Fashion Accessories
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a.k.a. Brands Introduces its Platform, which Acquires and Accelerates Growth of Direct-to-Consumer Fashion Brands

Holly B. Martin

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 1, 2021–

a.k.a. Brands (the “Company”; “a.k.a.”) is a value-add platform focused on acquiring and accelerating the growth of next-generation, digitally-native fashion brands targeting Gen Z and Millennial customers. a.k.a. scales founder-led brands and helps them access new geographic markets and customers to grow to their full potential. The current a.k.a. portfolio consists of three brands: Princess Polly, Petal & Pup and Rebdolls, each catering to a unique customer with a curated assortment of on-trend, affordable fashion.

“Today’s consumer gets fashion inspiration from social media and influencers. A new generation of social brands is emerging to cater to every style and audience. But, many of these founder-led brands struggle to scale. That’s where a.k.a. can help,” said Jill Ramsey, CEO of a.k.a. Brands. “With the power of our platform, brands leverage our retail partner relationships, access the expertise of our seasoned management team and proven

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Beauty & Fashion
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Report: Unilever Picks Credit Suisse for Beauty Brands Sale | The Business of Beauty

Holly B. Martin

Unilever Plc is planning to sell a portfolio of non-core beauty brands in the US and Europe as it continues with its divestment program, people familiar with the matter said.

The company is working with Credit Suisse Group AG on a potential disposal of the assets, which have combined annual sales of around $600 million, according to the people. No final decisions have been made on the size or timing of any sale, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private.

Unilever is also working on a sale or spinoff of its tea business, the people said. That process could kick off in the coming months, according to the people. During a third-quarter results call in October, Unilever management said the separation of the tea business was expected to conclude by the end of 2021.

Representatives for Unilever and Credit Suisse declined to comment.

Unilever

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American Beauty
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Must Read: Nordstrom’s Response to Calls for More Black-Owned Brands, CFDA Introduces ‘American Collections Calendar’

Holly B. Martin
nordstrom-delayed-anniversary-sale

These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Friday.

How Nordstrom responded to the call to stock more Black-owned brands
When consumers and activist groups like Pull Up for Change and the 15 Percent Pledge called on retailers to stock more Black-owned brands, Nordstrom made it a priority, Pull Up for Change and Uoma Beauty founder Sharon Chuter tells Business of Fashion‘s Chantal Fernandez. The department store is focusing on growing its relationships with Black- and Lantinx-owned companies, viewing it as an opportunity to serve its existing customer demands, help scale growing brands and expand its reach to new consumer demographics. {Business of Fashion}

The CFDA re-names show schedule to ‘American Collections Calendar’
On Friday, CFDA Chairman Tom Ford announced the re-naming of the show schedule to the “American Collections Calendar.” “While the CFDA will continue to encourage

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Beauty & Fashion
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Ulta Beauty Doubles Its Black-Owned Brands

Holly B. Martin

On February 2, Ulta Beauty announced its plans to double the number of Black-owned brands they sell by the end of 2021. This move is in alignment with Black History Month, gearing to further support small Black-owned businesses and black artists.

Diversifying the shelves of the nation’s largest beauty retailer does not come at a cheap price. The beauty store will be dropping a hefty $25 million to make it happen! Ulta will be spending roughly $20 million on media investments across multi-cultural platforms “to create more personal connections with LatinX, Black, and other communities, more than doubling the

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