Direct To Consumer (DTC)

Things may not be bad as they first looked for Gander Mountain Company.   Although there is a banner on the bankrupt company’s website announcing that all of its stores are going out of business, its new owner says that’s not exactly the case.  

Online menswear retailer seems to be at the end of its rope — or in this case, thread.    E-retailer JackThreads’ website is promoting its “Farewell Sale,” which is selling all merchandise, site-wide, for 70% — and all is final sale. While the company did not post any messages saying that the company is ceasing operations, the site’s “Work With Us” page has been closed.  

The past couple of years have been busy ones for Coach. The company has undertaken a turnaround of its main brand, successfully bringing back a premium edge to what had become a ubiquitous and devalued name. Coach has also integrated the Stuart Weitzman business by both extracting operating efficiencies and creating new sales opportunities.  

Gymboree Corp. is planning a significant reduction in its store fleet.   The retailer is looking to close hundreds of stores part of a restructuring under bankruptcy court protection, The Wall Street Journal reported. The final number of stores, however, has yet to be determined.  

Online plus-size fast-fashion retailer Eloquii is testing its first physical location, a pop-up shop in the Washington, D.C. area.  

Look for Martha Stewart to appear on the QVC channel.   Sequential Brands Group announced a multi-year agreement with QVC for Sequential’s Martha Stewart brand. Under the agreement, QVC will launch several categories for the brand, including skincare, fashion apparel, and food and beverage.  

Crate & Barrel has named a new chief executive some three weeks after it let its former one go.   The home furnishings chain has appointed Neela Montgomery as CEO. Montgomery, most recently served as board chair of Crate & Barrel parent Otto Group, will assume the role effective August 1, 2017. She replaces Doug Diemoz, who left in April. http://www.chainstoreage.com/article/crate-barrel-ceo-out  

Still awaiting approval on its acquisition by Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s reported disappointing sales for its first quarter.    Total revenue in the quarter decreased 3.4% to $834.9 million, less than expected. Revenue from retail store sales decreased 3.9% to $542 million.   Online and catalog sales fell 12.6% to $136.1 million. Same-store sales fell 8.9%. U.S. comparable store sales decreased 9.1%.