South Korean e-commerce company Coupang on Monday a compensation deal worth 1.69 trillion won ($1.18 billion) to holders of 33.7 million accounts for a massive data leak that triggered a backlash from users and lawmakers.
Reuters
Coupang said customers will get company vouchers of 50,000 won each.
The plan comes a day after Coupang founder Kim Bom issued his first public apology for last month’s data breach and pledged to expedite compensation measures. However, Kim has declined to attend parliamentary hearings scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, citing prior commitments.
However, criticism has mounted over Coupang’s decision to provide compensation in the form of vouchers that can only be used on its own services and platforms.
Choi Min-hee, a lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party and chair of the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communication committee, said in a Facebook post that Coupang was “bundling coupons for services no one uses,” criticising the company for offering vouchers tied to its less popular services.
She added that Coupang appeared to be trying to turn the crisis into a business opportunity.
Consumer advocacy group Korea National Council of Consumer Organizations said Coupang’s plan made a mockery of consumers and downplayed the severity of the data breach, describing it as a marketing tool designed to encourage additional purchases rather than as a sign of restitution.
When asked about public criticism of its compensation plan, Coupang said it had no further comment.
South Korea’s parliament plans to hold two days of hearings on Coupang starting on Tuesday
Actress Millie Bobby Brown has launched Mills by Millie Bobby Brown, a new fashion brand for teens and young women created exclusively for Walmart in collaboration with Delta Galil USA.
Millie Bobby Brown launches teen fashion brand with Walmart. – Millie Bobby Brown
Serving as founder and creative guide, Bobby Brown drew inspiration from her own early experiences with fashion, positioning the brand as exciting, attainable, and inclusive.
“Mills is all about embracing those earlier moments of fashion exploration. I want everyone to feel comfortable and free to find what style makes them feel like the best version of themselves,” said Bobby Brown.
“This collection is made for the fashion curious girl to play in, experiment with, and make their own with a fun selection of colorways, graphics and special details. It was very important to me for this brand to be accessible to millions through our collaboration with Walmart!”
The debut collection spans ready-to-wear, sleepwear and intimates, featuring flirty cuts and playful, cheeky details. Feminine touches such as floral appliqués, embroidery and lace finishes are woven throughout the assortment, while practical design elements, including built-in shorts and bras, prioritize comfort and ease.
The assortment includes dresses, skirts, tops, denim, sleepwear, bralettes, briefs and coordinated intimates sets. Pricing is positioned to be highly accessible, starting at $10.50 for intimates and reaching $26.50 for wide-leg jeans.
“Walmart is on a journey to democratize fashion and Mills by Millie Bobby Brown delivers on the trend-right style and aesthetic our customers are looking for at the incredible prices that Walmart is known for,” said Ryan Waymire, senior vice president fashion, Walmart U.S.
“Mills by Millie Bobby Brown is an exciting new brand that stands for style and quality and offers tremendous value that only Walmart can. We are excited for the launch, and we know that our customers are going to love it.”
Mills by Millie Bobby Brown is Bobby Brown’s latest brand expansion following the success of Florence by Mills Beauty, Florence by Mills Coffee, Florence by Mills Pets and Florence by Mills Fashion.
It is available now on Walmart.com and in approximately 750 Walmart stores nationwide. The partnership was facilitated by Bobby Brown’s licensing agency, IMG Licensing.
Thirty-seven days and counting: Elizabeth Scarlett, lifestyle and accessories brand has Valentine’s Day firmly in its sights, announcing a creative partnership with Dalloway Terrace, London’s dining destination at The Bloomsbury.
Elizabeth Scarlett
Bringing together two British brands “united by a shared love of beauty and storytelling”, the collaboration will see Dalloway Terrace transformed into an immersive space “celebrating love, nature and artistry”. It’s a trend we’re seeing more and more often with brands linking up with complementary destinations in a way that benefits both partners.
Inspired by Elizabeth Scarlett’s signature wildflower motifs – the terrace will feature a specially commissioned floral installation, “drawing guests into the brand’s romantic, nature-led world”.
At the heart of the partnership is a limited-edition Afternoon Tea, specially created to celebrate the partnership with a special menu (pastries and sweets inspired by the brand’s signature storytelling).
To mark the event, every guest who books a space on the day will receive a complimentary limited-edition Elizabeth Scarlett love heart stripe pouch (RRP £38), created for the collaboration. Some of the proceeds will also be donated to wildlife conservation.
Elizabeth Petrides, founder of Elizabeth Scarlett said: “We wanted to create a moment where guests can slow down, look closer, and feel immersed in the natural world – even in the heart of the city. From the wildflowers that surround you to the wildlife artwork at the core of our brand, it honours the magic that happens when artistry and nature meet.”
The CGT labour union at LVMH‘s champagne units called for new strike action next Thursday, as it seeks to pressure management to compensate workers for lost bonuses.
The LVMH business includes fashion and refreshments – DR
CGT labour representatives from the Moet&Chandon and Veuve Clicquot champagne houses said in a video addressed to workers on Friday that they should drop their tasks for “at least three hours.” The union launched protests last month against a cut in annual bonuses and other benefits at the world’s largest luxury group, even as it keeps The group hasn’t yet publicly commented on the labour dispute. LVMH’s Moet Hennessy alcohol division had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters on Friday.
Management at the unit had offered to pay a one-off 1,000 euros ($1,162.20) payment to workers after it said it would not pay usual annual bonuses amid a decline in sales, said the CGT, an offer “not at the height of our expectations.”
“It is really important to continue to put pressure on the company,” a CGT official said in the video message, adding that further talks are planned for Wednesday. So far, no strike action has been announced at LVMH’s other drinks businesses, including the Hennessy cognac brand.