Industry News – March 15th, 2017

Curated fashion industry news links for Wednesday, March 15th, 2017…

FORMER GYMBOREE CEO TO HEAD UP BANANA REPUBLIC – ChainStoreAge
“Gap Inc. on Tuesday named Breitbard as president and CEO of its struggling Banana Republic division. Breitbard served as CEO at The Gymboree Corporation from 2013 until he stepped down in early 2017. From 2010 to 2013, he held leadership positions across Gap North America, where he was instrumental in delivering the product-led resurgence of Gap’s North America business.”

SHOULD HUDSON’S BAY BUY NEIMAN MARCUS? THE CASE FOR AND AGAINST – Forbes
“Recent reports have suggested that the Hudson’s Bay Company was hot on the trail of Macy’s. Yet to many, the notion that HBC would acquire a badly wounded company several times its size, seemed a bit crazy.”

MARCH 31 IS NOW NATIONAL STRIPES DAY THANKS TO J.CREW – TheCut
“Between now and March 31, the brand will begin dropping new striped items, one of which we hear is a striped ball-gown-style skirt. The party will also be happening in stores, where customers can DIY striped purchases with pom-poms and patches.”

THE INSIDE SCOOP ON HOW ADIDAS BECAME ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER BRANDS – FootwearNews
“In a retail landscape defined by ubiquitous advertising messages and hit-and-miss omnichannel strategies, the spirited revival of the once-fledgling Germany-based brand has hinged on its ability to distinctly hear the voice of a grossly misunderstood consumer.”

ZARA-OWNER INDITEX OUTPACES FAST FASHION RIVAL H&M – TFL
“H&M’s sales fell unexpectedly in February while Inditex, which owns Zara, pulled further ahead of its Swedish rival, helped by its expansion online and a bigger emerging market presence. Inditex, the world’s biggest clothing retailer, has consistently outperformed H&M in the past few years as a result of online growth and its push into new markets.”