The Indicator | May 10th, 2024

By Sonal Gandhi
Chief Content Officer at The Lead

In collaboration news this week, FKA Twigs is a creative partner for On’s new line of apparel while Tag Heuer and Kith partner to bring back a vintage watch collection from 1986. And Microsoft is partnering with Estée Lauder on a new AI innovation lab. Talking of tech and brand partnerships, The Lead Summit in NYC on July 10 and 11 features a forum for innovation stakeholders – investors, tech leaders, startups and brands – to discuss how to collaborate and co-create for the benefit of the industry. Join us.

'Happenings'

'INNOVATION MOVES'

  • Uniqlo’s round mini shoulder bag – nicknamed the millennial Birkin, dumpling bag, Mary Poppins bag and banana bag – is going viral again as the brand releases new colors, fabrics and custom embroidery. (Bloomberg)

  • Valued at $460 million, 100 Thieves has become one of the largest fashion-streetwear labels born from the gaming community. It’s the first to go beyond mass producing T-shirts with simple logos and a strong network of gaming talents who promote its drops and events. (Vogue

  • Under Armour is launching the first set of products made with Neolast – a new material that the brand has developed to replace spandex – with similar or greater stretch and strength but without spandex’s main flaw of moisture retention. (Glossy)

  • Kohl’s is now offering same-day or scheduled delivery via the Instacart app from its 1,172 locations nationwide. The retailer is offering product categories such as beauty, skin care, pet supplies, accessories and home essentials for delivery. (Retail Dive)

  • Lululemon has been named the official apparel partner of Life Time pickleball and tennis. The brand will collaborate on key events at Life Time’s “athletic country clubs.” Pickleball continues to be among the fastest growing sports in the U.S. with more than 36 million people now playing. (Retail Dive)

  • Foremost 50 brand, Kopari Beauty, launched an all new Vitamin C Collection inspired by the vibrant starfruit. (Instagram)

  • Target is expanding sales of its in-house Cat & Jack children’s brand at department-store chain Hudson’s Bay Co. in Canada to include swim, outerwear and shoes. The deal marks Target’s first foray of its private label brands into the wholesale as the retailer explores similar arrangements in other markets. (Bloomberg)

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PARTNER

Outerspace 3PL fuels high-growth brands with cost-effective, enterprise-level omni-channel fulfillment, delivering reliable post-purchase customer journeys. With 1MM SF of bicoastal warehouse space, we combine stability and scalability with high-touch services for customer acquisition and loyalty.

'Financial Moves'

  • Simon Property Group sold its 10% stake in Authentic Brands Group to other investors.

  • Hydrow (Indoor Rowing Machine) acquired a majority stake in Speede Fitness, a strength training equipment and analytics company.

  • Vhernier Group (Italian Jeweller) was acquired by Richemont.

  • Watches of Switzerland Group PLC acquired Roberto Coin S.p.A. for $130M.

  • Bazooka Candy Brands raised $10M from Patricof Co (P/Co) (pro athlete investment platform).

  • Brendan Hoffman forms P180 Investments with CaaStle’s Christine Hunsicker to invest in elysewalker (fashion designer).

Financial Moves Powered by MMG Advisors

'Career Moves'

Career Moves Powered by JBC 

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