Is McDonald’s using AI to figure out just how much you’re willing to pay for a Big Mac? Is clean beauty officially on its way out? And what happens when skyrocketing gold prices threaten one of Canada’s most beloved jewelry brands?
In this episode of Rich Girl Rundown, Kate is joined by Samantha Rayner, founder of Maris Dae, a Canadian seaweed-powered skincare and wellness brand, to unpack the business, branding and cultural stories taking over the group chat.
First up: McDonald’s is facing backlash over its AI-powered pricing recommendations. Kate and Sam dig into the controversy, allegations of price coordination, the growing frustration around affordability, and why using technology to maximize profits could come at the expense of consumer trust. Is personalized pricing the future, or have brands gone too far?
Then, they’re talking beauty. Skincare brand Remedy is proudly declaring that its products are full of chemicals, and people are loving it. Sam brings her experience in the beauty and wellness industry to the conversation as they explore clean washing, the science behind skincare ingredients, and why a brilliantly simple billboard campaign might signal a much bigger shift in beauty marketing.
Next, Canadian jewelry darling Mejuri is feeling the pressure of skyrocketing gold prices and tariffs. With its accessible luxury positioning being put to the test, the brand is rethinking everything from materials and pricing to retail expansion. Kate and Sam get into the realities of building a consumer products business, the importance of unit economics, and how even the most successful brands can find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control.
Plus, they’re keeping an eye on lululemon’s collaboration with GANNI and whether product innovation can revive the struggling athleisure giant, along with Bumble’s $1.3 billion deal to go private and what it could mean for founder Whitney Wolfe Herd.
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KEYWORDS:
Rich Girl Rundown, Branded Assets podcast, Kate Bouchard, Samantha Rayner, Maris Dae, McDonald’s AI pricing, dynamic pricing, algorithmic pricing, consumer trust, brand loyalty, Remedy skincare, clean beauty, clean washing, science-backed skincare, beauty industry trends, beauty marketing, Mejuri, gold prices, tariffs, CPG brands, brand strategy, brand positioning, product innovation, lululemon GANNI collaboration, Bumble going private, Whitney Wolfe Herd, female founders, women in business, entrepreneurship, business news, marketing trends, brand storytelling, business and branding podcast