Saks’ Post

💄 Is the Lipstick Index a true economic indicator or just a myth? Originally coined by Leonard Lauder, the idea is that in tough times, consumers turn to small luxuries like lipstick for a quick boost. Recently, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway bet big on Ulta Beauty, aligning with this concept. While Ulta's stock soared, broader economic data remains mixed. At 1 Clique Commerce, we view the Lipstick Index as an interesting, but limited, measure of consumer sentiment. It’s a piece of the puzzle, but not the whole picture. Retail leaders should remain agile and consider diverse strategies in these uncertain times. #RetailTrends #ConsumerBehavior #EconomicIndicators Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eKF-CDWw

❓❓❓What’s the latest news in beauty business? Bloomberg: Chris de Lapuente, the head of LVMH’s selective retailing division which includes Sephora, will retire on October 31. Beauty media: Bath & Body Works retail president Julie Rosen will step down on October 22, and the position will be eliminated. Analysts predict calming down of KOL-created beauty brands which are in fact, desperate to go offline. You will see them on taxis, trolleybuses, billboards .. and maybe one day 👀 in physical retail. It’s a bit rainy for them now, outside of their comfort digital zone. #beauty #brand #strategy #online #offline

Retail Store Tours - The Top Ten Retailers for the Human Touch in Spring 2024 are listed below. The human touch and the ability to empathize with customers is crucial to retail and overall business success. The Intelligent Engagement Index recognizes Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Hermès, Wegmans Food Markets, B&H Photo Video, Alo Yoga, Tesla, Gucci, APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs), CHANEL. The Intelligent Engagement Index is a tool to help retail and brand executives identify factors driving sales in real time with the goal of improving company performance. It helps retail executives, financial analysts and shopper marketers stay ahead of changes in shopper behavior and develop growth-driving programs based on real time feedback.

It's the week of retail. Even if you're not in this business, shopping is top of mind for many over Black Friday. So it's fitting to share this podcast from Retail TouchPoints: an interview with Mindy Massey of Anthropologie. I absolutely loved it! Here's why: 1. Mindy emanates sheer joy and pride of working for this brand and in retail. Listen how often words like "embrace", "celebrate, "inspire" come up. 2. She's not in a marketing role but she believes it's important to sweat "how the brand makes you feel" - that's brand advocacy across all corners of the org, not just in a brand deck. 3. Are business practicalities important? Of course. But so are "whimsical moments" and "the unique strengths of our people". Consumers are social creatures and we crave experiences that are sensory and lovely and helpful. 4. How do we feel about technology? It only wows when it enhances the experience, not replaces it. And digital channels? Not competing for resources and attention but working jointly with retail to support the same consumer. Retail can be speedy and tiring on weeks like this one but also fun, exciting and yes - whimsical. I buy into Mindy's philosophy. If you're in retail or considering a career in retail, have a listen.

WWD BCEO Summit 🌴✨ was enlightening to be surrounded by so many wonderful and inspiring individuals. Beauty Barrage was delighted to host cocktails too! A few major takeaways, particularly from key retailers that left a lasting impression: * Ulta is opening 60 new doors this year, bringing the total to around 1,400 locations! * A remarkable 76% of Ulta’s sales come from in-store purchases * Customers visit Ulta for a shopping escape, making it a destination for experience as much as for beauty products. * SEPHORA shared plans for a multi million dollar US in-store renovation, with a plan to reach $2B in sales at Kohl's locations. * Shoppers spend an average of 45 minutes in-store and often come with friends, making it a social and enjoyable experience. Sure, AI is still the future, but it’s clear that the in-store experience remains a cornerstone of success and continues to drive customer loyalty and human engagement. 🏆 💄 This is where Beauty Barrage excels. Our team of experts specializes in crafting bespoke in-store experiences that resonate with your target audience, drive sales, and foster brand loyalty. 💡 Discover how our tailored approach can transform your retail space into a haven of human connection and engagement. 🌟 If you want to get in on the retail renaissance feel free to message me here so we can elevate your brand’s in-store experience together. #WWDBeautySummit #BeautyBarrage #BeautyIndustry #UltaBeauty #RetailInnovation #BeautyCommunity #InStoreExperience Sonia Summers Paula Scandone Alissa Spencer

**Maximizing Prime Day: A Strategy for Value Finds and Retail Insights** Navigating seasonal retail events can present a challenge for consumers and retailers alike, but it also unveils significant market trends and consumer preferences. Vogue's curated selection for Prime Day 2024 highlights the intersection of accessibility and luxury, showcasing discounts such as the Levi's 94 baggy jeans at $49, down from $80, and Tory Burch Patos flats now at $229 from an original $328. These select deals are not just financial boons but insights into consumer behavior, hinting at a growing demand for both essential and premium products. Such events underscore the importance for brands to strategically leverage these sales periods to expand market reach and for consumers to plan purchases wisely. How are these insights from Prime Day informing your retail strategies, and what trends have you observed in response to these curated offerings?

🛍️ The American group Macy's, which has been facing difficulties for years, announced that it will close 150 stores by 2026 to concentrate its investments in its Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury brands. The 150 stores Macy's plans to close represent 25% of the brand's gross square meters, but less than 10% of the sales. 💡 In my personal opinion, having fewer stores will allow Macy's to refine the operation of the remaining stores and formats and provide a better experience for its customers. Optimization of assortments, for example, is one of the areas that can be useful, implementing unified commerce, explore different customer targets, improving demand planning according to customer preferences, and depending on the different neighborhoods, enhance digital channels, explore other ways to sell products like social commerce. More precise stores, more specific stores, with operational efficiency and FOCUS on growth not in the volume of stores but in revenue and profitability of the business. Relevand info: - Macy's is one of the largest retail brand, known for having the latest styles in fashion, beauty, home and beyond, and for hosting America's most beloved holiday events. 783 Stores and 23.8B - Bloomingdale's is an American luxury department store. +1B Revenue and 85 Stores - Bluemercury is a leading luxury beauty retailer offering the best cosmetics, skin care, makeup, perfume, hair, and bath and body. 179 Stores and 200M - 500M Revenue. #reinvention #retail #departmentstores #experience #customer #journey #RetailNow Source: https://lnkd.in/e-9bSGdi Revenue Information source: ZoomInfo

Retail Trends or Retail Transitions? I'm going with Transitions. Our field research in Asia really shows how much retail is innovating, particularly around technology and experience. Over the coming weeks we will be sharing our findings.

The secret to success in retail is: passionate experiences, authentic connections, and transformational relationship building! Thank you to the TD Cowen Future of Consumer brands who are part of our "Icon Series" Experiential Fair and Product Showcase on June 4th at the Conrad Hotels & Resorts in New York City. We are honored to feature you: Bubble FASHIONPHILE Obagi FORWARD__Space FlexIt Inc. L-Nutra, Inc Milk Makeup Kendra Scott ConverseNow.AI EVELAB INSIGHT GLAMSQUAD JOOR kea Modern Meadow Owlet Baby Care Glossier, Inc. Rhone SoundHound AI Spinmaster LLC Tapestry Slatkin + Co. Steinway & Sons This is TD Cowen’s Future of the Consumer Conference in New York City. How do the best retailers and brands compete in the new instant and experiential retail economy? The future is about combining digital and physical into a phygital experience, reinventing convenience, and curation through personalization and artificial intelligence. TD Cowen believes new retail must combine the “logic” of a test, read, and react supply chain with the “magic” of creativity, innovation and purpose; meanwhile, a connected and contextual consumer experience with community engagement underpins maximization of customer lifetime value. If you are participating in the Institutional Investor poll, Oliver Chen greatly appreciates your recognition in the Retailing/Department Stores category. You can request a ballot here: https://lnkd.in/ecrzYTF6

This store is turning every visit into a story – and Gen Z can’t stop sharing it. During my recent New York trip, I witnessed something remarkable at Aritzia's new Soho flagship store. The crowd outside reminded me of Apple store launches! While many retailers struggle to attract Gen Z, this Canadian brand has cracked the code by creating an experience, not just a store 📌 A chic café serving matcha and espresso to shoppers (genius move for that Instagram-worthy moment) 📌Polaroid station with their signature Super Puff jackets (turning customers into content creators) 📌Perfect bridge between fast fashion and luxury (exactly what today's young consumers want) This isn't just another retail success story. It's a masterclass in understanding your audience. While luxury brands focus on exclusivity and fast fashion chases trends, Aritzia has positioned itself perfectly in between - offering quality, style, and most importantly, an experience worth sharing. Some numbers to back this up: 1. Aritzia saw a 25% year-over-year growth in revenue for FY2023, reaching $1.7 billion in total sales (Aritzia Financial Report). 2. 75% of Gen Z shoppers are more likely to purchase from a brand that offers an experiential retail environment (The NPD Group). 3. The brand started in Vancouver and has now become a phenomenon that has New Yorkers queuing up during one of the busiest shopping weekends. As someone who's spent decades in retail, I can tell you - this is the future of physical retail. The ability to merge shopping with experience, social media with real-life interactions, and products with memories. What do you think makes Gen Z line up for certain brands while completely ignoring others?