Mintel vs Placer.ai

Carter's Brand Refresh Targets Gen Z and Millennial Parents

Carter's has unveiled its first major brand refresh since 2000, aimed at appealing to Gen Z and millennial parents. The refresh includes a new logo (with an apostrophe replaced by a shooting star), a new visual identity, and a brand commitment: 'to let every child's light shine.' The accompanying 'Watch Them Glow' campaign launched on September 16, 2026, features a 60-second commercial on CTV platforms like Nexxen, Roku, Disney+, and Hulu, as well as digital and social channels. The campaign emphasizes self-expression and individuality, supported by Pew Research data. Carter's also introduced a creator program called 'Light Makers' with up to 15 Glow Grants in the first year. The rebrand follows new CEO Sharon Price John's appointment and increased marketing spend, contributing to a 5% net sales increase in Q2 2026. Partnerships with Outward Bound and Boys & Girls Clubs of America support children and families.

• Carter's launched its first major brand refresh since 2000, including a new logo, visual identity, and brand commitment: 'to let every child's light shine.'
• The 'Watch Them Glow' campaign launched on September 16, 2026, with a 60-second spot airing on CTV platforms like Nexxen, Roku, Disney+, and Hulu.
• The new logo replaces the apostrophe in 'Carter's' with a shooting star.

Global Beauty Ingredient Trends 2026

Mintel added a new featured research report: Global Beauty Ingredient Trends 2026 (Beauty and Personal Care).

Kohl's expands Babies R Us shops as Sephora sales dip

Kohl's is expanding its partnership with Babies R Us, adding shop-in-shops to 56 more stores and introducing an exclusive collection of baby essentials. The move comes as Sephora at Kohl's, previously a key traffic driver, experiences declining sales, down 4% in Q2 after a low-single-digit drop in Q1. The expansion includes new categories like gifting options under $25, Millie Moon diapers, and Hallmark gift sets. This strategic shift highlights Kohl's efforts to diversify its offerings and boost in-store traffic, which has been challenged but is showing signs of recovery.

• Kohl's is expanding Babies R Us shop-in-shops to 56 additional stores.
• Kohl's is launching an exclusive collection of bibs, blankets, and crib sheets under the Babies R Us brand.
• Sephora at Kohl's sales declined 4% in Q2 after a low-single-digit drop in Q1.

Ross Leads Off-Price After Strong Q2 Results

Ross Stores reported a strong Q2 2026: comparable-store sales rose 10% year-over-year, driven by new, returning and more frequent customers, while store traffic increased over 16% per Placer.ai. Total Q2 sales rose 13% to $6.3 billion and net earnings increased 68% to $851.3 million. Operating margin expanded materially (with a significant contribution from $253 million in tariff refunds). Under CEO James Conroy the company has been revamping merchandising and marketing, and Ross raised its 2026 store-opening plan to about 115 locations after opening 47 in Q2 (35 Ross stores and 12 DD’s Discounts). Analysts say Ross likely gained share in the off-price segment versus rivals such as TJX Cos.

• Ross Stores Inc. reported Q2 comparable-store sales increased 10% year-over-year.
• Store visits in Q2 rose more than 16%, according to data from Placer.ai.
• Total Q2 sales rose 13% to $6.3 billion; net earnings increased 68% to $851.3 million.

Kohl's launches another back-to-school deals promotion

Kohl’s launched a new set of back-to-school promotions on Aug. 19, 2026, cutting prices up to 50% across school supplies, apparel and beauty items and offering $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent, plus a weekend giveaway of $5–$100 in Kohl’s Cash while supplies last. The retailer earlier promoted “thousands of products under $25” for the season. Placer.ai data cited in the story shows Q2 store visits fell 1.4% year-over-year (improving from a near-8% decline in Q1). Analysts and market research firms (Morgan Stanley, Circana, NRF) offer mixed outlooks for the back-to-school season, with NRF forecasting nearly 10% sales growth to $43.3 billion but some firms urging caution.

• Kohl’s launched a new back-to-school promotion on Aug. 19, 2026.
• Kohl’s said it is cutting prices as much as 50% on school supplies, apparel and beauty items and previously advertised thousands of products under $25.
• Customers can earn $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent; the retailer is also running a weekend giveaway offering $5 to $100 in Kohl’s Cash while supplies last.