Story of the Week

Fed votes to hold rates steady, notes ‘uncertain’ impacts from Iran war

On March 18th, the Federal Reserve voted to hold its key interest rate steady as policymakers navigate higher-than-expected inflation readings, mixed signals on the labor market, and a war. In a widely expected decision, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 11-1 to keep the benchmark federal funds rate anchored in the 3.5%-3.75% range. The rate sets overnight funding costs for banks but influences a broad range of consumer and business borrowing. The committee, in its post-meeting statement, made a few changes to its view of the economy, including a slightly faster growth pace and higher inflation projections for 2026. Despite the elevated uncertainty, officials again signaled they still expect a few rate cuts ahead.

Apparel & Footwear

Caleres Stock Soars After Company Exceeds Q4 Expectations
Shares of Caleres Inc. jumped nearly 18 percent in pre-market trading on March 19th as the footwear company reported fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded guidance. The St. Louis-based company said net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 totaled $695.1 million, up 8.7 percent from $639.2 million at the same time last year. Net sales in the period, excluding Stuart Weitzman (the company’s newest brand), were $638.7 million. Adjusted net loss was $11.7 million, or a loss of 36 cents per diluted share, down from net earnings of $11.1 million, or 33 cents per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2024. Excluding Stuart Weitzman, the adjusted net loss in Q4 was $1.9 million, or adjusted loss per diluted share of 6 cents.

Faherty Announces First International Store Opening

Faherty, a premium lifestyle apparel brand known for its quality craftsmanship and surf-inspired coastal style, announced its European debut with the opening of its first store in Biarritz, France. “Faherty is focused on building an iconic, global lifestyle brand through purpose, craftsmanship, and cultural authenticity, and establishing our international footprint in France is a key component of our broader growth ambitions,” said Alex Faherty, CEO and Co-Founder of Faherty. “Biarritz is a renowned surfing destination with a unique culture, and we look forward to showcasing our best-in-class store experience to beach enthusiasts from all over the continent, as we lay the foundation for future global expansion.”

Lululemon CEO Search Continues as Former Levi’s Chief Chip Bergh Joins the Board
Lululemon Athletica Inc. inched past Wall Street’s expectations in the fourth quarter, but projected only modest growth for this year. But none of that seemed to really matter. Lululemon — a onetime activewear speed demon that’s fallen off its stride — is in that rare position where investors don’t care so much about the numbers but are waiting for the name. Former chief executive officer Calvin McDonald stepped down in January as the company faced pressure on multiple fronts, leaving the top job up for grabs. Chief financial officer Meghan Frank and president and commercial officer André Maestrini are serving as interim co-CEOs while the company sorts out its next step. No permanent CEO was appointed on March 17th during the earnings announcement, but the company did bring a new voice into the conversation by adding Chip Bergh, former president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., to its board.

Salt Life Brand Has Doubled in Size Under Iconix; Parent Inks Brand Fragrance Deal

If it doesn’t smell like the marina… In one more sign that the apocalypse is upon us, Iconix International, Inc. has signed a global licensing agreement with Revlon Consumer Products LLC to develop and launch the first Salt Life fragrance collection, set to debut in 2027.  The Salt Life brand was founded in 2003, acquired by Delta Apparel in 2013, and acquired by Iconix in 2024 via a bankruptcy auction. Iconix said the brand has “evolved from a coastal apparel label into a multi-category lifestyle brand spanning apparel, swimwear, accessories, home, hospitality, and beverages.”  Since joining the Iconix portfolio, the Salt Life brand has reportedly “more than doubled” in size, said to be driven by “strong wholesale momentum, a growing direct-to-consumer business and immersive brand experiences.”  The Iconix portfolio of brands also includes Umbro, Pony, Starter, Ocean Pacific, Danskin, Lee Cooper, and Ecko Unltd.

Athletic & Sporting Goods

U.S. Sporting Goods Transactions Decline 9 Percent in Q4

U.S. transaction data shows that consumer spending on sporting goods declined 9 percent year-over-year in the three months ended January 2026, with tariffs, inflation and pressure on middle-income consumers weighing on discretionary purchases, according to Consumer Edge’s Sporting Goods Outlook 2026.  Consumer Edge’s analysis of credit and debit card data found the downturn in consumer spending in the sporting goods category was most pronounced among high-end, direct-to-consumer brands, such as Trek Bikes.  Tariffs were also found to be weighing on hunting and fishing retailers, as tariffs on steel and aluminum introduced in 2025 were identified as likely to have contributed to double-digit spending declines for companies including Sportsman’s Warehouse, Brownells and Palmetto State Armory, according to Consumer Edge’s findings.

adidas Reportedly Files Lawsuit Against Sole Retriever Over Alleged Sneaker Extortion and Leaks

adidas is taking aggressive legal action against the popular sneaker release platform Sole Retriever, alleging a shocking attempt at corporate extortion. Filed on March 12, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, the lawsuit claims that Sole Retriever and its founder Harris R. Monoson weaponized stolen trade secrets and unreleased product imagery to demand preferential treatment from the sportswear giant.  The conflict allegedly reached a boiling point on August 31, 2025, when Monoson sent a highly aggressive email to adidas and Pitchblend contacts. According to court documents, Monoson accused adidas basketball of “stringing Sole Retriever along,” ignoring outreach, and making false promises. Framing the message as a “last attempt” to salvage the relationship, Monoson explicitly threatened the brand with massive leaks: “Just a heads up — we have the full AE2 lineup in every colorway… The ball is in your court. Either we start getting treated with the level of respect we’ve earned, or we’ll plan accordingly.”

Cosmetics & Pharmacy

Skyline Beauty Group Acquires LilyAna Naturals

Skyline Beauty Group has acquired LilyAna Naturals, a fast-growing skincare brand recognized for its best-selling retinol treatments and powerful e-commerce footprint. The acquisition strengthens Skyline Beauty Group’s portfolio of beauty and personal care brands and reinforces the company’s investment in the skincare category. Joe Indig, CEO of Skyline Beauty Group, commented, “LilyAna Naturals has built an incredibly strong connection with consumers through products that deliver visible results at an accessible price point. We have tremendous respect for the foundation that Retta Abraham and his team created. We’re excited to continue building on that momentum and supporting the brand’s next phase of growth as part of our expanding portfolio.”

Symrise Launches Care & Wellness Division to Drive Integrated Health and Beauty Solutions

Chemical company Symrise has established a new Care & Wellness Division to strengthen its offerings across health, well-being, and beauty. Part of the company’s Scent & Care segment, the new division brings together Symrise’s capabilities in cosmetic ingredients, health actives, and biotics, including expertise gained through the 2025 acquisition of Probi. The division integrates five business units to deliver science-based solutions across topical, ingestible, and “inside-out” beauty concepts, spanning personal care, supplements, and pet health. It is designed to accelerate innovation, improve time-to-market, and provide customers with fully integrated, market-ready solutions that combine efficacy with consumer experience.

Ieva Group Plans IPO And U.S. Expansion Via Beauty Brand Acquisition

Ieva Group is preparing for a public listing on Euronext Growth Paris to support acquisitions and international expansion, including plans to enter the United States by acquiring a premium beauty brand. The French beauty and wellness technology company’s planned listing comes as the beauty industry’s IPO window shows early signs of reopening. Companies like Wella and L’Occitane are exploring potential public offerings. Ieva Group, which has a stable of 10 brands, is pricing its stock at 12.79 euros (roughly $14.65 per share) and expects to raise 8 million euros (~$9.2 million) by the close of the subscription period on March 25. Trading is slated to begin by the end of the month. Euronext Growth Paris is a market designed for smaller companies seeking access to public capital, with lighter regulatory requirements than those of Euronext, where Coty, L’Oréal, and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE trade.

BRITA Invests in Hello Klean to Expand Shower Filtration in Beauty

Water filtration company BRITA Group has made its first investment in the beauty sector, taking a stake in the UK-based shower-filtration brand Hello Klean. The strategic investment gives BRITA a minority share in the London-based brand, with an option to acquire a majority stake over time, although financial terms were not disclosed. Hello Klean will remain independent and continue to be led by co-founders Karlee Zhang and Omer Ozener. The partnership combines BRITA’s six decades of filtration science, R&D infrastructure, and testing capabilities with Hello Klean’s consumer-focused brand and product design.

Discounters & Department Stores

Five Below delivers its strongest holiday performance since going public

Five Below’s fourth quarter net sales grew 24.3% year over year to $1.73 billion, per a March 18th press release. Comparable sales jumped 15.4%, with both traffic and ticket growth, CEO Winnie Park said on a call. The company opened 14 net new stores during the period. The retailer’s operating income increased nearly 26% to $310.9 million, and net income grew 27% to $238.2 million for the quarter. Five Below’s full fiscal year net sales increased 22.9% to $4.76 billion. For fiscal year 2026, the discount retailer expects a net sales range of $5.2 billion to $5.3 billion, about 150 net new store openings, and comp sales growth of 3% to 5%.

Bloomingdale’s takes share from Saks Global, lifts Macy’s Inc. in Q4

With some help from Saks Global’s bankruptcy, Macy’s Inc.’s Q4 surpassed expectations in most measures. Net sales in the period fell 1.6% year over year to $7.6 billion, with comps up 1.8%. Net income surged nearly 50% to $507 million. At Bloomingdale’s, which took share from Saks Global in Q4, net sales rose 8.5%, and comps surged 10%. Bluemercury net sales rose 2.5%, and comps rose 1.3%. At Macy’s, shuttered stores drove net sales down 3.2% while comps rose 0.4%. Minus closures, comps rose 0.6%, and at 125 revamped stores, comps rose 0.9%.

Emerging Consumer Companies

Vuori launches first denim collection

Vuori is expanding beyond its core activewear offering with the launch of its first women’s denim collection, marking a new category for the California-based brand. Rooted in the brand’s coastal California aesthetic, the debut denim capsule introduces two key pieces: a Vintage Wideleg Jean and a Vintage Oversized Denim Jacket, both available in Bone and Light Indigo washes.

Hummus brand Habiza raises $2.5 million seed round

Habiza, a hummus brand founded by Gen Z entrepreneur Jonathan Srour, has secured a $2.5 million seed round led by Supernatural Ventures and Vanquish Equity. This funding is intended to support the brand’s swift expansion and operational needs. Founded at the age of 19 in his parents’ driveway, Jonathan Srour has propelled Habiza to become the fastest-growing hummus brand in the Natural Channel, achieving the third-largest dollar growth in its category according to SPINS.

Korean Skincare Brand JiYu Raises $6.5M to Expand U.S. Market

JiYu, a Korean skincare brand known for science-backed formulations developed and manufactured in South Korea, has raised $6.5 million in growth capital to expand across North America and accelerate clinical product development. The brand is on track to reach $70 million in annual revenue in 2026, representing triple-digit year-over-year growth. The round included participation from private investors and strategic beauty industry partners. Founded with a commitment to bringing the full integrity of Korean skincare science directly to Western consumers, JiYu has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about K-beauty brands in the United States.

Food & Beverage

General Mills to sell Brazil business for $153M as it sharpens focus

General Mills plans to sell its business in Brazil to food and beverage owner 3corações for roughly $153 million ($800 million Brazilian Real) as the snack and cereal maker aims to boost its margins and sharpen its international focus. The Brazil business contributed approximately $350 million to General Mills’ fiscal 2025 net sales, which totaled $19.5 billion. The proposed transaction, which includes a portfolio of leading local brands such as Yoki and Kitano, is expected to close by the end of 2026. The sale is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Once the sale is completed, General Mills said it will have turned over nearly one-third of its portfolio through acquisitions and divestitures since fiscal 2018.

Ferrero Group acquires Bold Snacks

Ferrero Group announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Bold Snacks, a leading Brazilian premium protein snack company. Founded in 2018, Bold Snacks has seen strong growth from the outset, driven by its digital strategy and innovative portfolio of protein bars, and has recently expanded into whey powders. “We’re thrilled to welcome Bold Snacks to Ferrero, marking our first foray into the better-for-you segment in South America,” said Daniel Martinez Carretero, Chief Financial Officer of Ferrero Group. “Bold Snacks is a distinctive brand with strong momentum in Brazil, and this transaction further strengthens our presence in the category while supporting the continued development of our portfolio across key geographies.”

Grocery & Restaurants

FAT Brands could be under new ownership by May

FAT Brands Inc. may soon be under new ownership as the company prepares to sell all or part of its assets following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in January. The 18-brand parent company of Fazoli’s and Round Table Pizza aims to “maximize value for its stakeholders through a court-approved bidding process” and has already reached out to at least 120 potential buyers, according to court filings. The FAT Brands Special Committee — tasked with overseeing the bankruptcy process — is managing the sale to ensure fairness and transparency. FAT Brands filed for Ch. 11 bankruptcy on Jan. 26 alongside Twin Hospitality, citing mounting liabilities and liquidity challenges of both companies. In the leadup to the company’s bankruptcy declaration, last November, FAT Brands’ debtors, through indenture trustee UMB Bank, declared $1.26 billion immediately due. The company warned it lacked the liquidity to pay off its debts, making bankruptcy a likely option. The company’s financial challenges were compounded by a three-year federal criminal investigation into CEO Andy Wiederhorn for fraud and money laundering, which he described as a “gigantic waste of $75 million.” While the Department of Justice dropped its case against him, an ongoing SEC investigation remains unresolved. The court has established a timeline for the sale process, including an April 3 deadline for interested parties and stalking horse bids, an April 28 auction date, and a May 4 deadline for closing the transaction.

Harps adds three new banners with acquisition

Regional operator Harps Food Stores has agreed to acquire 18 supermarkets from Dyer Foods, marking Harps’ first foray into both Tennessee and Kentucky. The acquisition, which is expected to close later this summer, will add the Food Rite, Piggly Wiggly and Save-A-Lot banners to Harps’ portfolio. It also expands Harps’ presence into Tennessee and Kentucky for the first time. Most of the 18 stores being acquired are Food Rite locations, but one is a Piggly Wiggly, four are Save-A-Lots and two are Cash Saver stores that operate on the cost-plus pricing model, Sarah Thacker, director of advertising at Harps, told Supermarket News. “We love small stores in small towns, and these stores fit our strategy perfectly,” said Kim Eskew, chairman and CEO of Harps Food Stores. “We have the greatest respect for what the Hays family and their staff have been able to accomplish and look forward to having this great group of people join our company.”

Home & Road

Bob’s posts gains in 1st earnings report since going public

Top 100 retailer Bob’s Discount Furniture posted gains across several key metrics for the fourth quarter of FY2025, its first such report as a public company. The Manchester, Conn.-based retailer, which went public with an IPO on Feb. 6, posted net revenues of $648.8 million for the three months ended Dec. 28, an increase of 8.2% from $599.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 driven by new stores and comparable sales growth. Net income was $41.03 million, or 35 cents per diluted share, a 6.2% rise compared with $38.62 million, or 34 cents per diluted share over the same three-month span in 2024. For the full year, Bob’s delivered net revenues of $2.4 billion, a jump of 16.8% from $2 billion in fiscal year 2024, driven by 20 new stores and comparable sales growth. Its full year net income was $121.7 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, a 38.4% increase versus $87.9 million, or 81 cents per diluted share in 2024.

American Mattress bankruptcy case converts to Chapter 7

Bedding specialty retailer American Mattress‘ Chapter 11 bankruptcy case is now a Chapter 7 case. Following a March 13 hearing, Judge Mary F. Walrath granted motions from the U.S. Trustee and the official committee of unsecured creditors and entered an order on March 16 converting the case in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Chapter 11 is typically viewed as the reorganization chapter, while Chapter 7 is commonly referred to as the liquidation chapter. On Jan. 28, the official committee of unsecured creditors filed a motion to convert the Chapter 11 case to a case under Chapter 7. The creditors argued that American Mattress had not made meaningful progress toward reorganization, had not filed or circulated a plan and continues to operate without credible financial projections, a business plan or independent financial oversight. A separate motion filed Jan. 30 by the U.S. Trustee asked the court to convert the case to Chapter 7 or to dismiss it entirely. In its motion, the Trustee argued that American Mattress has failed to pay rent for leased stores, failed to pay professional fees and has recorded $1.26 million in operating losses since November.

Jonathan Louis to acquire Style Line

Elements International Group, a furniture importer and wholesaler, has reached an agreement to sell Style Line, its upholstered furniture manufacturing subsidiary, to Jonathan Louis, a family-owned furniture manufacturer based in California. The transaction includes the sale of Style Line’s assets and operations, including the manufacturing facility and real estate, and the transfer of operational responsibility from Elements International to Jonathan Louis. The agreement reflects a mutually beneficial transition that supports Elements’ long-term strategic priorities while providing its upholstery factory and team with a strong manufacturing-focused owner committed to craftsmanship, quality and customer relationships. The amount of the purchase was not disclosed.

Japanese Lifestyle Brand MUJI Will Open New NYC Store This Year

Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI will open its newest U.S. store in Queens later this year. The brand will open the store at Tangram, a mixed-use building in the heart of Downtown Flushing. The store, spanning 12,001 square feet, will be the largest retail space in the building. Tangram, located on 39th Avenue and Prince Street, is a two-level, 275,000-square-foot lifestyle hub designed to blend retail, dining, entertainment, and community spaces under one roof. “We’re thrilled to join the Tangram community,” Richard Rappaport, President of MUJI USA, told Patch. “Flushing is the perfect home for our first store in Queens, and we look forward to welcoming both longtime fans and new visitors to explore our products which are thoughtfully designed to make everyday life simpler, more enjoyable, and beautifully minimal.” The MUJI store will feature the brand’s signature minimalist products, including apparel, home goods, kitchenware, stationery, and lifestyle essentials, all within a space designed to feel open, welcoming, and inspiring.

Jewelry & Luxury

Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEO

Kering has created Kering Jewelry, a new division established to accelerate the growth of its jewelry brands. Jean-Marc Duplaix, who is also Kering’s chief operating officer, has been appointed CEO of Kering Jewelry, effective immediately. He will retain his role as COO, and the CEOs of the jewelry houses will report to him. The new entity will combine jewelry brands Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo, and Qeelin, as well as Kering’s industrial capabilities, including the Raselli Franco Group. Kering recently acquired a stake in the Italian jewelry manufacturer, and it is currently being integrated into the company. The manufacturer will play a key role in the new group, said Kering, citing its “exceptional savoir faire and cutting-edge technologies.”

Signet profitability rises, sales flat; accelerating renovations

Signet Jewelers Ltd. reported increased profitability in the fourth quarter, even as its sales remained flat with last year. The parent company of Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared, Diamonds Direct, Blue Nile, and other jewelry brands said it will “sunset” James Allen’s website. Signet plans to leverage the brand as a proprietary collection and transition complementary products and styles to the Blue Nile website. On the earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk said the company placed an “outsized” focus on its three largest brands — Kay Jewelers, Zales, and Jared — in 2025. The three brands represent roughly 70% of revenue.

Office & Leisure

Adventure Entertainment acquires Ride Media

Adventure Entertainment has entered into an agreement to acquire the Ride Media brand and assets, including the rights to publish the Australian edition of the Official Tour de France Guide.  The acquisition brings together two of Australia’s most recognised cycling media brands, with Ride Media joining Adventure Entertainment’s portfolio alongside Australian Mountain Bike (AMB). The move positions Adventure Entertainment as the only media company in Australia serving both the road cycling and mountain bike communities, creating a unified multi-media platform for cycling audiences, brands and advertisers.  Adventure Entertainment plans to relaunch Ride Media’s digital cycling platforms, while continuing publication of the Official Tour de France Guide in Australia.

Joa Acquires GreenPark, Launches Renewed ‘Playable’ Fandom Effort

Social sports gaming startup Joa wants to make live events more interactive for those on the couch. Ahead of its launch, it acquired a separate venture, GreenPark, focused on a similar mission since 2018.  Rather than building a game from the ground up, Joa (pronounced JOE-uh) layers free-to-play game loops on top of actual sports, aiming for something closer to fantasy play than full-scale simulation-based entertainment.  Co-founder Rudy Koch previously helped build Mythical Games, which created NFT-based titles featuring FIFA and NFL licenses, among other properties. Fellow co-founders Andy Hubbard and Andrew McAlister also come with mobile gaming backgrounds. Joa has financial backing from ADvantage, Phoenix Capital Ventures, 359 Capital and Galaxy Interactive, as well as a partnership with MMA organization One Championship. Joa also has the core technology of GreenPark, which has created digital sports experiences since 2018.

Technology & Internet

China’s JD.com launches Joybuy, its Amazon rival in Europe

JD.com launched its long-anticipated European online shopping platform on Monday, as the Chinese e-commerce giant looks to challenge Amazon as well as domestic rivals that have already expanded internationally. Joybuy, JD.com’s international online shopping brand, launched in six new markets, including the U.K. and Germany, with the company banking on fast deliveries and high-quality products to get an edge on rivals. While peers like AliExpress and Temu operate an asset-light model and ship goods directly from China, JD.com has its own local warehouses and logistics networks that enable it to minimize delivery times. The approach has been successful in China, where JD has developed an extensive logistics network for super-fast deliveries and established itself as a destination for domestic consumers to buy global brands such as Apple. JD.com is stepping into a highly-competitive European e-commerce market, which features heavyweights like Amazon, as well as smaller local players and rival services from Alibaba’s AliExpress and Temu-owner PDD.

Amazon adds 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options in the US

Amazon is launching one-hour and three-hour delivery options across many cities in the U.S. as the e-commerce giant looks to compete with instant delivery companies like Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. The e-commerce giant is making more than 90,000 items available via this new delivery system. If an item can be delivered to a user within one or three hours, they’ll see a label saying so next to that item on the Amazon app. There’s also a filter for these new delivery options in the app and on the site. Amazon Prime subscribers will be charged $9.99 for one-hour deliveries and $4.99 for three-hour deliveries. If you don’t have a Prime subscription, you’ll pay $19.99 for one-hour deliveries and $14.99 for three-hour deliveries. Amazon said it is making the one-hour delivery option available in hundreds of cities in the U.S., including parts of major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., as well as Des Moines, Boise, and American Fork. The three-hour option is available in over 2,000 U.S. cities and towns.

Finance & Economy

Wholesale prices rose 0.7% in February, much more than expected and up 3.4% annually

Wholesale prices rose sharply in February, providing another sign that inflation continues to percolate even aside from rising energy costs. The producer price index, a measure of pipeline costs that producers receive for their products, increased a seasonally adjusted 0.7% on the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on March 18th. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, the so-called core PPI increased 0.5%. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for increases of 0.3% for both measures. For the all-items index, prices rose faster than the 0.5% pace in January. However, the core increase was less than the 0.8% for the prior month. On a 12-month basis, headline PPI inflation was at 3.4%, the most since February 2025, while core was at 3.9%, according to the BLS. The Federal Reserve targets inflation at 2%.