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Rihanna—the only popstar whose wattage can hold a candle to Beyoncés, the most fashionable lady in the business this side of Janelle Monáe, and righter of retail wrongs—debuted her newest venture, a hyper-luxury fashion brand called Fenty.

Welcome to the second of our two-part series on the changing state of CPG and grocery. Last week we discussed the unique challenges manufacturers are currently facing as the relationship between consumer, retailer, and manufacturer all undergo radical shifts.

It’s been a tough half decade for the GAP and things haven’t gotten better lately. JP Morgan recently downgraded them, and they have lowered earnings per share estimates by 12%. Owing to “operational issues” and inventory imbalance, the  GAP brand (not to be confused with the Gap Band who keep on funking) has lost cultural cache and mindshare as its cookie-cutter stylings clash with current trends.  

Burberry is checking Target for using its signature check. The luxury brand, maker of the most iconic trench coat this side of the military industrial complex, filed suit against the big box retailer earlier this month, citing “repeated, willful, and egregious misappropriation” of their “famous" and "iconic" pattern.  

As the New York City Subway System slowly erodes into decay, its namesake, Subway restaurants, is facing a similar pickle: too many years of unregulated growth, lack of internal improvements, a confounding value proposition, and in-fighting are all sending the restaurant off the rails.