As an editor of Retail Dive, it’s my job to keep tabs on every piece of retail-related news—the good, the bad, and the silly. From Whole Food's millennial play to the booming market for adult diapers, here are some of the most interesting stories from around the Web.
The quest for the holy grail
You soon may be able to get a tattoo with your organic veggies at Whole Foods. As part of the company’s bid to attract younger shoppers, Bloomberg reports that the retailer’s new 365 chain may soon include tattoo parlors, “body-care product sellers,” and record shops. Record shops... So #millennial.
Boozy duds
We reported on Miller High Life’s foray into fashion in October with a men’s clothing line inspired by vintage Miller ads. Now, Racked has answered the question we were all wondering: But... why? According to analysts, beer brands’ fashion collaborations with retailers like Patagonia and Carhartt are a play to win the most coveted shopper of them all—millennials (see Whole Foods).
The currency of love
Valentine's Day is coming up on Sunday, and whether that means you will be celebrating with your pals or with a romantic partner, consumer insights firm Dunnhumby has released some fun spending facts about the holiday:
- 21% of people that have been in a relationship for 16 years or more plan to buy absolutely nothing for the holiday
- Cards (41%), chocolates (39%), and flowers (31%) are the most popular Valentine's Day gifts
- 15% of men and 11% of women aged 18-24 plan to celebrate the holiday with close friends
The royal treatment
While a spectacular wedding, royal marriage, and millions of adoring fans are three things exclusive to Kate Middleton, there is now at least one thing we can share with the Duchess of Cambridge: her makeup artist. According to InStyle, Middleton’s makeup artist Arabella Preston has brought her skincare line Vetary to the U.S., selling it through Anthropologie. But the princess glow won't come cheap: products start at $72 for a cleansing oil and top out at $118 for a toning serum.
Booming bloomers
Looking for the next big product? It’s a little more discreet than you might think. Bloomberg reports that the adult diapers market is growing fast, with Euromoniter International predicting a 48% increase in sales from 2015 to 2020. Another shocker: “In only a decade, sales of diapers for adults could surpass those for babies at Kimberly-Clark and rival Procter & Gamble,” Bloomberg writes.