This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: J.C. Penney’s total Q3 net sales fell 3.8% year over year to $1.36 billion. With credit card income down nearly 30% due to last year's one-time favorable accounting adjustment, total revenues fell 5.4% to just over $1.4 billion, according to financial filings Monday. Gross margin contracted from 38.7% a year ago to 38%, with increases in beauty, home and ...

Core Viewpoint - Xcel Brands, Inc. has announced a private investment in public equity (PIPE) financing expected to generate approximately $2.05 million in gross proceeds, which will be used for general corporate purposes and working capital [1]. Group 1: Financing Details - The company is selling 1,670,055 shares of common stock and common stock purchase warrants to purchase up to 835,023 shares at a price of $1.2275 per share [2]. - The warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $3.00 per share and will expire five years from the date of issuance [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Information - The securities offered in the PIPE financing are unregistered and were offered under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Regulation D [4]. - The company has agreed to file registration statements with the SEC for the resale of the unregistered shares and shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Xcel Brands, Inc. is a media and consumer products company involved in the design, licensing, marketing, and sales of various consumer products, including apparel and home goods [6]. - The company has generated over $5 billion in retail sales through livestreaming and digital channels and has a brand portfolio that reaches over 46 million social media followers [6].

Core Insights - Kohl's Corp. reported third-quarter results that exceeded expectations, prompting an increase in full-year guidance [1][2] Financial Performance - Net sales for the third quarter decreased by 2.8% year-over-year to $3.4 billion, down from $3.5 billion, with comparable sales declining by 1.7% [3] - Net income was $8 million, or 7 cents per diluted share, compared to $22 million, or 20 cents per diluted share, in the prior year [3] - Operating income fell to $73 million from $98 million in the previous year, representing 2.1% of total revenue, a decrease of 61 basis points [4] - Adjusted operating income was $77 million, or 2.2% of total revenue, down from $98 million in the prior year [4] - Gross margin increased to 39.6%, up by 51 basis points [11] - Cash flow from operating activities was $124 million, down from $195 million a year earlier [11] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on improving its product mix, particularly in proprietary brands and categories such as fine jewelry and home decor [6][8] - CEO Michael Bender emphasized the importance of customer feedback in shaping product offerings and store experiences [6] - Proprietary brands saw a collective growth of 1% last quarter, with investments in key brands like Lauren Conrad and Simply Vera Vera Wang [7] Guidance Update - Kohl's raised its full-year guidance, now expecting net sales to decline by 3.5% to 4% and comparable sales to decline by 2.5% to 3% [12] - Adjusted operating margin is now projected to be between 3.1% and 3.2%, an increase from the previous range of 2.5% to 2.7% [13] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share are now expected to be between $1.25 and $1.45, up from the previous range of 50 cents to 80 cents [13] Company Overview - Kohl's operates over 1,100 stores across 49 states, along with its online platform and mobile app [14]

Core Insights - Xcel Brands, Inc. reported a total revenue of $1.1 million for Q3 2025, a decrease of approximately $0.8 million (42%) compared to Q3 2024, primarily due to a decline in net licensing revenue and cautious consumer spending [3][7] - The company is focused on returning to profitability and aims to achieve 100 million social media followers across its brand portfolio [2] Financial Performance - Total revenue for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025, was $3.8 million, representing a decrease of approximately $3.3 million (47%) from the prior year's nine-month period [7] - Direct operating costs and expenses decreased by approximately $3.6 million (36%) to $6.3 million for the current nine months, reflecting cost reduction measures [8] - The net loss attributable to Xcel Brands stockholders for Q3 2025 was approximately $7.9 million, or $(2.02) per share, compared to a net loss of $9.2 million, or $(3.92) per share, for the prior year quarter [5][24] - Non-GAAP net loss for Q3 2025 was approximately $1.3 million, or $(0.34) per share, showing an improvement from a net loss of approximately $1.3 million, or $(0.57) per share, for the prior year quarter [6][11] Cost Management - Direct operating costs and expenses for Q3 2025 were $2.2 million, a decrease of approximately $0.7 million (23%) from the prior year quarter [4] - The company has reduced its direct operating expenses to an expected run rate of approximately $9 million per annum [4][9] Impairment and Debt - During Q3 2025, the company recognized a $5.5 million non-cash impairment charge related to its investment in the Isaac Mizrahi brand [4][9] - The balance sheet at September 30, 2025, reflected stockholders' equity of approximately $16.6 million and $12.5 million of term loan debt [12][26] Future Outlook - Management anticipates that upcoming launches of new brands will drive revenue growth in Q4 2025 and beyond [3][7] - The company aims to leverage its expertise in livestream shopping and social commerce to enhance its market position [14]

Core Insights - The 1stDibs annual Interior Designer Trends Survey reveals that chocolate brown, maximalism, and vintage antiques are the leading design trends for 2026, reflecting a blend of modern and nostalgic influences [1][4][5] Part 1: The Design Trends - Chocolate brown is the top color choice for 2026, selected by 33% of designers, nearly doubling from 17% in 2022 [5][6] - Maximalism (39%) and eclecticism (38%) are the most requested design styles, indicating a shift towards more expressive aesthetics [6][9] - Interest in vintage and antique items is growing, with 36% of sourced items in 2025 being vintage or antique, the highest since 2021 [8] - The use of AI tools among designers has tripled to 29% in 2025, with an additional 20% planning to adopt these tools [13][14] Part 2: Room-by-Room Design Requests - Living rooms (63%) and kitchens (52%) remain the most requested spaces, reflecting a focus on functionality and self-care [12] Part 3: Industry Outlook - The impact of tariffs introduced in 2025 is significant, with 92% of designers reporting negative effects on their businesses [15] - The share of internationally sourced items has decreased to 28%, while domestic sourcing has increased to 72%, indicating a trend towards local procurement [16]

Core Viewpoint - Xcel Brands, Inc. is set to report its third quarter 2025 financial results on November 19, 2025, and will hold a conference call with the investment community on the same day [1][2]. Company Overview - Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company involved in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of various branded products [3]. - The company was founded in 2011 with a vision to innovate shopping, entertainment, and social media through social commerce [3]. - Xcel owns several brands including Halston, Judith Ripka, and C. Wonder, and has collaborations with brands like TowerHill by Christie Brinkley and Trust. Respect. Love by Cesar Millan [3]. - The company has generated over $5 billion in retail sales through livestreaming and digital channels, with more than 20,000 hours of content production in live-stream and social commerce [3]. - Xcel's brand portfolio has a reach of over 46 million social media followers and broadcasts into 200 million households [3]. - The executive team at Xcel has extensive experience in live streaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing [3].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 net sales reached $110.3 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 10.4%, exceeding the top end of guidance by approximately 40 basis points [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $3.6 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 3.2%, marking the 17th consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA [18] - Gross margin for Q3 was 57.6%, within the medium-term target range, but a decline of 320 basis points compared to Q3 last year [18] - Average order value (AOV) was $2,209, reflecting a decline of 5.5% year-over-year but an increase of 6.5% quarter-over-quarter [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Engagement ring bookings returned to growth, marking an inflection point after a multi-year market normalization [9] - Wedding and anniversary band bookings achieved the largest quarter ever, with double-digit year-over-year growth [10] - Fine jewelry bookings grew 45% year-over-year, driven by both unit and average selling price (ASP) growth [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total orders grew 17% year-over-year, while repeat orders increased by 16% year-over-year, indicating strong brand resonance [9] - The company noted stabilization in engagement ring average selling prices, with sequential ASP growth in the last two quarters [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue capturing market share in the $350 billion jewelry industry, leveraging its asset-light, data-driven business model [5] - Strategic brand investments and celebrity placements have significantly increased brand awareness, generating over 13 billion impressions in Q3 [12] - The company is focused on expanding its showroom footprint and enhancing its omnichannel shopping experience [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating industry-wide headwinds such as rising metal prices and tariffs, citing a globally diversified supply chain as a competitive advantage [24] - The company raised its full-year net sales guidance to 3-4.5% growth year-over-year, driven by improvements in engagement ring bookings and strong fine jewelry performance [22] - Management anticipates some impact from gold and platinum prices in Q4, which are near all-time highs, and the additional 25% tariff on India [24] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with approximately $73 million in cash and has generated approximately $12 million of free cash flow on a trailing 12-month basis [21] - The company has no debt on its balance sheet and has spent approximately $1.1 million on stock repurchases to date [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of engagement ring bookings growth and expectations for bridal recovery versus fine jewelry mix - Management is optimistic about the sustainability of engagement ring bookings growth and expects to continue outperforming the industry [26] Question: Adjusted EBITDA margin guidance and impact of metals pricing and tariffs - Management indicated that they have taken selective pricing increases and are continuously optimizing pricing to mitigate cost increases [28] Question: Top-line guidance for the full year and headwinds - Management noted that the top-line guidance factors in strong performance in engagement and fine jewelry, with caution due to the holiday season's variability [33] Question: Marketing efficiencies driving sales and leverage - Management highlighted improvements in marketing efficiency through better allocation of spend and machine learning models to enhance site conversion [37] Question: Capital priorities and factors driving upside in fine versus engagement jewelry - Management emphasized a strong balance sheet and flexibility to invest in showroom expansion and brand awareness while maintaining a focus on ROI [40]

Core Insights - Xcel Brands, Inc. has appointed Olin C. Lancaster as Chief Revenue Officer, bringing over 30 years of experience in global consumer brands and a strong record in revenue growth and operational excellence [2][3] Company Overview - Xcel Brands, Inc. is a media and consumer products company focused on the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of various branded products, including apparel, footwear, and home goods [6] - The company was founded in 2011 with a vision to innovate shopping, entertainment, and social media through social commerce [6] - Xcel owns several brands, including Halston and Judith Ripka, and has partnerships with various creators and brands [6] Leadership Background - Olin C. Lancaster has held senior leadership positions at notable companies such as Kenneth Cole, DKNY, and Ralph Lauren, where he significantly grew the North American wholesale business [3] - At Meridian Brands, he successfully led a rebranding and restructuring effort that improved profitability and operational performance [3] Strategic Vision - Lancaster emphasizes the importance of activating and monetizing brands in a challenging market, highlighting Xcel's dual role as a media and brand management company [4] - The company aims to leverage its extensive experience in live streaming and social commerce to enhance brand value and attract partners [4] Market Impact - Xcel Brands has generated over $5 billion in retail sales through live streaming and digital channels, showcasing its effective sales strategy [6] - The company's brand portfolio has a significant social media presence, reaching over 43 million followers and broadcasting to 200 million households [6]

Core Viewpoint - Xcel Brands, Inc. is set to report its second quarter 2025 financial results on August 14, 2025, and will hold a conference call with the investment community on the same day [1][2]. Company Overview - Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company involved in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of various branded products [3]. - The company was founded in 2011 with a vision to innovate shopping, entertainment, and social media through social commerce [3]. - Xcel owns several brands including Halston, Judith Ripka, and C. Wonder, and has collaborations with various personalities [3]. - The company has generated over $5 billion in retail sales through livestreaming and digital channels, with more than 20,000 hours of content production in live-stream and social commerce [3]. - Xcel's brand portfolio reaches over 43 million social media followers and has a broadcast reach into 200 million households [3]. - The executive team at Xcel has extensive experience in live streaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing [3].

Core Viewpoint - Xcel Brands announced a public offering of 2,181,818 shares at $1.10 per share and a concurrent private placement of 145,147 shares at $1.36 per share, with expected gross proceeds of approximately $2.6 million [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The public offering consists of 2,181,818 shares priced at $1.10 each, while the private placement involves 145,147 shares sold to insiders at $1.36, matching the closing price on July 31, 2025 [1]. - The closing of the offering is anticipated on or about August 4, 2025, pending customary closing conditions [1]. Group 2: Financial Proceeds - The combined gross proceeds from both the public offering and private placement are expected to be around $2.6 million before deducting fees and expenses [2]. - The net proceeds will be utilized for brand development, working capital, and other general corporate purposes, including settling outstanding payables [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Xcel Brands is a media and consumer products company focused on designing, licensing, and marketing branded consumer products, including apparel and home goods [5]. - The company has generated over $5 billion in retail sales through live streaming and digital channels, with a significant social media presence reaching over 43 million followers [5]. - Xcel Brands operates with a strategy that integrates interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, and social commerce to enhance consumer engagement [5].