First‑time outsourced operations for Europe’s leading lingerie brand, delivering a streamlined, technology‑driven, multi‑channel logistics solution ALMERE, The Netherlands, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GXO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: GXO), the world’s largest pure‑play contract logistics provider, today announced the successful launch of its new partnership with Hunkemöller, one of Europe’s leading lingerie brands. GXO began managing Hunkemöller’s logistics operations in Almere as of January 1, 2026, markin ...

Core Insights - The retail industry is facing significant challenges, with many established brands struggling to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and the rise of e-commerce [3][17][18] - Lands' End has entered a joint venture with WHP Global, acquiring a 50% controlling stake for $300 million, which aims to strengthen its balance sheet and leverage WHP's resources for growth [7][8][9] Group 1: Retail Industry Challenges - Longtime retail brands are disappearing, affecting personal routines and local economies [1][2] - Cautious consumer spending has weakened sales and reduced foot traffic across many retail chains [3] - The rise of e-commerce has forced traditional retailers to rethink strategies and close underperforming stores [3][17] Group 2: Lands' End's Strategic Moves - Lands' End operates about 26 stores and has evolved from a mail-order company to a multi-category retailer [6] - The joint venture with WHP Global will allow Lands' End to repay approximately $234 million in term loans and focus on long-term brand growth [8] - The company has faced sales declines, with a 0.3% decrease in net revenue to $317.5 million in Q3 of fiscal 2025, including a 3.4% drop in U.S. e-commerce sales [13] Group 3: Store Closures and Market Impact - Lands' End has closed multiple locations in 2025 and has scheduled further closures for 2026 as part of a strategy to streamline operations [14][15] - The decline of physical stores can lead to reduced consumer access and create "retail deserts" in smaller towns [20] - The retail industry is a major employer in the U.S., contributing $5.3 trillion to GDP and supporting over 55 million jobs [20][21]

Core Viewpoint - The agreement between Lands' End and WHP Global aims to enhance stockholder value through a joint venture that leverages Lands' End's intellectual property while significantly strengthening its balance sheet with $300 million in gross proceeds [1][3][4]. Financial Impact - Lands' End will receive $300 million in gross cash proceeds from WHP Global, which will enable the full repayment of its term loan of approximately $234 million as of January 26, 2026 [4][5]. - WHP Global will also initiate a tender offer for up to $100 million of Lands' End shares at a price of $45 per share, potentially resulting in WHP owning up to 7% of Lands' End's outstanding shares [9]. Joint Venture Structure - The joint venture will be formed with Lands' End contributing all its intellectual property and related assets associated with the "Lands' End" brand, while WHP Global will acquire a 50% controlling ownership stake [4][6]. - Lands' End will maintain operational control over its direct-to-consumer and B2B businesses, while WHP Global will lead the global licensing strategy and brand expansion [4][5]. Growth Opportunities - The partnership is expected to accelerate Lands' End's expansion into new categories and geographies by utilizing WHP Global's extensive brand management platform, which generates over $8 billion in retail sales across more than 80 countries [1][5][7]. - The joint venture will also include a long-term license agreement, ensuring Lands' End continues to operate its existing business using the contributed intellectual property, with guaranteed minimum royalty payments starting at $50 million for the first year [8]. Strategic Outlook - The collaboration is viewed as a significant opportunity to enhance the value of the Lands' End brand, with expectations of improved partner selection and long-term royalty generation [5][6]. - Both companies express optimism about the potential for strong returns and future value creation through this partnership [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Lands' End, Inc. will participate in the 28th Annual ICR Conference on January 12, 2025, featuring a fireside chat with CEO Andrew McLean and CFO Bernie McCracken [1]. Company Overview - Lands' End, Inc. is a leading digital retailer specializing in solution-based apparel, swimwear, outerwear, accessories, footwear, home products, and uniforms [3]. - The company sells products through its website, third-party distribution channels, company-operated stores, and third-party license agreements [3]. - Lands' End also provides products to businesses and schools through the Outfitters distribution channel, positioning itself as a classic American lifestyle brand [3]. Event Details - The fireside chat presentation will be webcast live and accessible online, with an archive available for 90 days post-event [2].

Core Insights - Lands' End, Inc. reported a strong third quarter for fiscal 2025, highlighting a 28% increase in Adjusted EBITDA and a net income of $5.2 million, compared to a net loss in the same quarter of the previous year [2][3][5] Financial Performance - Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) increased low-single digits compared to Q3 2024, while net revenue was $317.5 million, a slight decrease of 0.3% from $318.6 million in Q3 2024 [4] - U.S. Digital Segment net revenue rose to $277.5 million, up 1.5% from $273.5 million in Q3 2024 [4] - U.S. eCommerce net revenue decreased by 3.4% to $179.8 million, attributed to improved promotional productivity and inventory efficiency [4] - Outfitters net revenue increased by 7.4% to $78.8 million, driven by a strong back-to-school season [4] - Third Party net revenue surged by 34.0% to $18.9 million, primarily due to growth in marketplace partners like Amazon and Macy's [4] - Europe eCommerce net revenue fell by 20.8% to $19.8 million, impacted by increased promotional activity and macroeconomic pressures [4] - Licensing and Retail net revenue slightly increased by 0.5% to $20.2 million, with licensing revenue growing over 30% [4] Profitability Metrics - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was $164.5 million, a 2.1% increase from $161.1 million in Q3 2024, with gross margin improving by approximately 120 basis points to 51.8% [4][10] - Selling and administrative expenses decreased by $2.3 million to $138.6 million, representing 43.7% of net revenue, reflecting operational efficiencies [4] - Adjusted net income was $6.5 million, with Adjusted diluted earnings per share at $0.21, compared to $1.8 million and $0.06 in Q3 2024 [5][4] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $36.3 million as of October 31, 2025, up from $30.4 million a year earlier [6] - Inventories rose by 3% year-over-year to $347.6 million, primarily due to tariffs [6] - Net cash used in operating activities was $15.2 million for the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2025, compared to $12.2 million for the same period in 2024 [7] Strategic Outlook - The company is exploring strategic alternatives, including potential sale or merger, to maximize shareholder value [12][13] - For fiscal 2025, the company expects net revenue between $1.33 billion and $1.36 billion, with Adjusted EBITDA projected in the range of $99.0 million to $104.0 million [11][12]

Core Points - Lands' End, Inc. will host a conference call on December 9, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its third quarter 2025 financial results [1] - A news release with the financial results will be issued prior to the call [1] - An online archive of the conference call will be available on the company's website around noon on the same day [2] Company Overview - Lands' End, Inc. is a leading digital retailer specializing in solution-based apparel, swimwear, outerwear, accessories, footwear, home products, and uniforms [3] - The company sells products through its website, third-party distribution channels, company-operated stores, and third-party license agreements [3] - Lands' End also provides products to businesses and schools through the Outfitters distribution channel, positioning itself as a classic American lifestyle brand [3]

Group 1 - Victoria's Secret & Co. (NYSE:VSCO) is considered one of the most undervalued retail stocks, with a price target raised from $24 to $29 by Telsey Advisory while maintaining a Market Perform rating [1] - The company showed strong momentum in H1 2025, highlighted by a solid Q2 earnings beat, indicating early signs of progress under new leadership and stabilization under the Path to Potential strategy [2] - Victoria's Secret & Co. operates under multiple brands including Victoria's Secret, Victoria's Secret PINK, and Adore Me, offering a range of products such as sleepwear, loungewear, swimwear, athleisure, lingerie, prestige fragrances, and body care [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for the second quarter was $294 million, a decrease of 7% compared to the same quarter last year [18] - Gross profit decreased by 6% year over year, with a gross margin of 49%, reflecting a 90 basis point improvement from the previous year [20] - Adjusted net loss was $1.9 million or $0.06 per share, with adjusted EBITDA of $14 million, representing an 18% year-over-year decrease [20][21] Business Line Performance Changes - B2B business showed strong growth, particularly in commercial uniforms and school uniforms, with revenue up high single digits [11][12] - B2C business saw a significant contribution from licensing and third-party marketplaces, with a 14% growth in the third-party marketplace business [18][12] - Revenue from the licensing business grew 19% year over year, indicating strong momentum [19] Market Performance Changes - U.S. e-commerce sales decreased by 11% compared to the previous year, primarily due to a slow start to the swim season [18] - European sales decreased by 15% year over year, attributed to supply chain challenges and macroeconomic pressures [19] - The company is optimistic about the European market's recovery, with new website launches and improved sales strategies [16][65] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focusing on a distributed commerce model to enhance customer engagement and reach [4][14] - There is a deliberate strategy to weatherproof product assortments, allowing the company to respond quickly to changing consumer preferences [7][10] - The company is exploring strategic alternatives to enhance its market position, although no further details were provided [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a noticeable increase in momentum across key product categories and channels, with confidence in the effectiveness of their strategies [4] - The company expects net revenue for the third quarter to be between $320 million to $350 million, with adjusted net income projected at $3 million to $7 million [22][23] - Management expressed optimism about the upcoming holiday season and the potential for growth in licensing and marketplaces [40][41] Other Important Information - The company has implemented measures to mitigate tariff impacts, with expectations of managing these challenges effectively for the remainder of fiscal 2025 [22][33] - Inventory at the end of the second quarter was $302 million, down 3% year over year, reflecting disciplined inventory management [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the product category trends and pricing strategies? - Management highlighted a shift in customer shopping habits and the success of the Lands' End Essentials line, with a focus on targeted marketing and pricing strategies [27][28][30] Question: How is the licensing business expected to perform in the second half? - Licensing revenues increased by 36%, with expectations for further growth as new licenses are introduced and existing ones ramp up [40][41] Question: What is the outlook for the outerwear category? - Management indicated strong performance in outerwear, with new product innovations and positive customer feedback expected to drive sales [43][46] Question: How is the company addressing the European market challenges? - The company is focusing on a distributed commerce model in Europe, with new website launches and targeted marketing strategies to improve performance [61][65]

Core Viewpoint - American Eagle Outfitters Inc. faces challenges due to slowing sales momentum, tariff impacts, and limited earnings visibility, leading to a downgrade by Bank of America Securities [1][4]. Financial Performance - The company is set to report its second quarter fiscal 2025 on September 3, with analysts estimating earnings of approximately 21 cents per share and sales of $1.24 billion [2]. - Analyst Christopher Nardone has reduced fiscal 2025 and 2026 EPS estimates by 8% and 30% to 65 cents and 95 cents, respectively, due to higher tariffs and declining Aerie sales [3]. Valuation and Market Position - The stock is currently trading at 5x EV/EBITDA (F26E) and 13.5x P/E, with BofA indicating downside risks to these estimates given a deteriorating fundamental backdrop [3]. - The price forecast has been cut from $11 to $10, reflecting lower estimates based on a 4x F26E EV/EBITDA, which remains a discount to peers [4]. Tariff and Margin Impact - American Eagle and Aerie are experiencing tariff headwinds with limited pricing power, with BofA estimating a potential gross margin squeeze of about 20 basis points in fiscal 2025 and up to 70 basis points in fiscal 2026 due to a 20% rest-of-world tariff [5]. - Despite significant cost cuts in recent years, further improvements may be constrained as marketing expenditures lag behind competitors [5]. Sales Growth and Brand Recovery - Sales growth is expected to be capped at 3-5%, making a return to historical EPS of $1.40 challenging [6]. - The recovery of the brand remains uncertain, with sales rebounds from first-quarter assortment issues anticipated to take time, and traction for non-denim products unproven [6]. Aerie's Market Challenges - Aerie is facing secular weaknesses in intimates and swim categories, increasing reliance on offline growth, and reduced promotions may negatively impact traffic [7]. - Store expansion plans may be scaled back if retail conditions remain soft [7]. Advertising and Market Sentiment - The recent advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney may provide a short-term boost to sales momentum, but the potential for sustained business impact is limited [8]. - Denim is expected to be a strong category for the back-to-school season, which could influence sales positively [8].

Core Viewpoint - Lands' End, Inc. will hold a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2025 financial results on June 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time [1] Group 1: Conference Call Details - The conference call will be accessible via the Company's investor relations website [1] - A news release with the financial results will be issued prior to the call [1] - An online archive of the broadcast will be available around noon on June 5, 2025 [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Lands' End, Inc. is a leading digital retailer specializing in solution-based apparel, swimwear, outerwear, accessories, footwear, home products, and uniforms [3] - The Company sells products through its website, third-party distribution channels, Company Operated stores, and third-party license agreements [3] - Lands' End also provides products to businesses and schools through the Outfitters distribution channel [3]