Should brides-to-be get free stuff?
Small businesses are being inundated with requests to send free products for bachelorette parties.
Good morning everyone.
I spent the weekend visiting friends in Chelsea, a perfect little town about a fifteen minute drive across the Ontario border with Québec. I know Milk Bag readers travel a lot and that you’re also busy working pretty big jobs, so I’ve included a mini guide at the bottom of the newsletter for anyone looking for weekend getaway inspiration.
In today’s newsletter: Lululemon hires its first AI executive, brand presence has exploded at this year’s U.S. Open, and the new status symbol is having lots of kids.
Canadian summer ends when Cindy Crawford decides to leave Muskoka.
Lululemon hired a former health executive for a newly created chief AI and technology role. Ranju Das, who spent three years in an AI role in the research and development arm of UnitedHealth Group, will focus on improving product innovation, speed to market, and the guest experience. Looking forward to that.
A city councillor wants the volume “turned down significantly” at Rogers Stadium. Curious if you all would have enjoyed Wonderwall as much if they did?
“It’s reminiscent of when every brand simultaneously discovered F1 a few years back.” Fashion is everywhere at this year’s U.S. Open according to Brian Baskin, the executive editor of the Business of Fashion: in the first week of the tournament, Venus Williams wore a custom kit from Khaite, world no. 5 Jack Draper signed with Vuori, and Mejuri ran an activation at its store in Queens.
Seemingly every fashion magazine, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, and blog, including Who What Wear, has a guide for what to wear to the event.
And if you want to play it safe, the U.S. Open Shop, Polo Ralph Lauren, Palmes, Nike and Adidas, have rolled out new merch around the event.
Canada Post lost $407 million last quarter as customers shifted to other carriers. It seems like working weekends should be the least of their concerns.
Small businesses are being inundated with requests to send free products for bachelorette parties. The CEO of Bare Bones, bone broth and collagen-infused drink mixes, told the WSJ she’s gotten 300 requests so far this year.
The Weeknd is reportedly looking to raise $1 billion backed by his music catalogue. If the deal (with New York-based private equity firm Lyric Capital Group) happens, it would be one of the largest ever in the music rights space.
Posting a critical review is an act of bravery. While I look forward to forming my own opinion about the Nobu Hotel, this review by Graham Isador made me think about how much truth has been lost as influencers look to keep brands happy, and how rare it is to see someone approach a free luxury stay with total honesty.
Not only does it take away the opportunity for brands to get things right for future guests, but it’s why trust in influencer recommendations is falling.
Some of the best-selling books of the moment are about giving readers permission to act like jerks. I loved this piece by Emma Goldberg, which looks at the changing, and surprisingly self-serving, nature of self-improvement books.
The Globe wrote about the viral $1 Trinity Bellwoods portraits. This story was originally reported by BlogTo last month after Jas Boyd got the attention of Drake.
If climbing the corporate ladder doesn’t work out, you can hunt for sunken Spanish treasure off the coast of Nova Scotia instead. This is exactly the type of stuff I want to see venture capital get behind, just like the ol’ expedition days.
Having lots and lots of kids is the new status symbol. This won’t surprise anyone who’s watched the media obsess over the cost of raising children lately. Having four, five, even six kids, of course is not enough, it’s about your ability to maintain your pre-kid lifestyle (with the help of an army of childcare support).
Chelsea is one of the many magical places you won’t find in a Condé Nast guide and it’s probably for the best: even as the town’s population grows and visitors tick up, it’s managed to keep the same charm from my days of growing up skiing and hiking here. If you want more mini guides like this one, let me know by replying to this newsletter.
Cafe Palmier
This is the sister cafe of Red Door Provisions in Ottawa’s Beechwood neighbourhood. The owners have put the same level of care and attention into their newest concept, but have managed to bring it to a whole new level. Parking can be hard to get, but the breakfast and lunch menus are fantastic. So are the sweeping views of Gatineau Park.
Voie Verte
This last trip was my first time biking on the Voie Verte, an approximately 22 km trail that connects Old Chelsea to Wakefield via a converted railway corridor. It’s a mostly flat and gravel path that’s ideal for cycling or running, and offers scenic views along the Gatineau River. You’ll find all the locals at Bluebarn Coffee Roasters at the end.
Maison Tivoli
I truly believe there’s something for everyone on the blanket wall at Maison Tivoli, a home goods store that’s relatively tucked away from the action but worth the quick drive over. About three years ago I bought a Klippan 100% wool throw here (in burnt orange) that I use pretty much every day and I know I’ll have it for the rest of my life.
If you’re a paid reader who wants access to my new Milk Bag map (with so many more picks in Chelsea and around the world), let me know and I’ll send it to you.