Namuk Appoints Vice President, North America
Namuk, the Swiss-based sustainable outdoor kid’s brand founded in 2016, hired Beth Steele as vice president of North America, responsible for driving its U.S. and Canadian business and building the organization in both DTC and B2B markets.
A4 Apparel Acquires LabFit And Appoints Industry Veteran As President
A4, the Los Angeles-based team and corporate apparel manufacturer, has acquired LabFit Sublimation and hired industry veteran Todd Levine as president. Mark Mertens will remain as chairman and CEO.
Moody’s Downgrades Li & Fung’s Debt Ratings
Moody’s Investors Service lowered the debt ratings of Li & Fung following the sale of its logistics segment.
Kohl’s Debt Ratings Downgraded
S&P Global Ratings downgraded the debt ratings of Kohl’s Corp. following the retailer’s update on its sales and earnings guidance for the full year. S&P said it expects Kohl’s medium to long-term business prospects will continue to be challenged by the secular headwinds facing department stores.
Dick’s SG Expands On-Demand Retail Delivery
Dick’s Sporting Goods has partnered with DoorDash to use its on-demand delivery service. This makes Dicks its first sporting goods and retail apparel partner.
Red Bull Racing Partners With Castore
The Red Bull Formula One team entered into a multi-year partnership with the UK sportswear brand Castore. The agreement begins with the start of the 2023 season. Castore will supply the racing team with apparel, including sportswear.
Lands’ End Announces CEO Succession Plan
Lands’ End, Inc. announced that Andrew McLean, president, International, at American Eagle Outfitters, would join Lands’ End as CEO-designate and as a member of its Board on November 1, 2022.
MeUndies Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
MeUndies, the Los Angeles-based underwear and loungewear company, hired Elizabeth Krause as chief marketing officer. Krause has over two decades of marketing experience working at brands including Speedo, Volcom, Fox Racing, and Oakley.
GroupeSTAHL Hires New CFO
Michigan-based GroupeSTAHL hired Derek Nugent as chief financial officer.
Lids Opens Flagship In Las Vegas
Lids opened a flagship store on the Las Vegas Strip. The two-story building is the retailer’s largest concept store at 12,000 square feet.
Varsity Spirit To Open New Headquarters In Downtown Memphis
Varsity Spirit will open its new headquarters in downtown Memphis, TN.
August Retail Sales Supported By Job And Wage Gains Amid Continued Inflation
The National Retail Federation reported core retail sales, which excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, grew 0.1 percent in August from July and were up 8 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Consumers’ willingness to spend overcame inflation again in August as more jobs and higher wages helped ease some of the pressure of continuing high prices, the NRF said.
Eddie Bauer Partners With Itochu For Japan Expansion
Authentic Brands Group entered into a new partnership with Itochu to grow the Eddie Bauer business in Japan.
5.11 Tactical Opens 100th Store
5.11 Tactical, a subsidiary of Compass Diversified, will open its 100th store in Oxnard, CA, on September 17, 2022.
Kanye West Seeks To End Relationship With Gap And Adidas
Kanye West said he formally notified Gap, Inc. that he is terminating his partnership with the apparel chain after two years. He accuses Gap of breaking their agreement by not releasing his apparel line or opening planned retail stores. West also reiterated to media outlets that he plans to end his Adidas contract.
