Lush Sparks Early Fall Gifting Demand

The Wrap Up

Here's what's happening this week in the world of gifting and DTC eCommerce:
- Duty-inclusive e-gift cards streamline cross-border checkout.
- Lush kicks off cozy season with pumpkin spice.
- Christmas SKUs land early with character chocolates.

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📌WEEKLY MUST-KNOWS

TRADE POLICY
De Minimis Exemption Ends, Squeezing Gift Retail Margins

An executive order ends the $800 de minimis import exemption Friday, making all shipments subject to duties and added admin fees. This raises landed costs and customs friction, compressing margins for small retailers and DTC brands reliant on imported gifts and materials. Vermont’s Sparkle Barn reports effective increases of 10–27% plus surprise fees; import-heavy merchants and artisans should reprice, batch orders, or rework sourcing now.

PAYMENTS & CHECKOUT
Ubuy Launches Duty-Inclusive Digital Gift Cards For Global Shopping

Ubuy introduced digital gift cards in fixed denominations that can cover items, international shipping and customs duties across its marketplace. Bundling cross-border fees reduces payment verification loops and checkout friction, improving the viability of international e-gifting. Cross-border retailers and marketplaces stand to gain higher conversion and fewer failed payments as gift-as-payment tools scale.

PACKAGING & OPERATIONS
CCS McLays Buys Dempson To Scale Paper Packaging

CCS McLays acquired a controlling stake in Dempson, targeting a group revenue lift from ~$134m to $202m in three years while doubling Dempson’s capacity. With AA+ BRCGS accreditation, new machinery investments and faster direct delivery into the US, the deal strengthens paper-based packaging supply amid plastic restrictions. Retail and hospitality brands gain a more resilient, compliant paper bag source with potential lead-time and cost benefits.

⚡QUICK READS

Lush Sparks Early Fall Gifting Demand: Lush’s autumn and Halloween range drops now, signaling earlier search spikes and pull-forward demand for cozy scent-led gifts.(More)

Festive Character Chocolates Land Early: Gnaw Chocolate’s themed holiday SKUs cue retailers to lock premium stocking fillers and giftable novelties ahead of the rush.(More)

Celebrity Heat For Message-Driven Keepsakes: Oprah- and Viola Davis–backed Alexis Gift Quilts shows demand for premium, values-led keepsakes at $295+ with strong storytelling.(More)

ClickZ is a ClickZ Media publication in the DTC eCommerce division