Peter Do x Banana Republic; Natura results; Columbia product chief; The Buckle results

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Aug 18, 2023

Designer Peter Do is launching a Banana Republic collab with a capsule collection that will drop in selected stores and online  in October. It feeds neatly into the quiet luxury trend and is available with only unisex sizing. The collection includes tailoring with a utility edge, and a trench with a removable shearling collar. The lining is printed with a vintage map of Brooklyn, where Do is based. There are pieces inspired by Banana Republic’s own archive such as a silk shirt and chunky ribbed cashmere sweater with detachable arms.

Natura &Co has posted another quarter of sales growth in constant currency for Q2, while continuing to improve its profit margins. Consolidated net revenue was BRL7.8 billion, up 1.9% at constant currency (CC), driven by “solid” CC growth at Natura &Co Latam. The gross margin was 65.4%, up 430 bps, reflecting improving margins at all three business units, Natura &Co Latam, Avon International and The Body Shop. Net income was a loss of BRL732 million, slightly better than last Q2’s -BRL767 million. Natura &Co Latam's net sales were up by 5.8%. The Avon brand posted a sales fall of 4% CC in the Beauty segment. Avon International's revenue was down 1.3% CC. The Body Shop's Q2 net revenue fell 12.5% CC.

Columbia Sportswear has named Woody Blackford as Senior Vice President, Chief Product Officer for the Columbia Brand. He’s returning to company, where he previously worked for 14 years, culminating in the position of Vice President, Global Design and Innovation. While at Columbia, he invented Omni-Heat, the patented technology used in many of its products. He brings several decades of experience in consumer product creation most recently with Canada Goose. He’ll coordinate all product aspects of apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment for the brand.

The Buckle has reported net income for the quarter ended July 29 (Q2) of $45.6 million, down from $50.1 million a year ago. Net sales fell 3.2% to $292.4 million and comparable store net sales dropped 3.3%. Online sales were down 5.6% to $43.6 million. No explanation was given in the release for the falls.