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 Fleet Feet’s leadership shuffle to Bark’s expanded partnership with Crocs, here’s our closeout for the week.
What you may have missed
E.l.f. on your fragrance shelf
E.l.f. Brands has entered the fragrance and body care categories with E.l.f. Pop, according to a Monday announcement. The company’s debut, limited-edition collection is inspired by winters in Norway. The collection, dubbed Spicy Bundt Nice, has notes of holiday spice cake, orange zest, cardamom, butter cream frosting, cedarwood and musk.
Products are vegan and cruelty free. The fragrance mist and body cream retail for $13, while a travel-size kit is $12. Additional E.l.f. Pop scents will be released in January.
“E.l.f. Pop is our next bold leap as we stretch into new playgrounds and categories,” Oshiya Savur, chief marketing officer at E.l.f. Brands, said in a statement. “Fragrance is a unique form of self-expression; it is personal and customizable. Body care transforms an everyday necessity into a ritual of self-care and indulgence.”
Fleet Feet promotes longtime company vet to oversee marketing, digital
Specialty running retailer Fleet Feet has promoted 20-year company veteran Jason Jabaut to president. He will lead marketing and digital, vendor management and franchise operations.
“Jason understands Fleet Feet from the inside out and has earned the trust of our entire organization,” Joey Pointer, CEO of Fleet Feet, said in a statement. “He knows our people, our partners, and what’s made this brand special for 50 years. He’s a proven leader and the right person to guide our next chapter of growth.”
The company also expanded several leaders’ roles and filled four additional positions.
Dani Tiltgen has been named senior vice president of human resources, Matt Werder is now senior vice president of retail operations and Stacey Donley is now vice president of merchandising and supply chain.
New to Fleet Feet are Mike Druta as vice president of data analytics, Blake Bommelje as director of information security, Maddy Eppli as director of strategy and Jesse Isola as director of customer retention.
Retail therapy
More Crocs for your pet
Pet company Bark expanded its partnership with footwear company Crocs, debuting a Crocs-shaped dog bed, according to a Tuesday press release. The bed features slots for users to add Jibbitz charm-inspired plush charms.
The expansion also includes a full line of Crocs clog-themed toys, collars, leashes and more.
"Crocs consistently wins by committing fully to big swings, then building an identity with consumers around those swings, that's the exact playbook we run at Bark," Dave Stangle, vice president of brand at Bark, said in a statement. "We launched Crocs For Dogs two years ago as basically a one-off, and it's been selling out ever since. This collection is an evolution of that first product, it's not a novelty purchase, it's an identity purchase. We've built out the entire Crocs universe for dogs: toys, beds, Jibbitz charms. Dogs deserve it all."
What we’re still thinking about
8.8%
The percent stake that Frasers Group now owns of Under Armour. The U.K.-based company bought 16.6 million shares of the sporting goods retailer in late September, according to an SEC filing. The move comes as Under Armour is in the midst of a turnaround, with revenue falling 3% in Q1 to $1.1 billion. The Frasers Group portfolio includes Jack Wills, Sports Direct and more.
What we’re watching
Is Athleta’s leadership shakeup, courtesy of Lululemon, an opportunity?
Since Maggie Gauger’s arrival from Nike to lead Athleta about a year ago, Gap Inc. has touted her work to reinvigorate the struggling athletic brand. But, suddenly, she’s out.
Gauger is taking a job with her former Nike colleague, Heidi O’Neill, now CEO at Lululemon. Gap Inc. may have had high hopes for what Gauger could do at Athleta, but William Blair analysts this week said she has had “little tangible success” there. In its most recent quarter, the brand’s net sales and comps both plummeted 12% compared to last year.
A Gap Inc. spokesperson confirmed that Gauger has left, and said the brand’s chief marketing officer, Erika Everett, will take over from her in the interim, reporting to Gap Inc. CEO Richard Dickson. The shakeup reflects an opportunity to double down on the work to turn Athleta around, per an emailed statement.
“We have been actively shaping Athleta’s next chapter and the changes needed to position the brand for long-term growth,” the spokesperson said by email. “This transition enables us to accelerate that work, strengthen our connection with customers, and unlock Athleta’s full potential.”
