Welcome back to Subscriptions Weekly! From regulators cracking down on cancellation hurdles to platforms rethinking pricing and payment flows, the subscription economy is evolving fast. The FTC is testing the limits of easy cancellation, Substack is sidestepping Apple fees, Sling TV is betting on flexible “mini subscriptions,” and Urban Outfitters’ Nuuly proves rental models are built to last.

We’re also spotlighting Wildwonder’s mission-driven growth with Recurly Commerce, a private New York dinner on scaling into new markets, and our latest consumer research on what subscribers really want. Plus, don’t miss fresh open roles across the industry. Let’s dive in.

FTC zeroes in on “hard to cancel” subscriptions

The FTC sued LA Fitness operators for allegedly making membership cancellations unreasonably difficult, signaling that, even after a federal court vacated the “click-to-cancel” rule, regulators are pressing cases to curb dark patterns. A same-day piece highlights a $14M Match Group settlement over similar issues. Read more

Virtual cards simplify recurring payments

Virtual cards are becoming a powerful tool for managing recurring subscriptions. By offering better security, easier tracking, and reduced failed payments, they give both consumers and merchants more control, helping subscription brands minimize churn and improve billing success. Read more

Which states search “how to cancel” the most in the U.S.?

New data from Reviews.org shows cancellation anxiety is highest in Nevada, followed by New Hampshire and Kansas. The study highlights how difficult cancel flows keep subscribers searching for workarounds, underscoring why regulators and platforms alike are rethinking friction in off-ramps. Read more

Substack bypasses Apple with web-based iOS offers

Substack is letting U.S. writers direct readers to lower-priced web subscriptions inside iOS apps, sidestepping Apple’s fees. The move gives publishers more control over pricing and ARPU while highlighting the growing push for flexible payment paths in the app economy.  Read more 

Enter the mini subscription: Sling TV puts flexibility first

Sling TV  is breaking away from rigid bundles. The streaming brand now offers “mini subscriptions” for a day, weekend, or week.. Just in time for football season, the offer gives viewers instant, contract-free access to live sports and entertainment.This shift validates subscribers’ desire for choice, control, and pricing that fits their lifestyle. For brands, it’s another signal that flexibility is no longer optional, it’s a growth strategy. Read more 

Nuuly fuels Urban Outfitters’ rental subscription growth

Urban Outfitters’ clothing rental arm, Nuuly, continues to post standout results, proving the staying power of fashion-as-a-service. With subscribers driving recurring revenue and deeper brand engagement, Nuuly shows how rental models can expand loyalty while diversifying income streams for legacy retailers. Read more 

Work in the most exciting industry: Open roles in subscriptions

Looking for your next challenge? These leading companies are hiring. From AI search optimization to sales, here’s a round-up of interesting job offerings. 

Lucid Software. Visual collaboration suite that provides tools for teams to plan, design, build, and launch solutions:

The Business of Fashion. Independent, agenda-setting journalism with practical business advice, online learning, career-building tools and immersive events:

New from Recurly 

How Wildwonder scaled mission-driven subscriptions with Recurly Commerce

Wildwonder isn’t just another drink. Blending superfoods, vibrant flavors, and heritage-inspired wisdom, the company donates 5% of profits to empower women and underserved communities. But scaling that mission hit roadblocks: messy data, limited tools, and frustrated subscribers.

That’s where Recurly Commerce came in. With features like passwordless login, customizable portals, one-click actions, and robust reporting, Wildwonder gained the tools to streamline operations and delight subscribers. The results? More loyal subscribers spending 2–3x more over time and a team free to focus on growth. Read the full story

Let’s meet in New York! Scaling subscriptions: how to win new markets

On August 28th, we’re bringing together subscription leaders for a private dinner at Soho Ludlow House to discuss how to expand into new markets while staying profitable and customer-first.Part of our What’s Next Series, this event is about sharing strategies and building connections with the best in subscriptions. RSVP now

New report: What subscribers want

What makes people hit “subscribe” and what makes them stay? We surveyed over 1,000 consumers in the U.S. and EMEA, and the results are in. This interactive report reveals the biggest drivers of acquisition and retention, plus practical recommendations to help you build loyalty that lasts. Read  the report 

Subscription Sessions: Going global

Expanding globally? We’ll show you how the best subscription brands do it. Join us on September 24 for four fast-paced sessions packed with strategies to scale and keep subscribers engaged across borders.  Save your spot 

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