By Sonal Gandhi
Chief Content Officer at The Lead
Most talked about news this week was the Shopify integration with ChatGPT to enable checkout from within the generative AI platform. The Manhattan borough of NYC is attracting new brands like IKEA and Carhartt. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment continues to trend lower and storied brands like Lululemon are suffering from the impact of tariffs.
OpenAI and Shopify are integrating e-commerce into ChatGPT, allowing users to make purchases directly within the chatbot via a new service called Instant Checkout. OpenAI also announced that ChatGPT users will be able to buy goods from online marketplace Etsy’s domestic sellers. (WWD)
Brands are capitalizing on 2000s nostalgia, featuring celebrities like Lindsay Lohan (Old Navy, Schwarzkopf) and Avril Lavigne (Banshee Wine) in campaigns. “Gossip Girl” star Leighton Meester is one celebrity who has become a popular brand partner over the past year (Bubble). This trend, driven by both millennials and Gen Z, offers a nostalgic escape from current events. (Modern Retail)
Stanley 1913 launched a free take-back program for used steel and stainless steel products. Customers can log products on the website, generate a pre-paid shipping label, and send back up to four items annually. They receive a $5 discount on new purchases, and PMI WW Brands (Stanley 1913’s owner) donates $5 per returned item to Ocean Conservancy. (Retail Dive)
Ingka Group, the largest global IKEA retailer, announced its acquisition of a 53,000 square foot property in Manhattan’s SoHo district. The site will house a two-story IKEA store, with four additional floors to be renovated for office space and rented out, as part of IKEA’s U.S. expansion. (Reuters)
Carhartt opened its first New York City store, a 5,000-square-foot unit at 936 Broadway in the Flatiron District. The company chose this location over others, including the Empire State Building, for better accessibility to the local community. (WWD)
Coach‘s new coffee shops, attached to their retail stores, offer Tabby purse-shaped sweets and specialty coffees. Following openings in the U.S., including a new location in The Mills at Jersey Gardens and another planned for Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, Coach aims to open 12-15 coffee shops globally each year. This initiative is designed to attract shoppers, especially Gen Z, and encourage repeat visits. (CNBC)
As brands fiercely compete for prime retail leases, commercial real estate professionals are seeking innovative ways to attract popular brands to smaller markets or older developments. This comes as retail availability nationwide increased to 4.9% in Q2, due to bankruptcies and store footprint reductions, creating large vacancies from former anchors like Joann, Party City, and Rite Aid. (Modern Retail)
Retailers like Lululemon are adjusting supply chains after the elimination of the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed sub-$800 imports into the U.S. duty and tax-free. Lululemon, which historically fulfilled about two-thirds of its U.S. e-commerce orders through Canada, now faces increased fulfillment costs as these shipments are subject to duties. The company is exploring distribution center network adjustments and efficient inventory placement to mitigate the impact. This comes at a time when it’s already navigating stalled U.S. growth and slow consumer demand. (Retail Dive)
The U.S. Government shutdown that began Wednesday may disrupt U.S. trade deals, says the AAFA.
The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell 5.3% to 55.1 in September (down 21.6% vs Sept’24), as American consumers grow more pessimistic about the economy.
When asked about the impact of tariffs, four-times more Americans say they will spend less than more this year (32% vs 8%), according to a new consumer survey from YouGov.
The overwhelming majority (93%) of Americans bought a secondhand item in the past 12 months with the re-commerce marketing growing 34% to $306.5B, says a new report by OfferUp.
Prada Group secured EU regulatory approval for its planned $1.35B acquisition of Versace.
Bosco and Roxy’s (premium dog treats) was acquired by Treat Planet, LLC.
Belle Aire Creations (fragrances) was acquired by Givaudan.
Child Craft (wood nursery furniture & decor) was acquired by HALO Dream Inc., backed by Transom Capital Group.
Financial Moves Powered by MMG Advisors
Social Media Manager, Beauty – New York City
Digital Merchant – New York City
Trade & Product Marketing Manager, Beauty – New York City
Career Moves Powered by JPSearch
PRESENTED BY —
The Indicator | September 26th, 2025 By Sonal Gandhi Chief Content Officer at The Lead In this week’s news, Ben Stiller joined the list of celebrities that have a beverage brand, NikeSkims first collection was revealed and Rebecca Minkoff is going for the budget-conscious JCPenney consumers. Meanwhile, Oura
The Indicator | September 19th, 2025 By Sonal Gandhi Chief Content Officer at The Lead In this week’s news, major brands are forging new paths to reach customers. Nike SB is teaming up with Costco’s Kirkland, Suave is leveraging product safety apps like Yuka to drive in-store sales,
The Indicator | September 12th, 2025 By Sonal Gandhi Chief Content Officer at The Lead In this week’s highlights, Ralph Lauren has an AI shopping assistant, Coach plans to hit $10 billion in sales and Dick’s acquisition of Foot Locker is now complete. In partnership news, Adidas is
