DTC Dispatch #058

LATEST NEWS

Amazon’s Haul orders have started to arrive at doorsteps

Amazon’s new discount platform, Haul, is now delivering to early users. Derek Lossing, founder of Cirrus Global, received his first Haul package on Nov. 25, 11 days after ordering. Shipped from China via USPS, the package included men’s joggers, shorts, a $4 wallet, and kitchen hooks, hitting the $25 free shipping minimum.

In a LinkedIn post, Lossing shared that fulfillment in China took 36 hours through ECMS Express, with the package arriving in Los Angeles on Nov. 19. “Section 321 clearance,” allowing duty-free imports under $800, occurred mid-flight, and the package was relabeled with a USPS tag before final delivery.

Lossing, who placed the order for research, found the checkout smooth but noted Haul uses a separate shopping cart, similar to Amazon’s grocery platform. Haul targets budget-conscious shoppers seeking inexpensive, quirky goods from China, signaling Amazon’s move to solidify its position in the low-cost e-commerce market.

Our take: Amazon’s launch of Haul marks a bold move into the budget e-commerce market, directly challenging platforms like Temu and Shein. With quirky, low-priced goods from China and efficient logistics—delivering in 11 days and leveraging streamlined customs clearance—Haul highlights Amazon’s global supply chain expertise.

However, its separate shopping cart could disrupt the seamless experience Prime users expect. Streamlining this feature would strengthen its competitiveness. Haul appeals to shoppers seeking affordability but must tackle concerns about product quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing to gain broader trust.

Haul showcases Amazon’s adaptability and its bet on the growing demand for affordable, unique items. If it can balance pricing with consumer values, Haul has the potential to become a significant player in discount e-commerce.

Victoria’s Secret & Co. turns its focus to Gen Z

Victoria’s Secret & Co., under new leadership, reported a 6.5% year-over-year increase in Q3 net sales to $1.3 billion, with comparable sales rising 3%—the company’s strongest quarterly growth in three years.

While gross margin remained steady, the net loss expanded by over 22% to $54.8 million, and inventory grew by 7%.

Encouraged by this momentum, the company raised its full-year outlook. It now anticipates a 1% to 2% sales increase, a notable improvement from its earlier projection of a 1% decline. Adjusted operating income is also expected to reach $315 million to $345 million, up from the previous estimate of $275 million to $300 million.

Our take: Victoria’s Secret is showing signs of a comeback under new leadership, posting its strongest sales growth in three years. Q3 net sales rose 6.5% year-over-year, with comparable sales up 3%, reflecting successful brand revitalization efforts.

Challenges remain, however, as net loss widened by 22% to $54.8 million, and inventory grew 7%, highlighting the need to balance growth with profitability.

Raising its full-year forecast, the company now expects 1%–2% sales growth, a sharp improvement from its earlier projected decline, signaling optimism about maintaining this momentum.

To sustain its recovery, Victoria’s Secret must manage costs, streamline inventory, and continue modernizing its image to secure long-term success.

SKIMS & The North Face Launch A Collab

SKIMS and The North Face are teaming up to elevate your winter wardrobe. Launching on Dec. 10, the collaboration features The North Face’s iconic archival designs, reimagined with SKIMS' signature fits and neutral color palette.

“This marks SKIMS’ first venture into winter wear, and partnering with The North Face allowed us to tap into their expertise in this space,” said SKIMS Co-Founder Kim Kardashian in a press release. “The collection offers both functional and flattering options for the season.”

The lineup includes puffer jackets, fleece outerwear, ski pants, and other winter essentials. “As someone who loves spending time on the slopes, I drew a lot of inspiration for this collection and can’t wait to wear these pieces on my next trip,” Kardashian added.

Our take: The SKIMS and The North Face collaboration is a savvy blend of fashion and function, arriving just in time for winter. Combining The North Face’s expertise in performance outerwear with SKIMS’ sleek, flattering designs, the collection offers a fresh take on winter essentials.

This marks a bold step for SKIMS into outerwear, leveraging The North Face’s credibility to appeal to style-conscious consumers. Featuring puffer jackets, ski pants, and fleece pieces, the line balances practicality with modern aesthetics, catering to those seeking versatile, high-quality winter wear.

If successful, this partnership could redefine winter fashion by proving that functionality and style can go hand in hand, benefiting both brands in reaching new audiences.

Aldi Just Brought Back a $6 Cult-Favorite Eyeshadow Palette That's Nearly Identical to a Sold-Out Urban Decay Version Almost 10x the Price

Finding a budget-friendly eyeshadow palette can be tough. You don’t want to waste even $10 on a drugstore option that’s not pigmented or usable, but high-quality palettes can cost $40 or more. Fortunately, Aldi is offering a popular, cult-favorite palette that rivals high-end Urban Decay palettes—some of which are sold out and nearly 10 times the price.

From Dec. 11 to Dec. 17, Aldi is bringing back its Lacura Naturals Eye Shadow Palette for just $5.99 in the Aldi Finds section, while supplies last. The palette comes in four color variations, each with 12 shades, and each pan contains 0.04 oz of eyeshadow.

Our take: Aldi’s Lacura Naturals Eye Shadow Palette is a game-changer for those seeking affordable yet quality eyeshadow. Finding a budget-friendly option that delivers on pigmentation and usability is often a struggle, but Aldi seems to have nailed it with this cult-favorite. At just $5.99, this palette not only beats drugstore alternatives but also rivals high-end options like Urban Decay—which can easily cost 10 times more. The fact that it comes in four color variations, each with 12 shades, makes it versatile enough for various looks. Whether you're a makeup enthusiast or someone just starting out, this palette offers a great balance of quality and value, making it a must-have during its limited release.

Sally Beauty Holdings (SBH) Surpassed Expectations in Q3

Just days after winning the 2024 Designer of the Year award at the British Fashion Awards, Jonathan Anderson has teamed up with Harry Styles' Pleasing label for a vibrant collaboration under his JW Anderson brand, featuring balloon-filled designs and bold color pops.

“This collaboration has been a dream of ours since the launch of Pleasing,” said Harry Lambert, Pleasing’s creative director and Styles’ longtime stylist, in an interview with WWD. Lambert, who interned with Anderson early in his career, is also the stylist behind Styles’ viral 2020 #HarryStylesCardigan moment, when the singer wore a color-blocked JW Anderson cardigan during a performance on The Today Show. Now, the two have joined forces for a full ready-to-wear and accessories collection.

Our take: Jonathan Anderson’s collaboration with Harry Styles’ Pleasing label is a natural yet exciting evolution in their shared creative journey. Fresh off his Designer of the Year win at the British Fashion Awards, Anderson has partnered with Pleasing to bring vibrant, balloon-filled designs and bold color pops to the fashion world. The collaboration is more than just a collection; it’s a long-awaited dream come true, as Harry Lambert, Pleasing’s creative director and Styles’ stylist, reflects on the early days of this creative synergy.

This partnership feels like the perfect marriage of artistic vision and cultural influence. Styles’ previous viral moments with JW Anderson, like the iconic #HarryStylesCardigan from 2020, made clear the connection between the two designers, and now it’s come full circle with a complete ready-to-wear and accessories line. This collaboration isn’t just about fashion—it’s about the powerful blend of personal history and shared creative energy. With both Anderson and Lambert bringing their A-game, this collection promises to be a colorful, bold statement in both fashion and pop culture.