November 15th, 2023:

This week in tabs: Here's what's new in commerce and culture

Beauty Independent reported that niche brand retailer, Neighborhood Goods, "has embarked on cost-cutting measures" and owes thousands of dollars to various brands carried in their stores. This news, plus Showfield's recent bankruptcy, suggests that "brand discovery" is not the most lucrative business model for in-store shopping.

This week, Brooklyn-based fine jewelry brand catbird, announced a collab with widely loved band, boygenius. The collection features various tooth-shaped pieces and was so popular catbird's site temporarily crashed on launch day.

Fishwife made a candle! The drop is a collaboration with candle company, MYH Soy Candle Co. The exterior of the candle feautures Fishwife's signature looping iconography, but the scent of the candle is not tinned fish.

All natural sparkling drink brand AVEC, dropped a new seasonal flavor in partnership with Yes! Apples. The drink is made with Fuji apples from upstate New York, and warming spices including cardamom, cinnamon, orange blossom, and vanilla. I love this take on sparkling apple cider and am intrigued by the idea of a DTC apple business.

Starting today in New York City, Athleta has kicked off a new experiential fitness series called Move with Athleta. As a part of this program the brand will host events across the United States featuring celebrity fitness influencers, limited edition product launches, and even exclusive performances and classes. The city lineup for this series is giving Eras Tour.

This is Taste podcaster Aliza Abarbanel, spoke with author Christina Ward about the cross-over between many well-known food brands, religion, mysticism, and cults. I was floored to learn that the founder of my beloved Sleepytime tea brand, Celestial Seasoning, was a devout follower of the new-age bible, The Urantia Book. I highly recommend giving this episode a listen if you want to learn more about the un-orthodox beginnings of some large profile food brands and absorb some excellent Thanksgiving table convo starters.

Happy reading and listening!