Hey Friends,
What a week for retail…..the retail and business landscape experienced significant shifts marked by leadership changes, store closures, and strategic expansions. Brands like Victoria Secret and Peloton made changes in their executive leadership teams, signaling a new creative direction for the brands. Meanwhile, the retail sector faced challenges with reports forecasting approximately 15,000 U.S. store closures in 2025, reflecting the ongoing impact of inflation and changing consumer behaviors. Across the pond, sentiments are similar, with the British Retail Consortium forecasting a £2.3 billion cost increase to the retail sector due to higher employer national insurance contributions and wage hikes. These economic pressures, along with high-profile retail collapses, have contributed to widespread closures. The Centre for Retail Research warns that up to 17,350 retail sites and 202,000 jobs could be lost in the UK in 2025, marking a potential crisis in the industry. In a contrasting move, Amazon announced plans for an even larger global expansion to compete with Shein and Temu.
Oh and the Masters…… banning cell phones and keeping food prices low isn’t just tradition—it’s an optimism play. It proves that creating a focused, memorable customer experience doesn’t require screens or sky-high prices. By prioritizing atmosphere and accessibility, The Masters shows that loyalty can be built on simplicity, authenticity, and value—an encouraging model in a world chasing constant tech and price hikes.
LeBron James is officially entering the world of Barbieland with a groundbreaking new honor: he will become the first professional male athlete to be immortalized as a Barbie Ken doll. The limited-edition collector's figure is part of Barbie’s Signature Kenbassadors collection, which recognizes cultural icons who have made a positive impact on society. LeBron’s inclusion not only highlights his legacy on the basketball court but also celebrates his influence in fashion, philanthropy, and community leadership. His doll’s release coincides with the 45th anniversary of the first Black Barbie and comes ahead of Ken’s 65th anniversary in 2026, marking a symbolic and inclusive moment for the brand.
The LeBron James Ken doll is highly personalized, developed in close collaboration with James himself. The figure stands taller than the average Ken doll, requiring custom packaging, and features a blue and white varsity jacket emblazoned with “LJ” on the front and “Just A Kid From Akron” on the back. Additional design elements include nods to his LeBron James Family Foundation, his home state of Ohio, and his personal motto “We Are Family.” Accessories such as Beats headphones, Nike Terminator High sneakers, and his signature "I Promise" band round out the look. Retailing for $75, the doll will be available starting April 14 at Target (in stores and online), Walmart, Amazon, and Mattel Creations.
James expressed pride in being part of the initiative, saying the doll represents the power of positive role models and the importance of inspiring the next generation. “As a young kid, I was fortunate to have role models who not only inspired me but also showed me what’s possible through hard work and dedication,” he said. “Now, as an adult, I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to.” The collaboration between LeBron and Barbie is more than just a collector’s item—it’s a cultural milestone that reinforces the message that greatness comes in many forms and that representation truly matters.
Let’s dig into some Amazon news…..Amazon is testing a new AI-powered feature inside its shopping app called Buy for Me, which lets users purchase eligible items from third-party websites without leaving Amazon’s ecosystem. The goal? To keep shoppers engaged and transactions flowing—even when products aren't sold directly by Amazon.
The feature uses generative AI to handle checkout processes on external sites and ensure compatibility, shipping preferences, and payment details are managed seamlessly. While still in pilot mode, this could mark a significant evolution in Amazon’s e-commerce strategy—moving from marketplace to metaplatform.
The ecommerce giant also announced a significant $15 billion investment to expand its U.S. warehouse network, aiming to add approximately 80 new logistics facilities across urban and rural areas. The majority of these facilities are expected to function as delivery hubs, while some will serve as large, robot-equipped fulfillment centers. The company is inviting capital partners to submit proposals and is open to leasing the facilities for 15 to 25 years, with potential for direct funding of some sites. Currently, Amazon operates over 600 U.S. logistics facilities.
In addition to expanding its warehouse network, Amazon is investing heavily in automation and robotics. The company plans a $25 billion investment in a new generation of robotics-led warehouses, anticipating substantial efficiencies and faster delivery times. Analysts predict that these advancements could result in significant savings, potentially reducing costs by up to $10 billion annually by 2030.
Steve and Dave Jolliffe—the twin entrepreneurs behind Topgolf and Puttshack—are bringing tech-infused entertainment to the world of billiards. Their latest venture, Poolhouse, has raised $34 million to launch its first location near London’s Liverpool Street station in 2026. The venue aims to blend classic pool with modern flair, using tracking technology and video projections to introduce bonus challenges and obstacles.
Poolhouse is part of the growing "competitive socializing" trend, which blends traditional games with food, drink, and share-worthy experiences tailored to younger, social media-savvy consumers. Beyond its own venues and franchises, Poolhouse also plans to sell its tech-upgraded tables to other bars and pubs looking to modernize.
Backed by investors including Sharp Alpha Advisors and dmg ventures, the project adds to a sector that’s quadrupled in the past five years—despite pandemic setbacks—fueled by a shift away from traditional nightlife and a demand for immersive group experiences. However, experts caution that saturation in some city markets could challenge newer entrants.
Harry’s Inc., the DTC razor disruptor, is no longer just about shaving. The company has rebranded as Mammoth Brands, reflecting its broader ambitions in personal care and wellness. Under this new umbrella, Harry’s will continue as a sub-brand, alongside other growing ventures like Flamingo (women’s grooming), Headquarters (scalp care), and Cat Person (pet care).
The rebrand positions Mammoth Brands as a full-scale CPG player, signaling its intent to compete not just online, but on shelves with Procter & Gamble and Unilever. The company says the new name reflects its “massive ambition” and its growing portfolio.
Luxury meets fitness in Celine’s newest collection, a bold step into the world of wellness under creative director Hedi Slimane. Set to launch in October 2024, the collection was previewed in a chic Malibu campaign featuring Kaia Gerber. Among the standout pieces? A leather-upholstered Pilates reformer machine, cork yoga mats, kettlebells wrapped in lambskin, and a capsule of performance-activewear—each crafted with Celine’s signature minimalist elegance.
This isn't your average gym gear. It's a move that positions Celine not just as a fashion house, but as a lifestyle brand tapping into the booming luxury wellness space. Hedi Slimane, a renowned designer and photographer, known for transforming Dior Homme with his skinny silhouettes and rebranding Saint Laurent with a grunge-inspired edge. At Celine, he introduced menswear and infused the brand with 1970s glam and indie rock influences before departing in 2024. Beyond fashion, Slimane is celebrated for his black-and-white photography capturing youth and music culture, showcased in exhibitions like Sonic and California Song. He has also published several photography books and contributed to cultural projects, blending art, music, and fashion into a singular creative vision.
Frank And Oak, the Montreal-based sustainable fashion retailer, is scaling back again—this time by exiting the U.S. market. The company has filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time, listing $71 million in liabilities.
After a promising start that emphasized eco-conscious design and minimalist styling, the brand struggled to maintain momentum in a highly competitive space. Frank And Oak plans to restructure its Canadian operations and digital presence, but the move highlights the challenges facing mid-tier fashion players trying to balance sustainability and profitability.
Peloton made headlines this week for some of it’s restructuring efforts……Peloton has announced key executive changes to sharpen its operational focus and accelerate growth. Charles Kirol will join as Chief Operating Officer starting April 14, a new role reporting to CEO Peter Stern. Kirol brings over 25 years of experience in global operations, most recently serving as EVP and Chief Global Operations and Technology Officer at iRobot. He will oversee Peloton’s supply chain, IT, cost management, and operational excellence. A retired Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy Reserves, Kirol is known for driving large-scale business transformations across both corporate and military sectors.
As part of the transition, current Chief Supply Chain Officer Andy Rendich will step down but remain on as an advisor through the fiscal year.
In addition, Dion Camp Sanders, formerly Chief Emerging Business Officer, has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer. His expanded role includes responsibility for first- and third-party retail, bike rentals, refurbished equipment, international operations, B2B channels, and M&A—areas that have been central to Peloton’s return to growth.
Peloton also plans to hire a Chief Information Officer to support its IT transformation under Kirol’s leadership. Good for Peloton, I think bringing in outside viewpoints can bring a flare of innovation they need. The fitness, primarily at-home fitness, industry can be very monotonous and tiresome, and riddled with competition.
Other leadership changes include Victoria’s Secret & Co…….. The retailer is undergoing a major leadership shake-up as new CEO Hillary Super implements bold changes to support the company’s “Path to Potential” growth strategy. The most notable appointment is Adam Selman, former chief design officer of Savage X Fenty, who has been named executive creative director. Selman brings deep ties to the brand, having designed costumes for Rihanna's Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show performances and collaborating with key fashion figures from the brand’s past. He will report directly to Super until a new chief marketing officer is hired.
In addition to Selman, three new brand presidents have been named to lead Victoria’s Secret, Pink, and Beauty. Anne Stephenson, the current chief merchandising officer, will become president of Victoria’s Secret on May 12, bringing over 25 years of experience in merchandising and brand development. Ali Dillon, formerly president of Alex Mill, will take over as president of the Pink brand, and Amy Kocourek, who joined in March from Kendra Scott, will continue in her role as president of Beauty. All three presidents will report directly to Super, who emphasized that this new leadership team is positioned to “drive new levels of growth, innovation, and impact” across the company’s core brands, including Victoria’s Secret, Pink, and Adore Me.
And to wrap…..Sam’s Club plans to accelerate growth by opening about 15 new stores annually and remodeling all 600 existing locations. CEO Chris Nicholas shared during Walmart’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting that the strategy focuses on boosting membership and enhancing both physical and digital capabilities. The company aims to double its membership and more than double sales and profit within 8 to 10 years. Nicholas called it one of the fastest, most scalable transformations in retail, emphasizing investments in stores, employees, and the overall member experience.
That’s all folks…..Have a great week.'