The Commerce Brief: Fri 4th July

Welcome to another exciting week in the world of eCommerce and retail 🛍️

🗓️ This week’s industry updates

🚗 SEPHORA x Lyft
SEPHORA has partnered with Lyft on a new initiative, “Delivered to Beauty,” offering $20 ride credit to stores. Shoppers also get $10 off in-store purchases over $50 and access to expert beauty advice during the four-day event. (source)

🤝 Zalando x ABOUT YOU
The European Commission has approved Zalando’s €1.2 billion takeover of ABOUT YOU. The deal consolidates Zalando’s dominance in fashion eCommerce across Europe. (source)

💸 SHEIN Fined in France
SHEIN has been fined €40 million by France’s Ministry of Economy for deceptive pricing practices. The platform is also reportedly preparing for a confidential IPO in Hong Kong. (source 1) (source 2)

📱 UAE Tops Mobile Shopping
The UAE has emerged as the world’s #1 mobile shopping market, with 67% of consumers shopping via smartphones, according to the 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index. (source)

🧠 H&M’s AI Models Debut
H&M has released its first set of AI-generated models, created in partnership with real-life models who maintain rights over their digital twins. (source)

💇 L’Oréal Acquires Color Wow
L’Oréal is acquiring Color Wow, a billion-dollar haircare brand known for innovation and rapid growth. Terms remain undisclosed. (source)

🌍 ASOS Launches Loyalty Scheme
ASOS World has officially launched in the UK, giving members early access to edits, back-in-stock alerts, exclusive events, and early sale previews. (source)

📈 Sainsbury’s Market High
Sainsbury’s has achieved its highest market share since 2016, with Q1 sales up 4.9% and customer satisfaction surging by 7.4 percentage points. (source)

🧠 MANGO Launches AI Stylist
MANGO has debuted an AI-powered virtual assistant to help customers with personalized styling advice and post-purchase tracking. (source)

👗 Asda Targets Fashion Dominance
Asda is doubling down on its George brand, aiming to surpass Primark in UK fashion retail. A new standalone George concept store has opened in Leeds.(source)

🇺🇸 Primark Expands in US
Primark continues its U.S. growth by opening its first store in Tennessee next month. (source)

💻 Currys Profits Surge
Currys plc has posted a 37% increase in full-year adjusted pre-tax profits, reaching £162 million, reflecting strong operational performance. (source)

📺 John Lewis Boosts Retail Media
The John Lewis Partnership has teamed up with Epsilon to extend its retail media capabilities across external platforms, including streaming services and digital ad networks, powered by first-party data. (source)

The Commerce Brief