LAWSON vs Nordstrom

Notice Regarding Unauthorized Use of Our Email Server and the Transmission of Suspicious Emails

Lawson announced on 2026.10.01 that there was unauthorized use of its email server leading to the transmission of suspicious emails.

Japanese Convenience Stores Use AI to Create Novel Snacks

Japanese convenience store chains Lawson and FamilyMart are using AI in contrasting ways to develop new snack products. Lawson employs generative AI without sales data, using only the abstract prompt 'What on earth is this? But it's delicious' to generate unconventional ideas like a lemon-pickle tart. This led to three products launching in September 2026 in the Tokyo area. FamilyMart, on the other hand, feeds its AI with extensive point-of-sale data, analyzing past sales and product attributes to predict successful combinations, resulting in a sweet potato canelé. This data-driven approach reduces concept development time by about 20%. Both companies retain human oversight for final product decisions, highlighting AI's role as an idea generator rather than autonomous creator. This pragmatic integration in Japan contrasts with Western regulatory debates, showcasing AI's practical application in retail product development.

• Lawson launched three AI-generated snacks in September 2026 in the Tokyo area, including a lemon-pickle tart, a red bean paste bun, and a parfait salad.
• Lawson's AI was given the prompt 'What on earth is this? But it's delicious' without any sales or historical data.
• FamilyMart used point-of-sale data to develop a sweet potato canelé, which is now available nationwide.

Scarlett Johansson's Beauty Brand The Outset Winds Down

Scarlett Johansson's vegan skincare brand, The Outset, has announced it is winding down operations, according to a message on its website. The brand, co-founded with Kate Foster Lengyel in 2022, initially launched as a direct-to-consumer venture before securing retail partnerships with Sephora, Amazon, and Nordstrom. The closure is attributed to a lack of prominent celebrity endorsement, as Johansson deliberately stayed out of the spotlight in marketing efforts. Industry expert JP Kuehlwein of Columbia Business School notes that celebrity brands typically rely on the founder's visibility for success, and The Outset's low-profile approach undermined its credibility and consumer interest. Existing orders will still be processed, and products may remain available at retail partners while stock lasts. The brand did not respond to requests for comment, and official closure details have not been released.

• The Outset, Scarlett Johansson's skincare brand, announced it is winding down operations.
• The brand was co-founded by Scarlett Johansson and Kate Foster Lengyel in 2022.
• The Outset launched as a DTC brand and later partnered with Sephora, Amazon, and Nordstrom.

Nordstrom's NYC pop-up The Corner Market adds gourmet foods

Nordstrom's New York City flagship store has transformed its pop-up space, The Corner, into The Corner Market, a gourmet food and pantry shop featuring products from over 50 local and global brands including Fishs Eddy, Fishwife, and Monte's Fine Foods. The space, which opened in late September and runs through October 10, offers housewares, pantry staples, and hosting supplies, with a focus on luxury gifting. Customers can create personalized gift boxes starting at $20. This is part of Nordstrom's strategy to evolve its pop-up concept beyond fashion, following past collaborations with Nike, Skims, and Adidas. The move reflects the retailer's broader effort to expand its services and offerings, and follows a 7% year-over-year sales increase in 2025.

• Nordstrom's NYC pop-up The Corner Market features gourmet foods and housewares from over 50 brands.
• The pop-up opened in late September 2026 and will remain open through Oct. 10, 2026.
• Custom gift boxes start at $20 with options including wood boxes and engraving.

Rent the Runway Appoints Paige Thomas as CEO

Rent the Runway has promoted Chief Commercial Officer Paige Thomas to CEO, effective Monday. Thomas, a Nordstrom alum, succeeds interim CEO Teri Bariquit, who becomes non-executive board chair. The announcement came as the company released Q2 results showing sales growth and narrowed losses. Total revenue rose nearly 21% year-over-year to $97.7 million, while active subscribers declined to 140,826. Gross margin expanded to 36.1%, and net loss shrank to $12.9 million. Thomas aims to accelerate the company's transformation rather than change direction.

• Paige Thomas promoted to CEO of Rent the Runway, effective Monday.
• Teri Bariquit, former interim CEO, appointed non-executive board chair.
• Q2 total revenue rose nearly 21% year-over-year to $97.7 million.