Thirteen Lune, the inclusive retail platform co-founded in 2020 by Nyakio Grieco and Patrick Herning, is currently exploring various deal options, according to sources. As the company enters its fourth year, Grieco confirmed that they are assessing their choices for growth, moving from a startup to a rapidly expanding business, according to WWD.
It is stated that Thirteen Lune, which focuses on inclusivity by dedicating 90 percent of its shelf space to brands founded by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), operates 600 shop-in-shop locations within JCPenney stores across the U.S. It also has a flagship store in Los Angeles. Grieco mentioned potential expansions into partnerships with other retailers, as the brand is no longer exclusive to JCPenney.
In 2022, Thirteen Lune launched its beauty brand, Relevant, with a focus on skincare and makeup. The brand has since expanded its offerings and entered the U.K. through a partnership with Sephora.
Both Grieco and Herning have prior experience in successful exits—Grieco sold her Nyakio Beauty brand to Unilever in 2017, while Herning’s fashion brand 11 Honoré was acquired by Dia & Co. in 2022.
The company’s decision to seek a buyer or investor comes as other beauty brands are exploring similar moves, amidst a generally positive but shifting landscape in the U.S. beauty market. However, the outlook for the holiday season has been tempered by reports of increased competition and consumer shifts toward more affordable options.
