The hottest Retail Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Finance Topics

Diamonds Aren’t Forever

The Bear Cave • 629 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Retail Market Trends Consumer behavior Jewelry Industry Analysis
  1. The diamond industry is in trouble because lab-grown diamonds are cheaper and just as good as natural ones. More people are choosing lab-grown diamonds over mined ones.
  2. Diamond prices are dropping fast, with reports showing sharp declines recently. Many buyers are frustrated with companies that refuse to lower their prices.
  3. Younger women are moving away from traditional mined diamonds. They find lab-grown options more reasonable and prefer spending money on experiences rather than expensive stones.

Shirts lookin' INKY!

Blackbird Spyplane • 1019 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Clothing Design Trends Style Retail
  1. James Coward has released an exclusive capsule collection that includes jackets and button-ups. The pieces are made with high-quality materials from a reputable mill.
  2. Canoe Club and Engineered Garments are launching their second collaboration featuring hooded jackets inspired by classic outdoor styles. These jackets are designed for comfort and practicality.
  3. A giveaway event is being held for four jackets from the Canoe Club x Engineered Garments collection. Interested participants can enter through a simple button click in the email.

When you cop on this level you gotta enter "Acquisition Armistice" mode

Blackbird Spyplane • 1238 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion Trends Retail Events
  1. Entering 'Acquisition Armistice' mode means taking a break after making big purchases. It's about enjoying what you have rather than constantly buying more.
  2. The Blackbird Spyplane x Obōz sneaker launch was a huge success, selling out quickly. It shows the strong connection with the community and the demand for unique products.
  3. The NYC trip included fun events, art, and a vibrant party scene. It was a great mix of culture and socializing, highlighting the city's creative energy.

This Is What Fairer Trade with China Looks Like

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1080 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade E-commerce Marketing Retail Economics
  1. There are differences in the tariffs that companies like Gap and H&M pay compared to platforms like Temu and Shein. This raises questions about fairness in trade practices.
  2. Brands like Shein and Temu are gaining a lot of attention through aggressive advertising on social media and other platforms.
  3. There is a culture emerging around 'haul' videos, where influencers showcase their purchases from these low-cost retailers, promoting consumerism.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Problems at Signet Jewelers (SIG)

The Bear Cave • 559 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💼 Business Retail E-commerce Consumer Trends Market Analysis Branding
  1. Lab-grown diamonds are becoming very popular, especially among younger couples, because they are cheaper and ethically sourced. Many people prefer them over traditional mined diamonds.
  2. Signet Jewelers, a major diamond retailer, is facing challenges as the market shifts towards lab-grown diamonds. They are trying to promote mined diamonds through a new advertising campaign aimed at younger customers.
  3. The diamond industry has a lot of hidden information and marketing tricks that make it hard to understand the true value of diamonds. An expert is now sharing insights to help clear up the confusion.

What happened in marketing: Amazon dethrones Walmart, NikeSKIMS & Big Tech vs EU

The Social Juice • 24 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing E-commerce Advertising Retail Digital Media
  1. Amazon has now surpassed Walmart in quarterly revenue, making it a leader in sales with $187.8 billion. This is the first time Amazon has taken the top spot over Walmart.
  2. Nike has joined forces with SKIMS to launch a new brand aimed at women, which shows their effort to attract new customers and expand their market.
  3. Big Tech companies are facing challenges in Europe, as governments push for stricter regulations, impacting how these companies operate in the region.

When Personalization Feels Fake: Starbucks’ Cup Messages, AI, and the Quest for Genuine Connection

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Customer Experience Branding Retail Consumer behavior
  1. Starbucks' new initiative to have baristas write messages on cups seemed nice but felt forced and scripted. Customers want genuine interactions, not corporate mandates.
  2. Personalization in marketing works best when it's real and meets customer expectations. If customers feel it's fake or too much, it can harm trust and satisfaction.
  3. AI can help personalize experiences, but it can also make customers uneasy if they feel their privacy is being invaded. The key is to balance tech use with genuine human connections.

UPDATE: The truth about Target 

Popular Information • 11556 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Retail Senators Statistics Crime
  1. Target closed stores due to theft, but data showed lower levels of theft in those locations.
  2. Retailers like Target may be using theft to cover up other issues affecting their businesses.
  3. The cost of organized retail crime is a small fraction of total retail losses, with operational errors and employee theft accounting for the majority of shrink.

❄️ How Deer Valley turns $329 lift tickets into a love letter to skiers and the romance of the West ⛷️

the case for brand 💼 • 58 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Retail Strategy Hospitality
  1. Deer Valley Ski Resort focuses on providing a luxury experience by offering premium services and a limited number of tickets. This makes their skiing experience feel exclusive.
  2. Their marketing emphasizes storytelling and nostalgia, which helps them connect with their guests on a deeper level. They want visitors to feel like they're part of a special tradition.
  3. Deer Valley stays true to its unique identity by avoiding snowboards and promoting an image of an independent, family-owned resort, even though it's part of a larger corporation.

💥Leaky Container💥

PETITION • 2456 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💰 Finance Stocks Retail Investing Company analysis Economy
  1. The post discusses underperforming retailers like The Container Store Inc. ($TCS) specializing in storage solutions.
  2. The Container Store Inc. is known for its premium pricing compared to competitors for products like coat hangers and laundry baskets.
  3. The company's history involves acquisitions by PE firm Leonard Green and Partners LP and an IPO in 2013.

2,800 jobs to go...

Off to Lunch • 1356 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💼 Business Economy Industry Politics Environment Retail
  1. Tata Steel is cutting 2,800 jobs in the UK by closing two blast furnaces to shift to electric arc furnaces.
  2. The job cuts are part of a plan to reduce carbon emissions and transform the Port Talbot facility into a center for green steelmaking.
  3. The UK faces a significant drop in retail sales, potentially signaling a risk of falling into a recession.

Black Friday - Happy Birthday sale

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
💼 Business Sales Marketing E-commerce Subscriptions Retail
  1. There is a special sale going on for Black Friday and a birthday celebration, offering 38% off subscriptions until December 8th. It's a fun way to mark the occasion and give people a discount.
  2. Readers can also support through one-time donations on various platforms like Ko-Fi or Patreon. There are flexible options for those who want to contribute.
  3. Gift subscriptions are available, making it an ideal present for anyone interested in computer ads or a fun way to share unique content. It's a thoughtful holiday gift for a nerdy friend.

Yassified Walmart?

Snaxshot • 459 implied HN points • 03 May 24
💼 Business Retail Marketing Food
  1. Foxtrot Market details and liquidation discussed in this post.
  2. Bettergoods described as Yassified Walmart, with comparisons to Erewhon and hypebeast grocers.
  3. Coverage of Crunchy teens crusade against BigFood and curation of new products.

The Bank of Starbucks

Of All Trades • 9 implied HN points • 27 May 25
💼 Business Finance Retail Economics Marketing Technology
  1. Starbucks makes a lot of money, earning about $36 billion in revenue in 2024. This shows that their business is not just about coffee, but also a serious finance player.
  2. By allowing customers to load money onto their app for purchases, Starbucks essentially acts like a bank. They hold this money without needing to give customers cash back, making it a profitable system for them.
  3. Starbucks holds more customer deposits than about 80% of U.S. banks, even though it's primarily a coffee company. This highlights how big their banking-like system has become in the consumer market.

Foxtrot Market Ceases Operations

Snaxshot • 419 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
💼 Business Retail
  1. Foxtrot Market has ceased operations, which is a developing story.
  2. There is a need for a 7-day free trial to access more details about the situation.
  3. The closure of Foxtrot Market is a significant loss, impacting stores, employees, and staff.

Can Foxtrot Market Be Redeemed?

Snaxshot • 219 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💼 Business Retail Redemption Analysis
  1. The post discusses the topic of whether Foxtrot Market can be redeemed, sharing a mix of anger, doubts, and hope.
  2. The author received a lot of messages about the Foxtrot Market post, leading to the decision to delay the scheduled issue to focus on this topic.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers of Snaxshot, emphasizing support for deep dives, curation, and news commentary.

Why brand comes first

The Sociology of Business • 657 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💼 Business Brand Management Organizational Design Marketing Retail Product Design
  1. Short-term thinking in brand-building focuses on quick sales, leading to discount-dependency, while long-term prioritizes full-funnel strategy and brand desirability.
  2. Brand strategy goes beyond marketing, involving product design, retail, and cultural influence for modern retail success.
  3. Brand management emphasizes organizational cooperation, cultural awareness, and coordination across departments to renew brand perception and maintain relevance.

The Retail Piggybacking Edition

Why is this interesting? • 723 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Retail Brand Design Art
  1. Sir Paul Smith discovered Aesop deodorant during his travels and appreciates the brand's growth near his stores, showing a positive outlook on retail piggybacking.
  2. Collaboration between stores serving the same customer base can create a positive synergy benefiting all, contrary to a strategy of spiteful competition.
  3. Over-association with another brand can potentially impact the image and story of an independent brand negatively, as seen in Aesop's evolution and potential risks for Sir Paul Smith's brand.

"I'll Never Sell A Share"

TSOH Investment Research Service • 687 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
💼 Business Retail Company strategy Expansion
  1. Costco's strategy of providing quality goods and services at low prices has contributed to its ongoing success and growth.
  2. The Executive Membership program at Costco, where members spend 3x more, has significantly impacted the company's revenue streams.
  3. Costco's focus on customer loyalty and satisfaction through programs like Executive Membership has created a positive cycle of increased spending and adoption.

❄️ 🍅 Une Française va diriger une boîte du Nasdaq

Snowball • 668 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
💼 Business Startups Stock Market Economy Tech Retail
  1. A French woman will lead a company on the Nasdaq, reflecting increasing diversity in leadership roles.
  2. The potential impacts of a $100 per barrel oil price include considerations on the US strategic oil reserve.
  3. The microlearning market aims to revamp traditional education models, offering opportunities for individuals to benefit and innovate.

💥One down, eleven to go...💥

PETITION • 334 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Bankruptcy Legal Finance Retail Consulting
  1. Recent bankruptcies in the corporate sector include companies like Humanigen Inc., Audacy Inc., and Eye Care Leaders.
  2. GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2024 due to financial struggles and liquidity issues.
  3. In Rite Aid's bankruptcy case, issues arise regarding store closures, conflicts over lease rejections, and negotiations with stakeholders.

🟧 Is boutique a bad word?

One Thing • 217 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Retail Internet Art Aesthetics
  1. The concept of a boutique has evolved from locally-owned stores with unique goods to a term that is overused and often diluted in online advertising.
  2. Boutiques represent a curated taste experience, but their high prices can make them exclusive and inaccessible to many customers.
  3. The internet provides opportunities for boutique-style businesses to reach wider audiences, but it lacks the physical charm and surprise of an in-person boutique.