Honoree in Digital Health at this year’s CES event in Las Vegas. The SR-733 is described as ‘a groundbreaking massage chair’ and features independently controlled arm and leg movement technologies, said to be the first of its kind worldwide.
Ulta Beauty Announces CEO Transition
Ulta Beauty has announced that Dave Kimbell will retire as CEO and step down from the company’s Board of Directors. Kecia Steelman, currently President and COO, will succeed him as President and CEO on January 6, 2025.
FDA Proposes Standardized Testing for Asbestos in Talc-Based Cosmetics
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule to establish standardized testing methods for detecting asbestos in talc-containing cosmetics.
L’Oréal Faces MDL Petition Over Benzene-Contaminated Acne Treatments
L’Oréal is grappling with six class action lawsuits concerning CeraVe and other benzoyl peroxide acne treatments, which are alleged to contain cancer-causing benzene.
Unrivaled Taps Sephora U.S. as Official Beauty Partner
Unrivaled, the innovative professional women’s basketball league, has announced Sephora U.S. as its official and exclusive beauty partner in a multiyear deal.
Dove Relaunches Body Confidence Movement with #NewYearsUnresolution Campaign
Dove has introduced its #NewYearsUnresolution campaign, aimed at supporting women in rejecting unattainable beauty ideals and focusing on self-acceptance.
New York nail salon chain files for bankruptcy
Manhattan-based nail salon chain, Glosslab has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the state of New York. The filing follows reports that the salon had failed to pay rent on some of its 20 locations and had been forced to shut several down.
SNR Capital snaps up Thirteen Lune
SNR Lune has announced the acquisition of Thirteen Lune for an undisclosed sum. The deal follows the inclusive retail platform’s announcement in September, 2024, that it was exploring strategic options.
Saks announces a series of leadership appointments as acquisition of Neiman Marcus completes
Saks Global has announced that it has finalized its acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group for a total enterprise value of US$2.7 billion. Saks now comprises Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH.
Walmart warns it won’t meet climate goals by 2030
Walmart has warned that it is unlikely to hit its global emissions targets. The US retail behemoth pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent in 2025 and 65 percent in 2030, but is not on track to deliver on either promise.
Walmart founders named world’s wealthiest family
The family of Walmart’s founder, the Waltons have topped a list of the world’s wealthiest families. The Waltons boast a combined fortune of US$432.4 billion, placing them in the number one spot. Ranked fourth are the Hermes family, while the Wertheimers (Chanel) dropped to tenth.
Bitcoin rallies on strategic reserve plans
Bitcoin hit a high of US$107,148 at the start of the week, a record rally prompted by US President-elect, Donald Trump’s plan to create a US bitcoin strategic reserve as well as the inclusion of MicroStrategy in the Nasdaq 100.
US retail sales up 0.7 percent in November
Brisk car sales helped US retail sales climb for a third consecutive month in November. Excluding autos, sales inched up 0.2 percent.
Walmart partners with Meituan
Walmart has announced a strategic partnership with Meituan in its latest attempt to bolster its e-commerce business in China. The US retailer’s range will be sold via the local delivery firm’s app.
Nasdaq diversity criteria thrown out by US appeals court
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has voted down Nasdaq’s diversity rules. The requirement that board members of Nasdaq-listed companies meet set race and gender diversity criteria was ruled unlawful.
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