Daniela Morosini

The largest beauty retailer in the US announced it will not renew its shop-in-shop partnership with Target. While initially popular, poor execution, changing shopping habits and overlap between the two stores’ locations and customers brought the collaboration to a halt, experts said.

As companies lower their forecasts, brace for tariffs and undertake layoffs, the industry is realising its tried-and-true categories and markets will need reinforcements.

The premium skincare brand will use the funds to further product development and support a slate of new hires.

In an increasingly competitive category, premium cosmetics labels like Merit and Sarah Creal Beauty are embracing more complex, distinctive — and costly — visual and sensorial touches to their products.

The beloved brand’s closure isn’t just another cautionary tale. It’s proof that even with an aspirational and credentialed Black founder, following a formulaic launch-and-scale playbook doesn’t guarantee success.

Founder Alexandra Keating spoke to The Business of Beauty about the funding round, which included L’Oréal’s venture capital arm BOLD among other notable investors, and how it will power the prestige body care line’s next phase of growth.

Against a cooling market and a competitive online landscape, brands are doubling down on their professional credentials to stand out. Leveraging hair stylist support takes consultative work and planning.

The US retailer’s surprise buyout of the London-based upmarket chain is in line with its recent business overall, which puts global expansion at the core of future growth.