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 Tempur Sealy planning to divest 176 stores to Big Lots’ new affiliate program, here’s our closeout for the week.
What you may have missed
L.L. Bean to sell through Von Maur department stores
L.L. Bean is expanding its wholesale partners with a deal to sell through Von Maur department stores starting this fall, per a Tuesday press release. A selection of clothing, footwear, accessories and outerwear from L.L. Bean will be sold at the Iowa-based department store’s physical locations and online channels, including for men, women and children. Included in the assortment are key products like tote bags, slippers and fleeces.
“Wholesale partnerships continue to be an important part of how we make the L.L.Bean brand accessible to customers across the U.S. and advance our purpose of enabling people to experience the restorative power of being outside,” Charlie Bruder, vice president of wholesale at L.L.Bean, said in a statement. “As we evaluate potential wholesale partnerships through our brand lens, Von Maur’s retail expertise, values, and commitment to customer service made it feel like a natural fit for L.L.Bean.”
L.L. Bean entered wholesale for the first time in 2020, with Nordstrom, Scheels and Staples, and has since expanded its partners to include the likes of Dillard’s, Moosejaw and some independent specialty retailers.
Von Maur, which operates 37 stores in 15 states, said the outdoor retailer is a “kindred spirit” focused on service and quality product. The department store plans to open two new physical locations by spring next year and is undergoing a $100 million store renovation project.
L'Occitane CEO steps down
Laurent Marteau has stepped down as L’Occitane Group CEO and left the company’s board.
The Luxembourg-based beauty company said in a Sept. 17 announcement that Marteau left the company to focus on other business interests and personal pursuits. Marteau had held the role since early 2024 when he was appointed group CEO. He took over for André Hoffmann, who held the position in an acting capacity. Hoffmann stepped down when the company combined the group managing director and CEO into one position.
Marteau has 20 years of experience in the global beauty industry and previously worked for the LVMH Group in various senior management roles for 15 years. He joined L’Occitane as group managing director in 2022.
In Marteau’s place, L’Occitane created an office of the CEO and named three people to lead the company on an interim basis — board chairman Reinold Geiger, Chief Financial Officer Samuel Antunes and General Counsel Ingo Dauer. Geiger has been with the company since 1996, Dauer since 2009 and Antunes since 2010. They will retain their current positions while serving in the office of the CEO.
Big lots launches an affiliate program
Big Lots on Thursday announced the launch of an affiliate program that partners with influencers to share limited-time closeouts, bargains and promotions with their audiences. Influencers will earn a commission on referral sales.
The program builds on the discount retailer’s social media influencer and ambassador program, which has generated higher conversion and clickthrough rates and return on ad spend.
"Introducing this new affiliate program is a natural progression for us in expanding our connections with bargain-savvy creators and publishers, as well as their online communities,” CEO Bruce Thorn said in a statement. “We aim to engage with more consumers more frequently and authentically within their preferred online communities."
Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy at the start of the month and soon after received interim court approval to access $550 million in bankruptcy financing.
Retail Therapy
Holiday Inn collaborates on sweatsuits for pancake lovers
Holiday Inn Express launched limited-edition sweatsuits in collaboration with designer Mr. Eatwell, per a company news release. The baby blue “Pancakesuits” were released in honor of National Pancake Day on Thursday, and feature pancakes with butter, bananas, blueberries and syrup across the top and bottom. The top comes in both a crewneck and hoodie option, and there is also the choice of a hoodie with a warming pocket.
Adult sizes of the collection are available for $99 and kid sizes are $50, and both can be purchsed on Mr. Eatwell’s website. Each purchase of the suit with a warming pocket comes with a redeemable 50,000 rewards points good for a one-night stay at Holiday Inn Express hotels.
Squishmallows pairs up with Crocs
In collaborations you didn’t know you needed, Jazwares, the toy company behind the cuddly Squishmallows brand, partnered with everyone’s favorite holey footwear company, Crocs. The result is a limited-edition collection of three shoe designs and five Jibbitz charms that are inspired by Squishmallows, according to a company press release.
“This partnership brings together two iconic brands that are passionate about celebrating the spirit of fandom,” Matias Infante, Crocs’ vice president of global marketing, said in a statement. “Like Crocs, Squishmallows has become a beloved staple for those seeking style and comfort. We can’t wait for our fans to experience the ultimate in cozy comfort with this exciting new collection.”
What we’re still thinking about
8.4%
That’s how much Adobe Analytics predicts online sales in the U.S. will increase year over year between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, reaching $240.8 billion.
The firm also projects purchases made via mobile devices will increase 12.8% year over year to $128.1 billion and represent over half of all online shopping this season.
176
That’s how many stores Tempur Sealy has agreed to divest as it faces challenges from the Federal Trade Commission regarding its proposed merger with Mattress Firm.
The move, which is subject to the approval of the merger, consists of Mattress Warehouse acquiring 73 Mattress Firm locations as well as 103 Sleep Outfitters stores and seven distribution centers.
Hearings on the FTC’s challenge are set to begin Nov. 12.
What we’re watching
What, if anything, does Stitch Fix’s turnaround say about subscription-box retail?
Stitch Fix, which just wrapped up its 2024 fiscal year, this week warned investors that it wouldn’t return to growth until the end of fiscal year 2026. The long road to recovery once again brings up questions about a retail model where customers sign up to receive curated boxes of items. As the set-up proved difficult to scale, other players, like Nordstrom’s Trunk Club and ThredUp’s Goody Box, have given up on it.
These are flexible subscriptions, since customers get boxes as often or seldom as they like. Still, buying from Stitch Fix does require a sign-up to buy or even browse, pain points it has struggled to solve.
Now, the company, sporting a new logo, is turning to its stylists as part of a customer experience overhaul with various new features. But stay tuned: As CEO Matt Baer told analysts, “transformations take time.”
