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Beauty blunder? Space NK’s London Oxford Circus launch draws mixed reviews and long queues chaos
The retailer’s biggest store debut promised a beauty playground and giveaways, but TikTok posts point to long queues, crowd control issues, and gift bag disappointment.
“It’s official, our biggest and best store opening on Oxford Circus was INSANE and it’s thanks to our incredible community,” Space NK announced on LinkedIn on 8th August, celebrating the launch of its largest ever store with a beauty playground, fragrance engraving station, and an exclusive Jellycat bag charm that sold out within hours.
The Oxford Street flagship had been heavily trailled on TikTok in the weeks leading up to its debut, with beauty fans counting down to what many hoped would be the ultimate shopping experience. And while the launch certainly generated buzz (and lengthy queues) the mood on social media after the event was far less unanimous.
Call for entries: just five weeks left to get your submissions in for the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards
Time is running out to enter the seventh edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, 3D Cloud, EdTech Innovation Hub, and Retail Technology Show.
Deadline for submissions is Friday, 19th September.
The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world. Check out our 2024 winners here.
Our latest winners will be revealed at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 16th October.
Key dates
Friday, 19th September: Award entry deadline
Tuesday, 23rd September: 2025 finalists revealed
Wednesday, 24th September – Wednesday, 8th October: Judging days
Thursday, 16th October: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 16th October.
American Eagle store visits downturn continues as Sydney Sweeney ad controversy rumbles on
New data from pass_by shows that a downturn in American Eagle store visits has accelerated for the second straight week following the Sydney Sweeney ad controversy.
A jeans campaign featuring the actress has caused uproar since it made its debut a few weeks ago, as has Sweeney being outed as a Repubican supporter, with the likes of US President Donald Trump having their say.
Most recently, Dr. Phil McCraw has weighed in with his take. The TV personality appeared on last week’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, which saw the titular host say: “Sydney Sweeney came out as – not came out – she was exposed as a Republican. And she has the big jeans ad that was controversial. And they reported this like it was a scandal, [that] she’s a Republican. I just got to say this is not where I want America to go. It is not a slur that someone is a Republican.”
“For people to go crazy over that ad [that says] ‘she’s got good genes,’ and for them to say that’s the equivalent of the Holocaust, is an absolute insult,” McCraw added. “Six million people were killed. Six million Jews were massacred and murdered, and they equate that to a blue jeans ad for a Hollywood actress? What an insult.”
He continued, “That is ridiculous. I’m gonna go out and buy those jeans for every woman in my family, everybody I know just to show support.”
Fortnite players offered chance to jump into nostalgic McDonaldland universe after 20 year hiatus
McDonald’s latest meal pays homage to the fast food giant’s fictional fantasy world known as McDonaldland.
The magic kingdom filled with apple pie trees and hamburger patches, and home to characters like Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Birdie, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese and the Fry Friends, was first introduced in commercials in the early 1970s.
“For the first time in decades, we are taking fans on a trip to McDonaldland with an immersive experience that taps into the past to create the future,” says Jennifer “JJ” Healan, the company’s US Marketing, Brand, Content and Culture. “It’s a chance for us to give fans a new, modern way to experience this magical world.”
US customers can take a trip down memory lane with the McDonaldland meal at participating restaurants starting this week, for a limited time. And Fornite fans can also get involved.
In a LinkedIn post, Ashley Lewis, Managing Director at Metavision, said: “Reimagined for a new generation, the multi-channel campaign spans TV, experiential, gaming, AR, VR, the McDonald’s app and in-store; heroing a limited time McDonaldland meal and shake in the US.”
He added: “On Fortnite, we’re giving players a chance to jump into the McDonaldland universe themselves, with action packed mini games alongside fan favourite characters like Ronald, Grimace, Birdie and Mayor McCheese. Expect nostalgia and a playground built for your inner child.”
Selfridges tries out ‘smart, witty, charismatic’ HYPERVSN AI Hologram Human at London Oxford Street store
HYPERVSN has deployed its AI Hologram Human solution at Selfridges’ store in London’s Oxford Street.
In a LInkedIn post, CEO and Founder Kiryl Chykeyuk, said: “She doesn’t sleep. She doesn’t eat. She never forgets a single product detail. Will AI assistants replace us humans – in airports, banks, telco, healthcare? Our AI Hologram Human at Selfridges London talks to over 100 people, every single day. No lunch breaks. No burnout. Just consistent 24/7 customer service.”
“Fluent in 100+ languages. Always smiling. Always on. Some talk to her more than they would to a real person – no shyness, no judgement. And it feels so human. And fun – lots of fun! She can take on what humans can’t always cope with: endless repetition; 24/7 shifts; hundreds of questions a day.”
“Freeing people to do the things only we can do – e.g. creativity, complex decisions. She might be the easiest hire we’ve ever made. Smart. Witty. Charismatic. This is just the beginning.”
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