2021 Resistance: Retail
As the COVID-19 pandemic categorically failed to be ‘all over by Christmas’ and rolled on and on into 2021, one thing became clear; those retailers who had hoped to ‘ride it out’ had some catching up to do….
2021 Resistance: Manufacturing
The pandemic killed the global supply chain as we knew it and several suppliers, manufacturers and retailers have struggled to come to terms with that in 2021. The result? Empty shelves, rising inflation and a stark choice between passing on the rising costs to consumers or taking a hit on margin to come.
2021 Resilience: Environment
Throughout 2020, there was much talk of ‘building back better’ and we expected our post-pandemic world to be a green, eco-friendly utopia. However, as 2021 bought renewed lockdowns and restrictions, has our ‘happy ever after’ transpired? Certainly, sustainable beauty is evolving, new targets have been set and we are asking more. We want products with soul and that comes hand in hand with planet-friendly.
2021 Resistance: Finance
Cast your mind back to early 2020. Did you think COVID-19 would be ‘all over by Christmas’ or were you more inclined to dig in for the long term? Two years on, with several countries grappling with a fourth wave and Omicron surging, the doomsayers aren’t looking so ridiculous and those who decided to ‘wait it out’ rather than pivot are struggling still as restrictions persist far longer than anyone predicted and the end of the pandemic proves elusive.
2021 Resilience: Technology
With digital in continual demand, those who invested early continued to reap the rewards in 2021. However, with all the online wizardry at our disposal today, we’d do well to remember that personal connection is still important to consumers. Digital will only secure a permanent spot in shoppers’ hearts if it evolves to scratch that itch; a functional, faceless online shopping platform will take you so far, consumers expect seamless service and a personalized approach.
2021 Resilience: Retail
Retailers faced some almost insurmountable challenges in 2021 – from renewed lockdowns shuttering bricks and mortar locations to the ongoing supply chain crisis and labor shortages, it’s a wonder any survived.
2021 Resilience: Manufacturing
Supply chain disruption prompted by pandemic shutdowns has persisted throughout 2021 and only those able to think on their feet and come up with workarounds can thrive in this environment. Investment in local sourcing, safeguarding raw materials supply, local manufacturing hubs, a flexible approach to logistics and the ability to generate power on site have all been crucial for success in the past 12 months.
Beiersdorf appoints Grita Loebsack in newly-created position; President Nivea
Beiersdorf has appointed Grita Loebsack into the newly-created position of President of Nivea.
Malta becomes first EU nation to legalize Marijuana
Malta has become the first EU nation to legalize the cultivation and personal use of cannabis.
Unilever CHRO leaves to pursue career as Global Chief Executive Officer, Chanel
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Holland & Barrett acquires blow Ltd
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L’Oréal acquires skincare brand Youth to the People
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Nestlé reduces stake in L’Oréal with US$10 billion sale
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Facetheory raises £10 million in Series A funding round
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Boots to be put up for sale? WBA ‘explores options’ for £5 billion chain
Walgreens Boots Alliance is mulling the sale of its namesake Boots business, according to a report published by Sky News.
Chanel accused of blocking TikTok user for criticising advent calendar
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L’Oréal signs strategic partnership with BreezoMeter to explore the exposome and skin
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Evonik invests in Revivo BioSystems
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Unilever announces leadership shake-up; Chief Supply Chain Officer steps down
Unilever has announced a shake-up of its leadership team, with Marc Engel, Chief Supply Chain Officer, stepping down from his position following a 30-year career with the company.
Booksy expands EMEA foothold with acquisition of salon management and booking software, Kiute
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Sodalis acquires Lornamead and UK brands from Meiyume
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L’Occitane delivers record profit for H12022; ‘strong set of results’ despite ongoing challenges of pandemic
L’Occitane International has announced its results for the six months ended September 30, 2021. The French natural cosmetics manufacturer said that its performance in the first half continued to be affected by COVID-19, however, sales growth rose to 7 percent above pre-pandemic levels in the second quarter and its operating profit and net profit reached new heights.
India Mahdavi redesigns Dior J’adore bottle
Architect India Mahdavi has unveiled her redesign of Dior’s iconic J’adore perfume bottle, according to a report published by Wallpaper and the LVMH brand’s Instagram page.
Dyson ushers in VR testing for its hair styling range
Dyson has upped the ante in the home shopping experience with a VR-enabled testing facility for its hairdryers, straighteners and stylers, according to a report published by Reuters.
LVMH mourns Virgil Abloh
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BASF sells kaolin minerals business to KaMin
BASF has signed an agreement to sell its kaolin minerals business to KaMin for an undisclosed sum. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2022.
Head & Shoulders signs on to another season at FC Barcelona
P&G-owned Head & Shoulders and FC Barcelona have renewed their partnership agreement for another season. The hair care brand will remain a Partner of the Club with exclusivity as the Official Shampoo of FC Barcelona in Indonesia until June 30, 2022.
BASF Personal Care Europe increases prices of RSPO-certified oleoderivatives
BASF Personal Care Europe has implemented a price increase of RSPO-certified oleoderivative.
Lush to deactivate global social media accounts
Lush Cosmetics is to deactivate its global social media accounts effective 26 November, in a move to protect users’ mental health challenges.
TerraCycle settles lawsuit over labelling
TerraCycle has settled a lawsuit bought by the Last Beach Cleanup alleging that the label recyclability claims made by the waste management firm and several major brand owners were ‘deceptive to a reasonable consumer’, according to a report published by Resource Recycling.
BASF signs a 25-year offshore wind power purchase agreement with Orsted
BASF and Orsted have signed a 25-year fixed price corporate power purchase agreement, under which BASF will offtake the output of 186 megawatts from Orsted’s planned wind farm in the North Sea. With its 25-year term, it’s said to be the longest CPPA for offshore wind ever announced.
Nivea launches eco-friendly soap refills
Beiersdorf-owned Nivea has ushered in a refillable hand soap system. The Nivea Ecorefill includes a bottle made from recycled material, designed expressly to be reused, as well as a refill tab.
Givaudan to acquire Custom Essence
Givaudan has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Custom Essence. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Harry Styles unveils beauty brand, Pleasing
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L’Occitane acquires stake in Brazilian premium beauty brand Sol de Janeiro
L’Occitane has acquired a majority stake in Brazilian premium beauty brand Sol de Janeiro, taking an indirect equity interest of 83 percent.
BASF raises prices of Neopentyl Glycol and 1,6 Hexanediol in Europe
Chemicals company BASF has announced that it is to increase the prices of polyalcohols Neopentyl Glycol (NPG) and 1,6-Hexanediol (HDO) in Europe by 4 euros a metre and 1.000 a metre respectively.
Louis Vuitton said to be eyeing strategy shift; considering travel retail presence in China
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UK supermarket Morrisons invests in leading soft plastic recycling site
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Kiko Milano CEO quits for role at Illy
The CEO of Kiko Milano, Cristina Scocchia has resigned to take up a Chief Executive role at Illy, according to a report published by WWD. Her departure is effective December 31, 2021.
Weleda becomes certified B Corp
Weleda has announced its B Corp Certification. The German natural cosmetics company scored 106.8 points, some way above the 80 required for B Corp status.
Russia’s answer to Google moves into fashion retail
Russian search engine, Yandex has branched out into fashion retail, according to a report published by Reuters.
L’Oréal Chairman awarded ADL’s Courage Against Hate gong
The Anti-Defamation League has honored L’Oréal Chairman, Jean-Paul Agon with its Courage Against Hate Award in recognition of his longstanding commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the French beauty company.
Ingredient shortage threatens UK supplies of fake tan
The UK’s supply of fake-tan products is at risk due to a shortage in supply of ingredient solvent ethoxydiglycol, according to the Guardian.
We could take THG private again: The Hut Group founder reacts to share price drop
THG Founder, Matthew Moulding has admitted that he regrets floating on the London stock exchange last year and is tempted to reverse his decision, according to a report published by Bloomberg quoting an interview run by GQ Magazine.
Chanel names new International Director of PR for Fashion department
Chanel has announced Emmanuelle Walle, Head of Global PR and Influence at Chanel Fragrance and Beauty as its next International Director of Press Relations and Public Relations for the fashion unit, according to a report published by WWD.
Henkel reports organic sales growth of 3.7 percent; trims full year forecast due to raw material price hike and logistics costs
Henkel has reported a Q3 organic sales growth of 3.7 percent YOY and 7.5 percent vs 2019, with the rise driven mainly by emerging markets.
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