The Cyber Five shopping extravaganza is over, and the results are in! Retail executives are sharing their insights on what flew off the shelves during this year's holiday shopping season. From beauty tools to luxurious fragrances, here's a peek at what captivated consumers at Macy's, Walmart, Bloomingdale's, and Bluemercury. Buckle up; you might be surprised!
1. Macy's: A Symphony of Scents and Sets
Nicolette Bosco, Macy's VP and Division Merchandise Manager, reveals that fragrance franchises like Lancôme's La Vie Est Belle and Estée Lauder's Beautiful Magnolia were major hits. Lip sets from brands such as MAC Cosmetics and Clinique also enjoyed strong sales. On the luxury front, Chanel, Dior Beauty, Armani Beauty, and La Mer stood out. Customers were drawn to value, particularly in the "$10 items and 30 percent off categories," Bosco noted. Advent calendars, including Macy’s own 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, also had a moment.
Looking ahead to 2026, Bosco anticipates continued demand for foundations, especially those with enhanced skincare benefits, along with exciting new lip and cheek launches from brands like Dior and Tarte Cosmetics. This suggests a growing consumer interest in products that combine beauty and skincare, a trend we'll likely see continue.
2. Walmart: Balancing Price, Quality, and Style
Walmart's strategy revolved around offering a blend of affordability and luxury. Vinima Shekhar, VP of Beauty, highlighted the importance of "price, quality, and style" in their assortment. The Dyson AirWrap was a top seller, alongside luxury fragrances from Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Burberry. This shows that even budget-conscious shoppers are willing to splurge on premium items during the holidays.
As the clock ticks towards the holidays, Walmart expects customers to prioritize convenience and impactful gifts. Gift sets and premium sets, along with established favorites like fragrance, are expected to be popular. Walmart is also offering express delivery, perfect for those last-minute shoppers. But here's where it gets interesting: the demand for convenience might be an indicator of the changing shopping habits of consumers.
3. Bloomingdale's: Embracing Newness and Luxury
Bloomingdale's saw a surge in fragrance sales, with multi-scent discovery sets and multi-brand edits performing exceptionally well. Marissa Galante, Fashion Director of Accessories and Beauty, emphasized the broad appeal of these items, ranging from luxury men's and women's sets to exclusive sets designed for a younger clientele. In skincare, La Mer and limited-edition holiday sets from Chanel and Dior were big winners.
Bloomingdale's predicts a rise in multitasking beauty products for 2026, such as bronzers and glow-enhancing SPFs. Science-backed haircare, at-home treatments, and spa-grade tools are also expected to gain traction. And this is the part most people miss: the focus on multitasking products reflects a consumer desire for efficiency and effectiveness in their beauty routines.
4. Bluemercury: Self-Gifting and Luxe Tools
Bluemercury's top subcategories included facial serums, concealer, vessel candles, facial devices, and tinted moisturizers. Joanna Kennedy, Director of Color Merchandising, noted a strong trend of self-gifting, particularly for high-priced items. Red light masks from HigherDOSE and Therabody, along with the Dyson AirWrap, were popular in the luxury tools category. Holiday-scented candles from Diptyque, Nest, and Glasshouse were also in demand.
Looking ahead to 2026, Kennedy anticipates continued strength in skincare, color cosmetics, and personal fragrance. Anti-aging complexion products and pink/purple hues in makeup are expected to drive sales. In skincare, there's buzz around exosomes, NAD+, and facial mists. Controversy alert: The popularity of high-tech skincare devices and treatments raises the question: Are we moving towards a future where beauty is increasingly intertwined with advanced technology? What do you think?
So, what do you make of these trends? Do you agree with the predictions for 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
