Nick Woodhouse

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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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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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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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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🚀 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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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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"Phygital" has become more than just a buzzword in the fashion industry—it's a transformative trend reshaping the way brands interact with consumers. In this article by True Stars by Louise Laing founder of PhygitalTwin, explore how many players are leveraging phygital experiences to enhance customer engagement, blend physical and digital worlds, and revolutionise the way we experience fashion. From immersive virtual showrooms to NFT-enabled collections, discover how the fusion of physical and digital elements is driving innovation and creativity in the fashion landscape. For me at Brushbound it is a 'transformative space which helps me express my brand in various mediums.' Read more : https://lnkd.in/eEuJCi6h

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ICYMI VIDEO: Craig Patterson, Publisher of Retail Insider, interviews Stephen Bailey, Chief Marketing Officer of iconic Vancouver-based footwear brand John Fluevog. They discuss the evolution and unique positioning of John Fluevog Shoes within the footwear industry. Bailey reflects on his 20 years with the Vancouver-based company, emphasizing its dedication to creating “unique soles for unique souls.” He describes how the brand’s independent spirit and medium size allows for a personalized connection with customers, which is central to its retail strategy. Bailey also discusses Fluevog’s choice to manage its retail distribution through 24 stores globally, after a shift away from wholesale due to the desire to control brand presentation. Their discussion shifts to the significant impact of the pandemic on retail strategies, where John Fluevog Shoes quickly adapted to changing consumer behaviours and increased its focus on direct-to-consumer sales. This shift included enhancing the online shopping experience and integrating store-based fulfillment to maintain inventory efficiency and customer engagement. Bailey points out the importance of in-store experience in creating lasting customer relationships, sharing anecdotes that demonstrate the brand’s commitment to exceptional service and community building among “Fluevogers.” They then discuss John Fluevog’s approach to collaborations and innovations in the footwear industry. Bailey highlights partnerships with iconic designers and how these collaborations reflect the brand’s authentic approach to fashion. Looking to the future, he speculates on the trends including customization and on-demand footwear, suggesting that John Fluevog Shoes is well-positioned to adapt to these evolving industry dynamics due to its agile business model and commitment to unique, high-quality designs. https://lnkd.in/g9UBNvAG #business #news #retail #shoes John Fluevog Shoes

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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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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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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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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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The fashion retail landscape is abuzz with major moves, and staying informed is crucial. Here are some key takeaways from today's business section: 🛍️ Tapestry-Capri Holdings Limited Acquisition: The FTC's challenge to Tapestry Inc.'s takeover of Capri Holdings underscores the growing scrutiny of mega-mergers in the fashion industry. This development, reminiscent of Europe's LVMH challenges, signals a potential shift in the competitive landscape, impacting future deals and reshaping industry dynamics. 📱 ByteDance TikTok Shop Dilemma: Despite regulatory uncertainties surrounding TikTok, brands like Rare Beauty and Beachwaver Co. are doubling down on TikTok Shop, leveraging its social commerce potential. While opportunities abound, diversifying marketing channels remains essential to mitigate risks associated with regulatory changes. 💼 Frasers Group Strategic Move: Frasers Group's repurchase of MATCHES intellectual property assets highlights the evolving retail environment. As independent brands seek to recover from Matches' collapse, this strategic acquisition showcases the importance of adaptability and resilience in today's market. 🛒 Consumerism Trends: With the rise of ultra-cheap retailers like Shein, consumer culture shows no signs of slowing down. Despite sustainability concerns, affordability continues to drive purchasing decisions, shaping the competitive landscape for retailers. #RetailTrends #FashionIndustry #BusinessInsights #RetailStrategy

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A strategic pricing and discount approach is essential for building a sustainable business.

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Private label footwear is an interesting discussion. I was surprised to hear REI getting out of making their own footwear. It looked good and I think offered a well-branded, unique approach offering some good value and performance (Vibram outsoles, etc.). There seemed to be an authentic story and reason to exist. Often private label is synonymous with cheap. Footwear in particular can be hard to execute well when it's at a very competitive price point, often with a large SKU offering and has the realities of tooling costs and technical development. Most commonly private label footwear is pawned off to a trading company to stick a logo on "knock-off" designs with open tooling produced at a questionable quality and performance standard. But I think private labels can compete. My first experience in footwear was with Power Footwear, possibly the largest global private label - a "house brand" of Bata Group. It showed me it is possible to craft real performance with value in mind and we did so with design as a strength. Original tooling, original technology, original design. Decathlon is also doing it really well. Some of the latest KIPRUN products I think can go head to head with Nike, Adidas, etc. Amazing design and cutting edge performance and sponsored top athletes. They have turned in-house resources and brands into a showcase for products that bring consumers into the stores. The whole point of private label in the first place. What do you think? Can private label footwear exist in today's retail landscape where a brand is more than product and needs to be supported by marketing, social, and the full experience? Do consumers want private labels? Do they know/care they aren't "real" brands? --- I’m the owner of The Directive Collective footwear design consultancy. We make great footwear, not just great sketches. #design #footwear #footweardesign

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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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It's 2020 and VF Corp (Vans, Timberland, The North Face) decides to continue to expand it's brand portfolio and beats out Carlyle, Disney, and H&M in a bid for the hottest streetwear brand of the last decade in Supreme and has a winning bid of $2.1B on ~$500m of revenue and ~10% net margins. VF Corp had a market cap of ~$50B. It's 2023 and VF decides it's consolidating it's brand portfolio and selling off Supreme, which has grown nominally since acquisition but ultimately under expectations. It finds a buyer in EssilorLuxottica for $1.5B. VF today has a market cap of ~$6.5B. To be honest, given the multiple compression in the market, credit to the Supreme brand that there wasn't a bigger loss on the exit.

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