Brands, retailers and manufacturers are sharply focused on getting the holiday season underway. Despite ongoing supply chain issues, most are quietly optimistic that the season will be a success.
HOLIDAY 2021
Consumer shopping patterns are expected to break with tradition as people respond to a changing environment. Previously, shoppers waited till later in the season hoping to catch better deals. Here’s what’s influencing this year’s shopping timeline:
- Fear of shortages due to supply chain issues
- Responding to early deals (Amazon launched its Epic Deals at the beginning of Oct)
- General uncertainty about any future covid-related restrictions that could impact retail
- With online shopping festivals now held throughout the year, the power of Black Friday and Cyber Monday has been diminished.
Simon Property Group (USA) will join the growing list of retailers who will be closed on Thanksgiving.
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FINANCE
Levi’s (USA) reported Q3 net revenue rose 41% year-on-year to $1.5 billion (up 3% from 2019).
- Net income jumped 616% year-on-year to $193.3 million.
- Levi’s sources from 24 countries and no one country provides more than 20% of its capacity (Wells Fargo insights).
French Connection (UK) has been sold to UK-based apparel industry entrepreneurs Apinder Singh Ghura and Amarjit Singh Grewal, as well as holding company KJR Brothers Ltd. in a deal valuing it £29 million ($39.5 million).
LAUNCHES
H&M (Sweden) is teaming up with Star Wars actor John Boyega on a menswear collection that “pushes style and sustainability”.
Dior (France) is entering the active sports market with a line of fitness equipment developed in collaboration with sports specialists Technogym. It will be available in January 2022.
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