Over the course of the week, Retail Dive strives to bring you the most important stories that show the ebbs and flows of the rapidly retail industry. But now it's Friday, so think of this as your brain candy for the week.
This week, we've got Bloomingdale's taking us back to 2000, Kanye West pop-up stores going global, and Justin Beiber launching a clothing line ... with his face on the T-shirts.
This, and other strange news, in this week's Retail Therapy below.
#TBT to Juicy Couture tracksuits ... oh wait, they're really back?
The athleisure bubble may be about to burst, but Juicy Couture track suits are making a comeback.
Yes, you heard that right: We’re talking about the velvety matching top and bottom combo popularized in the early 2000s when Jennifer Lopez was still Jenny from the block. Britney Spears was apparently such a huge fan of the fad that during her 2004 marriage to Kevin Federline she decked out her entire bridal party with track suits bedazzled with the words “Maids” and “Pimps." The marriage didn’t work out — and neither did the velour sweatpants.
But now Bloomingdale’s has resurrected the casual chic look, branding the selection with #TBT and #trackisback hashtags. Analysts tell Bustle the original athleisure look could become just as much of a basic as skinny jeans.
Or maybe this is all one elaborate #TBT social media strategy for the retailer? Either way, it warrants a throwback to J. Lo’s 2001 single “I’m Real.”
Another Kanye fashion frenzy
The world just can't get enough of Kanye West's fashion lines. This weekend, the star will launch 21 of his signature “The Life of Pablo” retail pop-up stores in locations around the globe, West tweeted on Wednesday. Most of the stores will be state-side, but others will be scattered around Europe, Australia and Africa.
21 PABLO STORES WORLDWIDE THIS WEEKEND LOCATIONS HEREhttps://t.co/tYuzqs7kJW
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) August 18, 2016
In the past, the exclusive nature of West's limited merchandise at pop-up shops has sent prices skyrocketing. One customer reportedly spent $1,500 on a vintage Levi’s denim jacket that retailed for $400, according to WWD.
Don’t expect the Kanye love to die down any time soon: The pop culture icon will return to New York Fashion week in September to debut his Yeezy Season 4 collection.
Calling all Beliebers
This week, pop singer Justin Bieber unveiled a limited 8-piece collection that will be sold through fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 to promote his 2016 “Purpose” tour. Most notably, the new line features T-shirts with his face on them and the phrase “Justin forever.”
Bieber has also been selling tour merchandise like beanies, phone cases and mugs through struggling teen accessories retailer Claire's.
You better belieb it! #justinforever https://t.co/DowBo9y5w1
— Forever 21 (@Forever21) August 17, 2016
Mark our words #JustinForever #ComingSoon https://t.co/wIkg8rSFRn
— Forever 21 (@Forever21) August 17, 2016
North West is stepping into her fashionista mother's shoes
Finally, the most important story in retail this week: The internet collectively "aw'd" when Kim Kardashian posted a picture on Instagram on Monday of her 3-year-old daughter North stepping into her thigh high boots. Clearly the fashion industry needs to keep an eye on this up and coming model.
