Banana Republic And Jared Goff Introduce New Fall 2019 Campaign, A Cheeky Nod To Goff’s California Style Roots
NEW YORK, NY – Banana Republic and Jared Goff, a two-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl contender, are proud to introduce their latest collaborative campaign hitting September 2019, just in time for football season. Banana Republic’s new campaign offers a humorous take on the duality of Goff’s California style roots – NorCal (Northern California) vs. SoCal (Southern California) – with a disruptive meme-driven social media approach full of playful GIFs, images and site experience that launch today.
Inspired by Goff as his own style wingman and alter ego, the Fall 2019 campaign is an amusing product-driven style story with a twist of situational humor. In the creative, Goff comically faces off against himself, spoofing his own body double in a bromance that shines a spotlight on the fashion and versatility of Banana Republic product through Goff’s style playbook.
The campaign is a personal one for Goff given it was shot in his Los Angeles home and revolves around some of his favorite activities off the field – from playing golf and poker to cannonballing in the pool, among other shenanigans. In each scenario, Goff works it, wearing key Banana Republic pieces that showcase Fall fashion and premium fabrics, including new smart-weight wool suiting separates, iconic outerwear, and modern classics like a vegan suede utility coat and cashmere hoodie.
“Jared’s confident personal style allowed us to feature the range of our most iconic products in a new way,” says Banana Republic Chief Marketing Officer Mary Alderete. “This new campaign may be unexpected for the brand in that it’s built around social media memes, which is disruptive for the fashion category. It’s exciting to push the media mix in ways that are most relevant to Jared’s fans and our customers who want to see how Banana Republic pieces work in Jared’s lifestyle – and in this case, with a comic twist.”
Goff is a dynamic athlete who defies limits and was named the fastest number one overall draft pick in the history of the League to advance to the Super Bowl. BR first identified the rising star in the 2018 season and then announced the three-year veteran as the company’s latest men’s style ambassador in March 2019. Goff was recently awarded the highest guaranteed salary in the NFL for a new four-year contract agreement. As partners, Goff brings the energy of the new NFL to represent the Banana Republic men’s modern merchandise mix by appearing in advertising creative and championing key product through public appearances and media activations.
“These style memes of me goofing off, or should I say Goff-ing off, were hilarious to shoot,” says Goff. “Most fashion campaigns are really serious, but my style is more effortless, so the humor of using me as a cast of characters opposite myself makes fashion fun.”
Follow the journey @BananaRepublicMens #BRMens @jaredgoff
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About Banana Republic @bananarepublic
Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering modern, versatile classics designed for a life with no boundaries. Curious, connected and out in the world, Banana Republic provides a wardrobe of favorites – clothing, eyewear, jewelry, shoes, handbags and fragrances – all made for a life in motion with the finest materials and fabric innovations. Founded in San Francisco, Banana Republic is located in more than 650 company-operated and franchise retail locations worldwide.
About Jared Goff @jaredgoff
In three short years, Jared Goff has established himself as one of the young superstars of the NFL. In 2019, he became the fastest No. 1 overall pick in the history of the League to advance to the Super Bowl. Born and raised in the Bay area, Goff is a graduate of Marin Catholic High School where he earned a scholarship to play quarterback at the University of California at Berkeley. After three years at Cal, Goff declared for the 2016 NFL Draft and was selected as the top pick by the LA Rams.
GOOP PARTNERS WITH BANANA REPUBLIC TO CELEBRATE FEMALE BOUNDARY-BREAKERS WITH WOMEN ON TOP
Los Angeles, California (September 3, 2019) – Today, goop, the leading lifestyle brand founded by Gwyneth Paltrow, and Banana Republic will launch a partnership to celebrate female culture-changers through an eight-part series on The goop Podcast. The two brands are dedicated to female empowerment and equality, and these episodes will celebrate ceiling-shattering leaders who have broken boundaries to get where they are today.
The podcast series, Women on Top, marks the first time goop has worked with an outside partner on a custom co-branded series. Episodes will be hosted by Paltrow and goop’s chief content officer, Elise Loehnen. The first episode will feature Shannon Watts, the incredibly powerful force behind Moms Demand Action, one of the largest grassroots movements in the country, which is focused on protecting people from gun violence. Additional founders, entrepreneurs, and thinkers will include Marie Forleo and Elaine Welteroth, among others.
“At goop, we are driven in large part by female stories and the voices of women, particularly those who challenge our existing perceptions of what’s possible,” says Loehnen. “This series will feature conversations with the women we look up to—those who lead with grace, power, and curiosity and are redefining what we think it means to break boundaries.”
“goop and Banana Republic are two brands fueled by those who are limitless, curious, connected, and out in the world,” says Mary Alderete, Banana Republic’s chief marketing officer. “We look forward to energizing listeners with real conversations that we hope will inspire each and every one of us to live a life with no boundaries.”
The series will be celebrated with a live podcast event in September with Paltrow and Kerry Washington, who stars in the upcoming film American Son on Netflix. One new episode of Women on Top will be released on The goop Podcast every Tuesday, beginning today, September 3, at 6 a.m. ET, and continuing through October 22, 2019.
About The goop Podcast:
The goop Podcast features CEO and founder Gwyneth Paltrow and CCO Elise Loehnen chatting with leading thinkers, culture changers, and industry disruptors—from doctors to creatives, CEOs to spiritual healers—about shifting old paradigms and starting new conversations.
The podcast is a natural extension of Paltrow’s mission in starting goop: to make every choice count by seeking out answers directly from experts, whether it’s a doctor on the long-term effects of postpartum depletion or a psychologist on how we reach our full potential.
The goop Podcast was one of Apple’s most downloaded new podcasts of 2018.
About goop:
goop is a lifestyle brand with its roots in content across six key pillars: wellness, travel, food, beauty, style, and work. Within those pillars, goop curates and sells a tightly edited array of products; we also make our own goods in beauty, fashion, and wellness.
goop Beauty stands for high-performance, clean skin care; skin-boosting ingestibles; and artisanal fragrance, bath, and body essentials that harness the pure luxury of nature, reflecting our holistic ethos in beauty and wellness. goop Fashion includes a limited-edition range of fashion essentials made in the finest mills and factories in Italy and the USA, and a line of cross-functional, highly adaptable, fashion-forward sportswear. goop Wellness includes a regimen-based vitamin program to address the needs of modern women and a collection of bite-size chews specifically formulated to help with restful sleep, more focus, and immune support.
goop launched in the fall of 2008 out of Gwyneth Paltrow’s kitchen as a homespun weekly newsletter. GP wanted to share her unbiased travel recommendations, health-centric recipes, and shopping discoveries, and she also wanted to get her own questions—about health, fitness, and the psyche—answered. goop continues to be a place for GP, now the company’s CEO, to introduce readers to incredible experts who have mentored her throughout her life, along with new ideas about where to shop, eat, and stay, plus clean recipes.
About Banana Republic @bananarepublic:
Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering modern, versatile classics designed for a life with no boundaries. Curious, connected, and out in the world, Banana Republic provides a wardrobe of favorites—clothing, eyewear, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and fragrances—all made for a life in motion with the finest materials and fabric innovations. Founded in San Francisco, Banana Republic is located in about 700 company-operated and franchise retail locations worldwide.
GAP Inc. Announces Plan To Separate Into Two Independent Publicly Traded Companies
SAN FRANCISCO – February 28, 2019 – Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced plans to create two independent publicly traded companies: Old Navy, a category-leader in family apparel, and a yet-to-benamed company (“NewCo”), which will consist of the iconic Gap brand, Athleta, Banana Republic, Intermix and Hill City. Gap Inc. expects to effect the separation through a spin-off that is intended to generally be tax-free to Gap Inc.’s shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The spin-off will enable each company to maximize focus and flexibility, align investments and incentives to meet its unique business needs and optimize its cost structure to deliver profitable growth.
“Following a comprehensive review by the Gap Inc. Board of Directors, it’s clear that Old Navy’s business model and customers have increasingly diverged from our specialty brands over time, and each company now requires a different strategy to thrive moving forward,” said Robert Fisher, Gap Inc.’s Board Chairman. “Recognizing that, we determined that pursuing a separation is the most compelling path forward for our brands – creating two separate companies with distinct financial profiles, tailored operating priorities and unique capital allocation strategies, both well positioned to achieve their strategic goals and create significant value for our customers, employees and shareholders.”
Art Peck, President and CEO of Gap Inc., added, “We have made significant progress executing on our balanced growth strategy and investing in the capabilities to position our brands for growth: expanding the omni-channel customer experience, building our digital capabilities and improving operational efficiencies across the company. Today’s spin-off announcement enables us to embed those capabilities within two stand-alone companies, each with a sharpened strategic focus and tailored operating structure. As a result, both companies will be well positioned to capitalize on their respective opportunities and act decisively in an evolving retail environment.”
NewCo
NewCo, with approximately $9 billion in annual revenue and a strong balance sheet, will have a unique and differentiated portfolio, with significant opportunity to create value. The company will be well positioned to drive sustainable growth and improve profitability by leveraging its loyal and complementary customer base and an appropriately scaled operating platform with advantaged digital capabilities to deliver distinct products and experiences. With enhanced strategic and operational focus, it can deliver improved results at Gap, Banana Republic and Intermix, while capitalizing on the momentum of B-Corp certified Athleta and newly-launched Hill City. The program announced today to restructure the Gap brand specialty fleet is an important part of the plan to enhance the profitability of that channel. As a stand-alone company, NewCo also will be better positioned to continue to evolve its leadership role in sustainability and social responsibility.
Old Navy
As one of the fastest growing apparel brands in the U.S. with approximately $8 billion in annual revenue, Old Navy will be able to capitalize on its scale, broad customer awareness and unique positioning to extend its category leadership and deliver profitable growth as an independent company. Through this separation, Old Navy will have the flexibility, focus and control needed to increase customer access by further applying its strategic real estate strategy, evolving its omni-channel model and expanding its product categories to continue to successfully resonate with value-focused customers. Old Navy will be well positioned to invest in capabilities and initiatives that will continue to grow its market share.
Management
Both companies will have experienced leadership teams, well suited to lead these organizations on their separate, defined paths.
Gap Inc.’s current President and Chief Executive Officer, Art Peck, will hold the same position with NewCo after the separation. With more than a decade of retail leadership experience, Mr. Peck is well positioned to lead NewCo going forward. Over the last several years, he has led significant improvements at Gap Inc. and reinvigorated growth across several specialty brands by strengthening the supply chain and pivoting quickly to leverage technology and capitalize on new customer trends.
Following the separation, Sonia Syngal, current President and Chief Executive Officer of Old Navy, will continue to lead the brand as a standalone company. Ms. Syngal — who has led Old Navy since 2016 — has a proven track record of leading Old Navy’s transformation and driving product-to-market innovations, as well as deep experience in supply chain and manufacturing in both retail apparel and other industries.
Transaction Details
Upon separation, Gap Inc. shareholders are expected to receive a pro-rata stock distribution and as a result own shares in both NewCo and Old Navy in equal proportion. The transaction is currently targeted to be completed in 2020, and is subject to certain conditions, including final approval by Gap Inc.’s Board of Directors, receipt of a tax opinion from counsel and the filing and effectiveness of a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurances regarding the ultimate timing or terms of the separation or that the separation will be completed.
After the separation, NewCo and Old Navy are expected to be appropriately capitalized with sufficient cash to support planned operating and investment plans.
NewCo will be based in Gap Inc.’s current headquarters and Old Navy will remain at its current headquarters, both located in San Francisco.
Banana Republic Re-issues the Original “Dissent Collar” Necklace to Promote Equality
NEW YORK – Banana Republic is re-issuing the original “dissent collar” necklace in limited edition to support the work of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Women’s Rights Project — the non-profit’s arm of the ACLU co-founded by Ruth Bader Ginsburg early in her career, to advocate for gender equality and women’s economic rights through systematic legal reform.
Banana Republic’s commitment to equality has been core to the brand since the beginning – starting as an explorer brand co-founded by a husband and wife team, whose partnership laid a strong foundation of equality. To this day, equality remains woven into the fabric of the business as well as within that of parent company Gap Inc, which was also co-founded by a husband-wife team who invested equal amounts to start their business. In 2014, Gap Inc. became the first Fortune 500 company to announce equal work for equal pay, with its methodology and data independently validated by a leading gender and diversity firm. The company conducts an annual global pay equality review across its brands using this methodology.
“Banana Republic is designed for life with no boundaries and equality has always been a part of our brand DNA. We value the opportunity to support women’s rights and the ACLU Women’s Rights Project,” says Mary Alderete, Banana Republic Chief Marketing Officer. “As a brand co-founded by a woman and a company that continues to empower strong women, we want to show our appreciation and support to those who are using their voices to champion equality every day.”
Banana Republic will re-issue the original “dissent collar” necklace and donate 50% of the purchase price to the ACLU Women’s Rights Project. This limited-edition glass stone and brass jeweled black bib necklace with velvet tie is available on bananarepublic.com for pre-order on January 7, before its January 15 on sale date.
Follow the journey: @bananarepublic #BRNoBoundaries @aclu
About Banana Republic
Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering modern, versatile classics designed for a life with no boundaries. Curious, connected and out in the world, Banana Republic provides a wardrobe of favorites – clothing, eyewear, jewelry, shoes, handbags and fragrances – all made for a life in motion with the finest materials and fabric innovations. Founded in San Francisco, Banana Republic is located in about 700 company-operated and franchise retail locations worldwide.
About the American Civil Liberties Union
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and their Women’s Rights Project have made progress by establishing essential protections for women and challenging cultural norms that dictate traditional roles according to gender. Today the ACLU continues to lead litigation and advocacy work that ensures women have equal rights in every realm of life – in the workplace, in education, in the criminal justice system, in the home, and in public.
Designworks Collaborates with The North Face to Imagine New Camper Concept
LAS VEGAS – January 8, 2019 – In Las Vegas today, BMW Group subsidiary Designworks unveiled a new camper concept and virtual reality experience, in partnership with The North Face, to imagine the future of protection from the elements.
The lightweight camper concept and virtual experience were designed by Designworks to showcase a new fabric innovation from The North Face called FUTURELIGHT™, which uses Nanospinning technology to create the world’s most advanced, breathable, waterproof material.
“We combined both physical and digital worlds to showcase this material, ensuring the holistic vision of the brand was clearly communicated, while giving people a real ‘hands-on’ experience,” said Laura Robin, Designworks LA Studio Director. “Thinking about extreme performance in new and unexpected ways from our experience of working across multiple industries, helped us to provide consumers with a unique and never before seen insight into the very heart of the material and its key attributes.”
The FUTURELIGHT camper was inspired by the 2008 BMW GINA Light Visionary Model concept car. Like the GINA Concept, the FUTURELIGHT™ Camper is made of a fabric outer shell, consisting of a flexible material stretched over an iconic geodesic dome to demonstrate the potential uses of FUTURELIGHT™ fabric beyond just apparel.
The revolutionary Nanospinning process used to create FUTURELIGHT™, has allowed the The North Face designers to add air permeability into the membrane of a fabric for the first time. The process creates nano-sized holes, allowing for incredible porosity while still maintaining total waterproofness, letting air move through the material and provide more venting than ever before.
The FUTURELIGHT™ Camper, is on display during the global consumer electronics tradeshow, by invite-only Jan. 7 – Jan. 11 in Las Vegas. FUTURELIGHT™ will first become available to consumers in The North Face Fall 2019 product line and will be featured across the brand’s pinnacle performance collections.
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About Designworks, a BMW Group Company
Designworks, a BMW Group Company, is a global creative consultancy offering services which foster innovation and business growth for companies worldwide. Using cross-industry knowledge and experience, its culture of innovation and future-focused approach catalyzes its passion for visionary design.
Designworks leverages the power of BMW Group’s culture of innovation and cutting edge design to advance the goals of its external clients, including John Deere, Virgin Hyperloop One, Siemens, Corsair, HP, Microsoft, Embraer and Singapore Airlines, whilst bringing outside perspectives and impulses to the BMW Group through knowledge and experience gained with client engagements.
Old Navy Donates $1 Million To Boys & Girls Clubs On #GivingTuesday
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – This Giving Tuesday, Old Navy is donating $1 million to Boys & Girls Clubs for the second consecutive year, the result of a successful Black Friday trigger donation campaign.rnrnOn Black Friday, Old Navy anniversaried its One Dolla Holla sale, offering customers the opportunity to get cozy while giving back. For every pair of $1 cozy socks purchased in-store on Black Friday, Old Navy pledged to donate $1 to Boys & Girls Clubs, up to $1 million.rnrnCustomers responded with enthusiasm to gifting with purpose, enabling Old Navy to easily meet its $1 million donation goal
(1). Over 4 million pairs of cozy socks were purchased in Old Navy stores on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday combined, enough to outfit each person in the city of Los Angeles
(2).rnrnAlex RodriguezrnOld Navy teamed-up with former Major League Baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez to encourage customers to pay it forward in a playful digital video where he read a special cozy sock-themed rendition of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to Club children. Rodriguez, who is a proud alum and ongoing supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, announced that the retailer achieved its $1 million donation goal to Clubs in a second video released today.rnrnBoys & Girls Clubs Triple DonationrnIn addition to the cozy sock trigger donation, Old Navy and Boys & Girls Clubs of America have partnered to maximize the donations made to Boys & Girls Clubs directly this Thanksgiving season. From Nov.15 to Dec. 31, Old Navy will match any donation made on www.bgca.org, up to $100,000
(3). Today, on Giving Tuesday, Old Navy will triple match any donations made to Boys & Girls Clubs of America
(4). Visit www.bgca.org and donate to triple your life-changing impact for Club kids and teens.rnrnONward!rnThrough its cause platform ONward!, Old Navy is committed to taking the next generation to the next level, and has long supported Boys & Girls Clubs to help turn learners into leaders. The $1 million donation will fund the expansion of a career development program for Club youth, offering them job coaching, mentorship and a first job at Old Navy stores. Learn more about Old Navy’s cause work at Oldnavy.com/ONward.rnrnAbout Old NavyrnOld Navy is a global apparel and accessories brand that makes current American essentials accessible to every family. Originated in 1994, the brand celebrates the democracy of style through on-trend, playfully optimistic, affordable and high-quality product.
A division of San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), Old Navy brings a fun, energizing shopping environment to its customers in more than 1,100 stores around the world. For more information, please visit www.oldnavy.com.rnrnAbout Boys & Girls Clubs of AmericarnFor more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, 4,300 Clubs serve 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach.
Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at on Facebook and Twitter.
Mini USA And Rapha North America Form Partnership To Bring Two Lifestyle Brands Together
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 3, 2018 – MINI USA and Rapha North America announce a new partnership, bringing two premium lifestyle brands together. The partnership connects both MINI and the cycling apparel brand Rapha – both of whom have a shared British provenance and a passion for getting out on the open road – by offering a number of unique elements to both MINI and Rapha customers.
A key and highly visible element of the partnership is the allocation of customized MINI Clubman vehicles with roof-mounted bike racks positioned at Rapha Clubhouses across the U.S. These MINI Clubmans provide “Tour de France” style mobility and support for Rapha’s regular curated cycling adventures with their customers.
Another element of the partnership, Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) members in the U.S. who test-drive and either purchase or lease a new 2019 MINI will receive a $500 credit. This credit can be used off the MSRP, or applied toward the purchase of a MINI bike rack or other MINI lifestyle or accessory items at the time of vehicle purchase. RCC customers will also receive a special package of co-branded Rapha+MINI accessories including a musette bag, essentials case and cycling cap.
The partnership also offers U.S.-based MINI owners who are interested in Rapha apparel to receive a special discount code for 20% off at Rapha.cc for a limited time only.
“MINI has always been a brand that embraces a strong minded community of active individuals who love to get out and enjoy life’s experiences,” said Thomas Felbermair, Vice President, MINI Region Americas. “In Rapha, I am pleased that we have found a partner that mirrors our brand philosophy and, like MINI, is totally at home both in our metropolitan centers and out on the open roads of the U.S. Our MINI Clubmans will allow Rapha customers a quick escape to reach the delightful rides across the U.S., from the Catskill Mountains of New York and the forested peaks of Washington to the monumental climbs across California. With this partnership MINI once again delivers ‘more of what matters’.”
Rapha’s customers are able to enjoy the support of the versatile MINI Clubman vehicles, equipped with roof-mounted bike racks, at rides and events offered from Rapha’s US Clubhouses in Boulder, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington D.C.
“It’s a natural partnership, as both Rapha North America and MINI are fully committed to the outdoors while remaining deeply rooted at the intersection of design and performance,” said Jake Rosenbloum, North American Marketing Director for Rapha. “The two brands integrate these elements extremely well, and this leads to a rewarding experience for the customer — whether enjoyed on four wheels or two.”
Official press photos of MINI and Rapha apparel and b-roll of the MINI Clubman are also available for download in the MINI Clubman Newsroom on MINIUSANEWS.com. Media interested in press updates on MINI USA can also follow us on Twitter at @MINIUSANEWS.
About MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 126 MINI passenger car dealers in 39 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of six unique vehicles.
Consumer information about MINI products is available via the internet at: www.MINIUSA.com.
About Rapha
Rapha was established in 2004 to bring more style and performance to cycling clothing. It now provides products for every road cyclist, from urban commuters to world class professional teams and continues to push the boundaries of innovation in cycling apparel and accessories. Alongside this, Rapha has cultivated a global community of passionate cyclists who come together as members of the Rapha Cycling Club (RCC), the largest club of its kind in the world. Rapha’s direct to consumer model and unique brand values come to life in its numerous rides and events around the world, its Rapha Travel offering and in the global network of Clubhouses that combine retail, a cafe and cycling culture under the same roof.
Michael Kors Expands Global Fashion Luxury Group with Acquisition of Versace
LONDON– Michael Kors Holdings Limited (NYSE:KORS), a global fashion luxury group, announced today that a definitive agreement has been signed to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Italian luxury fashion house Gianni Versace S.p.A. for a total enterprise value of Euro 1.83 billion or approximately US$2.12 billion. Versace, long recognized as one of the world’s leading luxury fashion companies, is synonymous with Italian glamour and style.
John D. Idol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Michael Kors Holdings Limited, said, “The acquisition of Versace is an important milestone for our group. Versace was founded in 1978. For over 40 years, Versace has represented the epitome of Italian fashion luxury, a testament to the brand’s timeless heritage. We are excited to have Versace as part of our family of luxury brands, and we are committed to investing in its growth. With the full resources of our group, we believe that Versace will grow to over US$2.0 billion in revenues. We believe that the strength of the Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo brands, and the acquisition of Versace, position us to deliver multiple years of revenue and earnings growth.”
Mr. Idol continued, “Donatella’s iconic style is at the heart of the design aesthetic of Versace. She will continue to lead the company’s creative vision. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Donatella on Versace’s next chapter of growth.”
“This is a very exciting moment for Versace,” said Donatella Versace. “It has been more than 20 years since I took over the company along with my brother Santo and daughter Allegra. I am proud that Versace remains very strong in both fashion and modern culture. Versace is not only synonymous with its iconic and unmistakable style, but with being inclusive and embracing of diversity, as well as empowering people to express themselves. Santo, Allegra and I recognize that this next step will allow Versace to reach its full potential. We are all very excited to join a group led by John Idol, whom I have always admired as a visionary as well as a strong and passionate leader. We believe that being part of this group is essential to Versace’s long-term success. My passion has never been stronger. This is the perfect time for our company, which puts creativity and innovation at the core of all of its actions, to grow.”
Donatella added, “Santo, Allegra and I will become shareholders in Capri Holdings Limited. This demonstrates our belief in the long-term success of Versace and commitment to this new global fashion luxury group.”
“Versace’s management team will continue to be led by Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Akeroyd, who has been an instrumental partner to Donatella in driving growth and success for Versace worldwide,” added John D. Idol. “He and Donatella have assembled strong senior management and design teams that will continue to lead Versace into its next chapter. We are extremely fortunate to be able to acquire such an extraordinary brand with an incredibly talented team.”
Jonathan Akeroyd, Chief Executive Officer of Versace, said, “Since I joined Versace over two years ago, our focus has been on leveraging the company’s heritage and strong brand recognition worldwide, which has allowed us to experience significant growth in all regions. Donatella’s unmatched vision has led to the continued and growing success of our brand. I am thrilled to be joining Capri Holdings Limited, which will be instrumental in accelerating our growth globally.”
Strategic Initiatives and Transaction Rationale
As part of our strategic plan for the long-term growth of Versace, we intend to execute on the following key initiatives:
Grow Versace to US$2.0 billion in revenues globally
Build on Versace’s luxury runway momentum
Enhance Versace’s powerful and iconic marketing
Increase global retail footprint from approximately 200 to 300 stores
Accelerate e-commerce and omni-channel development
Expand men’s and women’s accessories and footwear from 35% to 60% of revenues
The acquisition of Versace is expected to deliver a number of benefits for our Company, including:
Opportunity to help grow our group’s revenues to US$8.0 billion in the long-term
Expand our global luxury group to include three iconic founder-led brands defined by fashion luxury products with a reputation for world-class design and innovation
Diversify our geographic portfolio from:
66% Americas to 57% Americas
23% Europe to 24% Europe
11% Asia to 19% Asia
Potential to create long-term operational synergies
Transaction Details
The transaction is not subject to a financing condition. The cash portion of the purchase price is expected to be funded by a combination of cash on hand, drawings under the company’s existing revolving credit facility, and committed underwritten bank term loans from our advisors JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Barclays. The Versace family will also receive Euro 150 million of the purchase price in shares of Capri Holdings Limited. The transaction is expected to close in the company’s fourth fiscal quarter, subject to specified closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals.
Our New Name
Capri Holdings Limited (NYSE:CPRI) is the new name to be adopted by Michael Kors Holdings Limited upon the closing of the acquisition. Our name is inspired by the fabled island which has long been recognized as an iconic, glamorous and luxury destination. The island’s spectacular three rock formation, formed over 200 million years ago, is symbolic of the timeless heritage and strong foundation that is at the core of each of the three founder-led brands in our global fashion luxury group.
Financial Considerations
The company believes that the acquisition of Versace enhances the company’s economic value and will drive improved long-term shareholder value by accelerating long-term revenue and EPS growth potential. On a non-GAAP basis the acquisition is expected to be dilutive to earnings per share in the high-single digits in fiscal 2020, accretive in the low-single digits in fiscal 2021, and accretive in the high-single digits in fiscal 2022.
About Michael Kors Holdings Limited
Michael Kors Holdings Limited is a global fashion luxury group, consisting of iconic brands that are industry leaders in design, style and craftsmanship. Its brands cover the full spectrum of fashion luxury categories including women’s and men’s accessories, footwear and ready-to-wear as well as wearable technology, watches, jewelry, eyewear and a full line of fragrance products. The company’s goal is to continue to extend the global reach of its brands while ensuring that they maintain their independence and exclusive DNA. Michael Kors Holdings Limited is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker KORS.
About Versace
Founded in 1978 in Milan, Versace is one of the leading international fashion design houses and a symbol of Italian luxury worldwide. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products including haute couture, prèt-à-porter, accessories, jewelry, watches, eyewear, fragrances, and home furnishings all bearing the distinctive Medusa logo. The Versace group distributes its products through a worldwide distribution network which includes over 200 boutiques in some of the world’s most glamourous cities.
Banana Republic Celebrates 40 Years
NEW YORK – Banana Republic celebrates 40 years of iconic, modern American style, designed for a life with no boundaries. Fueled by the brand’s explorer spirit, Banana Republic visited its archives to inspire its Fall 2018 collection. Launching today, the women’s and men’s collections feature some of Banana Republic’s most signature looks, reimagined and styled for now. Key pieces range from signature trenches, utility jackets, a flight suit and cargo pants to suits, cable sweaters and graphic tees – all designed with thoughtful details and treasured fabrics, which have long been a mainstay of the brand.
“The entrepreneurial and explorer spirit of the brand continues to fuel our creativity and innovation today,” said Mark Breitbard, Banana Republic President and CEO. “It’s all in the details – from fabric innovation to design to customer experience – Banana Republic’s collections are created for the journey and those living a life with no boundaries.”
The Fall 2018 advertising campaign, conceived in-house by Banana Republic Creative Director Len Peltier, hits digital media platforms today to coincide with the collection launch. Shot by Zoey Grossman in New York and Los Angeles, the campaign spotlights signature silhouettes, fabrics and details that define iconic Banana Republic styled for now. A cinematic short film, directed by Keenan Newman in San Francisco and Tokyo, augments the brand’s storytelling and positioning.
“We really wanted to capture the spirit of being curious, connected and out in the world,” said Mary Alderete, Banana Republic Chief Marketing Officer. “Our Fall creative truly reflects a life in motion and the limitless possibilities of a life with no boundaries.”
In celebration of the brand’s 40 years, Banana Republic is partnering with Bumble to host a Bumble Hive NYC at the Banana Republic’s Flatiron flagship store September 6 – 12 during New York Fashion Week. As the only Bumble Hive meet-up destination in NYC this Fall, Banana Republic will kick off the pop-up opening on September 6 with a panel about living a life with no boundaries, hosted by Bumble Heads of Creative, Erin and Sara Foster, and presented by PopSugar. The Foster sisters will discuss the personal and professional experiences that shaped their journeys.
In addition, PopSugar is extending their media partnership with Banana Republic through its original It Takes Two video series. In this installment, presented by Banana Republic, the videos spotlight Erin and Sara Foster to further the narrative of living a life with no boundaries, and will debut on PopSugar and BananaRepublic.com in September.
Follow the journey: @bananarepublic @bananarepublicmens #BRNoBoundaries #itsbanana
About Banana Republic
Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering modern, versatile classics designed for a life with no boundaries. Curious, connected and out in the world, Banana Republic provides a wardrobe of favorites – clothing, eyewear, jewelry, shoes, handbags and fragrances – all made for a life in motion with the finest materials and fabric innovations. Founded in San Francisco, Banana Republic is located in about 700 company-operated and franchise retail locations worldwide.
OLD NAVY’S Cause Platform Onward! Teams Up With Kristen Bell to Rock Your First Day of School
SAN FRANCISCO – To support its cause platform ONward!, Old Navy is teaming up with Kristen Bell for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rock your first day of school. A lucky winner and guest will be flown to Los Angeles for a $1,000 back-to-school shopping spree and a special singalong session with the musically talented actress. The sweepstakes raises funds for Old Navy charitable partner Boys & Girls Clubs,[1] and fans can enter through the online fundraising platform Omaze. For just $10, entrants can support club youth and have the chance to win by visiting Omaze.com/OldNavy.[2]
To launch the sweepstakes, Bell will perform a back-to-school anthem penned from interviews with Boys & Girls Club kids. Bell will also share some of her personal past back-to-school looks in preparation for styling out the lucky winner in their first day of school outfit.
“Heading back to school each year is an unforgettable moment in every child’s life,” said Kristen Bell. “I am excited to help the winner of this campaign look and feel their best, so they can start the school year with a sense of confidence and empowerment. It is an honor to partner with Old Navy’s ONward! program to raise money for Boys & Girls Clubs and help turn learners into leaders.”
ONward! is how Old Navy pays it forward in local communities. Through the cause platform, the brand partners with nonprofits to empower the next generation with real-world skills, training, and job opportunities to make a difference in communities and blaze a path forward to a brighter future. For over a decade, Old Navy has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs to help turn learners into leaders and provide first jobs through the This Way Ahead internship program.
This back-to-school season Old Navy is also launching an ONward! capsule collection of clothing to celebrate the brand’s cause work. The collection includes tees and hoodies for boys & girls, as well as totes and water bottles with the inspiring message “Our Generation Will Change the World.” Old Navy will donate $50,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs[3] in honor of the special collection, available for sale in all U.S. and Canada stores and online at OldNavy.com.
In addition to the online sweepstakes fundraiser, Old Navy is also sponsoring an in-store fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $1 million to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs. From July 26 to August 8, Old Navy will match in-store customer donations up to $300,000.[4] Customers can donate at the register at all U.S. and Canada stores. Customers who donate $5 or more in stores will receive an entry voucher to the Omaze sweepstakes, as well as $5 off of a future purchase of $35 or more.[5]
About Old Navy
Old Navy is a global apparel and accessories brand that makes current American essentials accessible to every family. Originated in 1994, the brand celebrates the democracy of style through on-trend, playfully optimistic, affordable and high quality product. A division of San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), Old Navy brings a fun, energizing shopping environment to its customers in more than 1,000 stores around the world. For more information, please visit www.oldnavy.com.
About Omaze
Omaze makes giving fun and easy by offering donors around the world the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences and purchase exclusive merchandise to support critical causes. Omaze campaigns connect influencers, nonprofits and donors to create lasting impact, and have raised funds and awareness for nearly 400 charities with donations from over 180 countries. Omaze is a for-profit company that collects a 20% fee on net raises from experience-driven campaigns. For more information, please visit omaze.com.
GAP INC. Appoints New Global Head of GAP Brand
SAN FRANCISCO – Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced the appointment of Neil Fiske as president and chief executive officer of Gap brand. Fiske will begin his new role on June 20, 2018, and will serve on the company’s senior leadership team, reporting to Art Peck, president and chief executive officer of Gap Inc.
“Neil brings significant retail and apparel experience to Gap Inc. and a track record of transforming and repositioning brands,” said Peck. “He is an experienced leader who deeply understands the mechanics of this business, the value of an omnichannel strategy, and the need to build a progressive and relevant brand. I believe Neil is the right leader to strengthen Gap brand.”
“Gap is a truly iconic brand that is loved by its customers across the globe, and I am excited about the significant opportunity ahead for us,” said Fiske. “The brand has made some important progress and I look forward to working with the team to drive improved performance, operational excellence, great merchandising, and distinctive and powerful marketing.”
Fiske has 20 years of brand building and turnaround experience in specialty retailing. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer at Billabong International, where he restored the flagship Billabong brand to a position of market leadership and multi-year share growth. Prior to that, Fiske spent five years as president and chief executive officer at Eddie Bauer, repositioning the company to focus on its heritage as America’s original outdoor outfitter. Fiske was also chief executive officer at Bath and Body Works, where he led a complete brand transformation, reversing a multi-year trend of negative comp store sales. Fiske began his career at Boston Consulting Group, focused on consumer goods and retail. He graduated from Harvard Business School with a Masters of Business Administration and received a B.A. in Political Economy from Williams College.
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta brands. Fiscal year 2017 net sales were $15.9 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through company-operated stores, franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
Marks and Spencer to close 100 stores by 2022
M&S today announced the next tranche of UK stores proposed for closure or set to close as it reshapes its UK store estate in line with its target to take at least a third of sales online.
M&S will now close over 100 stores in total by 2022, including 21 that have already closed and the 14 stores that are announced today as proposed for closure or set to close. Alongside relocations, conversions, downsizes and the introduction of concessions, these closures will radically reshape M&S’s Clothing & Home space.
The next 14 Clothing & Home stores that will close or are proposed for closure in 2018/19 as part of the transformative programme are:
Bayswater, Fleetwood Outlet and Newton Abbot Outlet – all three of which will close by the end of July 2018;
Clacton and Holloway Road – which will both close by early 2019 to coincide with new nearby Food stores opening;
Darlington, East Kilbride, Falkirk, Kettering, Newmarket, New Mersey Speke, Northampton, Stockton and Walsall – all nine of which are proposed for closure and will now enter a period of consultation with all 626 affected employees. Should these stores close, all colleagues would be redeployed or offered redeployment at other stores before redundancy is considered.
Sacha Berendji, Retail, Operations and Property Director at Marks & Spencer said, “We are making good progress with our plans to reshape our store estate to be more relevant to our customers and support our online growth plans. Closing stores isn’t easy but it is vital for the future of M&S. Where we have closed stores, we are seeing an encouraging number of customers moving to nearby stores and enjoying shopping with us in a better environment, which is why we’re continuing to transform our estate with pace.”
The acceleration of M&S’s UK store estate programme is part of M&S’s wider five-year transformation plan to make M&S special again. Under the plan M&S has the ambition to create fewer, better Clothing & Home stores. These stores will be larger, digitally enabled, better located and more inspirational for customers to shop.They will also be supported by a seamless online experience across all digital channels including mobile and social, and by a conveniently located network of Food stores that offer customers a next-day collect in store service for Clothing & Home purchases.
Actions to-date
In November 2016, following a full review of its store portfolio, M&S announced a five-year UK store estate programme
In November 2017 M&S announced that it would accelerate the space plan after the better than expected levels of sales transfer from closures and plans to grow online sales
Since the announcement of the Store Estate programme in November 2016:
M&S has closed 21 stores as part of the programme – 18 closures and three closures and relocations to new sites.
The 18 closures are Andover, Basildon, Birkenhead, Bournemouth, Bridlington, Covent Garden, Dover, Durham, Fareham, Fforestfach, Keighley, Portsmouth, Putney, Redditch, Slough, Stockport, Warrington and Wokingham
The 3 closures and relocations are Greenock, Newry and Crewe (where the relocation extended an existing Simply Food store)
Additionally, M&S has closed one Food store (Monks Cross), one Outlet (Denton) and two stores which acted as satellites to a larger store (Barton Square Home which was part of the Trafford Centre store and Llandudno satellite which was part of Llandudno store)
M&S has opened three brand new Clothing & Home stores (Aberystwyth, Bracknell and Rushden Lakes)
M&S has converted one outlet store to Food only (Crown Point Leeds)
M&S has downsized three stores (Solihull, Pudsey and Bath – where space has been created for a Metro Bank)
M&S has begun to create space for a trial of an in-store opticians service (Bolton, York Vangarde, Derby, Manchester and Westfield White City)
Nordstrom Men’s Store NYC Opens
NEW YORK, Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) opened the doors this morning to its very first flagship, full-line New York City location and first ever stand-alone men’s store at 235 West 57th Street. The three-level 47,000 square foot store offers a differentiated merchandise assortment across all categories, including popular and designer brands, along with a range of convenient services to serve customers on their terms.
Calvin Klein Boutique at Nordstrom Men’s Store NYC
EXCLUSIVE MERCHANDISE CONCEPTS
Olivia Kim, Nordstrom vice president of creative projects has curated a special Comme des Garçons (CDG) shop that will feature one of the largest local selections of the fashion house’s coveted brands. Olivia commissioned artist Marc Hundley to design a space that invokes both the ethos of CDG and the streets of New York City. In a first for Nordstrom, the men’s flagship will also feature designer shops by Calvin Klein, Balenciaga, Valentino, and Dior. Each space is united by a chainmail motif, but are distinguished by personalized fixtures adhering to each brand. The shoe department houses a Christian Louboutin shop displaying a wide range of the shoemaker’s sporty and formal offerings. The Nike Men’s Project, a sportswear and shoe destination for style and fitness-obsessed customers, will offer the brand’s latest sneakers and apparel collections.
The store also features an array of customization and personalization experiences, including the Levi’s Tailor Shop, where customers can shop Levi’s Authorized Vintage, one of the largest vintage denim collections in existence, and also design custom embroidery on any item, heat press a shirt or get an express hem while they wait; Shinola will offer watch customization in addition to a selection of tech products; exclusive to the flagship, Samuelson Custom Suit Visualizer is an interactive digital made-to-measure suiting experience at an accessible price point; Eton Endless Aisle is a digital touchscreen offering an expanded assortment of dress shirts and ties; and cult-favorite Le Labo will create personalized fragrance labels in the grooming department.
To celebrate the Nordstrom opening, brands have created limited-time exclusives, such as Cole Haan NYCH, a curated quarterly collection only available for 30 days, exclusive denim fit and wash options from Rag & Bone, Paige, AG Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, an exclusive camo jacket by Canada Goose and footwear from Timberland and Magnanni.
BRAND ASSORTMENT
Customers can shop a comprehensive selection of apparel brands across a broad range of price points, including Adidas, Carhartt WIP, Rodd & Gunn, Stone Island, Death to Tennis, Norse Projects, Lemaire, Moncler, Canali, Topman, Ted Baker London, Hugo Boss, Giorgio Armani, Tiger of Sweden and Givenchy. The accessories department houses brands like Foundwell, Ray Ban, Moscot, Mykita, Prada and Loewe. The vast shoe department will include Reebok, Common Projects, Vans, Alden, Church’s, Salvatore Ferragamo, Balenciaga, Gucci and exclusives from Greats and Jack Erwin.
The grooming department will introduce to the U.S., barber-created Murdock London, who will be sending barbers to New York for special appearances. Saturdays NYC will launch product alongside brands like Proraso, Kiehl’s, Tom Ford Grooming and exclusive Ted’s Grooming Room by Ted Baker London. An extensive fragrance selection will include options from Parfums de Marly, By Killian, Chanel, Valentino, Prada, Armanicorpor, Dior and many others.
SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE
Nordstrom is committed to serving customers on their terms and the Men’s Store will offer a number of shopping services that provide convenience, speed and ease. At each store entrance shoppers will find Express Returns kiosks, plus Style Boards, 24/7 Buy Online & Pick-Up in Store, Reserve Online & Try in Store and Three-Hour Same Day Delivery anywhere in Manhattan, all which seek to bridge the convenience of online shopping with the personal experience of the store. Shoppers will have access to 24/7 Express Services during all hours for fashion emergencies like lost luggage or items that went unpacked, in addition a cell phone charging station, expert Shoeshine, an onsite Alternations & Tailoring department, and Complimentary Personal Stylists.
In the Clubhouse Bar customers can treat themselves to a drink or meal, while taking in intimate views of Central Park and Columbus circle. Hand-crafted cocktails, a selection of fine wines, as well as carefully selected snacks with seasonality in mind, including warm toasts, indulgent melts and a signature lobster roll developed by Nordstrom Chefs will be available. The Coffee Shop will feature Toby’s Estate Coffee, a small batch roaster based in Brooklyn, serving unique handcrafted drinks by skilled baristas. As an added twist, the coffee bar will also offer draft beer on tap in addition to a section of local pastries.
The Nordstrom Men’s Store NYC features the company’s newest store design concepts, including an all-glass façade to bring in more natural light, unboxing the display windows, and connecting the shopping experience to the city. An open, flexible floor plan allows for an evolving curation of how products are displayed over time, depending on what New York customers respond to. The store environment will create a sense of discovery, allowing customers to navigate easily and find new brands they haven’t experienced before.
Nordstrom has been a longtime believer of investing in artwork for its stores. New Yorkers will experience an extensive collection, featuring 39 works by both international and American artists, with a quarter being local. Suspended in the center of a three-story staircase, a floating, diaphanous tree sculpture entitled “Arctic Tree” by the Seattle-based artist John Grade is a nod to the retailer’s Seattle roots.
COMMUNITY
Nordstrom believes we have a responsibility to give back to the communities we serve, so each year we donate 1% of our gift card sales to worthy nonprofits in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Our contributions most often take the form of a cash grant, but we are also proud to partner with local and national organizations through specific giving programs and by volunteering our time and resources.
As part of our Men’s Store opening and as we continue to expand our presence in the New York metro area we have committed $5million dollars to NYC over the next three years. To stay true to our Nordstrom Cares mission we plan to support a number of programs and organizations that care for kids and empower youth, as well as those that have a significant impact on the community. In the coming months, Nordstrom will be forming a NYC Community Advisory Board to attract, vet and award community grants. We are proud to announce our first grant will be to the Hetrick-Martin Institute, the nation’s oldest, and largest, organization supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth to reach their full potential.
ABOUT NORDSTROM
Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 370 stores in 40 states, including 122 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 236 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; two clearance stores; seven Trunk Club clubhouses; and its Nordstrom Local service concept. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com, HauteLook and TrunkClub.com. Nordstrom, Inc.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.
Nordstrom Rack To Relocate Sugar House Store
SEATTLE, Seattle-based Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) announced today plans to relocate its Rack store to a new, larger location within the Sugar House Shopping Center, in Salt Lake City, UT. The approximately 36,000-square-foot store is scheduled to open in spring 2019. The property is owned by Dees, Inc.
The new location is in a building directly next door to the current Rack, near the new Springhill Suites and Whole Foods Market. It is conveniently located off of I-80 freeway, approximately three miles from the downtown business district.
“Nordstrom Rack has been happy to be a part of the Salt Lake City community since we first opened our doors here back in 1991,” said Geevy Thomas, president of Nordstrom Rack. “We look forward to continuing to serve customers in this larger, updated location we think will offer a great shopping experience.”
Today, there are four Rack stores in Utah and two full line locations. Nordstrom has been serving customers in the state since it first opened at Fashion Place in 1981.
“The new Nordstrom Rack solidifies the Sugar House Shopping Center as a premier shopping destination,” said Wade Olsen, president of Dee’s, Inc. “Dee’s is excited to continue the long-standing relationship with Nordstrom Rack in the Sugar House Shopping Center.”
Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc., offering customers a wide selection of on-trend apparel, accessories and shoes from many of the top brands sold at Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com at an everyday savings of up to 70% off.
Nordstrom Rack is the largest source of new customers to Nordstrom and is a great introduction for new customers who may have never shopped at one a Nordstrom full-line stores. Nordstrom Rack is able to leverage Nordstrom full-line stores to offer customers a mix of merchandise from Nordstrom stores, or from many of the top brands that are carried in Nordstrom and then sell directly to Nordstrom Rack before other off-price retailers.
About Nordstrom
Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 369 stores in 40 states, including 122 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 235 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; two clearance stores; seven Trunk Club clubhouses; and its Nordstrom Local service concept. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com, HauteLook and TrunkClub.com. Nordstrom, Inc.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.
About Sugar House Shopping Center
The Sugar House Shopping Center, aptly named due to its prominent location in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City, is a regional shopping center adjacent to Interstate 80. Popular due to its ease of access from the Salt Lake Valley and Park City, the Sugar House Shopping Center and surrounding area continue to attract commercial and residential growth.
About Dees, Inc.
Dee’s, Inc., founded in the late 1920’s and based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a family owned and operated company that specializes in a broad range of real estate investments including restaurants, retail shopping centers, operating cattle ranch property, hotels, mixed-use developments and senior housing.
GAP Launches Limited-Edition Collection with Sarah Jessica Parker
NEW YORK – Gap, the iconic American clothing brand, launches the Gap | Sarah Jessica Parker collection, a limited-edition assortment of girls and boys apparel and accessories. The collaboration was a natural fit as it reunites Gap and Parker, who starred in a series of Gap ads in the early aughts. Stemming from Parker’s family tradition of saying “rabbit, rabbit” on the first of every month for good luck, the collection celebrates love, luck and magic.
Inspired by Parker’s childhood heirlooms, the collection embraces prints and texture by playing with ginghams, stripes, florals and eyelet in classic Gap silhouettes. Available in toddler and kids sizing, Gap | Sarah Jessica Parker captures all the nostalgia of passing along well-loved, storied pieces to family and friends, the exuberance of starting your own story in those same pieces, and the joy inherent in wishing luck upon children as they move forward in the world. Parker also worked with Gap to help create two women’s dress styles that are available in the collection.
“Creating this collection with Gap has been such a treat as a mother, as one of eight children, and as a reconnection with the brand,” says Parker. “I hope the pieces are cherished by the children who wear them, that items are passed down among generations, and that some great memories are created while wearing them.”
Channeling Parker’s good luck tradition, there are embroidered rabbits found throughout the collection as well as special ‘property of:’ sewn-in tags to detail each wearer throughout the years which takes inspiration from her own family’s rituals. Gap | Sarah Jessica Parker collection favorites for girls include gingham dresses and separates with eyelet hems, a navy and white stripe flutter sleeve dress with pink roses, a signature rabbit embroidered light blue bomber jacket and a rabbit inspired basket weave mini handbag while boys and toddler boys can choose from graphic tees and gingham shirting with khakis. The collection will also include ‘Ebbit the backpack,’ an egg-inspired character and playful companion perfect for school, travel or towing along for a spring picnic.
“It’s been a delight to collaborate with Sarah Jessica Parker on this special collection for kids that combines her nostalgic childhood memories with signature Gap favorites,” says Wendi Goldman, Gap executive vice president and chief product officer. “We are so thrilled to have Sarah Jessica back with the Gap brand in this new collaboration capacity. Together we created a collection that we hope will be passed down from generation to generation, just as we envisioned.”
With prices starting from $16.95 up to $78, the collection will be available on March 1 through gap.com and GapKids stores in select countries including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Greater China, Hong Kong and Japan.
About Gap
Gap is one of the world’s most iconic apparel and accessories brands and the authority on American casual style. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap’s collections are designed to build the foundation of modern wardrobes – all things denim, classic white shirts, khakis and must-have trends. Beginning with the first international store in London in 1987, Gap continues to connect with customers online and across the brand’s about 1,600 company-operated and franchise retail locations around the world. Gap includes Women’s and Men’s apparel and accessories, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity, GapBody and GapFit collections. The brand also serves value-conscious customers with exclusively-designed collections for Gap Outlet and Gap Factory Stores. Gap is the namesake brand for leading global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) which includes Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, Intermix and Weddington Way. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
About Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker is the star and executive producer of “Divorce,” which recently returned to HBO for a second season. In February 2014, she launched “SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker”, a footwear, apparel and accessory label, with partner George Malkemus III. The collection showcases the brand’s theme of colors acting as neutrals and encourages women to take risks and break away from fashion rules they imagine. Parker currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the board of directors for the New York City ballet. She also served on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities under the Obama administration. Parker lives with her husband and three children in New York City.
Banana Republic Expands Partnership With Style Ambassador Kevin Love And Announces Fall Debut Of Limited-Edition Men’s Capsule Collection
NEW YORK — Banana Republic and pro basketball power forward Kevin Love are excited to expand their partnership in 2018 to include a design collaboration, BR/K.LOVE-18 – a limited-edition men’s capsule of clothing and accessories, launching on September 18, 2018.
As a build to the three-year partnership, Banana Republic will release a first-ever Fall 2018 capsule collection designed in collaboration with Love. BR/K.LOVE-18 is inspired by Banana Republic’s utility heritage with a twist of Love’s favorite tailored performance pieces, highlighting his personal style grounded in American sportswear.
“I jumped at the opportunity to evolve my partnership with Banana Republic and was honored to team up with them to create a Fall collection,” says Kevin Love. “This is an incredible opportunity for me to express myself and reflect my personal fashion sense, which I describe as classic, tailored and versatile.”
Building up to Fall’s highly-anticipated collection launch, Love’s role as Banana Republic’s men’s style ambassador continues this month at All-Star Weekend with Love meeting customers in Los Angeles, his old University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) home turf.
To kick off All-Star weekend, Banana Republic will host an in-store event at The Grove. Fans can meet, get autographs and take photos with Love on Thursday, February 15 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. PT.
“Kevin has been the pinnacle expression of our tailored performance innovation and we’re excited to push that further with a collaboration that’s true to Kevin and Banana Republic,” said Banana Republic Chief Marketing Officer Mary Alderete. “From February’s All-Star event to Fall’s capsule collection launch, it’s been a truly collaborative partnership with Kevin, and we look forward to seeing everyone sporting their BR/K.LOVE-18 this year.”
Love will continue starring in Banana Republic’s seasonal men’s advertising campaigns, including Spring 2018 which breaks during All Star Weekend, and will personally launch his Fall capsule collection in September 2018.
About Banana Republic
Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering versatile, contemporary classics, designed for today with style that endures. Through thoughtful design, Banana Republic provides a wardrobe of favorites to style and wear time and time again in new ways. Banana Republic offers fragrances, clothing, eyewear, jewelry, shoes and handbags with detailed craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Founded in San Francisco, Banana Republic is located in about 740 company-operated and franchise retail locations worldwide.
Pop-In@Nordstrom Taps The North Face For Exclusive Capsule Collection
SEATTLE – Pop-In@Nordstrom announces an exclusive capsule collection in collaboration with The North Face. Inspired by the colors, patterns, and fabrics of traditional South Asian clothing and the mountain-climbing culture, the collection features the brand’s most iconic silhouettes, reimagined. The shop opens January 12 in select Nordstrom stores and online.
Featured are the brand’s most recognizable, iconic pieces including the Denali jacket, inspired by the primary color of flags often seen on mountainsides; the Nuptse puffer which is cut from an exclusively developed jacquard fabric with metallic thread; and the Mountain Jacket featuring a tonal rich jacquard. All the silhouettes are available in unisex sizing. In addition, the collection features beanies, hats, backpacks, bags, wallets, blankets and more featuring a custom patch to denote the partnership that integrates a poppy flower with the traditional The North Face logo.
“I’ve always loved The North Face’s mantra, ‘Never Stop Exploring’ and how we define the word ‘explorer’,” says Olivia Kim, Nordstrom vice president of Creative Projects. “The North Face is unique in their ability to outfit the most accomplished climbers, mountaineers, skiers, and runners in extreme conditions, as well as be my personal go-to for just walking around the city or going to the grocery store in an urban metropolis. These iconic styles are not only proven performance gear, but great fashion items as well.”
Pop-In@Nordstrom x The North Face is available in eight Nordstrom locations and online at Nordstrom.com/pop from January 12 to February 11:
Bellevue Square, Bellevue, Wash.
CF Pacific Centre, Vancouver, B.C.
CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Toronto, Ont.
Downtown Seattle, Seattle, Wash.
Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Ill.
NorthPark Center, Dallas, Texas
South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, Calif.
The Grove, Los Angeles, Calif.
ABOUT POP-IN@NORDSTROM
Launched in October 2013, Pop-In@Nordstrom is an ongoing series of themed pop-up shops that transitions every four to six weeks to offer a new shopping experience and batch of new, often exclusive merchandise. Pop-In takes two forms: a shop curated around a theme featuring brands across different product categories (fashion, beauty, lifestyle, home/garden, sports/outdoors, etc.), or a partnership with a single brand to bring “the world of” to customers. Pop-In@Nordstrom was built on a monthly rotation to keep customers coming back to discover new brands, new merchandise and create a fun and compelling experience in stores and online. Each shop features a mix of hand-picked merchandise spanning the high/low price range, with price points often starting at $5.
Pop-In@Nordstrom was the first initiative from the Nordstrom Creative Projects team, under the direction of Olivia Kim (vice president of Creative Projects). In her role, Kim focuses on creating energy, excitement, a sense of discovery and a bit of disruption through engaging and unique shopping experiences at Nordstrom, both in-stores and online. Kim’s Creative Projects initiatives have established Nordstrom as a platform to test retail concepts, bring limited distribution collections to customers, and introduce them to the best up-and-coming brands and new talent.
Pop-In@Nordstrom partnerships have included: Pop-In@Nordstrom partnerships have included: Aesop, Alexander Wang, Converse, Danish home goods brand HAY, design-driven wares from Los Angeles based Poketo, Everlane, Gentle Monster, goop, Hanes, home goods from Liberty London’s Flowers of Liberty collection, Nike, Opening Ceremony, rag & bone, the best of Korean fashion and beauty, Topshop/Topman, the U.S. debut of Hong Kong fashion collective I.T., the Italian Trade Commission, VANS, and Warby Parker.
ABOUT The North Face®
The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1966 with the goal of preparing outdoor athletes for the rigors of their next adventure. Today we are the world’s leading outdoor brand, creating athlete-tested, expedition-proven products that help people explore and test the limits of human potential. We protect our outdoor playgrounds and minimize our impact on the planet through programs that encourage sustainability. The North Face products are available at premium and specialty retail sporting goods stores globally and we are headquartered in California on a LEED Platinum-certified campus. For more information, please visit www.thenorthface.com.
Old Navy Named One Of The 2017 Best Workplaces For Diversity By Great Place To Work® And Fortune
SAN FRANCISCO – Great Place to Work and FORTUNE have named Old Navy one of the 2017 Best Workplaces for Diversity. The ranking considered more than 440,000 employee surveys from organizations in a wide range of industries across the U.S. Great Place to Work, a research and consulting firm, evaluated more than 50 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included professional development, behaviors linked to innovation, leadership confidence and consistent treatment among employees of different backgrounds. The ranking also accounted for the share of women, people of color, Baby Boomers and LGBT individuals in the workplace. Old Navy was also named to the 2017 “Best Workplaces in Retail” list.
“Old Navy’s mission is to democratize style and make great fashion accessible to everyone, and we celebrate a workplace that’s just as diverse as our customers,” said Sheila Peters, Senior Vice President, Old Navy Human Resources and Communications. “Our employees are what make us unique, and it’s important that they feel respected and empowered at work, every day.”
“At Gap Inc., we strive to create a workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusion and treats every individual with dignity and respect. By upholding these values, we are able to attract and retain talented people, deliver the best products and experiences to our customers and support positive change across business and society,” said Kisha Modica, Senior Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Gap, Inc.
The Best Workplaces for Diversity stand out for their consistent leadership and the meaningful ways that all employees contribute to their organizations. Tenure for women and people of color was higher at the leading employers than at their peers. In several business sectors, the winning organizations also reported turnover two to three times lower than industry averages.
“The Best Workplaces for Diversity have achieved something beyond basic fairness. They find ways to connect with each and every employee, listening to their challenges and building on their talents,” said Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work.
The Best Workplaces for Diversity is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE based on employee feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified™ organizations. Old Navy also was ranked as a Best Workplace for Retail by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE.
Learn more about careers at Old Navy on LinkedIn and the Old Navy Careers Blog.
About Old Navy
Old Navy is a global apparel and accessories brand that makes current American essentials accessible to every family. Originated in 1994, the brand celebrates the democracy of style through on-trend, playfully optimistic, affordable and high quality product. A division of San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), Old Navy brings a fun, energizing shopping environment to its customers in more than 1,000 stores around the world. For more information, please visit www.oldnavy.com.
About the Best Workplaces for Diversity
Great Place to Work based its ranking on a data-driven methodology applied to anonymous Trust Index™ survey responses from 442,624 employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. To learn more about Great Place to Work Certification and recognition on Best Workplaces lists published with FORTUNE, visit Greatplacetowork.com.
About Great Place to Work
Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes outstanding workplace cultures and produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small & Medium Companies, industries and, internationally, countries and regions. Through its culture consulting services, Great Place to Work helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, retention and stock performance.
GAP To Collaborate With Sarah Jessica Parker To Launch Limited-Edition Kids Collection
NEW YORK – December 1, 2017 – Gap announced today a new limited-edition collection created for GapKids with actor and former Gap campaign star Sarah Jessica Parker. The collection is expected to be available for purchase to customers Spring 2018 through Gap online and GapKids stores in select countries including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Greater China, Hong Kong and Japan.
About Gap
Gap is one of the world’s most iconic apparel and accessories brands and the authority on American casual style. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap’s collections are designed to build the foundation of modern wardrobes – all things denim, classic white shirts, khakis and must-have trends. Beginning with the first international store in London in 1987, Gap continues to connect with customers online and across the brand’s about 1,600 company-operated and franchise retail locations around the world. Gap includes Women’s and Men’s apparel and accessories, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity, GapBody and GapFit collections. The brand also serves value-conscious customers with exclusively-designed collections for Gap Outlet and Gap Factory Stores. Gap is the namesake brand for leading global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) which includes Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, Intermix and Weddington Way. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
About Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker is the star and executive producer of “Divorce,” which will return for a second season early next year. In February 2014, she launched “SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker”, a footwear, apparel and accessory label, with partner George Malkemus III. The collection showcases the brand’s theme of colors acting as neutrals and encourages women to take risks and break away from fashion rules they imagine. Parker currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the board of directors for the New York City ballet. She also served on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities under the Obama administration. Parker lives with her husband and three children in New York City.
Unilever to acquire Sundial Brands
Englewood Cliffs, NJ – Unilever today announced an agreement to acquire Sundial Brands, a New York-based personal care products company.
Sundial Brands is a leading haircare and skincare company recognized for its innovative use of high-quality and culturally authentic ingredients. Sundial’s brands include SheaMoisture, Nubian Heritage, Madam C.J. Walker and nyakio™. Since its founding in 1991, Sundial has championed inclusive beauty and has served the unmet needs of consumers of color through its robust innovation pipeline, product offerings and purpose-driven business model. Through its Community Commerce business model, B Corp and Fair for Life certifications, Sundial’s approach complements the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) to accelerate growth while increasing positive social impact.
Sundial Brands will operate as a standalone unit within Unilever. Sundial’s founder, Richelieu Dennis, will continue to lead the business as CEO and Executive Chairman.
As part of the agreement, Unilever and Sundial are creating the New Voices Fund with an unprecedented initial investment of US$50 million to empower women of color entrepreneurs. The intention is to scale the Fund to US$100 million by attracting investments from other interested parties.
“The Sundial team has built differentiated and on-trend premium brands serving multicultural and millennial consumers that enhance our existing portfolio,” said Kees Kruythoff, President, Unilever North America. “Sundial is an important addition to our U.S. portfolio of purpose-driven companies, which includes Ben & Jerry’s and Seventh Generation.”
“We are excited to partner with Richelieu and his team to enable Sundial to bring its unique product offerings and community impact to more people around the world,” said Alan Jope, President, Unilever Personal Care. “We look forward to continuing to grow the business and make an even bigger impact on society through Sundial’s community programs.”
Additionally, Unilever has appointed Esi Eggleston Bracey, a seasoned executive with a strong track record of business leadership in driving cultural relevancy in brand building, as EVP & COO of Unilever North America Personal Care, effective January 1, 2018. As a part of her role, Bracey will work closely with Dennis to further accelerate the growth, purpose-driven mission and consumer connectivity of Sundial Brands.
“I’ve always wanted Sundial Brands to be an inspiration to other minority-owned companies of how a business against all odds can achieve excellence, have significant social impact in our communities and be successful on a world stage,” said Richelieu Dennis, founder and CEO, Sundial Brands. “I am excited Sundial and Unilever have created this partnership, rooted in a purpose-driven ethos, that represents an incredible opportunity to take our Community Commerce economic empowerment and impact model to another level.” Dennis added: “I’ve enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Esi and look forward to working with her to continue to change the game in beauty, personal care and community building.”