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Articles by Katishi Maake
Peak Rock explores sale of Shipley Do-Nuts, sources say
News (Intelligence) North Point will lead the process Shipley generates USD 25m-USD 30m EBITDA Should draw interest from sponsors Peak Rock Capital is exploring a sale of its portfolio company Shipley Do-Nuts, a Houston, Texas-based donut company and coffeehouse chain, according to two sources familiar with the situation. North Point has been appointed to oversee the potential sale process, which is expected to launch later this year, the sources said.
Trilantic-backed OrthoLite to explore sale next year, sources say
News (Intelligence) OrthoLite, an Amherst, Massachusetts-based manufacturer of foam insoles and footwear components, is expected to explore a sale next year, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The Trilantic North America-backed company has appointed William Blair to advise on the potential sale effort, the sources said. Deutsche Bank is also serving as a co-advisor, two of the sources said.
Sterling Foods exploring sale through Harris Williams, sources say
News (Intelligence) Sterling Foods, a developer and producer of specialty bakery products, has mandated Harris Williams to explore a sale, four sources familiar with the situation said. The sale process has not launched yet, two of the sources said, adding that it is expected to kick off in the near-term. Financial sponsors are expected to show interest in the business, they added. The San Antonio, Texas-based baking goods company generates around USD 30m in EBITDA, each of the sources said.
The Sun Belt is home to thriving retail markets thanks to population migration
The pandemic showed many that life in the big city might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Perhaps as a result, the Sun Belt over the last four years has seen population growth that’s bringing new opportunities for retailers. As of 2022, 12 of the 15 fastest growing cities were in the Sun Belt, loosely defined as the Southeastern and Southwestern United States.
This week in Retail: 99 Cents Only Stores wind down, Procter & Gamble reports earnings
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Welcome back, people. We know you’re responsible citizens, but just in case it slipped your mind, your taxes are due today. That really doesn’t have anything to do with the retail happenings of the world, but we figured a heads-up would be appreciated.
Nike remains one of the most popular brands among teenagers
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. A Piper and Sandler survey found that Nike is the most popular brand among teens for apparel and footwear, with On, Hoka, and New Balance gaining ground since last year.
San Francisco retail is struggling, but one developer believes all hope is not lost
It’s no secret that downtown San Francisco’s retail landscape is struggling. Union Square, one of the city’s primary commercial hubs, has seen numerous retailers exit over the past few years. A short list includes Zara, The North Face, H&M, Gap, and Uniqlo. Barry DiRaimondo, CEO of commercial real estate developer SteelWave, didn’t underplay the struggles the city has faced but said it’s not entirely doom and gloom.
This week in retail: UPS and FedEx surcharges, Publix openings, and the Revolve Festival
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. It’s officially the Day of Black Sun. Yes, today is the solar eclipse, and by all accounts, it’s supposed to be more of a spectacle than the one we got in 2017. So much so that dozens of Wegmans stores are temporarily closing up shop.
Temu plans to change its strategy on extended delivery times
Over the past year, Temu has made a splash on the e-commerce scene with its very low prices and wide array of products. However, this approach has come at a cost: delivery times. It’s one of the main complaints cited about Temu’s operations, alongside product quality. But now the company is shifting its strategy, inviting US-based warehouses to join its platform.
Gen Zers are more resistant to ‘doom spending’ than you’d think
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. If you’re a millennial, chances are you’re more than familiar with the avocado toast theory: the idea that spending frivolously on unnecessary products is the true barrier to financial freedom.
BJ’s, Lids, and Walmart among recent brick and mortar openings and closures
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. As Retail Brew has previously reported, more than a third of retail managers expect to open stores this year, but thus far, major closures have dominated headlines, including Macy’s closing 150 locations and Dollar Tree’s plan to shutter nearly 1,000.
This week in retail: Zara owner reopens in Ukraine, Starbucks restructured global leadership
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Comedy is, in part, about the subversion of expectations, so let us just say at the outset: We’re not going to have any goofs, gaffes, or laughs—we’re just getting right into what’s going on in retail this week.
Resale is growing increasingly popular online: report
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. In 2024, resale is mainstream, and according to ThredUp’s 12th annual resale report, it shows no signs of slowing down.
Retail startups to watch: parcel delivery network, underground robot delivery, and a social commerce tool
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. If you’re a retailer and want to scale your business beyond the mom and pop level, you’re going to need some help. Today, we’re focusing on companies innovating to make growth more attainable.
This week in retail: UPS layoffs, potential new iPad announcement, and Walgreens earnings
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Today marks the last day of Amazon’s first Big Spring Sale, which kicked off last Wednesday.
Retail associates believe employers could better integrate tech
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. At this point, integrating technology into the retail experience, whether on the consumer-facing side or the backend, isn’t a luxury.
This logistics company is attempting to give a leg up to the DTC food industry
At the beginning of March, California authorities had to shut down a 100-mile stretch of Interstate 80 after a massive snowstorm hit the region. Needless to say, if you planned on a delivery arriving on time, it wasn’t happening. But what if that delivery included perishable goods? Well, the equation is completely different; there’s a shot clock. That’s where Grip Shipping believes it can step in.
Unilever to spin off ice cream division
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. What would Unilever do for a Klondike bar? The answer, apparently, is not much, after the company announced on Tuesday that it plans to divest its entire ice cream division.
This week in retail: Shoptalk, Evolution of Retail Summit, and Nike earnings
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Happy Monday, and welcome back everyone. We hope those who participated in St. Patrick’s Day activities this weekend are recovering well, and we also hope you were able to catch your flight, because there’s a lot of IRL retail networking going down this week. Let’s jump into it.
How warehouse management systems work for different retailers
We’ve covered how inventory management is one of the most critical components of running a retail operation—whether online, IRL, or omnichannel. However, upstream of inventory management comes with warehouse and logistics management that controls the flow of products throughout a business’s supply chain.
This week in retail: New Outfox CEO, DOL rule goes into effect, and Ulta earnings
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Welcome back, everyone. Before our next edition comes out, St. Patrick’s Day will have come and gone, so we hope everyone who celebrates has plenty of green beverages. In new hires: Today, Outfox Hospitality, which owns Foxtrot Market, has a new CEO—Rob Twyman, who took over for Liz Williams.
Target shows strong Q4 revenue and earnings
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Target’s holiday shopping season revenue increased 1.7% year over year to $31.9 billion, exceeding Wall Street’s expectations. But the impact of rising prices on consumers showed in the company’s sales figures.
The latest retail startups to watch
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Beyoncé isn’t the only one hitting the ground running with her haircare brand. It’s also the case for a handful of retail startups whose 2024 is off to a stellar start—and have us, sorry, saying their name.
Macy’s to close 150 stores
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Macy's plans to close 150 department stores in order to reinvigorate sales and its focus to luxury items. In its Q4 earnings call on Tuesday, the company said it will close “underproductive” stores, while opening more of its, higher-end concepts, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury specifically.
This week in retail: Staples’s revamped loyalty program, eTail Palm Springs, and Retail Supply Chain Conference
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. It’s fairly quiet on the earnings front this week, after Nvidia basically sucked all the air out of the room last week, so we’re starting off with 2024’s bonus day.
Sportswear retailers grapple with industry and broader economic challenges
Major players in the sportswear retail space are experiencing some troubles at the moment, with some warning the industry is in for a rough 2024. The kingmaker, Nike, recently has taken cost-cutting measures that have recently included cutting 1,700 jobs, or 2% of its workforce. This move came after Nike in December lowered its full-year sales outlook while announcing that it will undergo a $2 billion cost-cutting initiative over the next three years.
Walmart acquires TV maker Vizio in move to strengthen advertising business
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. After the Wall Street Journal reported last week that Walmart was in talks to acquire television maker Vizio, the deal finally came through on Feb. 20 at a $2.3 billion price tag.
This week in retail: Beyoncé’s new hair care line, Coke’s new flavor, and Walmart earnings
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Welcome back, everyone. Happy Presidents’ Day to all who celebrate. For the occasion, we have a fun fact about America’s 33rd president.
Retailers plan to open more storefronts
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. “Return to normalcy.” It’s a phrase that’s intuitively reassuring when you hear it, but what does it mean for brick-and-mortar retailers?
Fat Brands chairman and founder Andy Widerhorn told Retail Brew franchisees are concerned about passing on price hikes to consumers.
Raising the federal minimum wage is a political and economic debate that has been raging for years, but we’re going to witness a test case play out in one of the nation’s largest states. In April, the minimum wage for fast food workers in California will be raised to $20 after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation last year that also brought the minimum wage for all workers to $16, which went into effect on January 1.
Brands cash in on most-watched Super Bowl in history
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. The Kansas City Chiefs and their fans got a win on quite literally one of the biggest stages in the world.
This week in retail: Shopify reports earnings; Sephora, Chewy bring on new execs
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. For all the football fans, now that you're not preoccupied on Mondays doomscrolling through hot takes on your team, we should have your undivided attention. Here’s what’s going on in retail this week. In earnings: Shopify reports earnings tomorrow and the company is, to quote the meme, locked in.
Retail brands making a big splash during this year’s big game
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Much of the love around the Super Bowl surrounds the commercials, and for many people it’s the first order of business when it comes to the big game.
26% of Zoomers will return Valentine’s Day gifts
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Not to be cynical, but if you’re young and plan on buying your significant other a Valentine’s Day gift this year, don’t bother.
Starter’s Super Bowl collection is just one piece of its new vision
Outside of the game itself, the big spectacle at the Super Bowl is thought to be the commercials, but throughout the week leading up to the big game, there are actually a number of opportunities for brands to showcase the best they have to offer. One of those brands is Starter, which is releasing a limited-edition collection for the Super Bowl and will have a presence at a number of activations in Las Vegas, including a pop-up experience store at Mandalay Bay from Feb. 7 though Feb. 10.
This week in retail: new Saks Fifth Avenue women’s store in Beverly Hills, McDonald’s and Pepsico earnings
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Welcome back.We know no one can think about anything but the Super Bowl, but we’ll spare you any discussion of football or you know who, and remind you that commercials for this year’s game sold out faster than expected—so companies had better bring their A game.
eBay, REI, and Macy’s among retailers slashing their workforces
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. January is often the most common month for layoffs, and it seems this year is no different. Earlier last month, eBay announced it would cut 1,000 full-time workers, or roughly 9% of its workforce. CEO Jamie Iannone explained that the company’s workforce and expenses had outpaced eBay’s growth.
Numbers Game: the pros and cons of buy now, pay later
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. For better or for worse, buy now, pay later became increasingly popular over the holiday shopping season and there seem to be few signs of that trend slowing down anytime soon.
PetSmart, Autozone dish on frontline worker engagement and retention strategies
During the height of the pandemic, it was common for retailers and the public generally to throw support behind frontline workers who had to work in-person and didn’t have the option of working from the comfort of their couch. At the time, nearly four years ago, companies faced pressure to increase the pay of their frontline hourly workers, and many eventually followed through as a result.
This week in retail: Apple Vision Pro release, Amazon earnings, and Walmart exec departures
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Congratulations if you’ve made it this far into the month and stuck to your New Year’s resolutions. For those of you who haven’t, think of Feb. 1 as a second fresh start. And for those participating in Dry January, you only have three more days to let everyone know about it.
Chipotle dangles Gen Z-centered perks as it seeks to hire 19,000 new workers
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. Spring is known for warmer weather, flowers, new beginnings, and burritos—apparently.
Consumer perception of Shein and Temu is falling
Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date. If the retail world were an Avengers movie, Shein and Temu would be Thanos (and some other villain).
How SAP’s clients plan to leverage its new AI tools for retailers
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that artificial intelligence dominated the conversion at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show last week. Brands are looking to capitalize on the technology in ways that can smooth over processes across the board, from customer service to human resources.
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