LL.Bean to Re-Open Flagship in September Following Renovation
L.L.Bean plans to unveil its redesigned flagship campus in Freeport in September after a multiyear renovation. Updates to the store include a new entrance and facade, new fish enclosures, expanded monogramming and kids’ departments, and a cafe.
Survey: Nearly Half of Americans Not Interested in World Cup
Only slightly more than four in 10 U.S. adults in a new Emerson College poll indicated they are interested in the FIFA World Cup, although the event attracts strong appeal with younger generations and international audiences.
SRAM to Open New Manufacturing Facility in Portugal
Chicago-based bike parts manufacturer SRAM reported plans to build a new, full‑product manufacturing facility in Coimbra, Portugal, expanding its global manufacturing footprint and deepening its long‑term commitment to Europe.
EoS Fitness Opens First Gym in San Antonio
EoS Fitness, with more than 225 locations nationwide, opened its first gym in San Antonio, TX. EoS is set to open its 30th gym in Houston later this month, with its first Austin gym coming in 2027.
Merrithew International Acquires Gyrotonic Mind-Body Method
Merrithew International, Inc., a Pilates education and equipment provider, acquired Gyrotonic to combine two mind-body movement practices.
Club Ride Apparel Taps Pacific Rep Works for NW U.S. Territories
Pacific Rep Works, with three road men covering Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska, and one rep in-office, reportedly brings more than 50 years of combined agency sales, training, and retailer service experience to the relationship with Club Ride Apparel.
CODI Names BOA Chair as Next CEO After Elias Sabo’s Planned Retirement
Zach Sawtelle, who is currently a partner and chief operating officer (COO) at Compass Group Management LLC, the company’s external manager, has been appointed COO of CODI and is expected to succeed Sabo as its CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors upon Sabo’s retirement.
Erik’s Bike Board & Ski Expands into Arkansas
Erik’s Bike Board & Ski, with 34 locations primarily located in the Midwest, announced plans to open a new location in
Fayetteville, its first store in the state of Arkansas. The store, located at 1052 E Stearns Street, is set to open this July.
Tommy Bahama’s Parent Sees Q1 Profits Top Guidance, Sales Dip 4 Percent
Oxford Industries, Inc., parent of the Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer and Johnny Was brands, reported lower earnings on an adjusted basis in the first quarter due to the impact of tariffs, but results topped guidance. Sales were in line with guidance with gains at Tommy Bahama offsetting declines at Lilly Pulitzer and Johnny Was.
FDRA: Footwear Inflation Expands at Fastest Pace in Nearly Four Years
U.S. retail footwear prices rose 5.2 percent year-over-year (YoY) in May, accelerating from a 4.2 percent gain in April and marking the fastest increase in 45 months, according to the latest data from the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA).
Kühl to Open First East Coast Retail Store in Boston
The opening will also be Kühl’s sixth retail store nationwide and its first on the East Coast. Other store locations include Park City, UT; Seattle, WA; San Francisco, CA; Jackson Hole, WY; and Boulder, CO.
CNBC/NRF Report Shows Sales Grew Again in May
Retail sales rose for the eighth consecutive month in May despite high gas prices and ongoing inflation, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released by the National Retail Federation. Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, were up 0.42 percent seasonally adjusted month over month and up 7.19 percent unadjusted year over year in May.
Imports Expected to Climb in June Ahead of Higher Tariffs and Fuel Prices
Import volumes at major U.S. container ports are expected to see a skewed year-over-year bump again this month in anticipation of more tariffs and rising fuel prices but then remain below last year’s levels into the fall, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Orangetheory Fitness Expands Into Italy
Purpose Brands announced that Icon Palestre, an Italian fitness management company led by CEO Felice Orsinetti, has secured franchise rights to open four Orangetheory Fitness studios in the greater Rome metro area over the next four years. The agreement marks Orangetheory’s introduction to the Italian market.
Lands’ End Sees Fiscal Q1 Top-Line Hurt by DC Disruption; WHP Deal Boosts Net Income
The decrease in revenue was reportedly driven primarily by the temporary disruption associated with the rollout of a new warehouse management system and the deliberate pacing of shipments as the distribution centers ramped back to normal capacity.
