Activewear Pioneer, Pacsun, Launches Specialty Store; FCC Suggests Potential Directions for Future Mergers
Scuttlebutt on the Latest Retail News
Did you miss out on the retail week's chaos? Fear not, we've got you covered with a rundown of the latest happenings and stuff we're still pondering. From GNC venturing into health teleservices to Twisted Tea's novel back-waxing solution, let's dive in.
Hot off the Press
GNC dives into telehealth services
Healthcare and nutrition retail titan GNC took the plunge last Tuesday, launching GNC Health— a supplemental healthcare service designed for their dedicated loyalty program members. Alongside telehealth appointments for urgent and personal care, members gain access to medications with no co-pays, additional costs, or fees. GNC's revamped loyalty program also features upgraded Pro Access membership options and two new member tiers for customers to level up.
Walmart eases shopping for the sensory-sensitive
For individuals who live with sensory disabilities, Walmart introduced a calmer shopping experience. Dubbed sensory-friendly hours, these quieter shopping periods occur on Saturdays in July and August, with some stores dimming lights and turning off radios from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. To accommodate areas with later school starts, select stores will implement these changes starting this coming Saturday.
Pacsun embraces activewear
Fashion retailer Pacsun unveiled its first dedicated activewear store at the Mall of America for its Pac1980 line. The store offers a broader selection of activewear, organized by color, inspired by the line's successful launch earlier this year. The activewear collection has been added to all Pacsun namesake stores as well, with plans to expand the activewear business in the future.
Retail Retreat
Twisted Tea promises a hairless summer
Is unwanted back hair getting in the way of enjoying that icy Twisted Tea? No worries, Twisted Tea has your back—literally! Now offering a back-waxing system, the limited-time product replicates the taste of its drinks while providing hair removal goodness. You can find the tea-inspired hair removal system online, but act fast; it's only available while supplies last.
Morphe embraces influencers once more
After parting ways with several influencers due to financial woes, Morphe is back in the game with beauty and fashion influencer Meredith Duxbury. The collaboration resulted in a limited-edition makeup collection featuring face primers, lip liners, and brow waxes.
On Our Minds
300 Lowe's stores house Petco shop-in-shops
The partnership between home improvement retailer Lowe's and pet supply chain Petco has expanded, with 300 stores now featuring Petco shops-in-shops. The store-within-a-store concept offers a range of products, including Petco private labels, and selected locations even host monthly vet clinic visits staffed with a licensed veterinarian.
Skims secures $4 billion valuation
Apparel brand Skims, led by businesswoman Kim Kardashian, was recently valued at an impressive $4 billion after a funding round led by investment giant Wellington Management. With firms such as Green Oaks Capital Partners, D1 Capital Partners, and Imaginary Ventures participating, Skims plans to use the funds for product innovation, new category expansion, and physical store growth. Expect the Los Angeles flagship store to open early next year.
Watch This Space
New antitrust guidelines could curb "killer acquisitions"
Regulatory agencies have proposed updated guidelines for mergers and acquisitions to address antitrust concerns in today's competitive landscape. While no companies are specified, the guidelines take into account potential antitrust issues, such as the creation of one-stop shops, depriving rivals of a fair chance to compete, and the acquisition of data to bolster platforms. If approved, the guidelines could impact companies like Amazon in the future.
- In a surprising move, GNC has delved into telehealth services, launching GNC Health, offering telehealth appointments, medications, and an upgraded loyalty program.
- For individuals with sensory disabilities, Walmart has introduced sensory-friendly hours at some stores, providing a calmer shopping experience during quieter periods in July and August.
- Pacsun has stepped into the activewear market, unveiling its first dedicated activewear store at the Mall of America for its Pac1980 line, with plans to expand the activewear business in the future.
- Twisted Tea has introduced a hair removal solution, offering a limited-time back-waxing system inspired by the taste of its drinks, available online while supplies last.
- Morphe, after parting ways with several influencers, has collaborated with beauty and fashion influencer Meredith Duxbury, resulting in a limited-edition makeup collection featuring face primers, lip liners, and brow waxes.
- The partnership between Lowe's and pet supply chain Petco has expanded, with 300 stores now featuring Petco shops-in-shops, offering a range of products and monthly vet clinic visits in selected locations.
- Apparel brand Skims, led by Kim Kardashian, has been valued at $4 billion after a funding round, with plans to use the funds for product innovation, new category expansion, and physical store growth.
- Proposed updates to antitrust guidelines could impact companies like Amazon in the future, addressing antitrust concerns such as the creation of one-stop shops, data acquisition, and depriving rivals of a fair chance to compete.
- AI in fashion continues to grow with the potential update of AI in various industries, including fashion and beauty, revolutionizing the retail landscape and changing the way consumers interact with businesses.
