CPG

Wonder acquires a media company, Unilever dedicates more spend to influencers, and Ulta launches a third-party marketplace. Here are the eight most interesting retailers and brands from last month, as ranked on our “Behind the Numbers” podcast.

K-beauty demand is soaring: South Korea outpaced France as the top source of US cosmetics imports in 2024.

National Burrito Day is this Thursday: Chipotle’s success with the made-up holiday has driven competitors like Qdoba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and even 7-Eleven to offer their own burrito-centric deals.

The beauty industry is shifting its approach to aging consumers, moving beyond traditional anti-aging messaging to embrace more inclusive, health-focused approaches. "Ageism is the only 'ism' that every person can experience. Aging is a universal experience," said Jacynth Bassett, founder and CEO of Ageism Is Never In Style, on a recent "Behind the Numbers" podcast.

This week, Walmart wins the hearts of US grocery shoppers, secondhand retailers could see a tariff bump, and home is where the breakfast is.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how the beauty industry is venturing into untapped markets, how the conversation of ageism in beauty fits or diverges with the greater trend away from diversity and inclusion, and how brands market to older people while staying relevant with younger audiences. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Principal Analyst Sky Canaves, Analyst Arielle Feger, and CEO and Founder of Ageism Is Never In Style® Jacynth-Bassett.

Economic uncertainty ate into General Mills’ quarterly results: Consumers’ sharp focus on value is causing them to consume fewer snacks.

Alimentation Couche-Tard is determined to buy 7-Eleven parent Seven & i amid c-store headwinds: The two companies are discussing divestitures, but antitrust concerns could scuttle the deal.

50% of US adults are likely to cut back on spending at fast food restaurants if tariffs lead to higher prices, according to a February 2025 CivicScience survey.

Pepsi buys Poppi to hone its appeal to health-conscious consumers: The acquisition comes amid a broader portfolio shift in favor of “better for you” options.

A lot happens in a week, so every Friday we're going to analyze all the new data and provide you with some of the key takeaways. Welcome to the Friday 5. This week, teens want ads with products in action, consumers aren’t giving brands negative feedback, and St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t interest consumers as much as other holidays.

Ulta lost beauty market share for the first time in 2024: The retailer is relying on a new marketplace, enhanced omnichannel experiences, and international expansion to recover sales.

Starbucks to add seating, power outlets to its cafes: Making those locations more welcoming is a vital piece of CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround strategy.

Estée Lauder partners with India’s government to boost local beauty brands: The company is the latest to invest in the country as interest in premium beauty soars.

Less than 10% of shoppers don’t expect to make any changes to their shopping habits due to tariffs, according to February 2025 data from Numerator.

Grocery sales shifting online is a lasting legacy of the pandemic: We expect 13.7% of grocery sales to occur online this year, more than double the 6.2% share in prepandemic 2019.

Total spirits revenues dropped 1.1% last year: The Trump administration’s tariffs will only intensify the industry’s challenges.

A lot happens in a week, so every Friday we're going to analyze all the new data and provide you with some of the key takeaways. Welcome to the Friday 5. This week, the economic blackout day made an impact, ecommerce buoys beauty, and luxury spending continues.

NWSL secures key women-led sponsorships: E.l.f. Cosmetics and Unwell partner with the soccer league, marking a shift in how beauty and lifestyle brands invest in sports.

Private label is key to Kroger’s growth prospects this year: The grocer is relying on its owned brands to attract deal-seeking shoppers.