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MARCH 13, 2026 |
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In this edition: |
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TOP STORY |
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Korean beauty products have quickly become mainstays on everything from social media to personal routines, and they're now showing up on grocery store shelves. |
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While US beauty sales have slowed, K-beauty is its bright spot. US cosmetics and beauty retail sales will increase 4.6% this year, down from 5.4% growth in 2025, EMARKETER forecasts. |
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IN THE NEWS |
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ChatGPT pivots to third-party apps in checkout retreat. OpenAI’s new strategy reduces the technical burden on the company while increasing the friction required to make a purchase. |
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McDonald’s and other QSRs double down on value. McDonald’s is escalating the quick-service restaurant (QSR) value wars with a new menu featuring items priced at $3 and under, alongside $4 breakfast meal deals, per The Wall Street Journal. |
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Dick’s is rapidly expanding Foot Locker’s new concept. The format emphasizes clearer brand storytelling, improved product presentation, and a more curated assortment, achieved in part by removing roughly 30% of underproductive styles from the shoe wall. |
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ANALYSIS |
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Email marketers are bracing for change as Google rolls out AI-powered tools for Gmail. Gmail now allows free subscribers to use AI Overviews to summarize emails. Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers also have the ability to ask AI Overviews questions about their inbox. Yahoo introduced AI-powered summary features in late 2024. |
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QUIZ |
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What is distinct about the packaging for Clean Cult soaps and detergents? |
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A) Bubble-shaped bottles B) They come in 8-packs C) Paper-based cartons D) Fluorescent green caps |
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