The Commerce Brief: Fri 6th June

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

🗓️ This week’s industry updates

🗺️ ZARA’s City Guide Content Strategy
ZARA has launched digital city trip guides in its app - blending travel tips with style inspiration. It’s a sharp move in content marketing that builds utility while staying fashion-forward. (source)

🚁 Deliveroo Tests Drone Deliveries in Dublin
The company has begun trials to explore how drone delivery can expand reach into suburban and harder-to-serve areas, aiming for super-fast delivery and new customer acquisition. (source)

📱 Holland & Barrett Launches Wellness App
Their new digital platform, H&B&Me, offers users personalised 21-day health plans, biological age tracking, and AI-powered lifestyle coaching. A key part of their experience-led transformation. (source)

😎 Debenhams Sees Summer Sales Spike Amid Revenue Drop
Despite a 16% YoY revenue decline to £1.22bn, summer categories like SPF and sunglasses surged triple digits, lifting seasonal sales by 500%. The group is now seeking up to £175M in refinancing. (source)

📉 Dr. Martens Raises FY26 Profit Outlook
The brand is forecasting stronger future profits after restoring business stability - despite continued revenue and profit declines in the current full year. (source)

🌍 Hamleys Opens First Store in Kuwait
The iconic toy retailer now has nine stores across the Gulf region, with Kuwait joining its growing presence in the Middle East. (source)

🐾 Pets at Home Rolls Out Loyalty Pricing
New “Pets Club Pricing” introduces exclusive member offers - part of a wider promotional overhaul designed to reinforce loyalty and value. (source)

🤖 Benefit Cosmetics Doubles Down on AI + Data
With a full marketing restructure, Benefit launched a Connected Consumer division to build a smarter, AI-driven customer journey. In Dec 2024, it piloted WhatsApp conversational commerce in partnership with OpenAI. (source)

🛫 WHSmith Travel Division Up +7%
In the 13 weeks to 31 May, WHSmith reported solid growth driven by continued demand in its travel business. (source)

🏬 TOPSHOP to Return to Physical Retail
The brand has confirmed plans to relaunch permanent standalone shops, marking a strategic comeback in brick-and-mortar fashion. (source)

🛍️ ASOS Launched Immersive London Pop-Up
From 4–5 June, ASOS hosted a pop-up on London’s Tottenham Court Road, featuring curated edits and immersive brand experiences to deepen offline engagement. (source)

The Commerce Brief