James Carter

A&F is following Target’s lead and jumping into the wholesale market in Kids apparel. Will be interesting to see how this strategy evolves for both A&F and other retailers. https://lnkd.in/egPY3nre

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Nike ranks fourth on Depop and second on eBay with over 219,000 and 893,000 items, respectively. #Retail #TextileRetail #ApparelRetail #RetailNews #DailyNews #Nike #ApparelResources #ApparelIndustry #RetailIndustry #FashionBrand

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The topic of innovation is top of mind in the performance running shoe market – especially if you ask Nike, which has been widely criticized for having a lackluster product pipeline by analysts and the Street in recent months. But for Deckers chief executive officer Dave Powers, this isn’t an issue for its star running brand Hoka. Indeed, on the product front, Hoka is driving growth and consumer acquisition through innovative updates and new introductions across a diverse assortment of footwear. Footwear News Deckers Brands HOKA Nike Dave Powers #running #hoka #runningshoe #earnings #sneakers #nike #marathon

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The new venture, called Authentic Luxury Group, will initially focus on Authentic Brands Group owned luxury and accessible luxury names including: Barneys New York, Judith Leiber Couture, Hervé Léger and Vince. Essentially, the new luxury group plans to serve as an incubator for brand growth through strategic licensing agreements and distribution channels across #fashion, #retail, #digital, #hospitality, #realestate, #art and #travel, according to the joint venture; all related to luxury lifestyle and activities. Perhaps, we are witnessing the emergence of a new luxury powerhouse from the United States, poised to join the ranks of the prestigious luxury conglomerates that dominate the fashion and lifestyle markets from France and Italy. While these European giants have long set the standard, this could signal a shift in the global landscape. Time will reveal if this American contender lead by Authentic Brands Group Jamie Salter & Saks Richard Baker can truly redefine the luxury industry on a global scale (in my personal opinion highly feasible).

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Interesting read from Erica La Sala from Beauty Independent related to the Saks and Nieman merger. The question asked: What do you make of the Saks Fifth Avenue/Neiman Marcus deal? How will it impact the luxury beauty market? Will it strengthen the declining department store sector?  According to Cristina Nuñez, "... the department store channel is a challenging one. Historically, it has been the main retail channel for luxury beauty brands given it is more suited for a higher price point. But with continued declines in traffic at department stores, the channel has proven to be a difficult place for luxury brands to rely upon for growth. Instead, growth is being driven at specialty retailers such as SEPHORA and Ulta Beauty, whose dominance has largely been at the expense of department stores". "At the end of the day, consumers will continue to shop for beauty at retailers offering best-in-class in-store experiences optimized for brand discovery. Brands should seek out these partners offering the best brand building support and a path to achieving scale. Perhaps the combination of Saks and Neiman Marcus will allow for a more enhanced retail experience overall that is even better suited for luxury beauty. Time will tell." True Beauty Ventures

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Come for the treasure hunt, stay for the shareholder returns. Last year, The TJX Companies, Inc., owner of MARSHALLS LLC, TJ Maxx & HomeGoods, and TK MAXX (Europe), generated over $50 Billion in revenue, more than Macy's and Nordstrom combined. This success was not generated from online sales but based on #BehavioralEconomics and applied human psychology, e.g., "bargains and the treasure hunt." The latest quarter was further proof of this resilience. Both TJX Cos. and Ross Stores, Inc. reported this week that comparable-store sales rose 3% in their quarters ended May 4 compared with a year earlier as inflation-pinched consumers sought out deals. This marks the seventh consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth for TJX and the sixth for Ross. Ross, whose consumers skew low-to-middle income, has been lowering prices to drive sales. TJX, with a higher-income clientele, has been able to raise prices selectively without much pushback. Bad times aren’t required for good times at these retailers—they were growing in 2021 when consumers were feeling flush. TJX, Ross and Burlington Stores, Inc. collective share of the #apparel and #footwear specialist market ballooned from 25% in 2019 to 31% last year. Off-price is likely stealing market share from home retailers, too. TJX’s HomeGoods business saw comparable-store sales rise 4% last quarter, while Ross Stores said the home category outpaced overall company growth. That contrasts with anemic home-related sales at retailers like Target and Beyond, the company that took on Bed Bath & Beyond’s website. Can off-price retailers keep growing? Weakness at other apparel brands suggests that they can. Recognizable brands such as Nike, lululemon, and Coach owner Tapestry have hit speed bumps on sales growth. Where there is unsold inventory, there are buying opportunities for off-price retailers. There could be a big wave of inventory from recent bankruptcies at EXPRESS and teen-focused rue21, as they close hundreds of stores. The wave of store closures also should help boost foot traffic at off-price retailers. Off-price historically has been the biggest beneficiary of apparel store closures. In addition to bankrupt retailers, Macy’s has announced plans to close 150 stores. UBS analysts estimate that more than 16,000 apparel stores could close over the next five years. This hasn’t gone unnoticed. TJX and Ross shares have appreciated 92% and 40%, respectively, over the past five years. They are now among the most expensive U.S.-listed apparel-industry stocks. They trade at forward-12-month earnings multiples that rival Nike’s and recently outpaced Lululemon’s. Off-price retail stocks aren’t cheap, but premium products never are. Well covered by Jinjoo Lee for the The Wall Street Journal

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Barneys Plots a Bigger Comeback Thanks to Neiman-Saks Deal. Talks include Barneys-branded home goods, outerwear lines. Contingent on negotiations, close of Saks-Neiman deal https://lnkd.in/euFeFyzJ #tradeguard #receivableputoptions #arputs #receivableputs #tradereceivables #accountsreceivables

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As Tapestry unravels, Is Michael Kors left holding the bag? In a twist that turned heads across the fashion world, a judge has blocked Coach owner Tapestry from buying Capri Holdings Limited, citing the #FTC’s competition concerns. Capri’s marquee brand, Michael Kors, has only deteriorated since the merger was announced—leading many to question the viability of Capri’s future. The market’s reaction was swift and brutal: Capri’s stock, already slumping, took a nosedive, while Tapestry’s shares jumped—a clear “phew” from investors who had qualms about Tapestry inheriting Capri’s challenged portfolio. Here’s why it’s a challenging situation for Capri: Since Michael Kors hit peak revenue in 2016, sales have been sliding, with margins crushed under the weight of excessive discounts. Capri’s operating margins, which once sat at a robust 30%, have now plummeted to below 10%. To top it off, since the deal was announced, Capri’s numbers have gone from bad to worse, with Michael Kors logging its seventh consecutive year-on-year sales decline. Even the higher-end Jimmy Choo and Versace lines have posted declines recently. In contrast, Coach—which faced similar challenges a few years back—has since pulled off a notable turnaround; Kudos to Todd Kahn. The hope was that Tapestry’s team could apply that same playbook to save Michael Kors. But now, with the deal stalled, Capri has to chart its own path or hunt for another buyer. Capri’s options aren’t enviable. The trial testimony cast a harsh light on its current strategy, and investors now demand a credible turnaround plan—and possibly some leadership changes. With shares sinking, the chances of an attractive takeover offer look slim. Ultimately, that discounted Michael Kors bag Capri hoped to pass along is now firmly—and perhaps permanently—in its own hands. "My life has been a tapestry Of rich and royal hue An everlasting vision Of the ever-changing view A wond'rous woven magic In bits of blue and gold A tapestry to feel and see Impossible to hold" "He moved with some uncertainty As if he didn't know Just what he was there for Or where he ought to go Once he reached for something Golden hanging from a tree And his hand came down empty" - “Tapestry” by Carole King - A message for Michael Kors? A message for the #fashion #brand #retail industry.

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Bloomingdale's CEO on the Future of American Department Stores. About a year into his tenure as Bloomingdale’s chief executive, Olivier Bron knows what’s ailing American department stores: too much focus on financial returns, and not enough on shoppers. An outsider to American #fashion who has worked as an executive for Parisian department store Galeries Lafayette and Thai retail conglomerate Central Group, Bron believes the value of the format hasn’t changed since its invention 300 years ago — a sprawling space promising endless variety, with beautiful displays and persuasive salespeople. Simply displaying a mainstream offering of fashion isn’t enough. Discovery is about creating something new: bringing two brands together in collaboration, for instance, or an intricately themed event that people have never seen before. A New Standard for Partnership Bron’s strategy is rooted in winning back the favour of fashion brands that have grown wary of #wholesale, as well as making changes that will resonate with Bloomingdale’s’ particular demographic. Its shoppers tend to be younger and prefer a less formal shopping experience — a largely different profile from customers who visit standalone brand boutiques. The Bloomies’ Experience Bron also has big plans for the 57 existing Bloomingdale’s locations, taking a page out of his experience managing department stores in Asia and Europe: strong product assortment, great customer service and an emphasis on Bloomingdale’s own unique branding. In recent months, Bloomingdale’s has started making store improvements, from lighting upgrades and new furniture to renovating entire departments. Now, it’s looking to make major alterations in its 59th street Manhattan flagship, including expanding the luxury footprint, building new shop-in-shops and revamping its design shoe section. “It’s not just about products, but the joy and pleasure of shopping, from the façade and curbside of the building to all the small things inside the store,” said Bron. “It’s always a surprise to our customers, and that’s fantastic.” #retail #fashionindustry #bloomingdales #nyc #paris #toronto #manhattan #shopping #womenswear #shoes #ceo #fashionbrands #luxury

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Guess appoints Andrew Rosen as CEO of Rag & Bone. The appointment comes nearly two months after Guess Inc. and WHP Global will complete the acquisition of the New York-based brand. In February, Guess and WHP Global announced a final deal to acquire Rag & Bone, which was completed in April. Under the terms of the agreement, Guess paid more than $57 million for the purchase, in addition to contributions from WHP Global, according to a press release. OptimaRetail.eu: Experts in worldwide #Retail #maintenance and #repairs - SMART FACILITY MANAGEMENT  #RetailInnovation #FutureTrends #OptimaRetail #facilityManagement #PreventiveMaintenance #ReactiveMaintenance #NewsOptimaRetail #NewsRetail #OptimaRetail

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Our CEO and founder, Gary Lenett, sat down with our friends at The Manual for an insightful discussion on the history of denim, innovations in performance jeans wear, and a glimpse into the future of apparel. "Finally, we find ourselves in the midst of a massive shift in the fashion world. Thanks to an already casualization of society and the cherry on top of a pandemic keeping us indoors, we no longer want to wear anything but conveniently comfortable athleisure. Of course, that doesn’t mean we ditch the trusty jeans. No, instead, we look at companies like DUER to innovate and bring us back something we can use today." Read the full interview to see how we're shaping the future of denim. This is one evolution you won’t want to miss: https://lnkd.in/gVYpcfhX

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Thanks to The Business of Fashion for including my thoughts in this article on the potential acquisition of Neiman Marcus by the parent of Saks Fifth Avenue. The merger of the two companies will create some benefits, but it still leaves lots of questions as to their future place in the luxury retail sector. In my view, corporate dealmaking is always exciting and generates a lot of promises. However, the real challenge is actually delivering on those promises. More in the article: https://lnkd.in/eny9tJzC #retail #retailnews #luxury #departmentstores #fashion #apparel

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In my latest article for Sourcing Journal, I examine the growing influence of reverse logistics in the resale market. While the resale industry is growing slower than most headlines suggest, it's proving sticky (and profitable) for brands that master the complexity of the back end. Dive in to learn about the businesses and new best practices emerging in this space. A special thanks to TERSUS Solutions (Peter Whitcomb), Debrand (Wes B.), ACS (Advanced Clothing Solutions) (MICHAEL CUSACK), The Renewal Workshop / Bleckmann (Nicole Bassett), Recurate (Adam Siegel), COYUCHI (Marcus Chung), and The Return (Brian Adams) for their collaboration on this article. #SustainableFashion #ApparelIndustry #ResaleMarket #ReverseLogistics #CircularEconomy

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Is the Neiman Marcus Group acquisition by Saks Fifth Avenue a Luxury Shopping game-changer? Saks Fifth Avenue's parent company, Hudson's Bay Company, is acquiring Neiman Marcus Group for an impressive $2.65 billion! This landmark deal, partially funded by Amazon, along with Rhône Capital and Insight Partners, is set to reshape luxury retail. For those who love #luxury shopping, this is a game-changer. Combining forces means expanded market reach and streamlined operations, enhancing our shopping experiences. With technological advancements redefining retail, this #merger promises exciting innovations. The inclusion of valuable U.S. real estate assets, worth approximately $7 billion, adds a significant financial boost. #Amazon's involvement is particularly intriguing. As an e-commerce leader, Amazon's participation signals a strategic move to strengthen its luxury retail presence. I’m excited to see potential collaborations combining Amazon's tech prowess with Saks and Neiman Marcus's retail expertise. HBC plans to establish Saks Global, encompassing Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Off 5th, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman, with each brand operating independently. Additionally, HBC’s Canadian business will be spun off as a standalone entity, focusing on different markets. The luxury retail sector is entering a transformative phase, and I'm eager to see how this deal unfolds and impacts our shopping experiences. What do you think? Will this acquisition bring more luxury and innovation to our shopping experiences, or do you foresee challenges ahead? Share your thoughts in the comments! ⬇ #RetailNews #LuxuryRetail #BusinessAcquisition #acquisition #SaksFifthAvenue #NeimanMarcus #Innovation #CustomerExperience

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The pending (re)sale of Supreme from VF Corp to Essilorluxottica, made me curious about what product categories consumers look to Supreme for in 2024. At first glance, leading searches align well with VF's stable of brands (shirts, jackets, bags, and hoodies). One point of tension is that consumer affinity with Supreme footwear has become synonymous with its Nike collaborations. Nike is a higher-ranked associated term than generic ones such as “shoes” or “sneakers”. A missed opportunity for Supreme under VF's umbrella could be establishing performance skate sneaker franchises independent of Nike SB, utilizing VF's extensive footwear resources and connection to skate culture via Vans. With the Essilorluxottica handover establishing sunglass franchises agnostic of previous collabs with brands like Louis Vuitton is the low-hanging fruit. They are experts in optics and manage an impressive portfolio of luxury labels in the category. There is also be less conflict of interest with Supreme's ongoing brand collaborators compared to VF Corp. Supreme was established in 1994, qualifying it as a heritage brand. The 20-year-olds who waited in line for the first Nike x Supreme collab in 2003 are now 41. If the handover to Gen Z has been challenging, Supreme can still access Zalphas/Alphas reviving the dormant brand loyalty of their parents, similar to what Nintendo did. This could mean that Supreme becomes a choice brand at Sunglass Huts. #supreme #streetwear #sneakers #nike #merchandising #accessories #brandcollaborations #fashion #trendforecasting

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🚀 Big news in luxury retail and an interesting article from Vogue Business Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus Group Marcus are nearing a $3 billion merger, with support from Amazon and Salesforce. This merger could reshape the industry, leveraging Amazon's e-commerce and logistics prowess and Salesforce's top-tier CRM solutions. 🔗 Maghan McDowell

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The Future of Next-Gen Materials: Learning from the Past, Innovating for Tomorrow Memo: To All Stakeholders in Sustainable Fashion Rachel Cernansky and Bella Webb both highlight the momentum and challenges for next-gen materials. The rise of sustainable alternatives like mushroom leather and lab-grown fibers is promising, but scaling remains the real challenge. What Can We Learn from the Past? Traditional materials like PVC-coated canvas and black nylon succeeded thanks to their durability, practicality, and affordability. PVC-type materials also offered higher margins—priced comparably to leather by linear meter—making them cost-effective for brands. In contrast, next-gen materials are engineered to emulate traits like durability, drape, and performance. Unlike the past, the push for these materials is driven by sustainability, navigating new pressures like regulations and eco-conscious consumers. Why Scaling Next-Gen Materials Is Harder 1. Supply Chain Gaps: Next-gen processes need infrastructure, still in development. 2. Cost Barriers: Without economies of scale, these materials are pricier. 3. Consumer Acceptance: Next-gen products must meet traditional standards while offering sustainability. Can There Be a “Big Bang” for Next-Gen Materials? • Technological Breakthroughs could lower costs. • Brand Leadership could set a new standard. • Regulatory Shifts might force a shift toward eco-friendly materials. Call to Action: What’s Next? • Brands: Commit to long-term material partnerships. • Investors: Support scaling infrastructure with patient capital. • Consumers: Demand sustainability as the norm. • Governments: Create policies that incentivize eco-materials and penalize unsustainable practices. Now is the time to act—let’s push forward toward a sustainable future. #Sustainability #NextGenMaterials #CircularEconomy #FashionInnovation #GLG #VogueBusiness #BOF #WWD @RachelCernansky @BellaWebb @EmmaWThorne @AaronToumazou

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The Apparel Industry’s Low-Tech Forecasting Dilemma: A Call for Innovation The recent Tex World event at New York’s Javits Convention Center highlighted a significant challenge within the apparel industry: the persistent reliance on low-tech forecasting methods. Despite having access to advanced technologies like AI, many companies still depend on outdated, intuitive approaches to predict consumer preferences. This inefficiency was starkly visible among the 600 exhibitors showcasing countless styles to an eager crowd of 5,000 designers and buyers. These professionals face the daunting task of deciding future trends, often leading to costly missteps and unsustainable practices. A notable example is Burberry, which saw a dramatic shift from a sales surge last year to a severe downturn, revealing the critical need for better forecasting tools. The current system, described by Matthijs Crietee of the International Apparel Federation as “one big gambling machine,” is fraught with risks. The answer lies in leveraging AI to minimize guesswork. By testing new designs online before production, we can avoid massive waste and respond more agilely to consumer demands. While the feel of fabrics can't be fully replicated digitally, AI can significantly streamline the decision-making process, reducing the overwhelming number of choices. The apparel industry must embrace these technologies to stay competitive and sustainable. As we’ve seen, those who quickly adapt—like Tractor Supply during the pandemic—thrive by understanding and acting on consumer data. https://lnkd.in/eXxwmuQY #ApparelIndustry #FashionForecasting #AI #Innovation #Sustainability #RetailTech #FutureOfFashion

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