By Sonal Gandhi
Chief Content Officer at The Lead
In interesting earth month news – L.L. Bean, a cold weather apparel brand, is adjusting its business for a warming planet, starting with a collaboration with Summersalt (F50 ‘20 & ‘21) for swimwear. Meanwhile, Saks launched a retail media network for its site and app. And a handful of new store concepts were on display this week, with Footlocker, Frame, and Simon announcing the launch of new experiences. To learn more about creating store experiences that drive brand affinity and loyalty, join us at The Lead Summit on July 10 & 11 in NYC.
Foot Locker unveiled a new retail concept that focuses on storytelling and supporting sneaker culture at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, NJ. Foot Locker also plans to debut new stores this year in Paris ahead of the Olympics, as well as in Melbourne, Australia, and in its first-ever location in India. (Retail Brew)
Simon’s Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets is adding a VIP Suite featuring multiple private spaces with their own dressing rooms, an upscale lounge area and a private kitchen. More than 20 new stores will debut in 2024 including David Yurman, Roberto Cavalli, Maison Margiela, Ladurée, Bollicine Champagne Bar, Jil Sander, Eleventy and Reformation. (Retail TouchPoints)
Saks announced the launch of Saks Media Network to bring additional business to the its luxury website and app and provide designers and brands with greater exposure. Brands already using the Saks Media Network include David Yurman, Chanel Beauty, Dolce & Gabbana Beauty and Fragrance, Ramy Brook, Stuart Weitzman and Rag & Bone. (Digital Commerce 360)
Legacy denim brand, Wrangler, is capitalizing on the cowboy trend with a series of collaborations including with Diamond Cross Ranch, an iconic ranch and event space in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Wrangler saw its direct-to-consumer sales grow 11% last quarter and TikTok engagement grow, with followers reaching over 60,000 owed to the Western trend. (Glossy)
Shein has created an in-house content production crew and a dedicated studio to help the company respond quickly to fashion trends and to produce content to match the speed of its product drops. The company also made strategic hires to help create content that would reflect the interests of its young consumer base. (Modern Retail)
L.L. Bean is launching its biggest collaboration to date with the Foremost 50 swimwear brand, Summersalt. Summersalt collaboration is part of L.L. Bean’s strategy is to prepare consumers for a rapidly changing environment, both by adjusting the time frames of its seasonal in-store offerings and developing new products. (Fast Company)
Powered by the latest location analytics, Placer.ai analyzed over 3,000 shopping centers across the U.S. and dive into trends driving mall traffic and changes in consumer behavior. Discover how malls are using strategies such as experiential retail, entertainment, pop-ups, and luxury offerings to attract shoppers in 2024.
Hibbett Sports (athletic retailer) will be acquired by JD Sports (UK’s biggest sportswear retailer) for $1.08B.
Trendalaytics (retail forecasting data) was acquired by VerishopGroup.
The Folklore (emerging designer platform) raised a $3.4M seed round from Benchstrength (VC Firm), among others.
Plastic action platform rePurpose Global is acquiring Bluebird Climate (software).
L’Catterton invested in Kiko Milano (beauty).
The FTC paused the planned $8.5B merger between Tapestry and Capri, citing concerns over monopolistic potential.
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