Deep Dive: US Retail—Store Closure and … Barneys, Calvin Klein, Céline, Crocs, Louis Vuitton,...

22
1 Deborah Weinswig, Managing Director, Fung Global Retail & Technology [email protected] US: 917.655.6790 HK: 852.6119.1779 CN: 86.186.1420.3016 Copyright © 2017 The Fung Group. All rights reserved. March 15, 2017 Key Takeaways 1) Store closure and bankruptcy announcements: BCBG will be closing all of its stores as it has filed for bankruptcy protection. Lucy Activewear will also close its entire store network as it has merged with the North Face brand. JCPenney will be closing 13%–14% of its stores, while Crocs will be closing 29% of its stores. 2) Store opening announcements: Lidl announced plans to open 100 stores within a year and Dick’s Sporting Goods plans to open five more stores. Ross Stores is on track with its plan to open 90 stores in 2017. 3) Management changes: Ten major retailers that we track have announced management changes, including Adidas, ALDO, Barneys, Calvin Klein, Céline, Crocs, Louis Vuitton, Next, Tiffany & Co. and Tory Burch. 4) Other major announcements: Skip Hop Holdings, Blue Nile and Wet Seal have been acquired by institutional investors. Hudson’s Bay Co. failed to reach an agreement to acquire Macy’s. Other announcements include: Kate Spade is putting itself up for sale, Neiman Marcus is restructuring its debt and Finish Line Inc. has sold off JackRabbit to a fund. Deep Dive: US Retail—Store Closure and Management Change Tracker Deborah Weinswig Managing Director, Fung Global Retail & Technology [email protected] US: 917.655.6790 HK: 852.6119.1779 CN: 86.186.1420.3016

Transcript of Deep Dive: US Retail—Store Closure and … Barneys, Calvin Klein, Céline, Crocs, Louis Vuitton,...

1

DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

KeyTakeaways

1) Storeclosureandbankruptcyannouncements:BCBGwillbeclosingallofitsstoresasithasfiledforbankruptcyprotection.LucyActivewearwillalsocloseitsentirestorenetworkasithasmergedwiththeNorthFacebrand.JCPenneywillbeclosing13%–14%ofitsstores,whileCrocswillbeclosing29%ofitsstores.

2) Storeopeningannouncements:Lidlannouncedplanstoopen100storeswithinayearandDick’sSportingGoodsplanstoopenfivemorestores.RossStoresisontrackwithitsplantoopen90storesin2017.

3) Managementchanges:Tenmajorretailersthatwetrackhaveannouncedmanagementchanges,includingAdidas,ALDO,Barneys,CalvinKlein,Céline,Crocs,LouisVuitton,Next,Tiffany&Co.andToryBurch.

4) Othermajorannouncements:SkipHopHoldings,BlueNileandWetSealhavebeenacquiredbyinstitutionalinvestors.Hudson’sBayCo.failedtoreachanagreementtoacquireMacy’s.Otherannouncementsinclude:KateSpadeisputtingitselfupforsale,NeimanMarcusisrestructuringitsdebtandFinishLineInc.hassoldoffJackRabbittoafund.

Deep Dive:

US Retail—Store Closure and

Management Change Tracker

Deborah Weinswig

Managing Director,

Fung Global Retail & Technology

[email protected]

US: 917.655.6790

HK: 852.6119.1779

CN: 86.186.1420.3016

2

DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

TableofContents

ExecutiveSummary...........................................................................................................2SummaryofMajorAnnouncements...........................................................................................2

StoreClosings..................................................................................................................11JCPenney..................................................................................................................................11LucyActivewear.......................................................................................................................12BCBG........................................................................................................................................12GordmansStoresInc................................................................................................................12CrocsInc...................................................................................................................................13

StoreOpenings................................................................................................................13RossStores...............................................................................................................................13Lidl...........................................................................................................................................13Dick’sSportingGoods...............................................................................................................14

ManagementChanges.....................................................................................................15Adidas......................................................................................................................................15ALDOGroupInc........................................................................................................................15Barneys....................................................................................................................................16CalvinKlein..............................................................................................................................16Céline.......................................................................................................................................17CrocsInc...................................................................................................................................17LouisVuitton............................................................................................................................18Next.........................................................................................................................................18Tiffany&Co.............................................................................................................................19ToryBurch................................................................................................................................19

OtherMajorAnnouncements..........................................................................................20DebtRestructuring...................................................................................................................20

NeimanMarcus...............................................................................................................20SaleofBrand............................................................................................................................20

FinishLine........................................................................................................................20Acquisitions.............................................................................................................................20

Macy’s.............................................................................................................................20WetSeal..........................................................................................................................20SkipHopHoldings............................................................................................................21BlueNile..........................................................................................................................21

PotentialSale...........................................................................................................................21KateSpade&Co..............................................................................................................21

3

DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

ExecutiveSummaryThisisthesecondreportoftheStoreClosureandManagementChangeTrackerseries.Wetrackmajorannouncementsfromretailers,suchasstoreclosures,openings,managementchangesandM&A,aswebelievethiswillprovideinsightsintotheoverallhealthoftheretailindustry.Inthisreport,wetrackannouncementsthatoccurredbetweenFebruary17andMarch10.

SummaryofMajorAnnouncements

• Storeclosures:LucyActivewearwillcloseitsentirestorenetworkon 2017.ThebrandwillbemergedintoNorthFace.Inasubsequent announcementtoitsintentiontoclosestores,madeknownin January,JCPenneystatedthatitwillclose130-140stores,or13%–14%ofitsstorefleet,inthenextfewmonths.BCBGwillcloseallofits 200storesasitpreparestofileforbankruptcy.GordmansStoreshas filedforChapter11bankruptcyprotectionandwillcloseallofits101 stores.Crocswillbeclosing160stores,or29%ofallstoresbytheend of2018.

• Bankruptcies:BCBGandGordmansStoreshavefiledforbankruptcy.

• Storeopenings:USdiscounterRossStoreswillopen90newstoresin 2017,with28alreadyopenedyear-to-date2017.Germandiscounter LidlisexecutingitsUSexpansionstrategyandplanstoopen100 storesontheEastCoastinoneyear.Dick’sSportingGoodswillopen storesinthreestates.

• Managementchanges:Tenmoremajorretailershaveannounced managementchangessinceFebruary10,includingAdidas,ALDO, Barneys,CalvinKlein,Céline,Crocs,LouisVuitton,Next,Tiffanyand ToryBurch.

• Othermajorannouncements:Threemajorretailers—SkipHop Holdings,BlueNile,andWetSeal—haveannouncedthattheyhave beenacquired.FinishLinehassoldoffJackRabbit,oneofitsbrands with65stores.SkipHopHoldingshasagreedtoacashofferof$140 millionbyCarter’sInc.KateSpadehasputitselfupforsale.BlueNile hasagreedtoaprivatizationsaleof$500milliontoaninvestorgroup madeupofBainCapitalPrivateEquity,BowStreetandAdama Partners.WetSealhasbeenacquiredbyglobaladvisoryfirmGordon Brothersfor$3million.Hudson’sBayCo.’sbidforMacy’swas unsuccessful.

4 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

Figure1:StoreClosureAnnouncements

AnnouncementDate Segment Retailer

NumberofStoreClosings

%ofTotalStoreBase Status

ReasonsforStoreClosure Long-TermPlan

UseofFreed-UpCapital FinancialImpact

Mar13,2017

DepartmentStores

GordmansStoresInc.

101 100% Gordmansisfilingforbankruptcy.

Sluggishmalltrafficandshiftofshopperstoonline.

NA NA EnteredintoagreementwithTigerCapitalandGreatAmericanGroupforaliquidationsale.

Mar1,2017 Footwear CrocsInc. 160 29% Tobecompletedbytheendof2018

Struggledwithrecentsalesperformanceduetotheshiftincustomers’tastesanddwindlingstoretraffic.

Improveoperatingefficiencybyfocusingonprofitablestores.

NA Managementexpectssalestobeupinthemid-single-digitsover2017and2018,primarilydrivenbytheclosingofunproductivestores.

Feb24,2017

DepartmentStores

JCPenney 130-140 13%–14% Tobecompletedinthenextfewmonths

Storesidentifiedforclosureeitherrequiresignificantcapitaltoachievethecompany’snewbrandstandardorareminimallycashflowpositivewithbelowaveragecomparablesalesperformance.

Alignthecompany’sbrick-and-mortarpresencewithitsomnichannelnetworkandoptimizeitsnationalretailoperations.

Reallocatecapitaltoinvestinlocationsandinitiativesthatofferthegreatestrevenuepotential.

Annualcostsavingsestimatedataround$200million.Expecttorecordapre-taxchargeof$225millionin1H17duetoleaseterminationobligationexpenses,non-cashassetimpairmentsandtransitioncosts.

Feb24,2017

WomenSportswear

LucyActivewear

44 100% Tobecompletedbyend-2017orearly2018

Intensecompetitionintheathleticwearsectorhasputhugepressureonthebrand’sperformance.

LucywillmergewiththeNorthFacebrand.BothbrandsareownedbyVFCorporation.Mostofthe44storeswillremainopen,atleastthroughthefallof2017.

NA NA

5 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

AnnouncementDate Segment Retailer

NumberofStoreClosings

%ofTotalStoreBase Status

ReasonsforStoreClosure Long-TermPlan

UseofFreed-UpCapital FinancialImpact

March1,2017

Apparel BCBG 120 100% Hasfiledforbankruptcy

BCBGhasstruggledtoadapttotheshifttodigitalcommerce.Itishavingdifficultiesinmeetingitsdebtandrentobligation.Theretailstorebusinesshasdeclinedby20%overthepastthreeyears.

NA Receiveda$45milliondebtors-in-possessioncommitmenttoensurenormaloperation.

Currentlyworkingwithfinancialandlegaltoenactbankruptcyproceedings.

Source:Companyreports/Bloomberg/FungGlobalRetail&Technology

Figure2:StoreOpeningAnnouncements

DateAnnounced Segment Retailer Reason

StoreOpenings Status

Mar6,2017 Discounter RossStores Thenewstoreopeningsaimtofurtherstrengthentheretailer’spresenceintheMidwest,whereapproximatelyone-thirdofthestoresarelocated.NewstoreswillalsobeopenedinlargermarketsincludingCalifornia,FloridaandTexas.

90 23RossDressforLessand5dd’sDISCOUNTSopeningshavebeencompleted.Theremainingstoreswillbeopenedwithin2017,withaplannedtotalopeningof70RossDressforLessand20dd’sDISCOUNTSstores.

Feb21,2017 Discounter Lidl LidlisexecutingitsexpansionstrategyintotheUSmarket.AllstoresarelocatedontheEastCoast.

100 In-progress;expectedtobecompletedinoneyear.

Feb21,2017

Sportinggoods

Dick’sSportingGoods

Toexpandintonewcities. 5 TobecompletedbythesecondweekofMarch.

Source:Companyreports/FungGlobalRetail&Technology

6 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

Figure3:ManagementChangeAnnouncementsDateAnnounced In/Out Company Name Title Profile Reason StatusMar7,2017 + Adidas Harm

OhlmeyerChiefFinancialOfficer

Ohlmeyer,49,startedhiscareerwithAdidasin1998andgainedextensiveexperienceintheareasofFinanceandSales.Since2011,hehasledthecompany’sglobale-commercebusiness,mostrecentlyasSVPDigitalBrandCommerce.From2014to2016,OhlmeyerheldadditionalresponsibilityasSVPSalesStrategyandExcellence.E-commercesalesincreasedfrom€50millionto€1billionduringhistenure.

StalkerdecidednottoextendhisroleasCFObeyondtheendofhiscurrentcontract.ThemovealsocoincideswiththechangeofCEOlatelastyear.

EffectiveMay12

Mar7,2017 – Adidas RobinJ.Stalker

ChiefFinancialOfficer

StalkerhasservedasCFOofAdidasfor16years,alongsideformerCEOHerbertHainer,whowasreplacedbyKasparRorstedlastOctober.Underthetutelageoftheduo,Adidas’salesmorethantripled,earningsincreasedmorethanfivefoldandthevalueofthecompanyrosefrom€3billiontomorethan€30billion.

Mar3,2017 + ALDOGroupInc.

DavidBensadoun

ChiefExecutiveOfficer

Bensadounjoinedthecompanyin1995asaprojectmanagerandrosethroughtherankstohismostrecentroleasPresidentofALDOGroupNorthAmerica(AGNA).

Themoveispartofaseniormanagementchange. EffectiveApril3Mar3,2017 – ALDOGroup

Inc.PatrikFrisk ChiefExecutive

OfficerFriskhasservedastheCEOofAldosince2014andwaspraisedforhis“incrediblevisionandwithagreatsensitivitytothecompany’sstronganddiverseculture,”asquotedfromtheCompany’spressrelease.

7 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

DateAnnounced In/Out Company Name Title Profile Reason StatusFeb21,2017

– Barneys DennisFreedman

ExecutiveVicePresidentandCreativeDirector

Freedmanspearheadedanumberofcreativeinitiativesincludingthe2014“Brothers,Sisters,Sons&Daughters”campaignwithBruceWeberthatspotlighted17transgendermenandwomen,aswellascollaborationswithLadyGaga,JayZ,BazLuhrmann,MiucciaPradaandJohnGalliano.Freedmanalsoforgedpartnershipsforthewindowdisplayswithinfluentialartists,includingTheRoyLichtensteinFoundation,AlexKatz,RobPruittandNickCave.

Freedmanplanstopursuenewopportunities,accordingtoaninternalmemo.

Inthenearterm,FreedmanwillserveasthecuratorofaBarneysNewYorkprojecttoberevealedinMay.

Feb27,2017

+ CalvinKlein LuellaBartley HeadofGlobalDesignforCalvinKleinJeans

Bartleywastheco-founderandco-designerofHillierBartley,aluxuryready-to-wearandaccessoriescompany.Shealsohadashortstintasheadofwomen’sRTWdesignatMarcbyMarcJacobs,priortowhichsheownedherownnamesakeline,Luellaformorethan10years.

Noreasonspecified. Effectiveimmediately

Feb24,2017

+ Céline SéverineMerle

ChiefExecutiveOfficer

Merle,whoworkedunderBerlutiChairmanAntoineArnault,isaveteranofLVMH,havingworkedatitsflagshipVuittonbrandasitsgeneralmangerforFranceandwomen’swearmerchandisingdirector.ShestartedherLVMHcareeratKenzo,movingontoitsParisdepartmentstoreLeBonMarché,firstasdirectorofimageandlaterascommercialdirector.SheiscurrentlytheexecutivevicepresidentatBerluti.

AdvancementintoavacantpostafterMarcoGobbetti,thenCEOofCeline,leftforBurberryinJanuary.

EffectiveApril1

8 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

DateAnnounced In/Out Company Name Title Profile Reason StatusMar1,2017 + CrocsInc. AndrewRees ChiefExecutive

OfficerHeservedasthePresidentofCrocssince2014.HepreviouslyworkedatL.E.KConsultingandReebokInternationalpriortojoiningCrocs. Managementshuffleto

reinvigoratethecompany’sperformance

EffectiveJune1Mar1,2017 – CrocsInc. GreggRibatt ChiefExecutive

OfficerHeservedastheCEOofStrideRiteGroupandCOOofStuartWeitzmanHoldingspriortojoiningCrocsasCEO.

Feb24,2017

+ LouisVuitton LanessaElrod PresidentoftheAmericasZone

ElrodjoinedVuittonin2010asdirectorofmarketingforleathergoods,risingthroughtherankstobecomevicepresidentofmerchandisingforLouisVuittonAmericasandthenseniorvicepresidentofVuitton’sretailnetworkinAmerica.

Executiveshuffletofillvacantposts. EffectiveApril1Feb24,

2017– LouisVuitton Anthony

LedruPresidentoftheAmericasZone

LedruspenttwoyearshelmingtheAmericas,havingjoinedVuittonfromTiffany&Co.HisrésuméincludesstintsatHarryWinstonInternationalandCartier.

Feb24,2017

+ LouisVuitton AnthonyLedru

ExecutiveVicePresident,CommercialActivities

LedruspenttwoyearshelmingtheAmericas,havingjoinedVuittonfromTiffany&Co.HisrésuméincludesstintsatHarryWinstonInternationalandCartier.

Feb14,2017

– Next JohnBarton Chairman BartonjoinedtheBoardofNextin2002.HewasappointedDeputyChairmanin2004andChairmanin2006.

Bartonis72andthemanagementchangeispartofhisretirementplan.

Bartonwillretireon1August2017.RoneyservesasDeputyChairmanandChairmanDesignatewitheffectfrom14February2017,untilhesucceedsBarton’srole.

Feb14,2017

+ Next MichaelRoney

Chairman RoneywastheCEOofBunzlplc,aFTSE100listeddistributionandoutsourcingbusiness,from2005untilhisretirementinApril2016.HeiscurrentlyChairmanofGraftonGroupplcandanon-executivedirectorofBrown-FormanCorporation.Roneywasalsoformerlyanon-executivedirectorofJohnsonMattheyPlc

9 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

DateAnnounced In/Out Company Name Title Profile Reason Status

Feb22,2017

+ Tiffany FrancescoTrapani

IndependentDirectorontheBoard

TrapaniwastheformerCEOofBulgari.HeandJANAPartners,anactivistfund,togetherown5.1%ofTiffany.

TiffanyreachedadealwithactivistinvestorJANAPartnerstoappointthreeindependentdirectorstoitsboardandoverseethesearchforanewCEO.

Trapani,FarahandLilliewilljointheBoardnolaterthanMarch6,2017.

Feb22,2017

+ Tiffany RogerFarah IndependentDirectorontheBoard

FarahwastheCo-CEOatToryBurch.

Feb22,2017

+ Tiffany JamesLillie IndependentDirectorontheBoard

LilliewastheformerCEOatJardenCorporation

Feb23,2017

– ToryBurch RogerFarah Co-CEO Farah,whojoinedToryBurchin2014,istheformerViceChairmanofRalphLaurenCorp.HeisoftencreditedwithtransformingLaurenintoaglobalpowerhouse.

Noreasonspecified.ThechangewillbeeffectiveMarch1,2017.

Feb23,2017

+ ToryBurch RogerFarah ExecutiveDirector(Advisoryrole)

Source:Companyreports/WWD/Bloomberg/FungGlobalRetail&Technology

10 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

Figure4:OtherMajorAnnouncements

DateAnnounced Segment Retailer

AnnouncementNature SummaryofEvent Status

Mar3,2017 DepartmentStore

NeimanMarcus DebtRestructuring

NeimanMarcushashiredinvestmentbankLazardLtdtorestructureitsdebtobligation,withtheaimofexploringwaystobolsterthebalancesheetasitseeksrelieffrom$4.9billionindebt.Sourcessaidthecompanyisinnoimmediateriskofbankruptcy.

In-progress

Mar3,2017 DepartmentStore

Macy’s Acquisition TalksbetweenMacy’sandHudson’sBayCo.havefailed,asbothpartieswereunabletoarriveatamutualsellingprice.Macy’sisseekingapotentialbuyer,whileHudson’sBayCo.isfocusingonitsacquisitionstrategy.

Unsuccessful

Mar3,2017 Apparel WetSeal Acquisition TheintellectualpropertyofthecompanyhasbeenacquiredbythebrandsdivisionofglobaladvisoryfirmGordonBrothersfor$3million.RamezToubassy,PresidentofGordonBrothers’branddivision,saidWetSealwill,fornow,existinthee-ecommercechannelandinwholesalevialicensing.

Completed

Feb24,2017 Footwear FinishLine Saleofbrand FinishLineInc.hascompletedthesaleofitsJackRabbitdivisiontoaffiliatesofCriticalPointCapitalLLCfornopayment.ThebuyeracquiredalltheJackRabbitassets,inventory,leaseholdinterests,customaryliabilities,intellectualpropertyandtheJackRabbittrademark,including65stores.Thesellerhasalsoagreedtopay$8.3milliontothebuyerforthepurposeofsettlingliabilitiescreatedbythesale.

Completed

Feb23,2017 ChildrenAccessories

SkipHopHoldings Acquisition Carter’sInc.hasacquiredSkipHopHoldingsfromFiremanCapitalPartnersfor$140millionincash.Carter’sisababies’andyoungchildren’sapparelbrand,whileSkipHopproduceschildren’saccessories,suchasdiaperbags,backpacksandtravelaccessories.

Completed

Feb17,2017 SpecialtyRetailers

BlueNile Acquisition BlueNilehasbeenprivatizedandacquiredforapproximately$500millionbyaninvestorgroupmadeupofBainCapitalPrivateEquity,BowStreetandAdamaPartners.

Completed

Feb16,2017 LuxuryGoods KateSpade&Co. PotentialSale KateSpadeisexploringtheoptionofasale,whichisoneofthestrategicalternativestoboostvalueforthecompany’sshareholders.AsofFebruary16,CoachandMichaelKorsareamongthebuyersthathaveenteredthesecondroundofthesaleprocess.

In-progress

Source:Companyreports/WWD/Bloomberg/FungGlobalRetail&Technology

11 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

StoreClosings

JCPenney

InasubsequentannouncementafteritsCEOMarvinEllisoncommentedinearlyJanuaryaboutthecompany’sintentiontoclosestores,JCPenneystatedthatitwillclose130–140stores,or13%–14%ofitsstorefleet,inthenextfewmonths.Theexactnumbersareyettobeconfirmed,accordingtoEllison.

• Reasonforstoreclosings:Aresourceallocationdecisionduetointensifyingcompetitionfrome-commerce.Thestoresidentifiedforclosureeitherrequiresignificantcapitaltoachievethecompany’snewbrandstandardorarebarelycashflowpositivewithbelowaveragecomparablesalesperformance.

• Numberofstorestobeshut:ItisestimatedJCPenneywillclose130–140,or13%–14%ofitsstores,inthenexttwofewmonths,accordingtothecompanyannouncement.

• Capitaldeployment:Thecompanyisredirectingcapitalresourcestoinvestinlocationsande-commerceinitiativesthatofferthegreatestrevenuepotential.JCPenneyaimstoalignitsbrick-and-mortarpresencewithitsomnichannelnetworkandoptimizeitsretailoperations.

Figure5.JCPenneyStoreCount

*Assume140storeswillbeclosedSource:Companyreports/Cowen&Co/FungGlobalRetail&Technology

1,108 1,106 1,112 1,114 1,104 1,062 1,021881

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017*

Num

bero

fStores

12 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&Technology

[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

LucyActivewear

LucyActivewearwillcloseall44existingstores,accordingtoareportbyKGW,alocalPortlandTVstation,onFebruary24,2017.Thestoresareexpectedtobeclosedbytheendof2017orearly2018.LucyisownedbyVFCorporation.

• Reasonforstoreclosings:Thedecisiontoclosestoreswasdrivenbytoughercompetitionamongwomen’sactivewearcompaniessuchasAthletaandLululemon,accordingtoLucyspokesperson.

• Long-termplan:LucywillbemergedintotheNorthFacebrand,whichisalsoownedbyVFCorporation.Mostofthe44storeswillremainopen,atleastthroughthefallof2017.

• Capitaldeployment:NodecisionhasbeenmadeastotheallocationofLucy’sassetsafterthemergerwithNorthFace.

BCBG

BCBGofficiallyfiledforbankruptcyonMarch1andwillcloseallofitsretail120storesaspartoftherestructuringplan,accordingtoReuters.BCBGhadpreviouslyannouncedonJanuary18itsintentiontoclosestores.

• Reasonforbankruptcy:Thecompanyhasbeenstrugglingtoadapttotheshifttodigitalcommerce.Itishavingdifficultiesinmeetingitsdebtandrentobligation.Theretailstorebusinesshasdeclinedby20%overthepastthreeyears.

• Long-termplan:BCBGhasfiledforbankruptcyandiscurrentlyworkingwithitsfinancialandlegaladvisors.Ithasreceiveda$45millioncommitmentofdebtor-in-possessionasitsworkingcapitaltoensurenormaloperationsunderthechapter11bankruptcyproceeding.

GordmansStoresInc.

Gordmansisfilingforbankruptcy,accordingtoanofficial companyannouncement.

• Reasonforbankruptcy:Thecompanyisfacingachallengingbusinessenvironmentwithsluggishmalltrafficandshoppers’shifttoonlineshopping.

• Numberofstorestobeshut:Allofthecompany’s101storeswilllikelybeclosed.

• Bankruptcysale:GordmansannouncedthatithasenteredintoanagreementwithTigerCapitalGroup,LLCandGreatAmericanGroup,LLCforthesaleinliquidationoftheinventoryandotherassetsofGordmans'retailstoresanddistributioncenters,subjecttocourtapprovalorabetteroffer.

13 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

CrocsInc.

CrocsInc.announcedonMar7,2017thatitwillclose160stores,or29%ofitsstorefleet,bytheendof2018.

• Reasonforstoreclosings:Thecompanyhasstruggledwithsalesperformanceamidashiftincustomers’taste.Thedwindlingofstoretrafficalsohashadanegativeimpact.

• Numberofstorestobeshut:160stores,or29%ofitstotalstorefleet,willbeclosedbytheendof2018.

• Capitaldeployment:Thecompanywillfocusonimprovingtheoperatingefficiency.Managementexpectssalestobeupinthemid-single-digitsover2017and2018,primarilydrivenbytheclosingofunproductivestores.

StoreOpeningsRossStores

RossStoresannouncedonMarch6,2017thatithasalreadyopened28storessincethestartof2017.Thisispartofitspreviouslyannouncedplantoopenupto90newstoresbytheendof2017.

• Reasonforstoreopenings:Thenewstoreopeningsareexpectedtofurtherstrengthentheretailer’spresenceintheMidwest,whereapproximatelyone-thirdofthestoresarelocated.NewstoreswillalsobeopenedinlargermarketsincludingCalifornia,FloridaandTexas.

• Status:Sofar,23RossDressforLessand5dd’sDISCOUNTSstoreshavebeenopened.Theremainingstoreswillbeopenedwithin2017,withaplannedtotalopeningof70RossDressforLessand20dd’sDISCOUNTSstores.

Lidl

LidlannouncedonFebruary21,2017,thatitwillopen100storesontheEastCoast.

• Reasonforstoreopenings:Lidl’sstoreopeningsannouncementispartofitsplannedexpansionintotheUSmarket.

• Status:Thenewstoreopeningsareontracktobecompletedwithinayear.AsnotedfromtheLidlprototypestore,thesenewstoresintheUSwillbearound35%largerthantheirbiggerstoresinEurope,ataround21,000squarefeet,tocaterfortheneedsoftheUSmarket.

• Financialimpact:Salescouldexceed$2billionbytheendofitssecondyearofoperationintheUS,accordingtoKantarRetail.

14 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

Figure6.LidlStoreCount

Source:KantarRetailAnalysis

Dick’sSportingGoods

Dick’sSportingGoodsannouncedonFebruary21,2017,thatitwillbeopeningfivenewstoresinthethreedifferentstates.

• Reasonforstoreopenings:Thenewstoreswillallowthecompanytohaveagreaterexposuretoconsumers.

• Status:AllopeningswillbecompletedbythesecondweekofMarch.

20

120

230

330

430

530

630

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

2017E 2018E 2019E 2020E 2021E 2022E 2023E

15 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

ManagementChangesAdidas

AdidasannouncedonMarch7,2017,thatHarmOhlmeyerwillreplaceRobinJ.StalkerasthenewCFO.ThechangewilltakeeffectonMay12.

• Reasonforappointment:StalkerdecidednottoextendhisroleasCFObeyondtheendofhiscurrentcontract.ThemovealsocoincideswiththechangeofCEOlatelastyear.

• ProfileofincomingCFO:OhlmeyerstartedhiscareerwithAdidasin1998andgainedextensiveexperienceintheareasoffinanceandsales.Since2011,hehasledthecompany’sglobale-commercebusiness,mostrecentlyasSVPDigitalBrandCommerce.From2014to2016,heheldadditionalresponsibilitiesasSVPSalesStrategyandExcellence.E-commercesalesincreasedfrom€50millionto€1billionduringhistenure.

• ProfileofoutgoingCFO:StalkerhasservedasCFOofAdidasfor16years,alongsideformerCEOHerbertHainer,whowasreplacedbyKasparRorstedinOctober2016.Duringhistenure,Adidas’salesmorethantripled,earningsincreasedmorethanfivefoldandthevalueofthecompanyrosefrom€3billiontomorethan€30billion.

• Strategicchangesaccompanyingthemanagementchange:None.OhlmeyerisexpectedtoassistthenewCEOinexecutingtheUSexpansionstrategyanddigitalization,whichwassetoutasafive-yeargoalbyformerCEOHerbertHainer.

ALDOGroupInc.

ALDOannouncedonMarch3,2017,thatDavidBensadounwillreplacePatrikFriskasthenewCEO.

• Reasonforappointment:ThemoveisseenaspartofaseniormanagementchangeandwilltakeeffectonApril3.

• ProfileofincomingCEO:Bensadounjoinedthecompanyin1995asaprojectmanagerandrosethroughtherankstohismostrecentroleasPresidentofALDOGroupNorthAmerica(AGNA).

• ProfileofoutgoingCEO:FriskhasservedastheCEOofAldosince2014andwaspraisedforhis“incrediblevisionandhavingagreatsensitivitytothecompany’sstronganddiverseculture,”accordingtothecompany’spressrelease.

• Strategicchangesaccompanyingthemanagementchange:Noneisexpected.

16 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&Technology

[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

Barneys

BarneysannouncedonFebruary21,2017,thatDennisFreedman,ExecutiveVicePresidentandCreativeDirector,hasofficiallylefthispostinthecompany.

• Reasonfordeparture:Freedmanlefttopursuenewopportunities,accordingtoaninternalmemofromBarneys.

• Replacementplan:ThereplacementforCreativeDirectorhasyettobeannounced.Freedman,inthenearterm,willcontinuetoserveasthecuratorforaBarneysNewYorkprojecttoberevealedinMay.

• ProfileofoutgoingCreativeDirector:Freedmanspearheadedanumberofcreativeinitiatives,includingthe2014“Brothers,Sisters,Sons&Daughters”campaignwithBruceWeberthatspotlighted17transgendermenandwomen,aswellascollaborationswithLadyGaga,JayZ,BazLuhrmann,MiucciaPradaandJohnGalliano.FreedmanalsoforgedpartnershipsforthewindowdisplayswithinfluentialartistsincludingTheRoyLichtensteinFoundation,AlexKatz,RobPruittandNickCave.Freedmanalsooversawthedesignofthecompany’sdowntownflagshipstore,whichopenedinChelsea,NewYorkinFebruary2016.

• Strategicchangesaccompanyingthemanagementchange:Unknown.TheCreativeDirectorisoftenthemostinfluentialindividualoveracompany’sproductoffering.WewillawaitfurtherannouncementsregardingtheappointmentofanewCreativeDirectorforBarneysinordertogaugetheimpactofsuchamanagementchange.

CalvinKlein

CalvinKleinannouncedonFebruary27,2017theappointmentofLuellaBartleyasHeadofGlobalDesignCalvinKleinJeans.

• Reasonforappointment:TheappointmentwasmadetofillthevacantpostleftbythedepartureofKevinCarrigan,whowasresponsibleforCalvinKleinJeansbeforejoiningRalphLaureninAugust2016.

• ProfileofincomingHeadofGlobalDesignCalvinKleinJeans:Bartleywastheco-founderandco-designerofHillierBartley,aluxuryready-to-wearandaccessoriescompany.Shealsohadashortstintasheadofwomen’sRTWdesignatMarcbyMarcJacobs,priortowhichsheownedherownnamesakeline,Luellaformorethan10years.

• Strategicchangesaccompanyingthemanagementchange:None.BartleywilloverseedesignofallCalvinKleinJeansproductsgloballytoachieveonecohesivevisionforthebrand,whichisinlinewiththebrand’sbusinessstrategy.

17 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

Céline

CélineannouncedonFebruary24,2017,theappointmentofSéverineMerleasCEO,effectiveApril1.

• Reasonforappointment:Merle’sappointmenttoCEOisamovetofillthevacantpostleftbyMarcoGobbetti,wholeftforBurberryinJanuary2017.

• ProfileofincomingCEO:Merle,whoworkedunderBerlutiChairmanAntoineArnault,hasworkedattheflagshipVuittonbrandasitsgeneralmangerforFranceandwomen’swearmerchandisingdirector.ShestartedherLVMHcareeratKenzo,movingontoitsParisdepartmentstoreLeBonMarché,firstasdirectorofimageandlaterascommercialdirector.SheiscurrentlytheexecutivevicepresidentatBerluti.

• Strategicchangesaccompanyingthemanagementchange:AccordingtoaninterviewbetweenWDDandPierre-YvesRoussel,CEOofLVMHGroup,incomingCEOMerlewillapplyherstrongretailandproductexpertisetoastrongretailfoundation.SheistospearheadthelaunchofCéline’se-commercesiteattheendof2017,asmanagementrecognizesthepotentialintheonlinemarketplace.

CrocsInc.

CrocsInc.announcedonMarch3,2017,thatAndrewReeswillreplaceGreggRibattasCEO.

• Reasonforappointment:Themanagementshuffleisaimedatreinvigoratingthecompany.ThechangewillbeeffectiveonJune1.

• ProfileofincomingCEO:ReeshasservedasthePresidentofCrocssince2014.HepreviouslyworkedatL.E.KConsultingandReebokInternationalpriortojoiningCrocs.

• ProfileofoutgoingCEO:RibattservedastheCEOofStrideRiteGroupandCOOofStuartWeitzmanHoldingspriortojoiningCrocsasCEO.

• Strategicchangesaccompanyingthemanagementchange:Tobedetermined.ItshouldbenotedthatCrocsInc.alsomadestoreclosureannouncementstogetherwiththeaboveexecutivechange.Thecompanyisexpectedtocontinueitsstrategyofcostcuttingandconsolidationfortheimmediatefuture.

18 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

LouisVuitton

LouisVuittonannouncedonFebruary24,2017,thatLanessaElrodwillbeappointedthePresidentoftheAmericasRegion,replacingAnthonyLedru,whowillbecometheExecutiveVicePresident,CommercialActivities.AllchangesareeffectiveApril1.

• Reasonformanagementchange:Themanagementshuffleaimstofillvacantposts.

• Profileofnewmanagement:ElrodjoinedVuittonin2010asdirectorofmarketingforleathergoods,risingthroughtherankstobecomevicepresidentofmerchandisingforLouisVuittonAmericasandthenseniorvicepresidentofVuitton’sretailnetworkinAmerica.ShealsohadpreviousexperienceatSaksFifthAvenueandBergdorfGoodman.

LedruhasspenttwoyearshelmingtheAmericas,havingjoinedVuittonfromTiffany&Co.HisrésuméincludesstintsatHarryWinstonInternationalandCartier.

• Strategicchangesaccompanyingthemanagementchange:Tobeconfirmed.

Next

NextannouncedonFebruary14,2017,thatMichaelRoneyissettoreplaceJohnBartonastheChairman.

• Reasonforappointment:BartonwillretireonAugust1,2017.Roney’sappointmentispartofBarton’sretirementplan.RoneywillserveasDeputyChairmanandChairmanDesignatewitheffectfromFebruary14,2017,untilhesucceedsBarton’sroleinAugust2017.

• ProfileofincomingChairman:Roney,age62,hasextensivebusinessexperience.HewasChiefExecutiveofBunzlplc,aFTSE100listeddistributionandoutsourcingbusiness,from2005untilhisretirementinApril2016.HeiscurrentlyChairmanofGraftonGroupplcandanon-executivedirectorofBrown-FormanCorporation.Hewasalsoformerlyanon-executivedirectorofJohnsonMattheyPlc.

• ProfileofoutgoingChairman:BartonbecameamemberoftheBoardofNextin2002.HewasappointedDeputyChairmanin2004andChairmanin2006.

• Strategicchangesaccompanyingthemanagementchange:Tobeconfirmed.

19 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

Tiffany&Co.

TiffanyhasannouncedtheadditionofthreeIndependentDirectorstotheBoardonFebruary22,2017.FrancescoTrapani,RogerFarahandJamesLilliewilljointheBoardnolaterthanMarch6,2017.

• Reasonformanagementchange:TiffanyhasreachedadealwithactivistinvestorJANAPartnersandTrapani,whichtheytogetherowns5.1%ofthecompany,toappointthreeindependentdirectorstoitsBoardandtooverseethesearchforanewCEOafteradifficultperiodforthecompany,whichresultedinthedepartureofCEOFredericCumenalinearlyFebruary.

• Profileofnewmanagement:TrapaniwastheformerCEOofBulgari.HeandJANAPartners,anactivistfund,togetherown5.1%ofTiffany.Farahwastheco-CEOatretailerToryBurch.JamesLilliewastheformerCEOatJardenCorporation.

• Strategicchangesaccompanyingthemanagementchange:Tobedetermined.CumenalwasnotabletoprovideTiffany’sBoardofDirectorsasatisfactoryfinancialreturn.TheactiveparticipationofJANAPartnerssignalsthatmorechangesmightbeimminentwithintheseniorhierarchyofthecompanyasshareholdersseekamanagementteamthatcanleadasuccessfulturnaround.

ToryBurch

ToryBurchannouncedthatRogerFarahwillceasetoserveastheCo-CEO,andwillassumeanadvisoryroleasanExecutiveDirector.ThechangewillbeeffectiveMarch1,2017.

• Reasonformanagementchange:Noreasonwasspecified.

• ProfileofoutgoingCo-CEO:Farah,whojoinedBurchin2014,istheformerViceChairmanofRalphLaurenCorp.HeisoftencreditedwithtransformingLaurenintoaglobalpowerhouse.

• Strategicchangesaccompanyingthemanagementchange:None.NomajorstrategicchangesareexpectedasToryBurchremainstheCEO,withRogerstayinginthecompany,althoughinanadvisoryrole.

20 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

OtherMajorAnnouncementsDebtRestructuringNeimanMarcus

NeimanMarcushashiredinvestmentbankLazardLtdtorestructureitsdebtobligationtobolsterthebalancesheetasitseeksrelieffrom$4.9billionindebt.ThecompanyisfacingheadwindsthataresharedbyotherUSretailers.Lowerenergypriceshavenegativelyimpactedthecompany,asmanyofitsaffluentshoppersinTexashavecurbedtheirspending.Muchofthecompany’sdebtloadstemsfromits$6billionleveragedbuyoutin2013,whenitscurrentowners,AresManagementLPandCanadaPensionPlanInvestmentBoard(CPPIB),acquireditfromotherprivateequityfirms.SourcessaidNeimanMarcusisinnoimmediateriskofbankruptcy.

SaleofBrandFinishLine

FinishLineInc.completedthesaleofitsJackRabbitdivisiontoaffiliatesofCriticalPointCapitalLLCfornopayment.ThebuyeracquiredallJackRabbitassets,inventory,leaseholdinterests,customaryliabilities,intellectualpropertyandtheJackRabbittrademark,including65stores.Thesellerhasalsoagreedtopay$8.3milliontothebuyerforthepurposeofsettlingliabilitiescreatedbythesale.TheaimofthesaleistohelpFinishLineunloadleasesfortheJackRabbitstores.Thistransactionmarksthe$40millionconsolidationofmom-and-poprunningshoesretailersthatbegansixyearsago.Theriseoffashion-focusedathleisureitemshadanegativeimpactonperformance-orientedshoessoldbyFinishLine.

AcquisitionsMacy’s

TalksbetweenMacy’sandHudson’sBayCo.havefailed,asbothpartieswereunabletoarriveatamutualsellingprice.Macy’sisseekingapotentialbuyer,whileHudson’sBayCo.isfocusingonitsacquisitionstrategy.

WetSeal

Pursuanttoitsbankruptcyfiling,whichwewroteaboutinourfirstreport,WetSeal’sintellectualpropertyassetshavenowbeenacquiredbythebrandsdivisionofglobaladvisoryfirmGordonBrothersfor$3million.RamezToubassy,PresidentofGordonBrothers’branddivision,saidWetSealwill,fornow,existinthee-ecommercechannelandinwholesalevialicensing.Hedidnotruleoutthepossibilityofoperating

21 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

stand-aloneWetSealstoresinthefuture,andbelievesthereisabusinessopportunityinbothdepartmentstoresandthemasschannel.

SkipHopHoldings

Carter’sInc.hasacquiredSkipHopHoldingsfromFiremanCapitalPartnersfor$140millionincash.Carter’sisababiesandyoungchildren’sapparelbrand,whileSkipHopproduceschildren’saccessories,suchasdiaperbags,backpacksandtravelaccessories.TheacquisitionofSkipHopisexpectedtobeaccretivetoCarter’sfiscal2017adjustedearningspershare,excludingtheimpactofnon-recurringtransactionorintegration-relatedexpenses.

BlueNile

BlueNilehasofficiallybeenacquiredandgoneprivateforapproximately$500millionbyaninvestorgroupmadeupofBainCapitalPrivateEquity,BowStreetandAdamaPartners.BlueNileisaSeattle-basedonlinespecialtyretaileroffinejewelry.

PotentialSaleKateSpade&Co.

KateSpadeisexploringtheoptionofasale,whichisoneofthestrategicalternativestoboostvalueforthecompany’sshareholders.AsofFebruary16,CoachandMichaelKorsareamongthebuyersthathaveenteredthesecondroundofbidding.

22 DeborahWeinswig,ManagingDirector,FungGlobalRetail&[email protected]:917.655.6790HK:852.6119.1779CN:86.186.1420.3016Copyright©2017TheFungGroup.Allrightsreserved.

March15,2017

DeborahWeinswig,CPAManagingDirectorFungGlobalRetail&TechnologyNewYork:917.655.6790HongKong:852.6119.1779China:[email protected]

MatthewLeeResearchAssistant

HongKong:8thFloor,LiFungTower888CheungShaWanRoad,KowloonHongKongTel:85223004406London:242-246MaryleboneRoadLondon,NW16JQUnitedKingdomTel:44(0)2076168988NewYork:1359Broadway,9thFloorNewYork,NY10018Tel:6468397017FungGlobalRetailTech.com