The Indicator | February 21st, 2025

Shopify has made changes to its platform in response to tariffs imposed by the new US administration. Shopify sellers can now show and charge duties during checkout, so there are no surprises for the consumer at the last moment, helping make cross border transactions more straightforward for customers. (Retail Brew) 

Nike and Kim Kardashian’s underwear label Skims are teaming up on a new fitness brand geared toward women. Nike and Skims will launch an “extensive line” of apparel, footwear and accessories together under the brand NikeSkims. The first NikeSkims collection will debut in the spring. (Business of Fashion)

Coconut water company Vita Coco showed up with a makeshift vending machine in New York City’s Washington Square Park. During the Valentine’s Day activation, a brand mascot handed out free Vita Coco drinks to the public. According to the company, the activation resulted in long lines of passersby and a TikTok video that has now surpassed a million views and over 45,000 likes. (Modern Retail)

Gymshark, the UK fitness/sportswear brand has announced its first North American flagship store in New York. In addition to shopping, the space will offer events, community hangouts, workout studios, and more. (Fashion Network) 

Luxury Italian brand Dolce & Gabbana has opened its first ever combined beauty and accessories store in London. The boutique includes a selection of cosmetics and fragrance collections – as well as a make-up consultation area – and accessories, including eyewear, under the same roof. (Standard) 

Stores are turning to splashy paint colors, bold art and comforting tapestries and curtains to invite shoppers, many of them younger ones, across the threshold to browse and hopefully buy. From M.M. La Fleur’s bright yellow walls to Petco’s fake leafy-green trees, store designs are becoming more colorful, funkier, and fun. In Kendra Scott’s second location of her Westernwear brand, Yellow Rose, the store’s walls are painted mustard yellow, while its exterior is deep red. Meanwhile, Hoka’s New York City flagship, has a blue facade, ceiling and walls. (Modern Retail)