Gap to Use Athleta Leader’s Exit to Rebuild Slumping Brand
The departure of Athleta’s CEO for Lululemon is a chance to ‘reimagine the brand’s path forward,’ Gap Inc. CEO Richard Dickson wrote in an internal memo viewed by Bloomberg.
Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.
The Brands That Teens Built
The rise of social media and e-commerce coupled with the so-called retail apocalypse has changed the landscape of teen retailers.
Retail Sales Slump as French Strikes Continue
Retail sales were 40 percent to 45 percent lower last week as public transit workers continue to demonstrate over a proposed pension overhaul.
Amazon Cuts Off FedEx Ground for Prime Holiday Shipments
The move highlights the e-commerce giant’s growing power over how products get to shoppers.
Op-Ed: Online Moral Outrage Doesn't Actually Hurt Sales
There is little evidence that spasms of internet indignation — such as the recent backlash against Peloton and SoulCycle's well reported ties to Donald Trump — cause a retailer long-term damage.
H&M Sales Rise 9 Percent in Fourth Quarter
The Swedish-based retailer has invested in online services and new store concepts to broaden its customer base and turn itself around.
Despite the End of Barneys Itself, a Happy Holidays for Its Retail Workers
Some of the bankrupt store’s still-employed sales associates are determined to stick it out until the end of liquidation, thanks to high commissions and market demand for their skill set.
Harrods Is the Most Famous Department Store in the World. But That’s Not Enough.
The iconic department store has initiated a £300 million refurbishment and a digital upgrade to attract a new generation of luxury customers. BoF sat down with Managing Director Michael Ward to unpack the strategy.
The Battle for Saks' Parent Heats Up
This week, everyone will be talking about the vote to take Saks' owner private, the rush to deliver online orders in time for the holidays, and the potential for a pre-Christmas surprise. Get your BoF Professional Cheat Sheet.
Hudson's Bay's Take-Private Deal Falls Short in Shareholder Vote
According to sources, a buyout consortium of Hudson's Bay investors did not win enough votes from other company shareholders to go through.
Philip Green's Arcadia Secures £310 Million Loan
The money will be spent on refinancing the fashion group's flagship Topshop store on London's Oxford Street.
US Retail Sales Rise Less Than Expected in November
The Commerce Department said on Friday retail sales rose 0.2 percent last month.
Philip Green's Arcadia Secures £310 Million Loan Refinancing on Flagship Store
Apollo Management International LLP provided the loan.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Harvey Nichols’ Birmingham Store Will Close in January
The department store’s Leeds and Bristol outlets will be converted to the Flannels brand in a shake-up under Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, which purchased the chain when it was put into administration in mid-August.
Lululemon Hires Athleta Head in Management Shakeup
Maggie Gauger is joining Lululemon as chief product officer as new CEO Heidi O’Neill looks to revive sales.
Levi’s Growth Slows After Marketing Misstep
The company lost out in its third quarter because of a decision to market baggy jeans over low rise, but still raised its sales outlook for the year.
Fast Retailing Annual Profit Jumps 32%, Beats Expectations
The Uniqlo owner hit a new record annual profit for the fifth year in a row, boosted by strong results in all regions.
Frasers Group Acquires 8.8% Stake in Under Armour
The move extends British company’s push into sports brands following a recent purchase of Puma stock.
Asos Customers Receive ‘Hack’ Notification Threatening Leak
The retailer is investigating after users of its mobile app received a notification claiming hackers had ‘fully compromised’ company data.
Shein Shares Sink to Record Low After Profit Plunge
The ultra-fast-fashion giant’s share price fell 12 percent after it reported a steep drop in first-half operating income in its inaugural earnings as a public company.