Core Insights - Ulta Beauty, Inc. has announced its first store opening in the United Arab Emirates, set to debut at Mall of the Emirates on January 29, in partnership with Alshaya Group [1] - The UAE store will follow the opening of Ulta's first Middle East store in Kuwait, which launched in November 2025 [1] - The company plans to expand further in the region with additional stores at Dubai Mall and Red Sea Mall in Jeddah later in 2026 [2] Product Offering - The UAE store will feature a wide range of products including makeup, skincare, hair care, fragrance, and beauty services [2] - The curated assortment will include products from both prestige and emerging brands, featuring names such as Ulta Beauty Collection, Ôrəbella, Morphe, Polite Society, and LolaVie [2][3] - Global brands like Peter Thomas Roth and RMS will also be available alongside local labels [3] Events and Promotions - Ulta Beauty will host pre-launch and launch-week events that include live demonstrations and appearances by regional founders [4] - The opening day will feature an appearance by actress Nadine Njeim, founder of Nadine Njeim Beauty, with events scheduled from January 30 to February 7 [4] - These events will include product demonstrations and showcases of local entrepreneurs [4] Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Ulta Beauty shares increased by 0.79%, trading at $687.16 [5]

Core Insights - Ulta Beauty, Inc. has announced its first store opening in the United Arab Emirates, set to debut at Mall of the Emirates on January 29, in partnership with Alshaya Group [1] - The UAE store will follow the opening of Ulta's first Middle East store in Kuwait, which launched in November 2025 [1] - The company plans to expand further in the region with additional stores at Dubai Mall and Red Sea Mall in Jeddah later in 2026 [2] Product Offering - The UAE store will feature a wide range of products including makeup, skincare, hair care, fragrance, and beauty services [2] - The curated assortment will include products from both prestige and emerging brands, such as Ulta Beauty Collection, Ôrəbella, Morphe, Polite Society, and LolaVie [2] - Global brands like Peter Thomas Roth and RMS will also be available alongside local labels [3] Events and Promotions - Ulta Beauty will host pre-launch and launch-week events featuring live demonstrations and appearances by regional founders [4] - The opening day will feature an appearance by actress Nadine Njeim, founder of Nadine Njeim Beauty [4] - Events from January 30 to February 7 will include product demonstrations and showcases of local entrepreneurs [4] Company Performance - Following the announcement, Ulta Beauty shares increased by 0.79%, trading at $687.16 [5]

Core Insights - Ulta Beauty is set to enter the UAE market with its first store opening at Mall of the Emirates on January 29, 2026, in partnership with Alshaya Group, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy [1][5] Group 1: Company Expansion - The opening in the UAE follows Ulta Beauty's first store launch in Kuwait on November 7, 2025, and will be succeeded by additional stores in Dubai Mall and Red Sea Mall in Jeddah [1][5] - Ulta Beauty aims to enhance its presence in the Middle East with further store openings planned, including Dubai Mall on March 27, 2026, and Red Sea Mall on May 7, 2026 [5] Group 2: Product Offering - The Mall of the Emirates store will feature a comprehensive beauty destination, offering a wide range of products including makeup, skincare, hair care, and fragrance from both prestige and emerging brands [2] - Exclusive US brands such as Ulta Beauty Collection, Ôrbella, and Morphe will be available alongside global favorites like Peter Thomas Roth and RMS, as well as new local brands [2] Group 3: Launch Events - To celebrate its UAE debut, Ulta Beauty will host a series of prelaunch and launch week events, featuring regional beauty brand founders and live demonstrations [3][4] - The launch will include appearances by notable figures such as actress Nadine Njeim and singer Balqees Fathi, enhancing community engagement and brand visibility [3][4] Group 4: Partnership and Leadership - Alshaya Group's CEO John Hadden expressed pride in partnering with Ulta Beauty, emphasizing the significance of this launch for their beauty portfolio and customer experience in the region [5] - Ulta Beauty's President Kecia Steelman highlighted the UAE launch as a milestone in their Middle East expansion, focusing on creating a unique beauty experience [5][6]

Core Insights - DELIVER Middle East is set to debut in Dubai on January 21-22, 2026, focusing on retail, commerce, and supply chain leaders, supported by DP World as the Headline Sponsor and Launch Partner [1] - The event aims to fill a critical gap in the Middle East's logistics and commerce landscape, bringing together over 200 senior retail executives from prominent brands [2][3] - The matchmaking model will facilitate one-to-one meetings between retailers and solution providers, enhancing efficiency and relevance in interactions [4] Event Structure - The launch agenda will feature influential leaders discussing the transformation of retail and supply chain in the region, including topics like digital acceleration in luxury and practical supply chain roadmaps for net-zero ambitions [5][6] - Day Two will include senior-level roundtables addressing leadership themes such as last-mile transformation and automation in the workforce [8] Networking Opportunities - An exclusive invitation-only day on January 20 will precede the main event, featuring the DELIVER Elite Dinner for high-impact conversations among industry leaders [9] - Attendees will have the opportunity to tour DP World’s Jebel Ali Port, showcasing advanced logistics ecosystems and sustainable innovations [10] Awards and Community Engagement - The event will conclude with the DELIVER Vendor Awards, recognizing innovative supply chain and logistics partners, voted on by attending retailers [11] - The second day will feature a Women in Retail Breakfast, fostering connections among women leaders in the retail and logistics sectors [12]

Core Insights - Ulta Beauty, Inc. is recognized as one of the best-performing retail stocks in 2025, with UBS reaffirming a Buy rating and a price target of $680 due to strong third-quarter results and consistent demand in the beauty category [1] - The company is expected to benefit from a more rational competitive environment, particularly with reduced rivalry from Sephora, which could enhance comparable sales by 100-200 basis points in 2026 [2] - Ulta Beauty is expanding its international presence with the launch of its first Middle Eastern store in Kuwait, in collaboration with Alshaya Group, featuring over 300 beauty and wellness products [3] Company Overview - Ulta Beauty, Inc. operates as a specialty beauty retailer in the U.S., with more than 1,445 retail stores across 50 states, offering a wide range of skincare, hair care, cosmetics, perfumes, and salon services [4]

Core Insights - Ulta Beauty is expanding its international presence by opening its first store in the Middle East, located at The Avenues in Kuwait, set to open on November 7, 2025 [1][3] - The store will feature a dynamic assortment of over 300 beauty and wellness brands, including both established U.S. brands and emerging local brands [3][4] - Following the Kuwait opening, Ulta Beauty plans to open additional stores in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in early 2026 [4] Company Overview - Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty beauty retailer in the U.S., with approximately 1,500 stores nationwide and a focus on providing a comprehensive beauty experience [6] - The company has a strategy of expanding internationally through partnerships, including a joint venture in Mexico and a franchise in the Middle East [6][10] - Ulta Beauty's business model emphasizes a wide range of products and services, including cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and salon services, all under one roof [6]

Updated 3:08 p.m. EST on Nov. 4 LONDON — Fashion and food may not make such a good couple after all, according to Primark’s owner Associated British Foods, which is considering separating the businesses to unlock long-term value for shareholders. More from WWD As part of its annual results statement on Tuesday, ABF revealed that the board is working with Rothschild & Co. on a “review of the group structure, with a view to maximizing long-term value.” It said that while no decision has been made, the outc ...

Core Insights - Chipotle Mexican Grill has entered a joint venture with SPC Group to open its first restaurants in South Korea and Singapore in 2026, marking its first expansion into Asia [3][4] - The partnership aims to leverage Chipotle's brand awareness and the growing demand for fast, real food in these markets, which are seen as ideal entry points for the brand [4][5] - Chipotle has a history of cultural relevance in Korea, with notable endorsements from K-Pop artists, which may facilitate its acceptance in the new markets [5][6] Company Expansion Strategy - Chipotle has signed multiple international development agreements, including a deal with Alshaya Group for the Middle East and a partnership with Alsea for expansion into Mexico, both set to open in 2026 [7] - The company currently operates over 3,800 restaurants across various countries, including Canada, the UK, France, and Germany, and plans to open between 315 and 345 new locations in the U.S. and Canada this year [8] - Chipotle's long-term goal is to operate 7,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada, indicating a strong focus on growth and market penetration [8] About Chipotle and SPC Group - Chipotle is committed to serving responsibly sourced, real food without artificial ingredients, and has a workforce of over 130,000 employees dedicated to customer experience [10] - SPC Group, with over 80 years of history, operates 7,000 stores globally and has successfully introduced various global brands to the Korean market, showcasing its expertise in brand development [11]

Core Insights - Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) is expanding its franchise operations into Asia for the first time, partnering with SPC Group to open restaurants in South Korea and Singapore by 2026 [1][9] - The partnership with SPC Group provides Chipotle with supply chain access, operational support, and local market knowledge, which will help mitigate execution risks associated with global expansion [2][9] - This expansion into Asia is seen as a significant long-term growth opportunity for Chipotle, potentially serving as a revenue diversification engine [3] Expansion Initiatives - Chipotle is committed to its long-term growth strategy by enhancing food quality and hospitality while minimizing expenses [4] - In Q2 of fiscal 2025, Chipotle opened 61 new restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, including 47 Chipotlanes, and aims for 315 to 345 new openings for the year [5] - The company is also expanding internationally through partnerships, including collaboration with Alsea in Mexico and Alshaya Group in the Middle East, with openings expected in early 2026 and late 2025, respectively [5][9] Market Performance - CMG shares have declined by 22.7% over the past six months, contrasting with a 12.7% rise in the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry [6] - Factors such as weakening consumer confidence, tariff pressures, and high expenses are noted as concerns for the company [6] - Chipotle plans to leverage digital programs to enhance customer access and convenience moving forward [6]

Core Insights - MySize, Inc. has acquired ShoeSize.Me, a European SaaS company specializing in AI-powered footwear sizing solutions, to enhance its B2B and technology portfolio [1][2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition is structured primarily as a share deal, with MySize issuing 241,093 shares and a cash payment of $150,000 to the sellers of ShoeSize.Me [5] - ShoeSize.Me serves over 20 fashion retailers, including key clients like Alshaya Group, and is projected to exceed €0.5 million in SaaS revenues in 2025 [2][3] Group 2: Strategic Implications - This acquisition aligns with MySize's strategy to consolidate its position in the fashion tech industry by integrating ShoeSize.Me under the Naiz Fit umbrella, creating a unified platform for sizing and fit solutions across apparel and footwear [2][3][4] - The combined data assets from ShoeSize.Me, which include analysis of over 92 million consumer shopping experiences and 1.2 million shoe models, will enhance MySize's data strategy and product innovation capabilities [3][4] Group 3: Market Positioning - MySize aims to redefine consumer fit experiences and help retailers reduce returns and improve margins through the integration of ShoeSize.Me's technology [4] - The acquisition is part of MySize's broader strategy to identify and acquire synergistic businesses that strengthen its SaaS portfolio and data assets, positioning the company as a key technology consolidator in the fashion e-commerce sector [4]