Revenge of the Boring Brands, Halloween Hype & Unexpected Collabs

It’s another jam-packed week in retail as we edge closer to peak season. In this episode, Mal and Alex cover the biggest stories across the e-commerce landscape—from unpredictable collabs to timeless classics making a comeback, and the rising retail moment that is Halloween.

💡 In this episode:

• 🍦 Lovehoney x Billy Van Creamy: Why an unexpected collab between a sexual wellness brand and a cult ice cream maker is winning attention—and how “weird” partnerships are making waves.

• 💍 Havaianas x Arms of Eve: The iconic Aussie thong brand is getting the luxury treatment. Pinterest search interest is up 51%—is it Crocs’ turn to step aside?

• 🧵 Hermès Designer Exit: After 37 years, the queen of “quiet luxury” steps down. What happens when legacy brands bring in the youth?

• 👖 Levi’s Rebound: Up 7% YoY and D2C now 44% of revenue. Is this the rise of “recession-proof boring brands”?

• 🎃 Halloween Spending Tops $500M in Australia: A holiday once dismissed as “too American” is now a retail powerhouse. Why Aussie brands should pay attention.

• 👟 Is Drop Culture Dead?: Gen Z fatigue, resale pricing backlash, and availability anxiety—why sneakerheads (and fashion lovers) might be over the hype.

• 🇺🇸 Bonus Take: With US tariffs on Chinese and Mexican goods tightening, is it time to diversify your supply chain?

🎯 Big Themes:

• The return to trusted, high-quality staples in uncertain economic times

• Collabs that actually work—and how randomness equals cut-through

• Gen Z’s shifting shopping habits (and what it means for DTC brands)

• Cultural moments (like Halloween) as drivers of spend, not just “holidays”

• Why boring might just be the new cool

📍 Mentioned Brands & News:

• Lovehoney, Billy Van Creamy, Havaianas, Arms of Eve

• Hermès, Levi Strauss, Nudie Jeans

• Black Milk, OnlyFans x Urban Decay, RM Williams

• Retail Dive: Drop Culture Commentary

🎧 Listen now to hear what every Aussie retailer should be planning for this Halloween and beyond.