Core Insights - The apparel industry faced significant challenges in 2025 due to reciprocal tariffs, marking it as the most difficult year since Covid, but Lever Style anticipates a return to growth driven by its activewear acquisition, asset-light model, and digitalization efforts [1] Financial Performance - Lever Style reported revenues of $200.2 million in 2025, a decrease of 10.2% compared to the previous year, ending a three-year streak of record profitability with net profits down 7.4% to $15.9 million [2] - The revenue impact was concentrated, with a $27.2 million decrease attributed to pulling back business from its top two clients to mitigate risk; without this impact, revenue would have grown by 2.7%, or $4.4 million [3] Client and Risk Management - One major client, Bonobos, entered Chapter 11 administration in 2024, prompting Lever Style to implement recovery methods and credit insurance to limit financial exposure; by 2025, concerns over Bonobos' credit led to a $9.1 million reduction in business [5] - Another unnamed client faced consistent payment delays, leading to a halt in new orders and an $18.1 million revenue drop compared to 2024 [5] Future Outlook - Looking ahead to 2026, Lever Style is adopting a conservative approach to credit risk management due to a rising trend of retail bankruptcies affecting brands and the supply chain; recent bankruptcies, such as Saks Global, are causing brands to write off receivables and deteriorate credit standings [6]

This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback What it takes for a brand to succeed — and survive — has changed drastically over the years. Gone are the days when brands could feasibly operate as pureplays. They must now continuously find ways to expand their distribution to reach customers.Whether the brands are established or are still trying to get their footing, brick and mortar is becoming necessary in order to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Several brands have for ...

Josh Kushner's Thrive Capital is doing just that, thriving. Its 10th fund raising more than $10 billion, having to turn money away exclusively. And that's as their early concentrated investments are showing such success.They're in the who's who of the most valuable private companies in SpaceX, in OpenAI, and Stripe backing these founders early and recommitting to them as they scaled. And now Open AI is looking to raise funds at an $830 billion valuation. We're up more than 30fold.SpaceX now worth $1.25% $.2 ...

The shapewear brand Skiims burst onto the scene in 2019. >> I've always found bras to be so uncomfortable and constricting under the helm of media mogul Kim Kardashian. >> Whoever said loungewear was only for the house hasn't tried skims.>> Quickly growing into a multi-billion dollar business. >> Let's talk about skims because their stuff is so good. >> But it's success on social media now the target of scammers.>> I am disgusted. Some content creators say the brand, famous for its bodysuits, bikinis, and u ...

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Economic Outlook - The U.S. economy is expected to continue strong growth in 2026, supported by fiscal policy, interest rate cuts, and productivity gains from AI, despite concerns over slow job growth [1] - Lower-income consumers may benefit from significant tax refunds projected between $60 billion and $80 billion, potentially increasing spending on discretionary goods [2] - Consumer spending showed resilience with a 4.7% increase during the holiday season from October to December, although there are concerns about inflation and the struggles of lower-income families [2] Retail Industry Insights - The NRF Big Show highlighted a positive outlook for retail, driven by resilient consumer spending, the rise of AI, and expectations for retail gains following a decent 2025 holiday season [4] - JD Sports is leveraging agentic commerce and generative engine optimization to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations, with 20% of sales coming from online channels [23][25] - Companies like LVMH are focusing on integrating AI to enhance customer experiences while maintaining the human touch, emphasizing creativity and operational efficiency [13][14] Technology and Innovation - Ralph Lauren is utilizing technology to modernize its brand philosophy and enhance customer engagement through the Ask Ralph virtual shopping assistant [6][7] - Adidas and Amazon are collaborating to improve fulfillment standards, achieving faster delivery times and higher conversion rates through synchronized inventory management [9][11][12] - Companies are increasingly adopting AI for efficiency and business development, with LVMH focusing on enhancing creativity and customer engagement through AI applications [14][17] Consumer Behavior and Market Trends - The retail landscape is witnessing a shift where product offerings must earn their place in the market, with brands like Aeropostale successfully collaborating with influencers to drive sales [21][22] - The balance between digital and physical retail is crucial, as brands like Rothy's emphasize sustainability and innovation while navigating market trends [8] - The integration of AI in retail is seen as a means to enhance customer experiences rather than replace human roles, with industry leaders advocating for proactive engagement with AI technologies [31]

Core Insights - The traditional lingerie market in China is undergoing a significant transformation, with a shift from underwire bras to more comfortable and breathable options favored by younger women [6][32] - New local brands like NEIWAI, Ubras, and Jiao Nai are gaining market share by focusing on comfort and emotional value, while established brands like Aimer and Anita are struggling to maintain their positions [15][17] Market Trends - The demand for sports bras is rising as fitness and lifestyle trends become more integrated into daily life, with brands like Lululemon and MAIA ACTIVE gaining popularity [9][10] - Traditional lingerie brands are attempting to pivot towards the sportswear segment to revitalize their offerings, as seen with Aimer's launch of AIMER SPORTS [18][20] Consumer Behavior - There is a notable shift in women's perceptions of "sexy," moving from external validation to self-acceptance and comfort, which is influencing purchasing decisions [32][39] - Emotional satisfaction and psychological comfort are becoming key factors in women's lingerie choices, leading to a more nuanced understanding of "self-pleasure" in the market [39][46] Competitive Landscape - Established brands are losing market share to emerging local brands, with significant declines in market presence reported for companies like Aimer and Urban Beauty [15][17] - The trend of "sportsification" is not limited to lingerie but is also affecting the broader apparel industry, with brands across categories adapting to this shift [47][51]

Core Insights - Investor confidence has been tested over the past year due to policy changes and a government shutdown, but sentiment is shifting positively as of 2026, driven by enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) [1] IPO Predictions - Kraken has an 83% chance of going public before 2027, having already filed confidentially for a U.S. IPO, contributing to a trend among digital asset companies preparing for the U.S. equity markets ahead of the 2026 midterms [3] - Cerebras Systems, an AI chipmaker, has a 77% probability of announcing an IPO before next year, with plans to re-file after previously withdrawing its IPO paperwork [4] - Databricks, an AI software company, has a 70% chance of going public before 2027, having raised over $4 billion at a valuation of $134 billion [5] - Discord also has a 70% probability of announcing an IPO before 2027, with a last valuation around $15 billion [5] - Fintech firm Plaid has a 49% chance of going public, while defense tech company Anduril and apparel brand Skims both have a 46% likelihood [6]

Core Insights - Lululemon is planning to expand into six new markets in 2026, including Greece, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Romania, and India, as it faces challenges in the North American market [3][7] - The company reported a 7% overall revenue growth in its most recent quarter, but experienced a 2% decline in revenues in the Americas, attributed to intense competition and missing key trends [4] - The brand's issues are primarily confined to North America, where it is highly saturated, necessitating product innovation and better designs, which may be influenced by a change in leadership as CEO Calvin McDonald is set to step down [5] Market Expansion - Lululemon's strategy includes growing its presence in Europe and Asia Pacific, with online shopping options available for European markets and access through Tata CLiQ Luxury and Tata CLiQ Fashion in India [3][7] - The expansion follows the brand's recent entry into Italy, indicating a continued focus on international growth [7]

Kim Kardashian, a newcomer, raised $225 million for Skims at a $5 billion valuation and launched NikeSKIMS with Nike, showing how cultural influence can scale like a global brand. See where she landed on the list. #PowerWomen https://t.co/X5QcZ7skK1📸: Amy Sussman via Getty Images ...