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paypal

PayPal shares drop 10% as CEO eyes softer retail spending due to global tariff war

PayPal Holdings Inc. shares dropped 10% after the firm posted slower growth in payment volume and executives said they were seeing softer retail spending due to the US tariff wars. Shares were trading 7.8% lower at $72.13 at 10:15 a.m. (EDT).

(Bloomberg) — PayPal Holdings Inc. shares fell the most in almost six months after reporting slower growth in payment volume, and company executives said they were seeing softer retail spending as a result of the US tariff wars.

“We did see a slight deceleration” in consumer spending, Chief Financial Officer Jamie Miller said on a call with analysts Tuesday, saying goods made in China were taking a particular hit.

PayPal-branded checkout volume increased by 5% in the quarter, down from a 6% increase in the first three months of the year, PayPal said in a presentation Tuesday. The macroeconomic environment and consumer spending has been uneven, PayPal Chief Executive Officer Alex Chriss said on the call, with less robust US spending at businesses most hit by tariffs, such as Asia-based merchant.

PayPal shares slumped as much as 10%, the biggest intraday decline since Feb. 4. They were down 7.8% to $72.13 at 10:15 a.m. in New York.

San Jose, California-based PayPal has attempted to make the brand more prominent, an effort that’s started to bear fruit. The firm raised its outlook, saying it now expects this year’s per-share adjusted earnings to be $5.15 to $5.30 this year, up from a previous forecast of $4.95 to $5.10, PayPal said in a statement Tuesday.

Chriss has been investing in unifying the once-sprawling enterprise. While the strategy hasn’t enjoyed uninterrupted success, revenue gains allowed PayPal to also raise its outlook for transaction margin dollars, which represents how much the company earns from processing transactions after expenses.

That metric, a key measure of Chriss’ success in moving the company into sustained profitability, is now expected at $15.35 billion to $15.5 billion this year, up from a previous forecast of $15.2 billion to $15.4 billion.

PayPal reported a 7% increase in second-quarter transaction margin dollars, which climbed to $3.84 billion.

“We delivered another quarter of profitable growth, driven by continued strength across many of our strategic initiatives,” Chriss said in the statement.

Adjusted net income was $1.37 billion for the second quarter, up 10% from a year earlier. And adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.40 topped Wall Street analyst estimates.

Under the CEO’s leadership, the firm has focused on monetizing its existing businesses and leveraging the PayPal brand both in person and online. Venmo revenue, for example, increased 20% in the quarter, the company said in a presentation.

PayPal reported $443.5 billion in total payment volume during the second quarter, beating analyst estimates of $435.7 billion.

PayPal recently announced a platform to enable customers to use their domestic digital wallets to make purchases globally, and the company will allow businesses to accept more than 100 different cryptocurrencies at checkout.

In June, PayPal also added a new credit card to its roster to bolster its in-person checkout presence.

News Credits- mint

decathlon

French sports goods seller Decathlon to double India sourcing to $3 billion in 5 years

France’s Decathlon aims to double the share of goods sourced from India to $3 billion over the next five years, the sporting goods retailer said on Tuesday, expanding its footprint in the world’s most-populous country.

By the end of 2030, the company will source 15% of its goods from the Asian nation, with the growth driven by “high-potential” categories such as footwear, fitness equipment, and technical textiles to meet the evolving demands of both Indian and global markets, the retailer said.

Decathlon, which entered India in 2009, sells a host of sports accessories ranging from footballs and yoga mats to bicycles and exercise equipment in the country, cashing in on the growing interest in fitness and an active lifestyle.

It competes with Nike (NKE.N), Adidas (ADSGn.DE), Puma and local brands in India’s sports goods market, which is expected to grow 69% to $6.6 billion from 2020 to 2027, according to industry estimates.

The company said it will create more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs in India over the next five years.

News Credits- Reuters

EU says Temu in breach of rules to prevent sale of illegal products

The European Commission on Monday said Chinese online marketplace Temu was breaking EU rules by not doing enough to prevent the sale of illegal products through its platform.
The EU’s findings could ultimately lead to a fine of up to 6% of Temu’s annual global turnover, the Commission said.
“Evidence showed that there is a high risk for consumers in the EU to encounter illegal products on the platform,” it said in a statement about Temu.
“Specifically, the analysis of a mystery shopping exercise found that consumers shopping on Temu are very likely to find non-compliant products among the offer, such as baby toys and small electronics.”
The Commission said Temu’s risk assessment was inadequate as it was based on general industry information, not on the specifics of its platform.
It said that if the Commission’s preliminary findings were ultimately confirmed, Temu would be found in breach of the Digital Services Act.
“Such a decision could entail fines of up to 6% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the provider and order the provider to take measures to address the breach,” it said.
Temu can respond to the EU’s findings in the coming weeks, an EU spokesperson said, without giving an exact deadline.
A Temu spokesperson said the company would continue to “cooperate fully” with the Commission.
The findings relate only to one aspect of a broader ongoing EU investigation into Temu, the Commission said.
Temu is also suspected of breaching EU rules relating to the use of addictive design features, the transparency of its recommendation systems and its access to data for researchers.

News Credits- Reuters

Ray-Ban maker posts strong Q2 as Meta invests in growth

EssilorLuxottica, the world’s largest eyewear group and owner of Ray-Ban, reported stronger-than-expected revenue for the second quarter, driven by price gains and growing momentum in smart glasses innovation.

EssilorLuxottica SA reported better-than-expected revenue in the second quarter, though tariffs and rising investment in smart glasses limited profit at the world’s largest eyewear maker.

Revenue rose 7.3% at constant exchange rates to €7.18 billion ($8.36 billion) during the period, the company said Monday. The result beat analysts’ expectations of a 5.9% increase, based on a Bloomberg-compiled consensus.

In the first half of the year, the Ray-Ban owner reported adjusted gross profit margins that declined by 90 basis points compared to the same period in the previous year, citing the impact of U.S. tariffs and increased spending on wearables.

A stronger price mix helped offset the pressure from tariffs and unfavorable exchange rates. EssilorLuxottica, which also owns LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut, benefited from premium pricing across several markets.

The company has fast-tracked its entry into the smart glasses market, unveiling the hearing-enhanced “Nuance Audio” range and introducing “Oakley Meta,” which infuses a sportswear edge into its ongoing collaboration with Meta Platforms Inc., parent company of Facebook. While the initiative has led to increased costs, it has also yielded significant returns: sales of Ray-Ban Meta more than tripled in the first half of the year.

Meta Platforms also deepened its commitment to the segment by acquiring just under 3% of EssilorLuxottica, as reported by Bloomberg News earlier this month. The investment gives Meta more control over hardware and distribution—a strategic move, according to Mark Zuckerberg, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

EssilorLuxottica shares, listed in Paris, have risen approximately 4.5% this year, lagging behind the 8.1% gain in the Europe-wide Stoxx 600 index.

The company reaffirmed its forecast for mid-single-digit annual revenue growth through 2026, based on constant exchange rates, and expects adjusted operating margins to remain between 19% and 20% of revenue.

EssilorLuxottica also continued its expansion in the medical technology sector—one of the company’s key growth pillars.

Earlier this month, the company agreed to acquire assets from South Korea’s PUcore to support the development of monomers used in contact lenses. In May, it also announced the acquisition of ophthalmology group Optegra, which operates over 70 eye hospitals and diagnostic centers across Europe.

News Credits- FASHION NETWORK

Swiggy adds noon CEO Faraz Khalid to board as SoftBank, Accel step down

BENGALURU: Swiggy has appointed Faraz Khalid, CEO of MidEast ecommerce major noon, as an independent director to its board, while long-time investor nominees from Accel and SoftBank have exited their roles, marking a broader shift toward independent governance after the company’s 2024 IPO.

Khalid’s appointment brings global ecommerce and quick-commerce expertise to Swiggy at a time when the company is scaling its convenience platforms in India. Under his leadership, noon has expanded into food delivery, fintech and quick commerce across the Gulf region. He previously co-founded fashion platform Namshi, which was acquired for $335 million in 2023 by Dubai billionaire Mohamed Alabbar and Saudi Arabia’s sovereign fund Public Investment Fund-backed noon.

With this move, Accel Partner Anand Daniel and SoftBank Investment Advisers’ Managing Partner and head of EMEA & India Sumer Juneja resigned as non-executive, non-independent directors. Both cited professional commitments and confirmed there were no other material reasons for their resignations. The two have been associated with Swiggy since its early funding rounds and have played key roles in its growth over the past decade.

Swiggy chairperson Anand Kripalu said the refreshed board structure, which now includes four independent directors, reinforces the company’s long-term governance priorities. “We are delighted to welcome Faraz to the Board… and extend our heartfelt thanks to Sumer and Anand for their invaluable contributions,” he said.

Founder and Group CEO Sriharsha Majety described Khalid as a “visionary leader in ecommerce,” adding that his strategic and operational experience would be crucial as Swiggy enters its next phase of growth.

Separately, Swiggy has reappointed chartered accountant Shailesh Haribhakti for a second term as independent director from January 2026, and named Cauveri Sriram, an industry veteran formerly with the Tata group, as the company’s new company secretary and compliance officer.

The governance overhaul comes six days before Swiggy, which operates food delivery and quick commerce services across more than 700 cities while also expanding newer offerings such as Snacc, Pyng and Scenes, is set to report earnings results of the first quarter of the financial year ending March 2026.

Author Credits- Supriya Roy
                                   msn

temu

Temu Amazon Battle Being Played Out In OZ As Chinese Ecommerce Player Struggles Following Tariff Hit

Temu Struggles Amid U.S. Tariffs and Amazon’s Aggressive Pricing Tactics

Temu, the Chinese online shopping platform that has attracted millions of Australian users, is facing mounting challenges as U.S. tariffs take effect and Amazon ramps up competition globally.

The rivalry between Temu and Amazon is not only reshaping global e-commerce but also impacting the bottom lines of major discount retailers such as Big W, Target, and Kmart, according to industry insiders. Local retailers are reportedly losing customers to international players offering lower prices and greater convenience with both Temu and Amazon ramping up marketing in Australia especially to existing customers.

Temu, owned by China’s PDD Holdings, is scrambling to source goods from former suppliers after the Trump administration removed the de minimis rule—previously allowing duty-free imports under a set value.

The policy shift has stalled Temu’s growth in the U.S., with its monthly active users plummeting 54% to 37 million between March and mid-July, according to Sensor Tower data.

This has led to the Chinese ecommerce operator chasing marketshare in markets such as Australia, Asia the EU and the UK.

Making matters worse, Amazon has moved swiftly to fill the gap, pressuring suppliers to avoid undercutting its prices on branded goods.

“We’ve told them they can’t undercut Amazon with the same stuff—it has to be materially different products,” a senior executive at a major third-party seller told the Financial Times.

The result: Temu is being forced to rethink its business model. In the U.S., it has slashed advertising in response to the tariffs, contributing to a sharp drop in user engagement. This pullback could cost tech giants like Google and Meta over A$2.3 billion in lost ad revenue, with Morgan Stanley estimating Temu spent around A$2.5 billion on Facebook and Instagram ads last year alone.

With the U.S. market tightening, Temu is doubling down on tariff-free regions like Australia, ramping up promotions and discounts in an effort to win back users. Analysts say this strategy is further disrupting local discount chains, especially as Amazon also slashes prices in a bid to dominate.

To stay competitive, Temu is offering new incentives to sellers—such as lower fees—to encourage them to list on the platform. However, sellers remain cautious, warning that Amazon can quickly match or beat prices due to its scale and ability to absorb short-term losses.

“Unless PDD is prepared to lose billions annually for the next five years to gain market share, it needs a smarter approach,” said retail consultant Martin Heubel, who brokers deals with Amazon vendors.

Under existing arrangements, Amazon vendors often agree to absorb the cost of price reductions, allowing the retail giant to maintain its margins while still offering low prices. Amazon maintains these deals are voluntary and designed to keep prices competitive.

For Temu, alternatives include focusing on unbranded products or offering bulk discounts—strategies common in large discount outlets.

“The only way Temu can compete on higher-quality goods is by avoiding branded items or selling overstock and returned products at lower prices,” Heubel said.

Author Credits- David Richards
CHANNELNEWS

Australia Post and Adobe partnership

Australia Post boosts digital experiences with Adobe partnership

In a bid to provide more personalized and seamless experiences for customers, Australia Post has partnered with Adobe to enhance its digital capabilities.

The partnership will see Australia Post use data and AI to tailor digital interactions, improve how customers engage with services and make operations more efficient.

Michael McNamara, Australia Post executive general manager, enterprise services, explained, “As we continue to transform our digital customer experience and modernize e-commerce operations, we are investing in technology that helps us connect more meaningfully with our customers.

“By using AI and real-time data, we can better understand what customers need, tailor services to suit them and make every interaction simpler and more efficient. This partnership is about delivering personalized experiences that meet customers’ expectations, wherever they are, while ensuring we stay competitive in a rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.”

Australia Post will leverage the full capabilities of Adobe to bring together creativity, marketing and AI to deliver personalized customer experiences at scale. This means Australia Post customers will receive tailored digital interactions aligned to their needs and preferences, helping them complete transactions quickly and easily.

It will also drive more agile operations internally by connecting Australia Post’s creative and marketing teams in streamlined content production workflows and activate generative AI to scale the production of standout content for digital marketing and e-commerce.

Anil Chakravarthy, Adobe digital experience business president, commented, “Australia Post is on a transformative journey that not only ensures the organization thrives in a rapidly changing e-commerce delivery marketplace but also has the digital capabilities that underpin generational success.

“It’s about reimagining the digital experience and delivering value in new ways, with a comprehensive set of applications and services specifically designed to address the modern technology requirements of Australia Post.

“Together, we share a commitment to creating relevant and impactful experiences, creating value for customers and communities alike.”

Author Credits- HAZEL KING
Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

Nicole Kidman

Clé de Peau Beauté names Nicole Kidman new brand ambassador

Luxury skincare brand Clé de Peau Beauté announced on Friday the appointment of Nicole Kidman as its newest brand ambassador.

In speaking about the appointment, the Japanese beauty brand said the Australian-American actress and producer, “embodies its vision of radiance—where a blend of intelligence, artistry, and purpose converge,” according to a press release.

“We are delighted to welcome Nicole to the Clé de Peau Beauté family,” said Mizuki Hashimoto, chief brand officer of Clé de Peau Beauté.

“We believe radiance is more than appearance; it’s an inner strength that drives positive change. Nicole exemplifies this belief through her inspiring journey, showcasing how passion and purpose unlock a Radiance that empowers others.”

With an acting career spanning more than 40 years across several genres, Honolulu-born Kidman first gained international attention with her role in the movie “Dead Calm” (1989), before rising to global fame after starring opposite former husband Tom Cruise in “Days of Thunder” (1990). From here, the 58 year old inked critically acclaimed roles in films such as “To Die For” (1995), “Moulin Rouge!” (2001), and “The Hours” (2002), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Kidman continued to demonstrate range on the silver screen with performances in “Cold Mountain” (2003), “The Others” (2001), “Rabbit Hole” (2010), and “Lion” (2016). Most recently, she starred opposite Harris Dickinson in erotic thriller, “Babygirl” (2024).

In television, Kidman earned Emmy Awards for her role in HBO’s “Big Little Lies” (2017–2019) and starred “The Undoing” (2020) and “Nine Perfect Strangers” (2021). Beyond acting, she has produced several projects through her company, Blossom Films.

Kidman is also a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for women and girl’s empowerment through education, economic opportunities, and the fight against gender-based violence.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Clé de Peau Beauté family,” said Kidman. “I am inspired by the brand’s commitment to celebrate individual beauty across every aspect of a person’s life. I look forward to what we can create together.”

Founded in 1982, Clé de Peau Beauté forms part of Shiseido’s prestige division, and is positioned as the Japanese company’s ultra-high-end offering, known for fusing Japanese scientific innovation with French-inspired elegance to unlock skin’s natural radiance.

The brand is available in 26 markets worldwide.

Author Credits- Benjamin Fitzgerald
FASHION NETWORK

Skechers signs OG Anunoby

Skechers signs OG Anunoby to global roster

Skechers has announced that New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby has joined Team Skechers.

In this role, the NBA champion and defensive standout will compete in Skechers Basketball footwear and be featured in the brand’s global marketing campaigns.

The announcement comes just ahead of Anunoby’s participation in a European basketball tour, where he’ll represent the brand alongside Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann. The tour kicks off July 26 in Belgrade, with additional stops planned in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Zadar.

“Skechers has helped me continue to play basketball at an elite level and I love these shoes,” said Anunoby. “I play quick and low to the court. I jump and move a lot. Skechers has the shoe to keep me comfortable, keep me protected and keep me playing my best every day.”

Born in London and raised in Missouri, Ogugua “OG” Anunoby was drafted 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2017 and became the first British-born NBA Champion in 2019. Since being traded to the Knicks in 2024, he has continued to rise, averaging a career-high 18 points per game and notching a personal best 40-point performance against Denver.

He joins a growing roster of Skechers basketball athletes, including fellow Knicks teammate Julius Randle, Joel Embiid, Jabari Walker, Josh Green, and Anunoby’s former Raptors teammate Norman Powell. On the women’s side, the roster includes WNBA stars Rickea Jackson, Jackie Young, and Kiki Iriafen.

“As we grow and continue to innovate our Skechers Basketball shoes, more elite players want to join our team and bring the Comfort That Performs to their games,” said David Weinberg, chief operating officer of Skechers.

“Known for his viral dunks and defensive strength on the court, OG is a fantastic and inspiring addition to our global roster. We look forward to bringing OG and Terance Mann on tour to meet fans and the media at events with our European retail partners in the coming week.”

Author Credits- Jennifer Braun
FASHION NETWORK

Nestle to review vitamins business

Nestle to review vitamins business as 2025 first-half organic sales beat forecast

LONDON – Nestle (NESN.S) has launched a review of its underperforming vitamins business that could lead to the divestment of some brands, it said on Thursday, after reporting its first-half sales volumes grew more slowly than analysts expected.

Shares in Nestle, the world’s biggest food producer, fell to a six-month low in early market trade and were 4.7% lower by 0950 GMT.

As the economic downturn globally has squeezed customers and driven them to cheaper alternatives, the Swiss-based maker of KitKat chocolate bars, Nespresso coffee and Maggi seasoning has found it harder to sell its branded projects.

Thursday’s results add to investor pressure on CEO Laurent Freixe to revive the company’s share price and sales. Since his appointment in August last year, Nestle’s share price has lagged rivals, including Unilever (ULVR.L) and Danone (DANO.PA).

The Swiss company on Thursday maintained its 2025 outlook, saying it expects organic sales growth to improve. It estimated an underlying trading operating profit margin at or above 16%, including the negative impact from tariffs and current FX rates.

Nestle’s Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements business generates around 1 billion Swiss francs ($1.26 billion) in annual sales, Nestle said.

VMS is part of Nestle’s wider Nutrition and Health Science division, which accounted for a little more than 16% of group sales in the first half and recorded a decline in real internal growth – or sales volumes – of 0.8%.

“We have launched a strategic review of our underperforming mainstream and value brands, including Nature’s Bounty, Osteo Bi-Flex, Puritan’s Pride, and U.S. private label, which may result in the divestment of these brands,” Nestle said.

Freixe said Nestle would focus on its global premium VMS brands and that a potential divestment of the others could happen in 2026.

“To us, the highest potential is at the premium end,” Freixe told reporters.

GROWTH DISAPPOINTS

Nestle said that first-half organic sales growth, which excludes the impact of currency movements and acquisitions, rose 2.9% in the six months through June, just above the average of analysts’ forecasts of 2.8%.

But real internal growth, or RIG, was 0.2%, below the consensus forecast of 0.4%, reflecting softer demand as customers baulk at price increases.

Total reported sales decreased by 1.8% to 44.2 billion Swiss francs, compared to analyst expectations of 44.6 billion francs, a drop Nestle attributed in part to the negative impact of 4.7% from foreign exchange as the Swiss franc has strengthened this year.

Nestle’s 2.7% price increases were above the average analyst estimate of 2.5%.

“The headline will be the negative RIG of -0.3% in Q2 when most investors were positioned for a positive number,” Barclays analysts said in a note. “This will be seen as a bit disappointing.”

Despite the “negative surprise” in Nestle’s Health Science unit, Vontobel analysts said the overall results would likely reassure investors that Nestle is on the long road to recovery.

($1 = 0.7923 Swiss francs)

Author Credits- Alexander Marrow
Reuters