The Weekly Closeout: ‘Ted Lasso’ teams with Barbie and Curry Brand signs its first signature athlete
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 Beyond Yoga’s move into resale to Skechers’ recent efforts to become a team sports brand, here’s our closeout for the week.
What you may have missed
Under Armour signs first new athlete to the Curry Brand
Sacramento Kings basketball player De’Aaron Fox on Thursday became the first signature athlete to sign with Under Armour’s Curry Brand, the retailer said in a press release. The Curry Brand was formed in 2020 by Under Armour and longtime brand ambassador Steph Curry, who in March signed off on another long-term partnership with the athletics retailer and was named president of the Curry Brand.
Fox, who made a multiyear deal with Under Armour, will wear Curry Brand footwear on the court and will launch his own signature footwear under the brand in 2024. In addition to sporting the Curry Brand shoes, Fox will have input on footwear and apparel, and will lead Under Armour’s grassroots basketball and UA Next programs designed to provide access to the sport.
"The addition of De'Aaron marks a pivotal milestone that coincides with a decade of collaboration between Stephen Curry and Under Armour,” Under Armour CEO Stephanie Linnartz said in a statement. “We could not be more excited to welcome De'Aaron to the Curry Brand family.”
Beyond Yoga enlists ThredUp for resale program
ThredUp continues to expand its Resale-as-a-Service platform, most recently adding Beyond Yoga to its roster.
The Levi Strauss-owned brand earlier this month announced a “Closet Clean Out” program, which allows customers to resell gently-used apparel, accessories or shoes from any brand in exchange for Beyond Yoga shopping credit. Consumers can print out a prepaid shipping label, fill a shippable box or bag with the items and ship to ThredUp. Customers can receive Beyond Yoga shopping credit, which can be used online and in stores, for items that sell on ThredUp, according to a press release emailed to Retail Dive.
“Working with ThredUp’s RaaS is not just about cleaning out closets, it’s about providing solutions to our customers to reduce their apparel waste,” Michelle Wahler, co-founder and CEO of Beyond Yoga, said in a statement. “Through this program, we’re reimagining the lifecycle of clothing and extending its use.”
ThredUp this month also expanded its partnership with Tommy Hilfiger and is now accepting menswear through the company’s RaaS platform. The apparel brand in August 2022 launched its resale and trade-in service with ThredUp for women’s and kid’s clothing.
Shinola looks to Grand Rapids
Watch brand Shinola is opening a new store in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, just in time for the holiday season. It will be the 22nd Shinola store in the U.S., according to a company press release sent to Retail Dive.
“Our team is pulling together a new store and grand opening plan in under five weeks -- this is typically a six-month process,” CEO Awenate Cobbina said in a statement. “We are confident the effort and investment will deliver considerable returns.”
Shinola is also working with the city of Grand Rapids and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. to install a city clock.
Retail therapy
Eggo and Bissell collaborate on a waffle-like vacuum
For consumers who have ever looked at their robot-powered vacuum and thought “I wish that machine looked more edible,” Eggo and Bissell are here to save the day.
The famous waffle brand and the home cleaning company have teamed up for a limited-edition version of the Bissell SpinWave R5 vacuum that features a waffle design. The device is dubbed the EggoVac and is available in limited quantities for $150, per a Wednesday press release.
"We're thrilled to partner with Eggo for this one-of-a-kind collaboration that promises to make holiday cleanup a lot less of a chore," Theresa Junkunc, director of brand and content at Bissell, said in a statement. "The EggoVac is a testament to innovation meeting convenience, and we can't wait to see families enjoy a cleaner, stress-free holiday season with this small but mighty addition to their homes."
Barbie does it the “Lasso way”
Mattel introduced its Ted Lasso x Barbie collection October 24, according to details emailed to Retail Dive. Three main characters from the AppleTV show are featured as collectible dolls: Ted Lasso, Keeley Jones and Rebecca Welton.
The doll for AFC Richmond Coach Ted Lasso wears his signature blue tracksuit and comes with sunglasses, a whistle and soccer ball. Influencer and model turned PR consultant Keely Jones comes in a pink satin dress, a black faux fur cape and her signature high ponytail. AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton Wears comes in a champagne satin blouse, slacks and stilettos with statement accessories.
What we’re still thinking about
1,330
That’s how many Ulta stores will host dedicated spaces for its Wellness Shop. The wellness concept launched over two years ago, and Ulta Beauty Vice President of Merchandising Penny Coy said the company expects to expand it further. The beauty retailer operates 1,355 stores across the U.S.
“At Ulta Beauty, we believe wellness solutions should be accessible to everyone – no matter what their needs are – and we’re proud to dedicate space to our newly redesigned Wellness Shop in almost all stores, fueling discovery and empowering guests to become the best version of themselves,” Coy said in an emailed statement. “Just like beauty, skincare, and haircare, today’s guests are naturally incorporating wellness rituals into their everyday routines to unlock new beautiful possibilities from the inside-out.”
The spaces will have “a new, elevated spa-like redesign,” with educational information to fuel discovery, the company said earlier this week. The wellness assortment is also expanding, with new brand introductions as well as increased offerings from existing partners in supplements, oral care and hydration, among other categories.
$65 million
That is the value of a stalking horse bid by private eqiuty firm Hildred Capital Management for Hello Bello.
Hello Bello, a baby care brand founded by actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday. CEO Erica Buxton said in court documents that the brand experienced negative impacts of higher shipping costs, increased purchase prices and delayed raw materials shipments from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Buxton, the brand’s effort to mitigate these issues by opening its own manufacturing facility didn’t yield positive results fast enough.
What we’re watching
Skechers wants to be a team player
Skechers announced this week it’s entering the pro basketball sneaker market.
The company has enlisted Julius Randle of the New York Knicks and Terance Mann of the Los Angeles Clippers as its first NBA brand ambassadors. Randle and Mann will play in Skechers basketball shoes this season.
Skechers has invested heavily in recent years to position itself as a key player in pro sports by launching partnerships with an international roster of leading athletes.
The company in September launched its first soccer cleats in the United Kingdom and Europe and signed soccer star Harry Kane. Last year, the company signed pro golfer Matt Fitzpatrick. And in 2019, Clayton Kershaw of Major League Baseball’s Los Angles Dodgers signed a multiyear deal.
“Our roster illustrates that Skechers steps on the court with innovative features and designs for every type of athlete, whatever your style or wherever you play,” Greg Smith, vice president of product development and merchandising for Skechers Performance, said in a statement.
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