Story of the Week

Tiger Global Backs PopUp Bagels at $300M Valuation

Investment firm Tiger Global has reportedly invested in PopUp Bagels at a $300 million valuation, according to Bloomberg. The publication said the valuation is about five times what the QSR chain was quoted at in October, when Stripe became majority owner. The exact investment amount wasn’t disclosed; however, private equity firm Stripe is still the biggest investor. PopUp Bagels is one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S., having signed 300 new locations as of July 2025. The brand currently has about 30 shops, and the near-term objective is to reach 100 by the end of 2027. Notably, these 300 locations will be opened by fewer than 15 franchisees.

Apparel & Footwear

Allbirds shares soar on a very 2026 pivot to AI

Shares of Allbirds, the 2010s pioneer of trendy sneakers and eco-conscious Millennial marketing, took flight in an almost comical fashion on the morning of April 15th after the company announced an extremely 2026 pivot: abandoning its environmental agenda and getting into the AI business. The stock, which had been in the gutter since November 2021, shot up more than 600% April 15th. It closed at $14.50, up 582% from April 14’s close. The catalyst was Allbirds’ announcement that the company, once valued at $4 billion, would soon re-emerge as a new entity focused on “AI compute infrastructure.” Translation: It’s going to essentially buy and rent out computing power to tech startups.

Vince Holding Corp. surpasses Q4 earnings and revenue estimates

Apparel company Vince Holding Corp. came out with quarterly earnings of $0.18 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.01 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.06 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report reflects an earnings surprise of +3,700.00%. A quarter ago, it was expected that the company would post earnings of $0.11 per share, but it actually posted $0.21 per share, a +90.91% surprise. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times.

Athletic & Sporting Goods

Backcountry Launches Brand Incubator, Acquires Utah-Based Coalatree

Backcountry has launched Backcountry Garage, an innovation platform and brand incubator designed to support and scale emerging outdoor brands. The first brand to join the portfolio is eco-focused Utah brand Coalatree, which will retain its direct-to-consumer approach while making key products available through Backcountry.com. Under the partnership, Coalatree will continue selling through its direct‑to‑consumer site and key styles, such as the brand’s Trailhead Pants, will now also be available on Backcountry.com.  Backcountry was acquired by CSC Generation Enterprise, which also owns Sur La Table, One Kings Lane, Touch of Modern and DirectBuy in Sept. 2024.

European Soccer E-Tailer Unisport Enters U.S. with WeGotSoccer Acquisition

Unisport Group, a leading European online football retailer based in Denmark, has acquired Arocam, Inc., the U.S.-based parent of WeGotSoccer and TUDN Fan Shop.  Unisport said the transaction “marks Unisport’s strategic expansion into North America ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, positioning the company to capitalize on what is expected to be unprecedented growth in U.S. soccer participation and fandom.”  With the acquisition, Arocam and its flagship retail banner WeGotSoccer will operate under the name Unisport Soccer, maintaining its existing retail footprint and strategic partnerships while leveraging Unisport’s global brand strength and digital capabilities.  As part of the acquisition, Unisport also acquired TUDN Fan Shop, a site for Hispanic soccer fans.

Mervin Manufacturing Acquired by Spring Capital Group

Mervin Manufacturing, the powerhouse behind some of the most iconic names in action sports, has officially been acquired by Spring Capital Group, a private investment firm based in Eugene, Oregon. The deal secures the future of the brands Lib Tech, Gnu, and Bent Metal, while doubling down on the company’s storied commitment to American craftsmanship.  The acquisition marks a major milestone for Mervin, which operates the longest-running snowboard factory in the United States. By moving under the umbrella of Spring Capital, the manufacturer aims to transition into a new era of “patient growth” and sustainable innovation.  Founded in 1977, Mervin has long been a rebel in an industry that saw most production move offshore. While competitors shifted manufacturing to Asia, Mervin remained rooted in Sequim, Washington, tucked between the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.

Cosmetics & Pharmacy

L’Oréal-backed Chando files for Hong Kong IPO

Chinese beauty brand Chando has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong. Backed by L’Oréal, the 25-year-old cosmetics brand is seeking to go public despite facing profitability challenges. While Chando reports strong gross margins, its high marketing spend has led to profit fluctuations. The filing also highlights relatively low investment in research and development, accounting for around 2% of revenue, at a time when Chinese consumers are demanding more efficacy-driven products beyond traditional brand positioning. The IPO aims to support Chando’s growth and competitiveness in an increasingly sophisticated beauty market.

Amulet Brings Elite Performance to Women’s Hormonal Health

A new chapter in women’s health begins with the launch of Amulet, a science-backed hormonal health company designed to help women perform at their best every day, through every phase of life. The brand debuts with Daily Cycle Support, a biotechnology-powered supplement designed to support hormonal balance for women and promote energy, mood, strength, and cognitive performance throughout the entire menstrual cycle. Amulet, a Squared Circles company, is led by CEO Suzanne Stockbridge, a seasoned consumer health executive with experience scaling science-backed brands, and formerly GM of Oddity’s SpoiledChild.

Dollar Shave Club targets women’s grooming with disruptive new line

Dollar Shave Club has launched its first women’s grooming line, marking a new category expansion for the brand. The direct-to-consumer company is introducing a range of razors and shaving products for women, supported by a bold marketing campaign that positions the line as “anti-Venus, anti-Billie, anti-Flamingo.” CEO Larry Bodner described the offering as a departure from traditional “pink, sparkly, frilly” products typically marketed to women. The launch is backed by a multi-format campaign, including both a traditional video and an AI-generated ad, as the brand looks to stand out in the competitive women’s shaving market, estimated at US$1.8 billion.

Discounters & Department Stores

Walmart to remodel 650-plus stores in 2026; details new store growth

Walmart continues to invest in its stores as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize the in-store shopping experience and drive growth. The retail giant plans to remodel more than 650 supercenters and Neighborhood Markets in 2026, and open approximately 20 new locations this year and in early 2027. (In 2025, Walmart opened nine new stores across Alabama, California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, and Utah.) The 2026 remodeling schedule includes (but is not limited to) 72 stores in Texas, 58 in Florida, 56 in California, and 37 in North Carolina. The remodels and openings are part of Walmart’s 2024 commitment to open or convert more than 150 new, larger-format locations during the next five years while continuing to update its existing stores.

Dollar General’s media network rolls out AI store audio program

Dollar General is rolling out an updated, AI-backed in-store audio media network to about 6,000 locations through a new partnership with QSIC. The move will double the discount chain’s existing in-store audio presence and bring its total number of stores with audio capabilities to 12,000 in the second quarter of 2026, according to an April 13 press release. The QSIC in-store audio platform can help create curated music and AI-generated audio ads to deliver more targeted and timely messaging. “This platform allows us to deliver localized, real-time messaging at scale across the thousands of communities we serve – especially in underserved and often overlooked rural areas,” Austin Leonard, vice president and general manager of DG Media Network, said in a statement.

Emerging Consumer Companies

Lucille health, wellness brand for seniors, raises investment round

IRIS Ventures has announced its investment in Lucille, a science-backed senior nutrition company founded by Jess Haghani, dedicated to bringing joy, dignity, and high-quality nutrition to older adults. The company operates in the senior nutrition segment, one of the most meaningful yet underserved categories in consumer health. In the United States, the 75+ and 85+ populations are expected to grow by 45% and 100%, respectively, over the next decade, while the category remains largely dominated by legacy, ultra-processed products with limited innovation. Founded in 2025 after its founder experienced first-hand the lack of better-for-you nutritional options for her own grandmother, Lucille has developed high-protein, high-fiber shakes specifically designed around the nutritional needs and taste preferences of older adults.

Beauty brand AAVRANI acquired by Nivora Group

AAVRANI, the award-winning beauty brand known for translating ancient Indian rituals into clinically validated, prestige formulations has been acquired by Nivora Group, a consumer private equity firm. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2017 by Rooshy Roy and Justin Silver, AAVRANI built an early reputation for innovation by combining Ayurvedic ingredients with modern formulation standards and supported by scientific testing. The brand raised over $15 million in funding and launched in Sephora U.S. and Canada in 2024, helping introduce Ayurvedic beauty to the prestige retail landscape. “AAVRANI was created to bring credibility, rigor, and cultural respect to Ayurvedic beauty,” said Rooshy Roy, Co-Founder and CEO. “I’m proud of what we built and confident in Nivora’s ability to steward the brand forward.”

Sweet Chemistry secures $1.5M led by Imaginary Ventures

Sweet Chemistry, a science-driven bioactive skincare company, has raised $1.5 million in a funding round led by Imaginary Ventures, with participation from Sandbridge Capital and beauty industry veteran Carol Hamilton. The company, founded in collaboration with biomedical technology firm Xylyx Bio, developed skincare products featuring Matrikynes bone peptides — a patent-pending concentrate of over 315 bioactive matrikine peptides extracted from upcycled bovine bone. The technology promotes skin regeneration without harsh exfoliation.

Food & Beverage

Slice soda maker Suja Life files for IPO

Suja Life has filed for an initial public offering in the U.S., the wellness shot and cold-press juice maker said. The price of the offering hasn’t been disclosed. The company has applied to list its stock on the Nasdaq exchange under the symbol SUJA. The offering is through an Umbrella Partnership – C Corp., or Up-C, which allows the company’s original partners to maintain voting rights and certain tax benefits. The plan for a public offering comes as Suja reports a 26% increase in sales over the past year, driven by more consumers seeking healthier beverages with functional benefits. Suja owns its namesake juice brand, Vive Organic, and Slice Soda, which it relaunched as a better-for-you soda.

Conagra Brands names JM Smucker executive as new CEO

Conagra Brands named former J.M. Smucker executive John Brase as president and CEO, starting June 1. He will replace Sean Connolly, who has led the Slim Jim and Healthy Choice maker since 2015. Brase brings more than 35 years of experience in the consumer goods space, with expertise in managing portfolios, building brands, and boosting profitability, Conagra said. Most recently, he served as president and chief operating officer of J.M. Smucker. The change comes as Conagra and other food companies watch sales slide amid a pullback in consumer spending, a shift to healthier offerings, and uncertainty tied to the Make America Healthy Again movement.

White Claw owner buys celebrity-backed Finnish Long Drink

White Claw owner Mark Anthony Group has reached a deal to acquire ready-to-drink brand The Finnish Long Drink for an undisclosed amount, the company said on April 13th. The addition of Long Drink comes as Mark Anthony Group aims to double its global presence in the ready-to-drink segment. Mark Anthony Group, Long Drink’s distributor in Canada, plans to further expand the brand’s reach across North America. Long Drink launched in 2018 to bring Finland’s national drink, which is traditionally made with citrus soda and gin, to the U.S. The brand counts actor Miles Teller, golf pro Rickie Fowler, and DJ and producer Kygo as co-founders.

Tucson’s Whiskey Del Bac acquired by Florida-based company

Whiskey Del Bac, a whiskey brand that launched in Tucson in 2013, has been acquired by the Florida-based company No Sleep Beverage. According to a news release from No Sleep, Del Bac is one of three companies No Sleep has acquired for its portfolio. The other two are Nine Branded Whiskey out of Austin, Texas, and Ume Plum Liqueur out of New York City. Stephen Paul and his wife, Elaine Paul, started Whiskey Del Bac in 2013, in a building that once housed their furniture-making business, Arroyo Design. Whiskey Del Bac’s claim to fame is its use of a mesquite fire to dry the barley, giving it a distinct flavor.

Grocery & Restaurants

EIIC takes minority stake in Joe & The Juice

Abu Dhabi-based investment company Emirates International Investment Company (EIIC) has purchased a minority interest in Joe & The Juice, valuing the juice bar chain at $1.8bn. Global investment business General Atlantic remains the majority shareholder in Joe & The Juice. The new investment is intended to support the chain’s next phase of international expansion, including plans for faster rollout of new outlets in existing and new markets. The capital injection also strengthens Joe & The Juice’s existing ties with EIIC’s parent company National Holding Group. The company plans to draw on National Holding’s experience with global consumer and hospitality concepts as it enlarges its store network and develops its franchised portfolio. Founded in 2002, Joe & The Juice specialises in juices, coffee and sandwiches. The brand now operates more than 480 locations across 23 countries, including markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The business has also increased its focus on franchising, marking the opening of its 100th franchise site last year. The chain generated around $500m in revenue in 2025.

Home & Road

Somnigroup to acquire Leggett & Platt

Somnigroup International is set to acquire Leggett & Platt in a $2.5 billion all-stock transaction, a move that significantly expands its vertical integration strategy and further consolidates the global bedding industry. The companies said that they have signed a definitive agreement under which Leggett & Platt shareholders will receive 0.1455 shares of Somnigroup stock for each share they own, giving them about a 9% stake in the combined company. The deal — unanimously approved by both companies’ boards — is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. The agreement comes 14 months following Somnigroup acquired Mattress Firm. The acquisition will bring one of the industry’s largest and most diversified component suppliers under the Somnigroup umbrella, alongside Tempur Sealy, Mattress Firm and Dreams.

Hooker CEO talks strategic progress and pressures on the road ahead

Following a year of restructuring and margin improvement, Hooker Furnishings is moving into High Point Market with a leaner cost structure and a more focused portfolio, as executives say the path forward means meeting the challenges posed by macroeconomic uncertainty, tariffs and rising input costs. CEO Jeremy Hoff said on its most recent earnings call that the company’s major restructuring efforts are now largely behind it, pointing to the divestiture of Pulaski Furniture and Samuel Lawrence Furniture, along with significant cost reductions, as foundational strategic shifts. Those moves have lowered the company’s break-even point and improved its margin profile, positioning Hooker to generate stronger earnings even in a soft demand environment.

Jewelry & Luxury

Kering’s $3.9 billion quarter shows Gucci isn’t fixed yet

On April 14th, Kering reported first-quarter revenue of €3.57 billion, or roughly $3.9 billion, down 6% on a reported basis and flat on a comparable basis. The numbers point to stabilization at the group level, but the story remains unchanged. Gucci remains the problem, accounting for roughly 38% of Kering’s sales, and the turnaround is not materializing fast enough.  Gucci sales fell 8% on a comparable basis, missing expectations and dragging the broader fashion and leather goods division down 3%. On the call, CFO Armelle Poulou framed the results as early progress rather than a setback. “Stabilization represents an important first milestone and a further sequential improvement,” she said, noting the quarter was delivered “in a challenging and uncertain environment with low visibility and continued pressure on consumer confidence.”

LVMH reports €19.1 billion Q1 revenue amid geopolitical headwinds

LVMH has reported €19.1 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2026, delivering modest organic growth despite a challenging global environment. The luxury group recorded organic growth of 1%, with performance impacted by geopolitical disruption, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, which reduced growth by around 1%. Regionally, the U.S. saw a strong start to the year, while Europe and Japan remained resilient despite softer tourism, and Asia (excluding Japan) continued its recovery. By division, Watches & Jewelry led with 7% organic growth, followed by Wines & Spirits (+5%) and Selective Retailing (+4%), while Fashion & Leather Goods declined 2% and Perfumes & Cosmetics remained stable. Sephora continued to gain global market share, and key brands such as Dior, Guerlain, and Tiffany drove category performance through innovation and retail expansion.

Hermès Q1 revenue rises at constant rates, hit by currencies

Hermès has posted first-quarter 2026 revenue of €4.07bn ($4.80bn), up 6% at constant exchange rates but down 1% on a reported basis after a €290m currency drag. Regional performance was mixed. The Americas rose 17%, with Japan and Europe, excluding France, each rising 10%. France fell 3%, which the group attributed to lower tourist traffic linked to the situation in the Middle East. Asia excluding Japan edged up 2%, supported by local demand. The other region, largely the Middle East, declined 6% amid geopolitical developments affecting markets, including the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. Retail sales in company-operated stores increased 7% despite softer tourist activity.

Office & Leisure

‘Northgate’ Acquires Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground

Northgate Resorts, one of the nation’s leading outdoor hospitality companies, announced the acquisition of Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground, the only campground on Martha’s Vineyard. The property, located in Vineyard Haven, Mass., encompasses 180 campsites and rustic cabins just one and a half miles from the Vineyard Haven ferry terminal, according to a press release. Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground offers wooded, shaded sites with full hookups for RVs, tent-only campsites and cabin rentals. The deal adds to Northgate’s recent growth. The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company operates properties across the United States under brands including Jellystone Park, Camp Fimfo and Camp Margaritaville, along with independently branded campgrounds.

Aurora Acquires Safari Flower Co., Accelerating Global Medical Cannabis Leadership

Aurora Cannabis Inc., a Canadian-based leading global medical cannabis company, announced it has acquired Safari Flower Co., an established EU GMP-certified cannabis cultivator and manufacturer. Aggregate consideration is valued at $26.5 million, subject to customary adjustments, and inclusive of a cash payment of $2 million that is contingent on satisfaction of certain conditions.  Safari Flower Co.’s 59,000-square-foot, purpose-built EU GMP-certified indoor cultivation and manufacturing facility in Ontario, Canada, will provide the company with incremental capacity that is closely aligned with its existing cultivation and manufacturing sites.

Technology & Internet

Apple’s iPhone shipments in China surge 20% in first quarter, data shows

Apple’s iPhone shipments surged 20% in China in the first quarter, for the strongest growth among ⁠major vendors, despite an overall decline as rising prices of memory chips boosted costs, ​data from Counterpoint Research ​showed. Overall, smartphone shipments ​dropped 4% in the world’s largest smartphone market in the period from January to March, hit by supply chain disruptions and soaring ⁠chip ‌prices. But China’s two largest smartphone vendors, telecoms ⁠giant Huawei and Apple, bucked the trend, reporting growth of 2% and 20% respectively. “As most rivals raise prices, Apple stands out for value, with Chinese consumers knowing ‌its products last at least three years,” Ivan Lam, senior analyst at Counterpoint Research. Huawei’s shipments were lifted by strong ​demand across both its high-end and budget ranges, including the Enjoy 90 series, giving it a 20% market share in the quarter, Lam said. Huawei retained the top spot, ⁠followed by Apple with a share of 19%. Smartphone vendors in China have raised ‌prices for budget handsets to protect margins in ‌the battle with elevated memory chip costs.

Uber raises stake in Delivery Hero in $318 million deal

Uber on Friday agreed to purchase an additional 4.5% of shares of German food delivery firm Delivery Hero from the company’s biggest shareholder Prosus. Total gross proceeds to Prosus are approximately 270 million euros ($318 million), the company said. Uber will pay 20 euros a share, which is below Delivery Hero’s Thursday closing price following a 7% rally in the stock. However, it is a 22% premium to the 1-month average share price, Prosus said. The move comes after Prosus last year offered a deal to buy European food delivery giant Just Eat Takeaway.com for 4.1 billion euros. However, that acquisition ran into scrutiny from the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, which said it would approve the deal if Prosus significantly reduced its shareholding in Delivery Hero. Uber first took a stake in Delivery Hero when it purchased $300 million of newly-issued shares in 2024.

Finance & Economy

New York Fed President Williams worries war will slow growth, aggravate inflation

New York Fed President John Williams expressed concern on April 16th about the impact of the war in Iran on the economy, saying it has already shown signs of price increases and slowing growth. In a speech delivered to bankers in his home district, Williams noted that the conflict has “intensified the uncertainty” around national and local conditions. While he generally expressed confidence that growth would continue and inflation would ease throughout the year, he said there are threats to both sides of the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate for price stability and low unemployment.

Trump threatens to fire Powell if the Fed chair doesn’t leave office on his own

On April 15th, President Donald Trump again threatened to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and said the probe into the renovation of the central bank’s headquarters needs to continue. If Powell stays on as a Fed governor after his successor is confirmed, Trump said he’ll have him removed from office. “Then I’ll have to fire him,” the president said during an interview on Fox Business. “If he’s not leaving on time — I’ve held back firing him. I’ve wanted to fire him, but I hate to be controversial. I want to be uncontroversial.” Powell’s term as chair expires May 15, and Trump has nominated former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as his successor.

Wholesale prices rose 0.5% in March, much less than expected despite war impact

Producer prices rose in March, but by considerably less than expected, as the Iran war’s push on energy prices rekindled fears of another inflation burst. The producer price index, a gauge of pipeline costs for final demand goods and services, increased a seasonally adjusted 0.5% for the month, well below the Dow Jones consensus estimate for 1.1%, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report on April 14th. Excluding food and energy, core PPI was up just 0.1% against the forecast of 0.5%. The services side of inflation — a key focus for Federal Reserve policymakers — was flat in the month.