Apparel & Footwear

Carter’s Q4 FY25 growth signals improving momentum in retail

Apparel company Carter’s, Inc has reported high single-digit growth in consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, reflecting a gradual stabilization of the business amid a highly competitive retail environment. On a preliminary, unaudited basis, its US retail segment delivered high single-digit growth in the quarter, with comparable sales rising in the mid-single digits, driven mainly by strong demand through its e-commerce channel. Brick-and-mortar stores also recorded positive comparable sales, while average unit retail pricing increased in the mid-single-digits as Carter’s reduced promotional activity.

Abercrombie & Fitch Shares Take a Hit Despite Positive Outlook

Fran Horowitz, the chief executive officer of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., received a warm reception from the crowd at the NRF Big Show on January 12th, but the company received a cold response from Wall Street after lowering its 2025 forecast slightly. A&F is now calling for at least 6 percent annual sales growth, versus the previous forecast of 6 to 7 percent. The operating margin is now seen at 13 percent versus the previous forecast of 13 percent to 13.5 percent. Net income per diluted share is seen in the $10.30 to $10.40 range, versus the previous forecast of $10.20 to $10.50.

Renfro Brands Taps Jay Robinson as CEO

Renfro Brands is starting 2026 with new leadership. The company said it appointed Jay Robinson as its new president and CEO. Robinson, who succeeds Stan Jewell as he transitions to another opportunity, most recently led Renfro’s global brands division and innovation group. In that role, he successfully led the team that “significantly increased the company’s global sales footprint with unique product offerings,” Renfro said. And with more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in the consumer products and apparel sectors, Robinson has a strong record of driving profitable growth.

Athletic & Sporting Goods

Nike signs its first pickleball deal with phenom Anna Leigh Waters

Nike has signed a deal with No. 1-ranked pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters, making her the first pickleball athlete to join Nike’s roster.  While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, Waters will represent Nike for both apparel and footwear across all of her events and professional tournaments. The 18-year-old will also serve as a global pickleball ambassador for Nike. She previously had an apparel and footwear deal with Fila that expired in 2025.  Pickleball has seen explosive growth in recent years, but up until now, Nike has been slow to jump on the trend. The company is currently in the midst of a turnaround plan under new CEO Elliott Hill after lagging sales and a stock slump.

24 Hour Fitness Sold to Founder Mark Mastrov, PE Firm

One of the first fitness industry deals of 2026 sees 24 Hour Fitness reuniting with its founder.  The gym chain said that founder Mark Mastrov—who scaled the business from a single club to 420 locations and 4.5 million members before selling it in 2005 in a deal valued at more than $1.6 billion—is returning as owner and executive chair after partnering with LongRange Capital to acquire 24 Hour Fitness.  Mastrov, one of the fitness industry’s most iconic figures, is returning to the gym brand he founded as owner and executive chair, partnering with LongRange Capital to drive growth.  The deal was first reported by Axios, which noted that 24 Hour Fitness is currently down to around 240 locations following pandemic-era struggles.

Adidas and Nike Fight for Top Spot in UBS Global Survey

UBS Evidence Lab’s 11th Annual Global Sportswear Survey of 3,000 consumers offered a bullish view, with many mainstream brands ranking high on purchase intention and brand perception, while many up-and-coming brands still have low brand awareness, indicating significant potential for growth.  The survey found that global consumers’ purchase intentions for many mainstream athletic brands are up for both athletic apparel and athletic footwear compared with the year-ago survey.  When asked which brands they plan to purchase athletic apparel from within the next 12 months, the top brands among all global respondents were Adidas, cited by 62 percent; followed closely by Nike, 53 percent; and then Puma, 16 percent; Under Armour, 14 percent; North Face and New Balance, both at 13 percent; Lululemon, 12 percent; Fila and Li-Ning, 11 percent; and Air Jordan, 10 percent.

The 33rd Team raises new investment capital

The 33rd Team, a football intelligence and tech company founded by former Jets and Dolphins front office executive Mike Tannenbaum, has raised a new growth investment round. Executives did not disclose a sum other than calling it an “eight-figure” Series B.  Participating funders include: Liberty Media, which first invested in 2022; Bruin Sports Capital founder & CEO George Pyne; Gary Vaynerchuck; FORTA Advisors; Autumn Road; Dan Senor; Nick Gross; Ryan Moore; Greg Ciongoli; John Low; former NFLer Justin Pugh; Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia; and Silver Falcon Capital, the family office of former NASCAR CEO Brian France.  The 33rd Team was founded as a media and content company, originally selling itself as a “think tank.” But since early 2024, it pivoted to technology, building its proprietary Zenith platform, which provides advanced on-field metrics and analytics.

Cascade Bicycle Studio Acquires Ambedo

Cascade Bicycle Studio, a Seattle, WA-based custom bike studio, announced that it has acquired Ambedo, a hybrid custom bike consultancy formerly run by industry veterans Chris Reed and Aaron Allen.  This acquisition is Cascade Bicycle Studio’s first step toward expansion, even as the bike retail industry contracts. Rather than growing through inventory or volume, CBS invests in “fit-first service consultation, and craftsmanship.” Reed and Allen previously worked together at Studio Velo in Mill Valley, WA, a fit-first studio and one of six national nominees for the 2016 Interbike Innovation Award for Best Road/Triathlon Bike Shop.  Reed brings over 20 years of experience across specialty retail, business development and entrepreneurship. He was a partner at Bike RX, which later evolved into Studio Velo, where he led sales, vendor relations and systems-driven growth.

Cosmetics & Pharmacy

Henkel linked to potential Olaplex takeover

Olaplex has attracted takeover interest from Germany’s Henkel, according to a Bloomberg News report citing sources familiar with the matter. The report said discussions are ongoing and a deal could be reached within weeks, although no final decision has been made and talks could still fall through. Olaplex shares rose around 20 percent following the report. The US haircare brand has a market capitalization of approximately US$900 million and has seen its share price decline sharply since its 2021 market debut. Olaplex has been seeking to revive growth amid softer consumer demand and heightened competition in the haircare category.

Prime Matter Labs Acquires Mana Products

Mana Products has been acquired. The New York-based contract manufacturer, which reportedly furloughed its employees and went dark on customers in December, is back in action after being snapped up by Prime Matter Labs for an undisclosed sum. “We will be continuing to operate and batching, we hope, as early as next week,” said Prime Matter Labs chief executive officer Aaron Paas. “There’s a few more boxes to check there, but we’ve got the core folks already hired, working on that, and we’re ramping up as many of the remaining former employees as the business dictates. We’re continuing to grow day over day on that front.”

Valentino Beauty exits South Korea amid intensifying competition

Valentino Beauty is withdrawing from the South Korean market, around four years after its official launch in the country. L’Oréal Korea, which operates Valentino Beauty locally, has reportedly closed the brand’s remaining department store counters and is expected to shut its official online store in the first half of the year. Valentino Beauty entered South Korea in 2022 with a pop-up launch in Seoul, followed by the opening of permanent locations at Lotte Department Store, including Jamsil and its main store. However, the brand did not expand into other major department store groups, limiting its long-term market scale. The exit reflects increasing pressure on imported prestige beauty brands in South Korea as K-beauty gains share through strong product performance, trend responsiveness, and value positioning.

Discounters & Department Stores

Walmart’s John Furner overhauls leadership

Walmart Inc.’s incoming CEO, John Furner, announced a C-suite shakeup effective next month, per a Friday press release. Among the changes, David Guggina, current chief e-commerce officer for Walmart U.S., will succeed Furner as CEO of the company’s U.S. business. Additionally, Walmart International CEO Kathryn McLay is exiting the company. She will remain at Walmart through the first quarter to support a transition as Sam’s Club U.S. CEO Chris Nicholas succeeds her. Seth Dallaire, chief growth officer for the company’s U.S. business, will take on the same title for Walmart Inc. Meanwhile, Latriece Watkins, chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S., will assume the CEO title at Sam’s Club U.S.

Macy’s closes remaining units at Connecticut distribution center

Macy’s will fully shutter its distribution center in South Windsor, Connecticut, later this year, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice dated January 12. The retailer will close its store delivery and customer returns operating units at the facility, following its October announcement to cut its backstage operating unit. The latest closures will impact 57 employees, with layoffs expected to start on March 14. Once the shutdowns are complete, operations at the site will fully end, per the notice.

Emerging Consumer Companies

Ernesta, DTC custom rug brand, expands brick and mortar footprint

DTC custom rug brand Ernesta opened a new showroom in Birmingham, Michigan, last week, and plans to launch a Dallas store next month and a Manhasset, New York, location this spring, the company announced last week. The three showrooms will grow the brand’s brick-and-mortar presence to seven units with plans for at least three more later this year, the company said. Over the past two years, Ernesta has opened showrooms in Summit, New Jersey; New York City; Bethesda, Maryland; and Greenwich, Connecticut.

ButcherBox launches in Target

ButcherBox, the direct-to-consumer meat and seafood brand, announced its first major retail launch, introducing fresh, 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef products in Target retail locations nationwide. Since 2015, ButcherBox has built its subscription business on shipping high-quality, frozen meat and seafood to consumers across the U.S. The launch in Target marks a strategic expansion to make ButcherBox’s rigorously sourced proteins accessible to more consumers.

Secret Alchemist raises $3 million in funding led by Unilever Ventures

Secret Alchemist, a clean fragrance brand backed by actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, has raised $3 million in a funding round led by Unilever Ventures. The round also included participation from DSG Consumer Partners and was structured as a mix of primary and secondary capital. Of the total, $2.5 million was raised as primary funding, with the remaining amount representing secondary share sales by early angel investors. The investment reflects continued interest in India’s fast-growing fragrance and clean beauty segments, as global strategic investors look to back scalable, founder-led brands with mass-premium potential.

Food & Beverage

Del Monte brand to combine under single owner following bankruptcy purchase

Fresh Del Monte Produce is purchasing assets of California-based Del Monte Foods for $285 million, bringing the iconic produce name under a single owner for the first time in nearly four decades. The deal comes as canned food maker Del Monte completes the sale of assets after declaring bankruptcy last summer. Del Monte’s brands were scooped up by three companies, with Fresh Del Monte buying its prepared and packaged businesses. “Bringing the Del Monte brand back together reflects a long-held conviction of mine,” Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “By uniting fresh and shelf-stable food under one strategy, we are honoring the brand’s legacy while supporting it for continued relevance and growth.”

Mission Produce buys avocado rival Calavo in deal worth $430M

Mission Produce is purchasing rival Calavo Growers in a deal that combines two of the largest avocado companies in North America. The cash-and-stock transaction, set to close by the end of August, values Calavo at $430 million. In addition to avocados, Calavo sells guacamole and dips under its own brand or through private label and foodservice providers. The deal positions Mission to expand within the prepared foods segment and grow internationally. The addition of Calavo also diversifies Mission’s produce portfolio to include tomatoes and papayas.

Beyond Meat enters beverage category with protein drinks

Beyond Meat is introducing a sparkling beverage line as the plant-based meat company looks to further capitalize on consumer demand for protein. Beyond Immerse is a flavored sparkling beverage that contains plant-based protein and 7 grams of fiber, as well as added antioxidants and electrolytes. Beyond Meat is billing the product as an alternative to heavy-protein shakes, with benefits that support muscular health, gut balance, and immune function. The drinks will be available for a limited time, starting Jan 15, on Beyond Meat’s e-commerce platform, Beyond Test Kitchen. The drinks include options with 10 or 20 grams of protein. Beyond Immerse is available in three flavors: peach mango, lemon lime, and orange tangerine.

Heineken CEO to step down as beer sales slump

Heineken CEO and Chairman Dolf van den Brink is leaving the company at the end of May following a nearly six-year run as top executive. His departure comes three months after the beer giant announced an expansive reorganization plan. The Heineken board is initiating a search for a successor, according to a news release. Van den Brink will remain with the company in an advisory capacity for eight months starting June 1. The company credited Van den Brink with guiding it through “turbulent economic and political times,” as well as with establishing Heineken’s five-year corporate restructuring plan to combat declining beer sales.

Grocery & Restaurants

Aldi to open 180 U.S. stores in 2026 as shoppers seek value

As Americans across incomes look to trim the grocery budget, Aldi plans to open more than 180 stores in the U.S. this year — including on the traditional turf of rival supermarkets and big-box stores. The German grocer’s latest growth plans follow an already aggressive expansion over the past decade. Aldi, which is known for its low prices, small stores and emphasis on private brands, has become the third-largest grocer in the country by store count, trailing behind only Walmart and Kroger. And last year, Aldi marked its biggest expansion since it opened its first U.S. store in Iowa in 1976 by opening nearly 200 locations. It had 2,614 stores in the U.S. as of Dec. 31. Grocery in the U.S. has long been a fragmented industry, with slices of the business divided up by regional grocers, specialty players, large supermarket operators, big-box stores and membership-based clubs. Yet Aldi’s growth illustrates the fiercer competition traditional players face as discounters lure away shoppers and win more of their weekly grocery runs.

Jersey Mike’s strikes European expansion deal led by founder Peter Cancro

Jersey Mike’s Subs is taking its signature sandwiches overseas with its first European expansion set for this year, the company said Monday. Leading the push is the brand’s founder and board chair, Peter Cancro, via his company, JM Submarines UK Ltd. The deal between Jersey Mike’s and Cancro’s entity calls for 400 stores to be opened in the U.K. and Ireland, and it will be the first in a series of plans for international growth. The privately owned Jersey Mike’s was acquired for a reported $8 billion by Blackstone in late 2024.

Home & Road

Furniture sales slipped in November, says DOC

For the first time in 2025, the Department of Commerce’s advance monthly estimates showed a year-over-year dip in furniture and home furnishings sales in November. For the month, the category, which includes brick-and-mortar sales, recorded adjusted estimated sales of $11.205 billion, down 1.4% compared with November 2024’s adjusted $11.37 billion, and off October’s adjusted preliminary $11.214 billion by 0.1%. It was the category’s first year-over-year drop in sales since September 2024. Through 11 months, the DOC estimates unadjusted sales of $123.82 billion for furniture and home furnishings sales, which is 3% ahead of 2024’s pace. The overall retail spectrum recorded an adjusted estimated $735.90 billion in November, up 3.3% against November 2024’s $712.18 billion and up 0.6% compared with October’s adjusted preliminary $731.41 billion.

Top 100 retailer begins going-out-of-business sales

Going-out-of-business sales are underway at Top 100 retailer American Signature Inc., conducted by a joint venture of SB360 Capital Partners, Hilco Global and Gordon Brothers. The joint venture received approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware last week. The Columbus, Ohio-based retailer, parent company of American Signature Furniture and Value City Furniture, filed for Chapter 11 protection in November 2025. “A sale of this magnitude will bring never-before-seen values to a broad selection of top-quality furniture already offered at truly affordable prices,” said SB360 President Aaron Miller, on behalf of the joint venture. “We encourage everyone to shop early during this limited-time event while selection is at its best. The compelling liquidation discounts on stylish furniture for every room of the home will make this a short sale in these stores.” The going-out-of-business sales started Jan. 9 in Value City Furniture‘s 79 stores across 13 states and in  American Signature’s 10 stores located in Delaware and Florida, with discounts of up to 50% off original prices on a wide selection of home furnishings, including living room, dining room and bedroom collections, as well as decor, lighting, mattresses and rugs.

Jewelry & Luxury

Tag Heuer CEO Antoine Pin Exits Watchmaker

Tag Heuer’s chief executive officer, Antoine Pin, has exited the Swiss watchmaker. On Jan 16, the brand’s parent company LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton said the executive had “decided to start a new chapter in his career” and would also be leaving the group after 23 years. “We thank him for his contribution and address wishes of success in his future projects,” the group added. A successor to Pin was not named but “will be announced soon,” LVMH stated. The executive’s departure was effective immediately, and his future plans are not yet known.

Brunello Cucinelli reports record-breaking 2025 sales

Brunello Cucinelli in December described 2025 as “a record year” and, to be sure, on January 12th, his namesake company reported turnover that exceeded expectations set 12 months ago. In 2025, sales were up 10.1 percent to more than 1.4 billion euros. At constant exchange rates, they rose 11.5 percent, beating the 10 percent forecast made early last year. “We have closed a year we have defined as record-breaking, both in terms of revenues and brand image; given the quality of sales, we anticipate a healthy, sustainable, and balanced profit for 2025,” said Cucinelli, who holds the role of executive chairman and creative director of the company. “From the perspective of image, style and lifestyle, we recognize in our Italian Casa di Moda a harmonious identity, cultivated over time with a sense of moderation, consistency and equilibrium.”

Richemont Sales Surge in Key Holiday Period, With Jewelry Driving Growth and Watches Springing Back

Richemont had a rollicking holiday season with sales up 11 percent to 6.4 billion euros, fueled by fine jewelry classics, spinoff collections, and the start of a rebound in the struggling specialist watch category. Third-quarter sales at constant exchange rates beat analysts’ expectations, offering the luxury sector a glimmer of hope. RBC’s Piral Dadhania said Richemont “has set a high bar to kick off this earnings season,” while Chloe Tedford-Jones, apparel analyst at Global Data, said that as the earnings season progresses, Richemont’s latest update sets a “cautiously optimistic” tone for the luxury sector. “While growth is uneven across regions and categories, demand for elevated luxury and heritage-driven categories remains intact,” Tedford-Jones added.

Office & Leisure

Arrivia acquires Bon Voyage Travel

Arrivia, a global travel loyalty and technology company, acquired Bon Voyage Travel, a luxury-focused travel agency known for its advisor-led service model, deep supplier relationships and premium travel experiences.  The combination enhances arrivia’s presence in the luxury cruise segment by pairing Bon Voyage Travel’s high-touch advisory expertise with arrivia’s global loyalty partnerships, distribution reach and technology platform.  Bon Voyage Travel will continue to operate under its existing brand, with Ryan Hansen staying on as president, a position he has held for 14 years, ensuring continuity for clients, advisors and supplier partners.

Fanatics to launch sports media and entertainment studio

Sports merchandising giant Fanatics announced the launch of Fanatics Studios, a media and entertainment studio established as a joint venture with OBB Media.  Fanatics Studios will create, produce and distribute content at the intersection of sports and culture, the company said in a release. This will include feature films, documentaries, scripted and unscripted content, live events and digital series.  OBB Media founder and CEO Michael Ratner will serve as CEO of the company.  Rubin acquired e-commerce site Fanatics in 2011 and has built the company into a cross-sector juggernaut. Fanatics has broadened its reach among sports fans through collectibles, sports betting, live shopping and events.  Fanatics now employs more than 22,000 people and is valued at more than $30 billion, according to a person familiar with the matter. The company expects $13 billion in revenue in 2026.

Technology & Internet

Meta urges Australia to rethink ‘blanket’ social media ban for teens

Meta has issued new pleas to the Australian government to reconsider its recently enforced social media ban for under 16s, after the tech giant blocked over half a million accounts on its platforms in one month. Australia’s Online Safety Amendment Act 2024 came into effect on Dec. 11, barring access to 10 major services including Meta’s Instagram, Alphabet’s YouTube, Bytedance’s TikTok, Reddit, Snapchat, and Elon Musk’s X. Meta has since removed nearly 550,000 accounts believed to belong to under-16s between Dec. 4-11, it said in a blog post on Sunday. On Instagram, it removed around 330,000 accounts, around 173,500 on Facebook, and nearly 40,000 on Threads. “As we’ve stated previously, Meta is committed to meeting its compliance obligations and is taking the necessary steps to remain compliant with the law,” Meta said in the post. “That said, we call on the Australian government to engage with industry constructively to find a better way forward, such as incentivising all of industry to raise the standard in providing safe, privacy-preserving, age-appropriate experiences online, instead of blanket bans.”

Spotify hikes subscription price for U.S. Premium users

Spotify Premium subscriptions are getting more expensive. The subscription price will rise from $11.99 per month to $12.99 per month in the U.S. for the February bill, the streaming platform said in a blog post. Users will get an email with the update sometime in the next month explaining the change, Spotify said Thursday. That email will say that the price is increasing so the company can “keep delivering a great experience”. Spotify last bumped the Premium price for U.S. users in June 2024 to $11.99 per month. In July 2023, the price was raised to $10.99 per month.

Finance & Economy

Wholesale inflation was softer than expected, retail sales moved higher in November

Wholesale prices moved up less than expected while consumers kept up a heavy buying pace in November, according to economic data released January 14th. The producer price index, a measure of final demand prices that producers get in the marketplace, rose just 0.2% for the month, according to seasonally adjusted figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was below the Dow Jones consensus for a 0.3% gain, though one-tenth of a percentage point higher than October. Excluding food and energy, the core PPI was flat on the month against expectations for a 0.2% gain. Though the monthly readings were soft, the headline PPI was up 3% from a year ago, well ahead of the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

Trump floats new tariffs in push to acquire Greenland

On January 16, President Donald Trump said he may impose tariffs on countries “if they don’t go along with Greenland.” “We need Greenland for national security. So I may do that,” Trump said at the White House during a health-care-related event. The comments show Trump, whose push to acquire Greenland for the U.S. has grown increasingly aggressive in recent months, turning to one of his favorite tools for leveraging power over foreign nations. The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for additional information on Trump’s remarks.

U.S. payrolls rose 50,000 in December, less than expected; unemployment rate falls to 4.4%

Nonfarm payrolls rose a seasonally adjusted 50,000 in December, lower than the downwardly revised 56,000 in November and short of the Dow Jones estimate for 73,000. The unemployment rate fell to 4.4%, below the forecast of 4.5%. A more encompassing measure that includes discouraged workers and the underemployed dropped to 8.4%. Average hourly earnings rose 0.3% for the month, in line with the forecast, although the annual increase of 3.8% was 0.2 percentage points higher than expected.