Consumer Confidence Hits New Heights & Resale Rises
Welcome to the inaugural edition of All Consuming, the latest dispatch from the Axcel team. At Axcel, understanding the pulse of growth consumer is central to everything we do. Each week, we'll highlight the key trends, partnerships, and innovations driving the growth consumer industry forward.
Deep Dive
A Surge in US Consumer Confidence: Recent data reveals US consumer sentiment has reached its highest level in nearly three years, a milestone that signals a robust economic optimism among consumers. This upswing is not just a number—it reflects a growing consumer willingness to spend, potentially shifting market dynamics in favor of both established and emerging brands. As disposable incomes feel less squeezed, brands have a unique window to engage consumers with innovative offerings and bold marketing strategies. The key takeaway here? Brands that align with consumer values and adapt to their evolving needs will likely see a significant advantage in capturing market share during this upbeat economic phase. Dive deeper into the sentiments shaping these trends here.
ThredUp’s Resale Report Unpacks Growth: ThredUp's annual report on the resale market sheds light on the explosive growth and potential of secondhand commerce. Noteworthy is the projection that the resale market is on track to double in the next five years, driven by a consumer shift towards more sustainable and value-driven shopping habits. This trend offers emerging brands a lucrative opportunity to leverage the circular economy, not just as a sustainability checkbox but as a core component of their business model and brand ethos. The report suggests that integrating resale mechanisms can enhance customer loyalty, attract a broader consumer base, and ultimately, contribute to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem. For brands looking to stay ahead, the message is clear: sustainability and circularity are no longer optional; they are essential to future-proofing your business. Check out the report for a comprehensive analysis here.
The Brief
BeautyCounter, a leader in clean beauty, expands into luxury perfumes, showcasing its commitment to safe and sustainable beauty solutions.
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga's vegan beauty brand, launches across Europe with Sephora, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy.
Blueground, a furnished rental startup, secures $45M in funding to redefine living spaces for urban nomads.
The Elder Statesman, a luxury fashion brand, receives investment from Emma and Jens Grede alongside the von Furstenbergs, highlighting its unique position in the market for high-end cashmere and artisanal products.
Canada Goose announces a 17% reduction in its corporate workforce, reflecting the challenges within the luxury outerwear market and the need for strategic adjustments.
Chiyo, a new startup focusing on postpartum nutrition, highlights the increasing attention to maternal health and wellness, offering innovative solutions for new mothers.
Aloha, a plant-based protein company, raises nearly $70M from SemCap, underlining the growing demand for sustainable and health-conscious food options.
Eight Sleep partners with tennis star Taylor Fritz, emphasizing the brand's focus on improving athletic performance through sleep technology.
Flex introduces a new line of products aimed at combating period odor naturally, showcasing innovation in the feminine hygiene space.
Thank you for tuning into this week's insights. Axcel's mission is to support the leaders of tomorrow's top consumer brands, and we're here for every step of your journey. Our team are not only experts in navigating the present market; we're dedicated to building lasting legacies, together. For partnership opportunities, strategic advice, or a simple chat about the market, don't hesitate to contact Patrick O'Quinn at patrick@axcelcp.com or Abigail Hitchcock at abigail@axcelcp.com.
Axcel is a boutique advisory firm dedicated to the emerging consumer sector. Originating from a leading consumer investment bank, our focus is on advising founder-led, digital-first brands. We offer transaction and strategic advisory services to some of the world's most promising consumer brands. Discover more at www.axcelcp.com.