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 Lululemon dismissing its founder’s remarks to RH expanding its footprint, here’s our closeout for the week.
What you may have missed
RH pushes further into immersive retail
Home retailer RH announced the opening of a showroom at Americana Manhasset in New York. The three-story, 19,000-square-foot location displays furniture offerings along with rare art, antiques and global artifacts, according to a company press release.
“RH Manhasset represents our ongoing quest to elevate and expand the brand with immersive spaces that deliver an extraordinary sensory experience that cannot be replicated online,” RH Chairman and CEO Gary Friedman said in a statement.
Adidas gets into safety footwear
Adidas and Glo Brands BV are entering into a long-term partnership in the safety footwear market, according to a Wednesday announcement. The companies will launch Adidas Pro Work, a line of products designed for construction, maintenance and logistics working professionals. The first models are expected to be introduced in the second quarter of 2026 through select distribution partners and channels.
Retail therapy
Crocs debuts boots with the fur
Footwear brand Crocs has dubbed October as “Croctober” with the release of a new fan-led shoe design: 35.4-inch vegan leopard-print fur knee-high boots.
The limited-edition shoes will be released on Oct. 23 – or what the brand calls “Crocs Day” — and features 17 Jibbitz charms, chains and embellishments, per a press release. Singer and rapper T-Pain (famous for his song lyrics about boots with fur) is featured in the campaign images. Crocs plans to also release other faux fur-trimmed footwear alongside the limited product.
What we're still thinking about
$308.6M
That’s what Helen of Troy’s net loss was for the second quarter, compared to a net profit of $17 million in the same period last year.
The company — with a portfolio that includes OXO, Hydro Flask and Olive & June — on Thursday reported consolidated net sales fell nearly 9% year over year to $431.8 million, driven by a 16% decline in its organic business. That segment faced declines in the quarter due to lower sales of thermometers, heaters and hair appliances in its beauty and wellness segment, as well as lower sales of insulated beverageware and home products in its home and outdoor segment.
Helen of Troy has been working to diversify its production outside of China in light of tariffs, and expects to reduce its cost of goods sold affected by China tariffs to between 25% and 30%. But that’s compared to previous expectations of less than 25% exposure. The company also expects to reduce the net tariff impact on operating income to less than $20 million, compared to prior predictions of less than $15 million.
What we're watching
Lululemon dismisses founder Chip Wilson’s latest broadside
Lululemon, starting with CEO Calvin McDonald, is well aware that the brand has tumbled from its athleisure perch. The reasons are multi-fold, related to quality, design, changing trends and rising competition, according to analysts and merchandising experts.
If you ask founder Chip Wilson — and nobody has — Lululemon’s predicament derives from losing the visionary once at its helm. That is, its founder, Chip Wilson. In a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal earlier this week, titled “Lululemon: In a Nosedive,” Wilson provided that wisdom and a litany of other ways the brand has declined since his departure. In it, he managed to also throw shade at Gap and Nike, but failed to mention that Lululemon also struggled when he was still in charge; Wilson left the board in 2015, and began criticizing the company from the outside soon after.
Some of Wilson’s points do jibe with criticisms from investors and others. But, as before, it appears that he has failed to inspire Luluemon’s current leadership. “Chip Wilson has not been involved with the company for a decade, and he continues to make inaccurate and misleading statements about lululemon, our history, and our Board and leadership team,” a company spokesperson said in an emailed statement Thursday. “We are confident in our ability to capture meaningful growth opportunities ahead and our Board and leadership team remain committed to acting in the best interests of the company and our shareholders.”
