The following stories are from VMSD, INSTORE’s sister publication for retail design professionals. Visit VMSD.com or subscribe here.
Skims Reaches $5 Billion Valuation, Eyes Global Expansion
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand raised $225 million from Goldman Sachs, valuing the company at $5 billion. Skims will use the funding for international growth and expanding its physical footprint beyond 18 U.S. stores (plus two Mexico franchises). The formerly online-only retailer expects to exceed $1 billion in net sales for 2025 and won VMSD’s Retail Renovation of the Year award. Read more.
Target Mandates Smiles and Greetings With “10-4” Policy
Target now requires employees to smile, wave, or greet customers within 10 feet and offer help within four feet. The policy — mirroring Walmart’s long-standing approach — aims to reverse Target’s 30% stock decline and weak sales before the holidays. Employee reactions split between “we’re already understaffed” and “most of us did this anyway.” Customer responses ranged from “bring back normal friendliness” to “please don’t even acknowledge me.” Read more.
Netflix Opens 100,000-Square-Foot “Netflix House” Experience
Netflix launched its first permanent experiential retail concept at King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania, with immersive experiences based on Squid Game, Bridgerton, Stranger Things, and other hit shows. Entry is free; paid VR experiences and themed mini-golf are available. A second location opens December 11 at Galleria Dallas, with Las Vegas planned for 2027. Read more.
Barnes & Noble Opens 50th Store of 2025, Reaches 700 Total
Barnes & Noble opened its Cincinnati location (and three others the same day) last week, marking 50 new stores in 2025 and 700 bookstores total. CEO James Daunt credits the “renaissance” to empowering booksellers to curate their own stores. The company plans at least 60 openings throughout 2025, continuing its post-pandemic expansion. Read more.
Alcohol-Free Members Club Debuts in New York
The Maze, a 4,600-square-foot members-only club, opened in Manhattan’s Flatiron District without serving alcohol. Founded by entrepreneur and social worker Justin Gurland (17 years sober), the space includes dining, a coffee bar, lounges, and event space designed to reimagine nightlife beyond alcohol-centered gatherings. Read more.
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Takeaways for Jewelers From This Week’s Wrap-Up
Here are a few actionable takeaways for jewelry retailers based on this week’s headlines:
- You’re already doing what Target just figured out. Greeting customers within seconds isn’t revolutionary for jewelry stores — it’s basic service. The difference? You staff for it. Big-box can’t.
- Celebrity brands are printing money. Skims hit $5 billion on Kim Kardashian’s name alone. Are there celebrity-designed jewelry lines you could bring in? Think beyond traditional endorsements — customers want brands their favorite stars actually built.
- What stories can you tell in your store? Netflix is building an 100,000-square-foot retail experience around its shows. You’ve got better material — heirloom pieces, custom design transformations, proposals that happened in your showroom. Lean into high-quality storytelling.
- Five years ago, Barnes & Noble’s business looked like a chalk outline at a crime scene. Now they’re opening 60 stores a year. People are craving quieter, non-digital experiences again. Keep an eye on this shift.
- The Maze shows alcohol-free social spaces could be a trend. We’ve suggested jewelry store bars for years, but they’re not for everyone. Maybe your hook is NOT serving alcohol. If champagne doesn’t fit your brand or lifestyle, own the alternative — sobriety and healthy living.
