SHEIN's IPO Plans - SHEIN is reportedly planning to shift its IPO focus to Hong Kong, aiming to submit an application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange soon and complete the IPO within the year [2] - The company's IPO journey has faced multiple setbacks since 2020, including a failed attempt to go public in the U.S. due to geopolitical changes and subsequent adjustments to its corporate structure [2][3] - In 2024, SHEIN's sales are projected to increase by nearly 40% to approximately $10 billion, with overall revenue growth expected to reach 19% to $38 billion, although profits are anticipated to be significantly lower than the company's expectations [3] Birkenstock's Price Increase - Birkenstock plans to raise global prices to offset the impact of a 10% tariff on EU goods imposed by the U.S., with some styles seeing price increases close to 10% [4] - The company reported a revenue of €574.3 million in Q2 2025, a 19% year-over-year increase, with the Americas market growing by 23% [5] - Birkenstock is expanding its presence in Asia, particularly in China, India, and the Middle East, with a focus on online retail [5] Walmart's Restructuring and Layoffs - Walmart plans to lay off approximately 1,500 employees as part of a restructuring effort to simplify operations and reduce costs, primarily affecting its global tech department and e-commerce fulfillment operations [6] - The company will raise prices on certain products starting at the end of May due to increased costs from tariffs, with CEO Doug McMillon stating that the company cannot absorb all tariff pressures [6] - This marks the second round of layoffs for Walmart in 2023, following earlier job cuts in February [6][7] Jacquemus Group Formation - French designer brand Jacquemus has established a holding company, Jacquemus La Maison Mère, marking its transition to a group structure [18] - The new company has an overall valuation of €576.1 million, following a strategic partnership with L'Oréal, which acquired a 10% minority stake in Jacquemus [18][19] Dior's Creative Director Resignation - Maria Grazia Chiuri has resigned as the artistic director of Dior's women's wear, ending speculation about her future [21] - Under her leadership, Dior's sales grew from €2.2 billion in 2017 to €9 billion in 2023, making it one of the fastest-growing brands in the luxury fashion sector [21] ELF Beauty's Acquisition - ELF Beauty announced the acquisition of Hailey Bieber's skincare brand, Rhode, for a total of $1 billion, marking the largest acquisition in ELF's 18-year history [24] - The deal will involve an initial payment of $800 million, with the remaining $200 million contingent on Rhode meeting specific revenue targets from 2025 to 2027 [25] POLA Group's Exit from China - POLA Group has announced the dissolution and liquidation of its wholly-owned subsidiary in China, raising concerns about the potential exit of its ORBIS brand from the Chinese market [26] - The subsidiary has experienced continuous declines in operating and net profits from 2022 to 2024, with 2024 revenue estimated at only 40 million RMB [26]

Group 1: Company Listings and Performance - Hu Shang A Yi, a tea beverage company, went public in Hong Kong on May 8, raising approximately HKD 270 million with a final share price of HKD 158.4, giving it a market capitalization of HKD 16.6 billion [2] - As of the end of 2024, Hu Shang A Yi reported a revenue of CNY 3.285 billion, a year-on-year decline of 1.9%, and a net profit of CNY 329 million, down 15.2% [2] - Skechers announced its acquisition by 3G Capital for over USD 9 billion at USD 63 per share, with the deal expected to close in Q3 2023 [4] Group 2: Market Trends and Challenges - Hu Shang A Yi faces challenges with declining operational efficiency and saturation in store growth, with a 20.6% decrease in new franchise stores and a 178% increase in store closures in the first half of 2024 [2] - Skechers' strategic shift to privatization is seen as a move to escape the constraints of public financial disclosures amid uncertainties from U.S. tariff policies affecting its cost structure and profit margins [5] - The baking industry, which Hu Shang A Yi is entering, is characterized by high competition and the need for product innovation and operational capabilities to succeed [7] Group 3: Brand Developments and New Ventures - Haidilao launched a bakery brand "SCHWASUA" in Hangzhou, focusing on low-priced products, as part of its "Pomegranate Plan" to incubate new independent brands [6] - Aesop's first store in China closed after two and a half years, reflecting challenges in balancing brand positioning and local market operations [18] - Lucky Coffee has surpassed 5,400 stores nationwide, with significant sales performance during the May Day holiday, indicating strong growth in the coffee shop sector [19]