This Week in Retail #117
It's weird doing this on a Friday
Hey Friends,
What a week it’s been….I had the chance to catch up with Steve Worthy this week and was in awe about the community he is creating. To see his passion for mentorship and desire to help and be a resource to others is truly inspiring.
We have a ton of Walmart news, a potential Sak’s rebound (still a long way away), and more CPG companies diving into the world of “everything needs protein”. We will dive into some health and wellness trends as we analyze the opening of Reforming Pilate’s new Flatiron Studio and as we wrap we’ll check-in on the latest from Victoria’s Secret.
Let’s get into it……
After a U.S. Supreme Court ruling invalidated key tariff levies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a growing list of apparel and lifestyle brands including Allbirds, Kohl’s and PacSun have filed cases seeking refunds with interest for duties paid. This legal action reflects broader frustration in retail over unpredictable trade policy and cost pressures retailers have faced since tariffs surged in 2025. While refunds could provide some relief, new levies proposed under updated legal authority could dampen the benefit.
Reforming Pilates is expanding its footprint with a major flagship location in New York City, converting a historic carriage house in the Flatiron area into a three story Pilates studio. The facility, called RP Townhouse, will span more than 7,000 square feet and is expected to become the largest Pilates studio in the United States.
Pilates is one of the fastest growing segments in boutique fitness, attracting both younger consumers and older wellness focused audiences. By investing in a large flagship location and distinctive real estate, Reforming Pilates is positioning itself as a premium destination brand, reflecting a broader trend where fitness operators are building experiential studios that function more like lifestyle hubs than traditional gyms.
The space is designed to offer multiple workout environments including reformer based classes and mat sessions, allowing the brand to serve a higher volume of members while offering a more premium studio experience. The expansion builds on Reforming Pilates’ existing locations in New York and Florida as the company looks to capitalize on the surging demand for Pilates and boutique fitness.
eBay Inc. is reducing its workforce by about 800 employees, roughly 6% of its global headcount, as it restructures following its $1.2 billion acquisition of Depop and pivots toward recommerce and AI-driven growth areas. The cuts come amid broader cost-management trends in tech and retail, where companies are realigning resources toward priority business segments while trimming legacy roles.
