ICSC’s Survey Finds Back-To-School Shoppers Seeking Promotions
The 2025 ICSC Back-to-School Consumer Survey found that nine in ten respondents said promotions influence their purchases throughout the season, with 46 percent stating they plan their shopping around specific promotional events, such as Target Circle Week, Amazon Prime Day, Walmart Deals, or Labor Day sales.
EXEC: Moody’s Sees Tariffs Weighing On Apparel Retail Through First Half Of 2026
Moody’s Ratings, in an update, said that while a pause in some tariffs lessens the profitability hit, it’s maintaining a negative outlook on the Global Retail and Apparel sector, as tariffs are expected to “materially” impact earnings through the first quarter of 2026, with apparel and footwear sellers particularly vulnerable.
Nordisk Forms Partnership to Expand In China
The Danish outdoor brand entered a partnership with K2 Korea and China’s BA Capital to establish a strategic joint venture in China, including the opening of the first Nordisk stores in the country.
Study: Private Label is Quietly Taking Share from Established Brands
This latest First Insight study on private label trends offers a macro view of how shifting consumer perceptions and behaviors around private label products are influencing trial, loyalty and the decisions retailers must make in a changing economic and competitive landscape.
Arc’teryx to Open Store in Bethesda, Maryland
The store at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, MD, is expected to open this fall. The outdoor brand, owned by Amer Sports, operates two stores nearby in Washington, D.C., including one in the Georgetown area.
Tiger Finance Appoints Managing Director, National Sales
Tiger Finance, which has invested in several active lifestyle and retail businesses, promoted Jason Rae, an asset-based lending veteran, as managing director, National Sales. Rae previously co-led Tiger Valuation Services’ Business Development team and covered the New England and Canadian markets.
Li & Fung Acquires UK-Based Hosiery Supplier Orrsum
Hong Kong-headquartered supply chain management company Li & Fung has acquired Orrsum, a UK-based manufacturer of hosiery, underwear and loungewear, for an undisclosed amount.sed sum. Founded in 1998, Orrsum reports that it produces over 50 million pairs of socks for distribution to more than 5,000 retail doors worldwide each year.
Centric Brands Appoints President of Kid’s Division
Based in New York, Rob Smith will report directly to CEO Jason Rabin as president of the company’s Kids’ Division and join the company’s executive leadership team. He replaces Steve Pinkow who has served as Kid’s Group president for 17 years.
Survey: Asics, Bass Pro, Golf Galaxy, Red Wing, and Timberland Make U.S. Best Retailers List
Red Wing Shoes came in at the top of the active lifestyle brands as the brand ranked No. 6 overall, while Golf Galaxy ranked No. 7 in the survey’s report. Other retailers in the active lifestyle space with high rankings in the survey included Asics (17), Timberland (19) and Bass Pro (25).
Authentic Brands Group Warns Market of Employment Scam
These scams are often initiated via email, employment websites and social media, and may include fake interview requests, offer letters or attempts to collect personal and financial information.
R.L. Winston Rod Company Hires Sales Manager; Expands Northern Rockies Coverage
The company hired Jay Beebe as sales manager, while Tyson Webb takes on the role of Northern Rockies sales representative, covering Montana and Idaho. Beebe has over a decade of industry experience; Webb has been has been a sales representative for Raging River Sales for nearly eight years.
Athleta’s Head of Strategy Joins Sur La Table as President
Dan Goldman was VP at Gap, Inc. and head of strategy at Athleta + Banana Republic from November 2020 to July 2025. Previously, he served as global vice president of strategy, consumer insights, and innovation at The North Face.
NRF Chief Economist to Transition to Senior Economic Advisor
Jack Kleinhenz, the NRF’s chief economist since 2010, is stepping down to serve in a new capacity as senior economic advisor. NRF Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews will become NRF’s new chief economist while continuing to lead the research team.
June Retail Sales Top Expectations
Retail sales rose a better-than-expected 0.6 percent in June versus May, the Commerce Department reported, after two consecutive months of spending declines. June’s number topped the 0.2 percent gain economists projected in a FactSet poll.
EXEC: Sports Direct’s Solid Full Year Performance Offset by Other Parent Company Factors
U.K.-based Frasers Group, the parent of Sports Direct, Everlast, and Evans Cycles, among many others, reported a 7.4 percent decline in sales for its fiscal year ended April 27, as continued sales growth from Sports Direct was offset by moves to right-size other sports banners and weakness in its luxury segment.
