Lacoste Appoints New CEO
Éric Vallat, a former LVMH executive, was appointed as the company’s new CEO, starting September 1. He succeeds Thierry Guibert, who has held the position since 2015.
Survey: Women’s Interest in Outdoor Activities Remains Strong
Winnebago Industries’ Annual Spotlight Survey found that 52 percent of women plan to increase their outdoor activities in 2025—a six-point jump from last year, with over half (55 percent) spending six hours or more outside each week. The survey from the RV and boat manufacturer examined the benefits and barriers to getting more women outdoors.
Canada’s Holt Renfrew Department Store CEO Steps Down
Holt Renfrew, the Canadian luxury department store chain, reported Sebastian Picardo plans to step down as president and CEO, effective Sept. 30, 2025. He has served in the role since 2020.
Nordstrom to Close Two Stores
The retailer plans to close its Santa Monica, CA store at Santa Monica Place and its St. Louis, MO location at Saint Louis Galleria in late August of this year.
Nike Virtual Studios Vice President Exits
Ron Faris, who served as vice president and general manager of Nike Virtual Studios, has joined Disney Consumer Products as VP of global marketing.
Report: Back-to-School Spending to Surge 17 Percent, Shopping Starts Earlier
JLL’s 2025 Back-to-School survey of 1,010 parents found a 17.3 percent increase in planned spending this year, with respondents shifting toward in-store shopping while adopting earlier purchasing patterns and becoming more sensitive to higher prices.
EXEC: Trump Announces New Trade Deal with Vietnam
The revised deal includes the elimination of Vietnam tariffs on U.S. goods and a higher tariff on Vietnam shipments to the U.S, although it amounts to less than half of the 46 percent tariff imposed by the Trump Administration in early April.
Champs Sports Reopens Tampa and Portland Stores with “Reimagined” Concept
The Tampa and Portland stores are located in “dynamic markets, making them ideal locations to unveil a new store experience that reflects our brand ethos. —Tony Aversa, senior vice president and general manager of Champs Sports
Altri Acquires Majority Stake in Fiber Specialist AeoniQ
Portuguese fiber producer Altri SGPS S.A. has agreed to acquire a majority interest in Swiss clean technology company AeoniQ to support the commercial-scale development of a biodegradable cellulose-based filament designed to replace polyester and nylon.
StockX Names Senior Director of Customer Community and Engagement
Brendan Dunne will oversee editorial content and deepen the company’s connection with its audience of primarily Millennials, Gen Z, and increasingly, Generation Alpha. Previously, Dunne worked at Complex, overseeing editorial strategy, partnerships and content.
Cascale Appoints Former Nike Senior Exec as Interim CEO
Harsh Saini, who currently serves on Cascale’s Board of Directors, will lead the non-profit in advancing its key 2025 strategic priorities while it continues its global search for a permanent CEO.
Puma Extends Partnership with Borussia Dortmund
Puma’s partnership with Borussia Dortmund (BVD), the second most decorated German football team, with eight domestic league championships, five DFB-Pokals and six DFL-Supercups, began with the 2012/13 season.
Allbirds Secures $75M Credit Line, Launches Stock Sale Program
The footwear brand secured a new $75 million asset-based revolving credit facility while introducing a program to sell up $50 million in stock with TD Cowen. The financing provides additional liquidity and financial flexibility to support plans to reignite growth.
Report: Back-to-School Expected to Benefit from ‘Resilient’ Consumer
Placer.ai reported that overall U.S. retail traffic in early 2025 shows modest growth so far this year, boding well for the upcoming back-to-school season. Traditional back-to-school categories, such as sportswear and footwear, are expected to remain strong.
Lululemon Sues Costco Over Alleged Copycat Yoga Pants
The brand is seeking a court order to prevent Costco from manufacturing, importing, advertising, and selling the alleged LULU counterfeit products. It also wants Costco to pull all ads that promote the products and is asking for compensation for lost profits.
