�s, which operates over 750 shops, including Bluemercury, Bloomingdale’s and its eponymous stores, is just one of many companies struggling with the Covid-19 outbreak in the US, though it’s store closure plan was announced before lockdowns began. Where in the world is Jack Ma? Jack Ma, the co-founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group, has not been seen in public since speaking at a late October forum in Shanghai. During the event, he spoke out against China’s regulatory system, which angered officials and resulted in the suspension of a US$37 billion IPO of Alibaba’s Ant Group fintech arm.  The Financial Times reported that Ma was replaced as a judge on a game show for entrepreneurs called Africa’s Business Heroes. A spokeswoman told reporters that there had been a scheduling conflict. But speculation abounds, particularly on Twitter, which is blocked in China. “I think he’s been told to lay low,” said Duncan Clark, chairman of Beijing-based tech consultancy BDA China. “This is a pretty unique situation, more linked to the sheer scale of Ant and the sensitivities over financial regulation.” Sephora to open third store in Hong Kong This month, Sephora will open its third store in Hong Kong. Located at K11 Art Mall and spanning 265 square metres, the beauty store will house 65 brands including Drunk Elephant, First Aid Beauty, Fresh and Fenty Beauty.  There will also be product displays for online-exclusive brands, including The Ordinary, Dr Dennis Gross, Dear Dahlia and Natasha Moor, where customers can test the products. In celebration of the launch, Sephora introduced Sephora Shake Off, a virtual game that takes visitors on a shopping spree where they shake their phones to win best-selling items. Sephora K11 Art Mall will also house the Beauty Shout-Out kiosk, which will show a screen displaying the brand’s bestsellers and video submissions from the local Sephora community, offering genuine reviews and recommendations. It will also feature the latest beauty product must-haves and a magnetic wall where shoppers can create their own Sephora photos. Pomelo launches Grab fashion range Womenswear brand Pomelo has collaborated with Singaporean ride-hailing platform Grab on a limited-edition capsule collection. The Pomelo x Grab Collection is a tribute to the resilience of Grab’s drivers and delivery partners who are serving the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. Pomelo will donate 10 per cent of the proceeds from the collection to initiatives that will support Grab’s drivers. “We always want to partner with brands on initiatives that will make an impact,” said Jean Thomas, Pomelo’s chief marketing officer. “This campaign has been an exciting journey for the Pomelo team, pushing the boundaries of what a fashion collaboration can be.” The collection will include six streetwear pieces including a leather jacket, T-shirts and accessories in green, white, purple and black. “It was an easy decision to team up with Pomelo and round off the year with a surprise for consumers and appreciation for our driver and delivery partners,” said Cheryl Goh, Grab’s group VP of marketing. The Pomelo x Grab Collection can be found online and instore in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Tommy Hilfiger urges social entrepreneurs to Take on the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge Applications for the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge have opened. From January 6 to March 8, the brand is encouraging startups and new businesses, particularly BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour), to apply for the third edition of the program.  “The Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge puts a spotlight on entrepreneurs putting their heart and soul into making a positive social impact in our industry,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “This year, we want to showcase an even more diverse range of perspectives, ideas and communities by supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs. We have a responsibility to drive change across the fashion landscape, and I am honoured to further our commitment to inclusivity and equal representation through the upcoming Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge.” Six finalists will develop their projects with the support of Tommy Hilfiger and experts. In early 2022, they will present their final concepts at to a panel of judges at the global Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge final event. There is also €200,000 to be awarded between winners and an additional €15,000 prize for the Audience Favorite Vote winner.