Adidas went from a €377m loss in Q4 2023 to €57m profit in Q4 2024 on the strength of Samba and Gazelle. While Apple remained the most valuable brand in the world. In other news, the TikTok ban and potential tariffs continue to create uncertainty for brands, consumers and bankers alike.
- When TikTok went dark this past weekend some turned to RedNote and Yuzu as an alternative. The potential ban of TikTok exposed the downsides of algorithm-driven feeds, which is why Generation Z is gravitating toward these platforms since these platforms prioritize user choice and more authentic interaction. (WWD)?
- Online resellers are reaching the same conclusion as many direct-to-consumer brands that started out proudly ecommerce only: there’s certain essential elements of the retail experience that simply can’t be recreated on the web. Fashionphile, Rebag, The RealReal, and Mercari are opening stores and partnering with multibrand retailers to reach new customers offline. (Business of Fashion)
- Dr. Squatch is using a unique way to grow its brand awareness - it is sponsoring live comedy shows through a partnership with the Don’t Tell Comedy network. Dr. Squatch sponsors video reels and highlights produced by the Don’t Tell Comedy team. The partnership allows Dr. Squatch to reach this younger male audience through sampling activations and digital content. (Modern Retail)?
- Japanese retailer Muji has opened Muji Food Market (its first in America), inside its Chelsea Market location offering an authentic and immersive experience in Japanese casual dining with everything from the rice balls known as onigiri to desserts such as matcha panna cotta. There’s even a barista bot named Jarvis serving up espressos and lattes. (Forbes)?
- Apple is once again the world’s most valuable brand, according to Brand Finance’s 2025 Global 500: World’s most valuable brands report. Rounding out the top five were Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Walmart. (Chain Store Age)?
- Adidas performed better than expected in the final quarter of 2024 reporting an operating profit of €57mn for the three month period, compared with a €377mn loss in the final quarter of 2023. The brand company has shifted its focus from direct-to-consumer sales and returned to closer collaboration with retail partners.?
- The lack of clarity surrounding impending tariffs on goods is depressing M&A activity in the consumer sector, according to a report by PE Hub.
- Vince Holdings (fashion brand) was acquired by P180 with Brendan Hoffman returning as CEO and investor.
- Renais, the luxury modern gin brand co-founded by siblings Alex and Emma Watson raised ￡4.95M from InvestBev and Maison Villevert Founder Jean-Sebastien Robicquet.?
- Skin Rx (skincare brand) was acquired by American Exchange Group.
- SportPet Designs, a Topspin Consumer Partners company, acquired Mammoth Pet Products (dog toys).
- Leap (retail platform) raised $20M in capital from Tribeca Venture Partners and DNX Ventures.
- Gloss Ventures (beauty brand incubator) raised $15M from Peterson Partners.
- Abu Dhabi-based investment vehicle Royal Group has acquired a controlling stake in material science and apparel brand Pangaia.?
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