By Sonal Gandhi
Chief Content Officer at The Lead
OpenAI’s shopping platform ambitions are on display again this week, with a newly announced partnership with Walmart following the one with Shopify last week. Meanwhile, QVC is experiencing significant growth on TikTok and Bombas is opening its first store.
Walmart is partnering with OpenAI to allow shoppers to make purchases directly through ChatGPT. This move aims to adapt to changing consumer behavior, as shoppers increasingly use AI chatbots for product discovery and deals. The AI feature will be “multi-media, personalized and contextual,” marking a shift from traditional search bar shopping. The company did not specify a launch date for this new feature. (CNBC)
Ulta Beauty launched UB Marketplace, an Amazon-style platform integrated into its e-commerce site, featuring over 100 new brands like Manucurist and Apotheke. This allows Ulta to quickly introduce trending brands, reducing the onboarding process from months to days, while offering brands the prestige of Ulta Beauty without minimum order requirements. (Business of Fashion)
Luxury Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and sneaker brand New Balance have partnered for a high-performance collaboration. TAG Heuer unveiled its fifth-generation Connected E5 smartwatch, including a New Balance runner’s edition. They also launched a co-branded running shoe, the TAG Heuer x New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5. This collaboration capitalizes on running’s growing popularity as a lifestyle, offering new opportunities for fashion and luxury brands. (Business of Fashion)
Alta, an AI styling and shopping tool, has partnered with Poshmark. This collaboration allows users to style Poshmark items, starting with luxury handbags, alongside their existing wardrobe, similar to the “Clueless” virtual closet. This partnership is Poshmark’s first with an AI application. (Business of Fashion)
Bombas is opening its first flagship store in NYC. The company is also significantly expanding its retail presence through new partnerships with Target for socks and DSW for footwear. This strategic move aims to grow its brick-and-mortar footprint, and reach more customers. (Forbes)
QVC is seeing significant growth on TikTok, with the company predicting it will soon surpass other channels. The company streams 24/7, has five TikTok channels (including QVC Beauty, Fashion, and Home), and works with 400,000 creators, leading to over 100,000 new customers from TikTok Shop in Q2 2025. Despite a 7% decline in overall Q2 revenue, QVC is investing in TikTok while maintaining its other platforms. The platform has generated 35 million livestream views and offers 75,000 products for affiliates, who are rewarded with better commissions and access to products. (Modern Retail)
Deloitte’s 2025 Holiday Retail Survey is out with a less optimistic outlook and details on spending.
46% of Prime Day shoppers said tariffs had an impact on their purchasing decisions, per Numerator.
Mammoth Brands to acquire premium baby care brand Coterie.
Luxe Collective (resale platform) was acquired by FASHIONPHILE.
Kate Somerville (skincare label) was acquired by Rare Beauty Brands.
True Lacrosse (youth sports platform) raised an investment from TZP Group.
HOUSE of MODO (eyewear) raised $100 million led by Valiant Asset Management.
BNTO (clothing rentals) raised $15M from Notable Capital.
WILLY CHAVARRIA (fashion label) sold a minority stake to Chalhoub Group.
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