GRUNGECAKE

Category: Business

  • Kourtney Kardashian-Barker introduces lollipops aimed at vaginal wellness: Lemme

    Kourtney Kardashian-Barker has expanded her wellness product line with a candy marketed as a product to support the vagina.

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    In a move sure to spark conversation, Kourtney Kardashian-Barker’s wellness brand, Lemme, has released a new offering: “Lemme Purr Probiotic Lollipops”, billed as a product designed to support vaginal health.

    The lollipops reportedly combine probiotics, Vitamin C and pineapple extract in a sweet treat form, and are being marketed as a fun, simple way to include feminine-care into daily routines. Exclusively available at Target, they come in five-packs and are positioned as vegetarian, non-GMO confection-supplements targeting the vaginal microbiome.

    From the brand’s press release, Kardashian-Barker said: “Lemme Purr Lollipops are such a fun extension of one of our best-sellers… I love that they turn daily self-care into something sweet and simple.”

    Here’s what to note:

  • What it claims: The product purports to support vaginal wellness, potentially helping with freshness and microbial balance.
  • What’s new: Whilst Lemme already had probiotic gummies for intimate/vaginal health, this is the first time the brand has released the lollipop format targeting that specific goal.
  • The push-back potential: As with any supplement or wellness product aimed at intimate health, there are questions about how well a lollipop format can deliver the promised benefits, and whether the messaging simplifies the underlying health issues.
  • Marketplace context: This comes at a time when celebrity-backed wellness products are under increased scrutiny, both for marketing claims and scientific backing.

    • For writers, marketers, or wellness observers, this is a textbook intersection of celebrity branding, wellness culture and provocative product design. It raises the question: When is a candy just candy, and when is it pitched as medicine?

  • T-Mobile closes autopay loophole, sparking customer outrage over lost discounts

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    T-Mobile is facing customer backlash after announcing it will end a loophole that allowed users to claim its $5 autopay discount by paying via credit card under certain conditions.

    Historically, T-Mobile offered a $5 per line monthly discount to subscribers who set up autopay. After officially removing credit cards as an eligible payment method for the discount in 2023, some users found a workaround: They would update their payment method to a bank-account-based autopay (which qualified), then pay early with a credit card, thus retaining the discount. T-Mobile says the loophole is now closed. As of October 24, customers who pay early using a credit card will forfeit the discount for that billing cycle.

    The carrier cites mounting credit-card processing fees as a key reason behind the change. According to data referenced by T-Mobile, swipe fees for Visa and Mastercard credit cards rose from $100 billion in 2023 to $111.2 billion in 2024, a year-over-year jump of more than 10%.

    Reactions from users have been swift and sharp. On Reddit and other forums, long-time subscribers said they feel the move undermines their trust in T-Mobile’s pricing promises.

    “Well, there goes the free phone insurance that comes with my Amex Platinum, which will now cost me $35/month”, wrote one customer.

    Another worried: “So my bill is going up $40 a month? For…. the privilege of paying them? Lmao, what a bad joke.”

    This change comes amid a broader wave of adjustments by T-Mobile—including price hikes on legacy plans and fee increases—occurring as the company transitions leadership with CEO Mike Sievert slated to step down on November 1 in favour of Srini Gopalan.

    For customers, the lesson is clear: What once seemed like a reliable discount may no longer be. For the carrier, it’s a recalibration of incentives amid tightening margins and rising costs. Whether the goodwill cost is worth the savings remains to be seen.

  • Maxwell House coffee rebrands for first time in 133 years

    Maxwell House, the iconic coffee brand that has been a staple in American households for over 130 years, is undergoing a historic change. For the first time in its long history, the company is changing its name. This shift marks a significant moment for the beloved brand, which has been associated with coffee for generations.

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    The decision to rebrand is part of a larger strategy to modernise the company and appeal to younger, more diverse consumers. In a statement, Maxwell House explained that the new name will better reflect the company’s evolving identity whilst still honouring its rich legacy. The brand has long been known for its slogan “Good to the Last Drop”, a phrase that resonated with coffee lovers for decades, cementing Maxwell House as a trusted, go-to coffee.

    The rebranding also coincides with an increasing interest in specialty coffees and new brewing methods. Whilst Maxwell House has historically dominated the mass-market coffee segment, the rise of artisanal coffee, sustainability concerns, and changing consumer tastes have prompted the brand to rethink its identity. The name change is seen as a way to refresh the brand, ensuring it remains relevant in a competitive coffee market.

    The specifics of the new name have yet to be fully disclosed, but it’s clear that Maxwell House is aiming to capture the attention of today’s coffee enthusiasts. As part of the relaunch, the company is also planning updates to its packaging and product offerings to align with the evolving preferences of coffee drinkers.

    This bold move represents a significant shift for a brand that has stood the test of time. Whether the name change will resonate with loyal fans or alienate them remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Maxwell House is ready to embrace the future.

  • Nas and Resorts World receive unanimous vote for proposed casino in Queens

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    On September 25, 2025, Nas and Resorts World NYC cleared a major milestone in their casino expansion efforts in Queens, winning unanimous approval from the Community Advisory Board for their $5.5 billion proposal. The vote was 6-0 in favour, a signal that the project has strong support among local stakeholders.

    The proposal aims to transform the existing racino at Aqueduct—which currently offers electronic gaming machines—into a full-integrated resort featuring live table games. Among the planned amenities: A 7,000-seat concert and entertainment venue, some 30 food and beverage outlets, a sports and media complex dubbed “The Jet Center” by NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith, additional hotel rooms, and other public‐infrastructure enhancements.

    The economic figures are ambitious: the developers say it could create roughly 24,000 new jobs, ranging from construction to ongoing operations, and generate at least $1 billion in incremental revenue for New York State within the first year of full operation. If all goes according to plan, parts of the facility are expected to begin opening by mid-2026.

    Still, the approval of the Community Advisory Board is not the final step. Next, the proposal must be reviewed by the Gaming Facility Location Board before a full commercial casino license can be granted.

    The vote also drew media attention for its timing and context. A competing Times Square casino bid backed by JAY Z was recently rejected; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards took the moment to quip, “Sorry Jay-Z. We win again.”

    Overall, this is a strong win for the Nas-Resorts World partnership: The unanimous vote suggests broad local buy-in, and the scale of the proposal places it among the largest private development efforts under consideration in New York.

  • Spotify deletes 75 million spam tracks as company tightens rules around AI music

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    Spotify has made a sweeping move against spam content on its platform by removing over 75 million tracks deemed “spammy” over the past year. The decision comes amid rising concern about the misuse of AI tools to generate fraudulent or misleading audio content. Many of these tracks were ultra-short, duplicated, or clear imitations generated via AI—uploaded in bulk to exploit streaming royalties. The goal has often been to capitalise on Spotify’s revenue model: Any track longer than 30 seconds can generate payouts, meaning that these low-effort uploads siphon attention and earnings away from legitimate artists.

    In response, Spotify is introducing new safeguards. First, a music spam filter is being rolled out to detect suspicious uploads and prevent them from appearing in recommendations—or sometimes from ever being uploaded. Second, the company is tightening its rules around vocal deepfakes and impersonations: artists must give explicit permission for their voice or likeness to be used; tracks that impersonate artists without consent are disallowed.

    Third, Spotify is working with the standards organisation DDEX to create voluntary industry metadata standards for labeling AI-assisted content. While disclosures won’t yet be mandatory, the company says this step is about building trust rather than punishing responsible creators.

    Spotify emphasises that despite all this spam and potential for AI misuse, current engagement with AI-generated content on the platform remains very low. The company says it is not seeing meaningful impacts on user listening behavior or on royalty distribution to human artists.

    As AI tools for music become more accessible, Spotify’s latest policies reflect an attempt to balance openness to innovation with protection of artist integrity and listener trust. Whether they will be enough to stem growing concerns over deepfakes, fraudulent uploads, and AI impersonation remains to be seen.

  • Walmart launches first branded stores in South Africa this year

    The South African government warmly welcomed Walmart’s announcement, stating that this investment reflects strong confidence in the nation’s growth and stability.

    On September 9, 2025, Walmart (NYSE: WMT) officially unveiled plans to open its first branded retail stores in South Africa by the end of the year. This marks a major expansion for the US retail giant, which has until now operated in the country primarily through its subsidiary, Massmart.

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    These new Walmart stores will offer a wide inventory—spanning fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel, technology, and more—whilst integrating locally sourced products. The initiative combines Walmart’s hallmark Every Day Low Prices and global operational standards with South Africa’s rich cultural and entrepreneurial spirit, according to Walmart International President and CEO Kath McLay.

    Building on its April Growth Summit in Johannesburg—which brought together suppliers from twelve African nations—Walmart has already recruited numerous small and medium-sized African vendors. These partnerships highlight the company’s commitment not only to value-driven retail but also to regional empowerment and local economic development.

    Several store locations are already under development, with official opening dates expected in October 2025. Whilst specific sites and further details on employment and community engagements will be disclosed soon, customers can anticipate digital features designed to enhance the shopping experience.

    By entering the South African market under its own brand, Walmart will directly challenge established domestic retailers such as Shoprite, Woolworths, and Pick n Pay—and even e-commerce leaders like Amazon and Takealot.com.

    The South African government warmly welcomed Walmart’s announcement, stating that this investment reflects strong confidence in the nation’s growth and stability. It supports medium-term development goals by promoting supplier development and job creation.

    As the year draws to a close, all eyes will be on the official opening of Walmart’s first branded outlets in South Africa—an expansion with far-reaching implications for retail, local entrepreneurship, and competition.

  • Willy Chavarría and Adidas apologise amid cultural appropriation backlash over “Oaxaca Slip-On”

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    American fashion designer Willy Chavarría recently found himself embroiled in controversy after debuting the ‘Oaxaca Slip-On’, a sneaker-style reinterpretation of traditional Mexican huaraches, in collaboration with Adidas Originals. Initially meant as a tribute to Indigenous craftsmanship, the design sparked significant backlash over claims of cultural appropriation—particularly because it was created and manufactured without involvement from the communities it drew inspiration from.

    On August 3, the “Oaxaca Slip-On” premiered at the Art Museum in Puerto Rico. Critics condemned the name usage, the absence of collaboration with Oaxacan artisans, and the fact that the sneakers were produced not in Mexico, but overseas in China.

    In response, Chavarría issued a heartfelt apology:

    “I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community… This falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that Oaxaca… deserves”.

    Adidas also expressed regret, stating it values Mexico’s Indigenous cultural heritage and pledged to open a dialogue with the community in question.

    Local authorities in Oaxaca responded strongly. The governor and cultural officials demanded the shoe’s withdrawal and a public apology, with the Mexican president calling for “compensation for the people who were plagiarised”. Talks are underway to pursue legal measures against misappropriation.

    This incident underscores a vital lesson for the fashion industry: Homage to cultural art forms demands more than aesthetic borrowing—it requires real partnership, respect, and accountability.

  • Elon Musk’s net worth drops $12B, Tesla shares suffer substantial loss

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    According to a Forbes article published today (July 24), the world’s richest person has suffered a substantial loss. Elon Musk’s net worth has taken a twelve billion dollar hit since Tesla’s shares nosedived. The South Africa-born entrepreneur hasn’t addressed the news about his loss yet, but based on recent history, we are sure others will have plenty to say about his financial loss. Stay tuned and share this information with a friend.

  • Scooter Braun steps down as CEO of HYBE America amid strategic leadership shift

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    On July 1, 2025, HYBE America confirmed that Scooter Braun will step down as CEO, transitioning into a Senior Advisory Role whilst remaining on the board. The move is part of a broader five‑year strategic plan initiated when Braun sold his Ithaca Holdings to HYBE in 2021. In his place, Isaac Lee, current Chairman of HYBE Latin America, will assume the reins as HYBE America’s new CEO.

    HYBE founder Bang Si‑Hyuk lauded Braun’s contributions: “An extraordinary partner, a visionary executive, and a true catalyst for cultural exchange”, commending his role in establishing HYBE’s ambitious US presence. Braun echoed the sentiment, expressing pride in HYBE’s achievements and reaffirming his commitment to support future leadership and artist-focused initiatives.

    Simultaneously, on July 1, BTS surprised ARMY with an OT7 Weverse livestream—hinting at a group comeback in spring 2026. Fans swiftly linked Braun’s departure with this news, interpreting the timing as a symbolic fresh start and reason to celebrate an era now “free” of Braun’s influence. Online sentiment was clear: “Scooter Braun out, Bangtan back — there’s no stopping us now.”

    Despite stepping aside from day‑to‑day operations, Braun will remain deeply involved in HYBE’s U.S. expansion. Vulture reports that he’ll continue advising on projects like Katseye, remaining the company’s second‑largest individual shareholder. His next venture has yet to be revealed, though it will “reflect his expansive cross‑industry vision and philanthropic interests”.

    Key highlights:

  • New CEO: Isaac Lee takes over HYBE America
  • Bruce remains involved: Braun stays on board as senior advisor
  • Fan connection: Leadership change ties into BTS’s anticipated spring‑2026 comeback
  • Next steps: Braun to shift focus to new ventures, albeit unspecified

    • This strategic transition marks a pivotal moment in HYBE’s evolving global posture—especially as it gears up for BTS’s next chapter under new American leadership.

  • Prada acquires Versace for $1.4B

    Italian fashion royalty consolidates power

    In a move that shakes up the global luxury landscape, Prada has officially acquired Versace, bringing two iconic Italian houses under one fashion-forward roof. The strategic acquisition—estimated at a multi-billion-dollar valuation—marks a seismic moment in the evolution of fashion conglomerates, reminding the industry that heritage, when combined, can birth the future.

    The Milan-based behemoths, each steeped in decades of influence, have long represented different ends of the opulence spectrum: Prada with its minimalist rebellion and intellectual rigor; Versace with its maximalist glamour, sensuality, and unapologetic edge. The merge signals not only a financial power play but also a creative recalibration—one that could reshape what luxury looks like for a new generation of global consumers.

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    According to sources close to both brands, creative directors Miuccia Prada and Donatella Versace will maintain strong positions within their respective houses. However, insiders hint at upcoming collaborations that will challenge the industry’s norms, blending Prada’s architectural chic with Versace’s bold seduction. Expect runways that are more than shows—expect cultural moments.

    “Versace is not just a brand. It’s a spirit, an attitude, a declaration”, Donatella reportedly said in a closed-door meeting following the announcement. “This next chapter honours Gianni’s legacy while pushing us into a new world. I’m ready.”

    The acquisition also speaks volumes about fashion’s response to the changing luxury market. With Gen Z and Alpha demanding purpose, innovation, and authenticity, legacy brands must evolve. Prada’s acquisition of Versace could be read as a response to LVMH’s expanding empire and Kering’s strategic brand reshuffles. More than ever, survival in the high-end game means collaboration over competition—and knowing when to bet on synergy.

    At GRUNGECAKE, we recognise that fashion is music, is art, is power—and this acquisition feels like an album drop no one saw coming. Two titans, one future. Stay tuned. The remix is about to begin.