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Pantone Introduces ‘Cloud Dancer’ as the 2026 Color of the Year
THE WHAT? Pantone has designated PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a soft white, as its Color of the Year 2026, providing a reference point for design, product development and packaging decisions across the beauty and consumer goods sectors. THE DETAILS Pantone positions Cloud Dancer as an understated white that reflects themes of clarity and simplicity,…
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L’Oréal Signals Imminent Work on Potential Armani Stake Following Heir Instructions
THE WHAT? L’Oréal has confirmed it will begin work “very soon” on evaluating a potential investment in Giorgio Armani, following new instructions from the late designer’s will outlining a phased sale or listing of the fashion house. THE DETAILS Speaking at a fireside chat with analysts, L’Oréal CFO Christophe Babule said the beauty group…
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Hong Kong Retail Sales Post Sixth Consecutive Month of Growth as October Hits New High
THE WHAT? Hong Kong’s retail sector recorded its sixth straight month of year-on-year growth in October, rising 6.9% to HK$35.2 billion (US$4.5 billion), the strongest monthly increase in half a year. THE DETAILS According to the Census and Statistics Department, October delivered the strongest monthly retail performance in half a year, supported by firmer…
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Experts Urge Ultrasound Use as New Study Exposes Serious Vascular Risks from Facial Fillers
THE WHAT? A new international study has identified significant rates of vascular occlusion linked to facial fillers, prompting calls for ultrasound mapping to prevent serious complications such as tissue damage and blindness. THE DETAILS Researchers reviewed 100 filler-related complication cases across six global centres from 2022 to 2025. Ultrasound scans showed nearly half had…
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Macy’s Lifts 2025 Outlook as Q3 Beats Expectations; Bluemercury Maintains Growth Streak
THE WHAT? Macy’s, Inc. delivered stronger-than-expected Q3 2025 results, reporting its highest comparable sales growth in 13 quarters and lifting full-year guidance — including updated Core Adjusted EBITDA expectations of 7.5% to 7.7%, correcting the prior figure of 7.5% to 7.8%. THE DETAILS Macy’s, Inc. posted Q3 net sales of US$4.7 billion, surpassing internal…
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Estée Lauder Restructuring Costs Hit US$1.14 Billion as Workforce Cuts Accelerate
THE WHAT? Estée Lauder’s restructuring charges have reached US$1.14 billion as the company reduces headcount and consolidates operations. THE DETAILS In a new SEC filing, the group confirmed an additional US$285 million in charges since late October tied to streamlining efforts, including service-provider consolidation and standardised business processes. The multiyear programme follows earlier plans…
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Amazon to Expand Lending Operations in India Through Axio Acquisition
THE WHAT? Amazon is preparing to expand its lending footprint in India, with plans to offer small-business credit and additional financial products through Axio, the non-bank lender it acquired earlier this year. THE DETAILS Axio—currently focused on BNPL and personal loans—will resume lending to small businesses and introduce cash-management tools aimed at improving merchant…
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Costco Joins Legal Push for Tariff Refund Eligibility as Supreme Court Reviews Trump Trade Policy
THE WHAT? Costco has filed a lawsuit to secure eligibility for tariff refunds should the US Supreme Court overturn President Trump’s global tariff strategy, becoming one of the largest retailers to challenge the administration’s use of emergency economic powers. THE DETAILS The complaint, filed on 28 November in the US Court of International Trade,…
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Shopify Outage Hits Merchants on Cyber Monday
THE WHAT? Shopify suffered a several-hour outage on Cyber Monday, affecting key back-end tools for merchants during one of the busiest online shopping days of the year. THE DETAILS Between roughly 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. ET, thousands of merchants temporarily lost access to Shopify’s admin functions—including inventory tracking, POS systems and order management—though…
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Dubai Duty Free Posts Record November with Strong Gains in Fragrance Sales
THE WHAT? Dubai Duty Free reported its highest-ever monthly revenue in November 2025, with fragrances leading category growth as part of the retailer’s record AED876.56m (US$240.16m) performance. THE DETAILS Fragrances remained Dubai Duty Free’s top category, generating AED160.58m in November—up +13.29% year-on-year—supported by newness, exclusives and strong traveller demand. The category’s momentum contributed significantly…