DTC Dispatch #031

LATEST NEWS

eBay Is Expanding Its Consignment Service to Include Footwear, Fine Jewelry and Luxury Watches

eBay is expanding its consignment service.

Originally launched in September 2023 with a focus on designer handbags, eBay's consignment service promised to broaden its scope in 2024. On Monday, eBay announced the inclusion of footwear, fine jewelry, and luxury watches in the service.

To use the service, customers start by filling out a consignment intake form. Once submitted, they receive a prepaid, insured shipping label. eBay ensures all shipments are insured throughout the shipping process.

Partnering with luxury goods seller Linda’s Stuff, eBay handles the photography, pricing, and listing of the items. When an item sells, the consignor receives a percentage of the sale proceeds, which varies based on the selling price.

Our take: eBay's expansion of its consignment service is a smart move in the luxury resale market. Starting with designer handbags, it now includes footwear, fine jewelry, and luxury watches, meeting the demand for high-end second-hand goods. This broadens eBay's offerings and attracts more upscale customers seeking convenience and trust.

From About You to Patagonia: How the fashion industry is mobilizing for the European elections

From June 6 to June 9, the European elections are being held, where citizens of EU countries elect members to the European Parliament. These elected representatives advocate for EU citizens' interests at the European level and are responsible for shaping and enacting new laws across all aspects of life in the European Union (EU).

Retail organizations in the region are encouraging both citizens and employees to vote, aiming to strengthen the EU during a period of global socio-economic instability.

A couple of examples are retailers About You and Patagonia. Since May 22, the online retailer About You has been delivering pre-made demonstration signs to customers' homes to encourage them to "stand up for democracy and diversity at demonstrations and public events."

Meanwhile, the US outdoor company Patagonia, in collaboration with the Swedish dairy-alternative manufacturer Oatly, is urging European entrepreneurs to promote higher voter turnout. In an open letter, they emphasize the importance of the European elections, stating it is a "crucial time for the climate and society."

Our take: Retailers like About You and Patagonia show how businesses can promote democratic participation. About You is delivering pre-made demonstration signs to customers to encourage active participation in public discourse. Patagonia, with Oatly, is urging European entrepreneurs to promote higher voter turnout, emphasizing the importance of these elections for climate and society.

In conclusion, the involvement of retail organizations in promoting voter participation is a powerful reminder of the role businesses can play in supporting democracy. Their efforts help strengthen the EU during a critical time, showing that maintaining healthy democratic institutions is a shared responsibility. These initiatives are essential for fostering a resilient and inclusive society.

Kylie Cosmetics Launches at Ulta Beauty at Target, Featuring an Assortment of Kylie's Most Iconic Lip Products

Starting June 9, Kylie Cosmetics, an international beauty brand, will launch at Ulta Beauty within Target stores, featuring a curated collection of Kylie's iconic and bestselling lip products, including the Matte Lip Kit, Tinted Butter Balm, and High Gloss. A limited selection will also be available online at target.com/ultabeauty on the same day. This exciting collaboration brings Kylie Cosmetics' renowned products closer to fans nationwide, marking a significant moment for beauty enthusiasts.

Initially launched as a direct-to-consumer brand in 2015, Kylie Cosmetics made its physical retail debut at Ulta Beauty in November 2018, offering a permanent product line in every Ulta store nationwide. The expansion into Ulta Beauty at Target represents a key milestone in Kylie Cosmetics' strategic partnerships with both retailers.

"We are excited to launch Kylie Cosmetics at Ulta Beauty at Target," said Kylie Jenner. "I created Kylie Cosmetics to provide access to the makeup products that I love and use, and I can't wait to give more people the opportunity to shop and experience our products in-store across the country."

Our take: This partnership makes Kylie Cosmetics' popular lip products, like the Matte Lip Kit, Tinted Butter Balm, and High Gloss, more accessible to a wider audience.

Starting as a direct-to-consumer brand in 2015, Kylie Cosmetics successfully moved into physical retail with Ulta Beauty in 2018. This new expansion into Target through Ulta Beauty is a smart strategy, combining the reach of two major retailers. It increases Kylie Cosmetics' visibility and makes it easier for millions to buy these products.

This partnership also shows the changing nature of beauty retail. Combining specialty beauty stores with larger retail chains offers a convenient and high-quality shopping experience. It's beneficial for consumers who want both.

Rihanna Launching ‘Fenty Hair’: Billionaire Pop Star Expands Beauty Empire

Rihanna, known both as a pop star and a successful beauty entrepreneur, announced on Tuesday her latest venture into the hair care industry. Fenty Hair, an extension of her renowned Fenty Beauty line, is set to debut on June 13. Rihanna revealed on Instagram that the line will feature a diverse range of products designed to nourish and strengthen all hair types, although specific details about the products were not provided.

The launch of Fenty Hair comes at a time when the global hair care market is experiencing significant growth, projected to increase by $19.6 billion to reach $107.5 billion from 2022 to 2027. Social media platforms, particularly through influencer marketing, are playing a substantial role in driving this growth, as consumers show a growing interest in hair repair solutions, according to market research firm Technavio.

Rihanna's approach to marketing Fenty Beauty has been notably focused on social media platforms. Data from Sensor Tower indicates that the brand has increased its advertising spending on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok in recent years. This strategic use of social media advertising aligns with the broader trend in beauty marketing and has contributed to the brand's success in reaching and engaging with its target audience.

Our take: Rihanna's launch of Fenty Hair is a big step in her career, showing her success as both a pop star and a beauty entrepreneur. People are excited about Fenty Hair's debut on June 13, as it expands her well-loved Fenty Beauty line. Though we don't know the exact products yet, Rihanna promises a range that can strengthen and nourish all hair types, which sounds promising.

The timing of Fenty Hair's release matches a period of growth in the global hair care market, which is expected to reach $107.5 billion by 2027. This growth is partly because more people are interested in hair repair products, driven by social media. Rihanna knows the importance of social media marketing, as seen with Fenty Beauty. She uses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to reach more people and connect with her audience.

Rihanna's move into the hair care industry with Fenty Hair is a smart expansion of her beauty brand. With her success and understanding of consumer trends, she's likely to do well in this new venture, continuing to lead the way in the beauty industry.

Sofía Vergara launches coffee brand on Walmart.com

Sofía Vergara, widely recognized for her achievements as an actress and entrepreneur, has ventured into the world of coffee with the launch of Díos Mio Coffee, a Colombian coffee brand now available on Walmart's online platform.

In a collaborative effort with the National Federation of Coffee Growers in Colombia, Vergara's brand has meticulously crafted three distinct premium blends—light, medium, and dark roasts—each paying homage to the exceptional qualities and resilience embodied by Colombian women, as highlighted in an official press release.

The exquisite offerings of Díos Mio Coffee, encompassing whole and ground beans, K-Cups, and Nespresso pods, have not only made their debut on the brand’s official website but are also set to grace the shelves of Walmart stores nationwide come September, as confirmed by a spokesperson representing the company.

Our take: Sofía Vergara's entry into the coffee industry with Díos Mio Coffee is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision. As an accomplished actress and businesswoman, her decision to launch a Colombian coffee brand speaks to her passion for her cultural heritage and her desire to share it with the world.

The availability of Díos Mio Coffee on Walmart's online platform and its forthcoming launch in physical stores nationwide signifies a significant milestone for the brand. It not only enhances accessibility for consumers but also introduces them to the diverse range of offerings, from whole and ground beans to convenient K-Cups and Nespresso pods.