The Indicator | March 21st, 2025

By Sonal Gandhi
Chief Content Officer at The Lead

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In this week’s news, wellness trends power on as PepsiCo acquires Poppi for $1.95B and protein powders expand beyond gym bros and gain popularity with health-conscious women. The fashion and sports partnership trend also continued as J.Crew signed a deal with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

'INNOVATION MOVES'

  • J.Crew signed a three-year partnership with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard to amplify the brand’s tradition in sports and the great outdoors. J.Crew will have a presence at alpine, cross country, free-skiing, snowboarding, para Alpine and para snowboarding events. There will be campaigns featuring top athletes, and exclusive J.Crew products designed with an après-ski feeling. (WWD) 

  • Macy’s is revamping its private-lable offering with the launch of Arch Studio, a “moderately priced” owned brand focused around a range of bath and bedding products, kitchenware and dinnerware. Arch Studio items are priced from $14 bowls and platters to $220 for a three-piece seersucker comforter set, and also include products such as stainless steel cookware, towels and drinkware. (Retail Dive) 

  • Protein powders are the new wellness trend. Perelel, Ritual, and Ballerina Farm have all launched protein powders in recent years. Lemme, the supplements brand founded by Kourtney Kardashian Barker, collaborated with fitness studio Barry’s Bootcamp on a limited-edition protein shake. According to data from the Hartman Group consultancy, 64% of Americans would like to increase their protein intake. (Glossy) 

  • Shoppers in the U.S. under 60 spent an average $708 on TikTok Shop last year, according to a February consumer survey by PartnerCentric. These shoppers are spending an average $59 per TikTok Shop purchase. Across categories, the most popular TikTok Shop purchase for survey respondents is personal accessories, followed closely by household items. (Retail Dive) 

'Financial Moves'

  • Poppi (prebiotic soda) was acquired by PepsiCo for $1.95B.

  • GUESS?, Inc. (fashion retailer) received an offer from WHP Global to acquire Guess’ outstanding shares at $13.00 in cash (a $752M valuation).

  • Look Beauty Inc (skincare) was acquired by Upper Canada Soap.

  • Gallet (watch brand) was acquired by BREITLING.

  • 8Greens (nutritional supplements) was acquired by Grove Collective.

  • Grey Mer (Italian shoe manufacturer) sold a 70% stake to CHANEL.

  • Beatbox Beverages (alcoholic punch) sold a minority stake to Shaquille O’Neal.

  • Zulily (digital marketplace owned by Beyond) sold a 75% interest to Lyons Trading Company.

  • Klarna (payment processing) filed to IPO on the NYSE under the ticker KLAR.

Financial Moves Powered by MMG Advisors

'Career Moves'

Career Moves Powered by JPSearch 

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