It’s been another week with far more retail news than there is time in the day. Below, we break down some things you may have missed during the week, and what we’re still thinking about.
From Six Flags introducing Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology to Revolution Beauty launching a Fortnite collection, here’s our closeout for the week.
What you may have missed
Nike will resume sales at Macy’s this fall
Nike will once again sell through Macy’s after backing out of the wholesale partnership in 2021 around the same time it broke ties with the likes of DSW and Urban Outfitters. The decision to limit its wholesale partners a few years ago came as the athletics giant was prioritizing direct-to-consumer sales and a handful of strategic retail partners.
But Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette said on a call with analysts on Thursday that Macy’s would bring Nike back to “key locations” and its website in October, with an assortment of apparel, bags and gear. The partnership will expand to more locations in the spring next year, Gennette said. Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment about why it renewed the deal.
“It’s one of the most important brands for our customer,” Gennette said, according to a Seeking Alpha transcript. “We had lots of customers that were disappointed that we didn’t carry it over the past year.”
Six Flags pilots Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology
The rides won’t be the only thing moving fast at Six Flags this year.
The park operator’s New Jersey location will offer a speedier checkout-free shopping experience for visitors starting this month to help tackle long lines, according to a news release.
Described as a “frictionless micro market experience,” concept store Quick Six will offer the first and only automated experience of its kind within a theme park, according to the release.
Six Flags’ joint partnership with Coca-Cola and Amazon integrates the use of Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology to allow shoppers to peruse the 400 square-foot store for items such as snacks, sunscreen, ponchos and park mementos, and leave when they’re done. Their selections will be automatically charged to the payment method used to enter the store.
Think Amazon Fresh, but noisier.
Puma and The Trevor Project create LGBTQ training course
On Tuesday, Puma, in collaboration with The Trevor Project, debuted a digital program about LGBTQ youth and their safety. After being in development for three years, #REFORMTheLockerRoom is available for coaches, athletic directors and sports leaders, according to a press release emailed to Retail Dive.
“As a leading sports brand, we strive to create and promote a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQ youth that want to play sports,” Puma Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Michelle Marshall said in a statement. “We are excited to launch the training course, in partnership with The Trevor Project, that will become a fundamental educational tool for all youth-facing adults in sports.”
The training is online, free and self-paced. The curriculum covers using respectful language, promoting gender-inclusive spaces as well as equitable policies in sports. The curriculum was informed through research and roundtable seminars with public educators, sports leaders, and LGBTQ peer organizations.
Retail therapy
Bath & Body Works makes it smell like the late ‘90s
Courtesy of Bath & Body Works
Bath & Body Works is bringing back the late ‘90s and Y2K with the relaunch of Cucumber Melon in honor of its 25th anniversary.
The return is part of the retailer’s semi-annual sale event, and will include a limited-edition look across some of Bath & Body Works’ best selling products, including its fragrance mist, body cream, lotion, shower gel, 3-wick candle and foaming hand soap.
There’s more! The company is also bringing back its Juniper Breeze, White Tea & Ginger and Plumeria scents. Bath & Body Works Rewards members can start shopping on June 2, while the semi-annual sale will be available for all customers nationwide in stores and online on June 3.
Revolution Beauty launches Fortnite collection
British-based cosmetics brand Revolution Beauty has teamed up with Epic Games videogame Fortnite to release an exclusive collection, according to a press release.
Courtesy of Revolution Beauty, Fortnite
The limited-edition collaboration is available on the brand’s website as well as in store and online through Walmart. The 27 products include skin care and makeup inspired by the videogame and characters such as Peely, Supply Llama and Cuddle Team Leader.
“We are incredibly proud and excited about the Revolution Beauty x Fortnite collaboration,” Sara Staniford, president of Revolution Beauty U.S.A., said in a statement. “Pairing Revolution Beauty’s competitively priced and high-quality products with this globally recognized game for their first-ever beauty collaboration, we are appreciative of the opportunity to engage with this incredible gaming community that also values creative freedom and color play.”
What we’re still thinking about
16M
That’s how many Under Armour shares founder Kevin Plank sold to BDT Capital Partners, an affiliate of merchant bank BDT & MSD Partners. The shares were valued at $100 million, according to a Wednesday press release. Plank said he does not plan to sell more shares and he remains Under Armour’s largest shareholder, with 51 million shares (about 12% of the company’s stock) and 65% voting control.
“I have maximum confidence in Under Armour, Stephanie Linnartz as CEO, and our strategy – especially our ability to drive future success and performance for shareholders,” Plank said in a statement. “This transaction allows me to close out a previous personal financing commitment related to some of my earlier initiatives investing in the City of Baltimore while bringing in a long-term founder-supportive firm in BDT & MSD, which believes in Under Armour.”
$2 billion
Athletic footwear brand Hoka is soon expected to become a $2 billion brand, CEO Dave Powers said on a recent earnings call. During Q4, Hoka’s net sales increased by 40.3% year over year, while its DTC channel grew 85% for the year. Additionally, it was the fourth consecutive year Hoka reported revenue growth above 50%. For the full fiscal year, the brand’s net sales jumped 58.5% to $1.4 billion.
What we’re watching
New leaders lace up at Nike, Converse
Jared Carver is the new president and CEO of Converse.
Courtesy of Converse
Jared Carver is Converse’s new president and CEO, parent company Nike said this week.
Before his appointment as CEO, Carver, who has more than a decade of leadership experience at Converse, was vice president and general manager for Converse’s North America business. Carver replaces Scott Uzzell, who will become vice president and general manager for Nike’s North American business.
Caver’s appointment appears to cap a busy past several months of leadership changes. Including Carver, nearly a dozen people have recently stepped into new positions, seen their scope of responsibilities expand or they have left the company in recent weeks and months.
Nike said the leadership changes will enable it “to deepen its consumer-led growth and marketplace advantage.”
