British consumer goods giant Unilever has just acquired the acquisition of Wild, the UK-based personal care brand launched in 2020 by Charlie Bowes-Lyon and Freddy Ward. While the financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, Sky News previously estimated the deal to be valued at £230 million (€275 million).

Founded as a digitally native vertical brand, Wild has made a name for itself with a range of deodorants, lip balms, and body care products crafted from naturally derived ingredients, packaged in reusable aluminium cases and recycled plastics. The brand is currently the market leader in refillable deodorants in the UK.

In 2023, Wild reported £47 million in revenue, representing 77% year-over-year growth, according to Sky News.

“Wild’s innovative approach to formulation, packaging, and social-led marketing makes it a stand-out brand that perfectly complements our personal care portfolio,” said Fabian Garcia, president of Unilever Personal Care.

Unilever’s Personal Care division, which includes household names such as Dove and Axe, generated nearly €13.6 billion in revenue.

In 2024, Unilever reported total revenues of €60.8 billion, reflecting a nearly 2% increase compared to the previous year.

Author Credits – Sarah Ahssen, FASHION NETWORK

New regulations aim to enhance shipping services and protect consumer rights in the growing e-commerce sector.

The General Authority for Transport in Saudi Arabia has announced a significant new regulation aimed at improving the quality of shipping and delivery services across the Kingdom. As part of a comprehensive effort to enhance customer satisfaction and protect the rights of beneficiaries, the authority will impose a financial fine of no less than 5,000 Saudi Riyals on shipping companies that fail to deliver shipments to the agreed-upon locations or that are late in their deliveries.

This initiative comes in response to the rapid growth of the shipping and logistics sector, which has expanded dramatically due to the rise of e-commerce. With the increasing demand for reliable delivery services, the General Authority for Transport recognizes the need to address ongoing challenges, such as delays in delivery and non-compliance with specified delivery locations.

Saleh Al-Zowayed, the official spokesperson for the General Authority for Transport, explained that the new executive regulations require shipping companies to utilize the national address system in all delivery operations. This requirement aims to enhance the accuracy of deliveries and improve overall service quality. Al-Zowayed stated, “In the event of a driver or company failing to comply with this requirement and instead asking customers for their locations, a fine of up to 5,000 Saudi Riyals will be enforced.” This measure is designed to minimize errors and delays that arise from not using the national address, ultimately improving the efficiency of delivery operations.

To ensure that beneficiaries can easily report any violations by shipping companies, the General Authority for Transport has established multiple channels for communication. Beneficiaries can contact a unified number, 19929, to submit complaints or inquiries about shipping services. Additionally, they can send feedback through a dedicated email, use WhatsApp by messaging 0507363133, or submit complaints via the authority’s official website using available electronic forms. These efforts are intended to enhance transparency and accountability within the sector.

The implementation of this regulation is particularly timely, as the shipping and delivery sector has seen significant growth. The rise in e-commerce has led to an increased demand for reliable delivery services, making it essential for companies to adhere to agreed-upon standards and timelines. The General Authority for Transport’s new measures are expected to foster competition among shipping companies, encouraging them to improve their services and meet customer expectations.

Furthermore, the authority’s decision is seen as a strategic move to bolster the transport sector in the Kingdom. By enforcing these regulations, the General Authority for Transport aims to enhance the level of reliability and transparency in shipping and delivery services. This initiative not only aims to protect the rights of consumers but also reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to digital transformation and economic development.

In light of these developments, the shipping sector is poised for a transformation that prioritizes customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Companies that fail to comply with the new regulations will face financial repercussions, which may serve as a catalyst for change in the industry.

As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, the General Authority for Transport remains dedicated to ensuring that the shipping and delivery sector keeps pace with the demands of consumers. The newly imposed fines are a clear message to shipping companies that adherence to standards is not optional, but rather a necessity for success in today’s competitive market.

In summary, the General Authority for Transport’s new regulations signify a pivotal moment for the shipping and delivery sector in Saudi Arabia. With the enforcement of financial penalties for non-compliance, the authority is taking a firm stance on improving service quality and protecting consumer rights. As the sector adapts to these changes, it will be essential for companies to embrace the national address system and prioritize timely deliveries to maintain customer trust and satisfaction.

As the authority continues to monitor the effectiveness of these regulations, it is expected that feedback from consumers and industry stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping future policies aimed at enhancing the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia.

Author Credits- THE PINNACLE GAZETTE

Guess Jeans announced on Monday a new creative partnership with Japanese multi-hyphenate artist Verdy.

Recognized as a creative pioneer in Japan, Verdy is set to reimagine and enhance the Guess Jeans global universe, bringing a new energy into the brand’s expansion in Japan.

“I’ve had the pleasure to know and be friends with Verdy over the years. I’ve always admired his kindness and ability to bring a fun and playful element to everything he touches,” said chief new business development officer Nicolai Marciano.

“Pursuing a major shift in our strategy in Japan, which is now focused through a Guess Jeans lens, I felt strongly about bringing Verdy in for this exciting new chapter.”

Since 2023, Guess Jeans has cultivated an ongoing relationship with Verdy through a series of activations across Paris and Osaka.

His portfolio includes projects such as Girls Don’t Cry and Wasted Youth, along with his beloved characters Vick and Visty. He has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Human Made, Kenzo, Beats by Dre, McDonald’s, Instagram, and Dover Street Market. Verdy has also held prominent roles as the artistic director for ComplexCon Long Beach 2022, ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024, and Blackpink’s Born Pink tour.

“I’m excited to be working with Guess Jeans and my good friend, Nicolai. I’ve always respected how much passion he and his family have put into the brand. Guess has so much history and culture and I’m happy to be a part of it,” added Verdy.

Most recently, Marciano, who has been instrumental in Guess Jeans’ global expansion, curated key brand activations in 2024, launched flagship stores in Amsterdam and Berlin, and led the brand’s entry into India through a partnership with Tata Unistore.

Looking ahead, Guess Jeans is set to open flagship stores in Tokyo and Los Angeles.

Author Credits: Jennifer Braun, FASHION NETWORK

SYDNEY, April 1 (Reuters) – Australian retail sales rose modestly for a second straight month in February as a long-awaited cut in interest rates combined with slower inflation to boost consumer sentiment and spending power.

However, the recovery in consumer spending is still tepid, suggesting consumers remain cautious and would not be a bar to more policy easing. The Australian dollar was steady at $0.6241 and three-year bond futures were little changed at 96.31.

Data out from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Tuesday showed retail sales added 0.2% in February from January, when they gained 0.3%. The outcome was just below market forecasts of a 0.3% increase.

Sales were up 3.6% on a year earlier at A$37.1 billion ($23.14 billion), with the ABS noting the February gain was largely due to food and eating out, with demand for household goods falling in the wake of year-end discounting.

“Some overhang is to be expected after a very strong quarter of sales in Q4… Discounting activity at the end of 2024 pulled forward some spending, and conditions in this component may be subdued for a little longer yet,” said Sean Langcake, head of macroeconomic forecasting for Oxford Economics Australia.

“The fundamentals for consumer spending are still sound, with real income growth improving and the labour market in a tight position,” he added.

The consumer recovery, aided by slowing inflation and the first rate cut in more than four years in February, has helped the economy rebound after a long period of meagre growth.

The outlook is also brighter given the government is promising new income tax relief in 2026 and 2027 along with more cost-of-living support for households in a bid to win a general election on May 3.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is widely expected to hold the cash rate at 4.1% later on Tuesday, having warned the prospects of further policy easing are not guaranteed after its February rate cut.

Swaps imply a scant chance for a move, but some in the market are betting a quarterly inflation report due at the end of the month could open the door to another easing in May, which is about 77% priced in.

For all of 2025, a total easing of 70 basis points is expected, equivalent to almost three rate cuts.

($1 = 1.6036 Australian dollars)

Author Credits: Reuters

Merakkee Life & Beauty Pvt Ltd, a luxury skincare startup has raised Rs 4.5 crore ($530K) in a seed funding round led by a Bangalore-based family office.

The company will utilise the funds to expand its product line, scale operations, support pilot order fulfillment, strengthen sales and operations teams, and enhance platform technology to improve customer engagement.

Additionally, it plans to expand its range of luxury skincare products to cater to diverse skin types and specific concerns.

Commenting on the funding, Ajit Kurien and Robin Kurian, founders of Merakkee in a joint statement said, “We are thrilled to have secured this funding, which will allow us to accelerate our growth journey and introduce innovative skincare solutions to our customers.”

“At Merakkee, we eliminate the confusion around wellness by offering products formulated with active and energized ingredients in the perfect combination. Emphasizing inner balance, we strive to build and empower a community by providing solutions tailored to each person’s unique needs and values,” they added.

Founded in 2022, Merakkee will launch its products in the Indian market later this year. The company has its manufacturing facilities in France and India.

Author Credits: Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

Flipkart-backed logistics startup Shadowfax has converted itself to a public entity, according to regulatory filings with the corporate affairs ministry.

It is a key step ahead of Shadowfax’s plan to file draft papers for its initial public offering (IPO), which could happen in the next three-four months according to people familiar with the matter. The company has appointed ICICI Securities, JM Financial and Morgan Stanley as the bankers for its public offering.

“The company is proposing to undertake an initial public offer… comprising of fresh issuance of equity shares… and an offer for sale by certain existing shareholders of the company, and list the equity shares on one or more of the stock exchanges,” it said in the filing.
Shadowfax’s shareholders approved the proposal at an extraordinary general meeting this month.

The firm, which is also backed by the likes of TPG NewQuest and Mirae Asset, closed a Rs 400 crore funding round led by Edelweiss Discovery Fund, family offices and high-net-worth individuals late last year, doubling its valuation to around Rs 6,000 crore in its last private funding ahead of the potential public listing.

In February, the startup appointed three independent directors on its board – consumer goods veteran Bijou Kurien, early-stage VC fund Synapses’ cofounder Ruchira Shukla and former Mahindra Logistics CEO Pirojshaw Sarkari.

In 2023-24, Shadowfax swung to Ebitda profitability with an operating profit of Rs 23 crore. The Bengaluru-based firm reported a 33% increase in operating revenue to Rs 1,884 crore, while cutting down its net loss by 92% to Rs 12 crore.

With the funding round, Shadowfax aimed to expand its offerings in the buzzy quick commerce sector and has been working as a third-party logistics service provider with firms including Nykaa.

The company has been seeing massive traction from rapid deliveries, with several brands and platforms moving to offer same-day and even faster delivery to customers across the country.

Founded in 2015 by IIT Delhi alumni Abhishek Bansal, Vaibhav Khandelwal, Praharsh Chandra and Gaurav Jaithliya, Shadowfax has transitioned to serving ecommerce clientele such as Meesho from initially being an on-demand logistics provider for food-delivery platforms.

Shadowfax’s move towards its IPO comes at a time when multiple new-age companies are looking to go public. These include ecommerce marketplace Meesho, eyewear retailer Lenskart, manufacturing firm Zetwerk, audio wearables brand Boat, at-home services platform Urban Company, jewellery retailer Bluestone, edtech firm PhysicsWallah and Zomato-backed Shiprocket.

Author Credits: msn

American fashion brand on Monday opened its dedicated Australian e-commerce site, as the New York-based company looks to make further inroads in the southern hemisphere market.

The new online store will offer the full range of Rag & Bone’s men’s and women’s designs to the Australian online shopper, providing e-commerce visitors with an enhanced personalised shopping experience, easy navigation, secure payment options, and improved delivery with the opening of a new local warehouse in Australia.

“We are continually expanding Rag & Bone’s presence in Australia and am thrilled to include the roll-out of Rag & Bone e-commerce channel to the Australian market which gives us an opportunity to connect with our fans in a more meaningful way, delivering a personalised seamless end-to-end shopping experience,” said Paul Smith, managing director of Signal Brands Australia, the newly formed local distributor of Rag & Bone in Australia.

The e-commerce debut in Australia comes just months after Rag & Bone opened a new store in Sydney’s upscale Double Bay precinct in December last year.

​Located at 31-33 Knox Street, the new store embodies Rag & Bone’s urban aesthetic, yet approachable, atmosphere, reflecting Double Bay’s chic sophisticated vibe. It houses a curated selection of the brand’s menswear and womenswear collections, including jackets, denim, outerwear, accessories, and footwear.

In early 2024, Guess Inc. and global brand management firm WHP Global announced a definitive agreement to acquire Rag & Bone.

As part of the acquisition, Guess took the reins of Rag & Bone’s operational assets, while jointly owning its intellectual property with WHP Global.

Author Credits: Benjamin Fitzgerald, FASHION Network

H&M is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its marketing strategy by creating digital versions of real-life models.

The AI-generated clones will then be used in select social media posts and campaigns, with permission from the models they duplicate.

“We are curious to explore how to showcase our fashion in new creative ways – and embrace the benefits of new technology – while staying true to our commitment to personal style,” said Jorgen Andersson, chief creative officer, H&M.

The first time model Vilma Sjoberg saw her digital twin; she found it both exciting and unsettling.

“It’s a picture of me, but it’s not me,” she said. “It was interesting how good it actually was.”

H&M added that this move will not replace its “human-centric approach”.

However,  veterans in the fashion industry have raised concerns about its impact on models, photographers, and other creative professionals.

“On paper, it’s genius,” said Andrew Dobbie, founder and CEO of creative agency MadeBrave. “However, all the behind-the-scenes magic… the energy, networking, camaraderie, user-generated content, the real human stories that create amazing content – are all potentially sidelined.”

H&M told Business of Fashion that models will retain control over their digital likeness and can allow other brands, including competitors, to use them for marketing.

The company also confirmed that models will be compensated similarly to traditional licensing agreements.

H&M’s AI-generated models will appear in social media content with watermarks to indicate their digital nature. Full disclosure will also be applied to platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

The company plans to create digital twins of 30 models this year.

Author Credits: Kaycee Enerva, Inside Retail