Weekly Wrap-up: Beyond finalizes Kirkland agreement - plus a bear-themed Valentine's Day event
Geez, time sure flies! Here's the wrap-up on this week's retail news - the good, the bad, and the bizarre. Let's get right to it!
Standout Moments from the Past Seven Days
Tilt Beauty: Accessibility Empowered
Twenty-one-year-old Aerin Glazer revolutionized the beauty industry with the launch of Tilt Beauty. Diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis, she faced constant challenges in applying makeup due to chronic inflammation. Drawing from her personal struggles, she decided to create a line of cosmetics that cater specifically to those with disabilities. The cosmetic line launched with a mascara and lip treatment, both being the first to earn the Arthritis Foundation's Ease of Use certification. These products boast ease of opening, holding, and application, reinforcing the brand's mission of making beauty accessible to all. The line is vegan, cruelty-free, and planet-friendly - packing a powerful punch in its soft refillable packaging. Glazer, inspired by her passion for inclusivity, shared, "I founded Tilt Beauty to create a brand where beauty is accessible to everyone." [1][2]
A New Helm for Ollie's Bargain Outlet
Eric van der Valk officially assumed the role of CEO at Ollie's Bargain Outlet on Sunday, adding it to his successful tenure as its Chief Operating Officer since 2021. He will also be serving on the company's board of directors, marking the completion of a leadership transition plan initiated last June. John Swygert, the outgoing CEO, will move into the executive chairman position of the board. With around 560 stores across 31 states, Ollie's Bargain Outlet is prepared to take on new challenges with van der Valk at the helm. Swygert expressed his excitement about the retailer's growth potential under van der Valk's leadership. [1]
Retail Drama
Walmart Escapes Los Angeles Fires Unscathed... Sort Of
Although the disaster-stricken Los Angeles area continues to endure catastrophic wildfires, Walmart fortunately avoided damages to its stores or facilities. Some employees were affected, however. The world's largest retailer has extended support, offering evacuation assistance and disaster pay to affected staff. Despite managing to avoid destruction, the company committed $2.5 million to support fire relief efforts in the local community. [1]
Build-A-Bear: Here Kitty, Kitty!
Build-A-Bear Workshop took its cheeky intentions to a new level with the expansion of its adult-oriented Valentine's Day collection. Their "After Dark" line features the Cuddly Cougar, a new stuffed bear available in four gift sets. The sets include various garments such as a faux fur leopard print coat, a pink sequin dress, and a "caBEARnet" wine glass, among other entertaining accessories. The brand, notorious for its popular adult-themed collections, has consistently caught the attention of audiences on social media with its unique offerings.
Vans Steps Back into the Past
Vans debuted the first offering in its Premium Old Skool Music Collection, initially focusing on the '70s to '80s punk aesthetic. The collection features designs that emulate the spirit of the music and fashion of the respective decades. The subsequent '90s to 2000s Warped Tour-inspired collection will drop on March 6, followed by the 2010s hip-hop capsule on April 10. By teaming up with artists like Little Simz, The Paranoyds, Voice of Baceprot, and Hi-Tech, the brand hopes to elevate their collection with authentic industry vibes. [1]
References:[1] https://www.retaildive.com/news/sales-growth-aphmis-covenant-care-purchased-by-superior-healthplan/631706/[2] https://www.retaildive.com/news/tilt-beauty-launches-makeup-line-for-people-with-disabilities/630606/[3] https://www.retaildive.com/news/ollies-bargain-outlet-names-eric-van-der-valk-ceo/631880/[4] https://www.retaildive.com/news/walmart-escapes-california-wildfires-unscathed-despite-evacuated-employees/631610/[5] https://www.retaildive.com/news/build-a-bear-expands-adult-valentines-day-offerings-for-2023/631433/[6] https://www.retaildive.com/news/vans-drops-new-premium-old-skool-music-collection/631370/
- The beauty industry experienced a revolutionary change with the launch of Tilt Beauty, a line of cosmetics created by 21-year-old Aerin Glazer, specifically catering to people with disabilities.
- Tilt Beauty's mascara and lip treatment are the first products to earn the Arthritis Foundation's Ease of Use certification, boasting ease of opening, holding, and application, demonstrating the brand's commitment to accessibility.
- Eric van der Valk took over as CEO of Ollie's Bargain Outlet, serving on the company's board of directors, completing a leadership transition plan initiated last June.
- John Swygert, the outgoing CEO, will move into the executive chairman position of the board, expressing excitement about Ollie's Bargain Outlet's growth potential under van der Valk's leadership.
- Walmart managed to avoid damages to its stores or facilities during the wildfires in Los Angeles, but some employees were affected, receiving support from the company.
- Build-A-Bear Workshop expanded its adult-oriented Valentine's Day collection, featuring the Cuddly Cougar and various gift sets, appealing to audiences on social media with its unique offerings.
- Vans debuted the Premium Old Skool Music Collection, focusing on the '70s to '80s punk aesthetic, with plans to release subsequent collections inspired by the '90s to 2000s Warped Tour and 2010s hip-hop.
- To elevate the collection, Vans collaborated with artists like Little Simz, The Paranoyds, Voice of Baceprot, and Hi-Tech, bringing authentic industry vibes to their product line.
