In a walk-through of North Face’s new Protoype concept in Williamsburg, Mark Parker, the brand’s VP of direct to consumer (DTC), said the store showcases North Face’s expansive lifestyle offerings, puts a major focus on community engagement and will serve as a testing lab for future retail ideas. Said Parker, “This is a place where we’re going to play and learn.”
The Active segment for Kohl’s, which has grown to represent about 20 percent of the retailer’s mix, saw comps climb 10 percent in the third quarter and Kohl’s officials believes the chain is increasingly being perceived as a go-to place for active apparel. Shares slipped on a weak guidance for the fourth quarter.
Shares of The TJX Cos. fell $2.14, or 4.4 percent, Tuesday as increased freight costs and supply chain expenses offset the company’s strong expense leverage in the third quarter, dropping gross margin 90 bps to 28.9 percent.
Products supporting recovery for runners dominated many of the offerings at the recent NYC Marathon Expo but an overall message of recovery for the industry was also heard from attending exhibitors. Said Luke Rowe, SVP at CEP, “The bottom was hit and they’re bouncing back.”
Department stores are a mixed bag heading into Black Friday and the 2018 Holiday Season, as companies like Nordstrom Inc. and Macy’s raised guidance with hopes of closing out the year on strong footing while J.C. Penney and Dillard’s continued looking for ways to keep from stumbling.
