Breakfast briefing: Retail news on Estee Lauder, click-and-collect sales and more

Estee Lauder offers 60-minute delivery

The Estee Lauder Companies are set to launch on Facebook’s messenger service in the UK along with a Christmas pop-up shop near its headquarters on Mortimer Street, London, The Telegraph reported.

The Messenger bot uses artificial intelligence to communicate with customers. It will help customers shop for Christmas gifts and choose an instant courier within 60 minutes delivery across London.

Estee Lauder’s president Chris Good said: "Today’s changing consumer behaviours mean that we have to adapt to the need for instant access to our products and services".

"For the time-poor consumer, convenience is the new luxury."

"We are constantly looking at new ways to provide greater choice and flexibility, trialling new features like Messenger alongside live chat and other existing digital offerings."

Samantha Cameron launches new fashion label

Ex-Prime Minister David Cameron’s wife Samantha Cameron is set to launch a new fashion brand labelled Cefinn, BBC reported.

Cefinn, which is scheduled for launch in spring/summer 2017, will focus on elegant and smart workwear.

The first collection will consist of 40 items priced between £100 and £300.

Mrs Cameron said: "I wanted to create an urban uniform for busy women who love fashion.

"I felt there was a gap in the market for a designer British brand at a contemporary price point offering a capsule wardrobe that takes you from day to evening."

Former creative director at Smythson and now as consultant, she was named one of the best-dressed women in the world by Vanity Fair last year.

She is also a British Fashion Council ambassador.

Click-and-connect sales expected to grow 64%

Click-and-collect sales are set to increase 64% over the next five years, according to a research, Drapers reported. 

Clothing and footwear sales account for 54%. 

Verdict Retail analyst's Zoe Mills said: “A growing number of consumers choose click-and-collect when purchasing online – though largely to avoid delivery charges.”

“Retailers must ensure that click-and-collect is as efficient as possible, particularly by offering same-day collection, to ensure it doesn’t lose out to retailers with delivery subscriptions propositions.”