By Sonal Gandhi
The Lead
In this week’s news, Kenneth Cole embarks on a major international expansion, H&M collaborates with E.l.f and Brunello Cucinelli launches an AI-powered e-commerce platform. Meanwhile, Tom Holland’s NA Beer BERO gets private-equity backing.
Kenneth Cole is launching a major international expansion into 30 countries, with Europe as a key growth engine, starting with Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This includes a new Dusseldorf showroom and the launch of kennethcole.eu and kennethcole.co.uk e-commerce. The brand is using a flexible hybrid business model with a strategic operating partner alongside wholesale and franchise relationships. (WWD)
Brunello Cucinelli launched an AI-powered e-commerce platform, “Callimacus,” developed by Solomei AI, available now in Italy, the U.S., and the U.K., with a global rollout planned. This evolution of the 2024 site uses “human artificial intelligence” to offer a personalized experience by interpreting user intent without conventional pages. (WWD)
E.l.f. is entering the fragrance market with a limited-time global collaboration with H&M, “Make It Make Scents.” The partnership offers three perfumes inspired by E.l.f.’s popular products (Power Grip, Halo Glow, Camo Blend), available online and in select H&M stores worldwide. This is E.l.f.’s first global fashion collaboration and H&M’s first beauty partnership, reflecting their shared values of creativity, accessibility, and inclusivity. (WWD)
Levi Strauss & Co. launched the Levi’s Wear Longer Project in partnership with Discovery Education, providing free resources to teach high school students how to repair and refresh their clothing. The initiative began with a workshop at Levi’s Eureka Innovation Lab for San Francisco students, with future workshops planned throughout the year, including during Super Bowl weekend in February. (Retail Dive)
Hiya launched Kids Daily Fiber+ a standalone, high-potency powder designed specifically for kids to meaningfully support pediatric gut health. Hiya uses a blend of Organic Inulin, Resistant Vegetable Fiber, Psyllium Husk, and Dragon Fruit to cover every aspect of digestion.
Dick’s Sporting Goods is now shipping 80% of online orders from its ~900 stores, up from 70% in 2021. This degree of omnichannel fulfillment requires thoughtful labor scheduling and having the right people, right roles in stores to successfully fulfill online promises. (Retail Brew)
BERO (NA Beer by actor Tom Holland and Foremost 50 Brand of 2026) secured a private-equity backing from Paine Schwartz Partners.
Ex Nihilo (luxury perfume) sold a minority stake to L Catterton.
Evergreen Waffles (health frozen breakfast/Foremost 50 Brand) raised capital from Next Ventures.
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