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Tag: Guess

  • Guess Joins Fashion Exodus: All Mainland China Stores Shutting Down

    Guess Joins Fashion Exodus: All Mainland China Stores Shutting Down

    US-based fashion behemoth, Guess, has announced plans to shutter all its outlets in Mainland China by the end of this month. This move is seen as a continuation of the trend witnessed in recent years where multiple foreign labels have ceased operations in the region.

    Guess has let its customers know of this impending closure through text messages, stating that both its brick-and-mortar and online stores will be affected. Consequently, the company has already ceased the sale of its products on its Tmall online flagship stores.

    The fashion giant has hinted towards a strategic repositioning within the Chinese market, utilizing an innovative model. However, specifics of this new strategy have not been divulged yet.

    Guess first set foot in Mainland China back in 2007, launching its inaugural store in Shanghai. The brand witnessed impressive growth, boasting around 250 stores in the region at its peak in 2019.

    Guess’s withdrawal from China echoes the actions of various international brands over the past few years. Prominent labels including Old Navy, Topshop, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, and Oysho have all left the Chinese market.

    Questions & Answers

    Why is Guess closing its stores in Mainland China?
    Guess is following the trend of many foreign brands that have exited the Chinese market in recent years. Specific reasons for Guess’s decision have not been provided.

    What is the company’s future plan in the Chinese market?
    Guess plans to reposition itself in the Chinese market with a new business model, although the company has not released any details regarding this plan.

    Which other foreign brands have exited the Chinese market recently?
    Several foreign brands have closed their operations in China in the past few years, including Old Navy, Topshop, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, and Oysho.

  • Guess Inc. To Go Private In $1.4b Deal With Authentic Brands And Marciano Founders

    Guess Inc. To Go Private In $1.4b Deal With Authentic Brands And Marciano Founders

    Guess, a renowned fashion and lifestyle brand, is preparing to transition into a privately-held company following a US$1.4 billion pact with Authentic Brands Group, major shareholders, and co-founders Maurice and Paul Marciano, Nicolai Marciano, as well as CEO Carlos Alberini.

    Details of the Agreement

    According to the terms of this agreement, Authentic Brands Group is slated to acquire the majority stake, 51%, of Guess’s intellectual property. Meanwhile, the Marciano family and their affiliated entities will retain a minority stake of 49%.

    Despite the shift in ownership, Guess’s management team will continue to operate the business and retain full ownership of the operating company. Shareholders who are not part of the founding group are set to receive a cash payment of $16.75 per share.

    The Future of Guess

    Jamie Salter, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Authentic Brands, expressed his excitement and optimism about the impending partnership with the Marcianos. He acknowledged Guess as a dominant brand that has significantly influenced style and culture for over four decades. Salter is eager to collaborate with the Marciano family as Guess embarks on this new phase, building upon its enduring legacy.

    Questions & Answers

    What will be the distribution of Guess’s intellectual property ownership following the deal?
    Following the agreement, Authentic Brands Group will own 51% of Guess’s intellectual property, while the Marciano family and their affiliated entities will retain a 49% stake.

    What will happen to shareholders who are not part of the founding group?
    Shareholders who are not part of the founding group will receive a cash payment of $16.75 per share as a result of the agreement.

    Who will continue to manage Guess after the deal?
    Despite the change in ownership, Guess’s current management team will continue to run the business, maintaining full ownership of the operating company.

  • Guess Jeans Expands Global Footprint With Flagship Store Launch In Tokyo’s Jingūmae District

    Guess Jeans Expands Global Footprint With Flagship Store Launch In Tokyo’s Jingūmae District

    Guess Jeans makes its debut in Japan with a flagship store

    American clothing brand Guess Jeans has launched its first retail store in Tokyo, Japan’s Jingūmae district, marking its latest step in its global expansion strategy.

    The four-level establishment boasts a minimalist aesthetic with concrete interiors and a selection of greenery arranged in locally made ceramic pots. This design approach is a fusion of Japanese simplicity and the relaxed, sun-soaked vibe of California.

    Nicolai Marciano, the Chief New Business Development Officer at Guess, expressed that the flagship store in Tokyo marks more than just an addition to the brand’s retail outlets. He stated, “This space acts as a platform that allows the brand to interact directly with the new generation of creative talent in the region.”

    Traveling exhibition celebrates Guess Jeans’ 40-year Legacy

    In celebration of the store’s grand opening, Guess Jeans has initiated a traveling exhibition in Tokyo titled “Guess Jeans: The Next 40 Years of Denim.” The exhibit incorporates a live Airwash Lab and a customization zone where visitors can engrave their personal designs onto denim tote bags. Notable Japanese creators such as Ryota Daimon and A Love Movement have participated in the development of the exhibition.

    Guess Airwash is an innovative production technique, developed in partnership with Spanish technology company Jeanologia. This unique process utilizes air, light, and nanobubbles to substitute traditional stonewashing approaches, reducing water consumption by up to 80 per cent and eliminating the use of harmful chemicals.

    Exclusive pop-up shop curated by Japanese artist Verdy

    A special feature of the flagship store is an exclusive pop-up shop located in the basement, curated by renowned Japanese artist Verdy. Titled “Guess Jeans Gift Shop with Friends,” the space features exclusive merchandise created in collaboration with fourteen local brands. Among the special items on offer are limited-edition pieces from brands such as TTTMSW, The Flwrs, Blackmean, and Masu.

    Questions & Answers

    Where is Guess Jeans’ new store located?
    The new Guess Jeans store is located in the Jingūmae district of Tokyo, Japan.

    What special features does the new Guess Jeans store offer?
    The store features minimalist concrete interiors and curated greenery in locally crafted ceramic vessels. It also hosts a traveling exhibition and an exclusive pop-up shop curated by Japanese artist Verdy.

    What is the purpose of the Guess Airwash technique?
    The Guess Airwash technique is an innovative production process that significantly reduces water consumption and eliminates the use of harmful chemicals in denim production.

  • Guess to transfer Chinese operations to local partner

    Guess to transfer Chinese operations to local partner

    Guess plans to transfer its operations in Greater China to a local partner this year as part of its restructuring strategy.

    “After many years of running our own direct operations in Greater China, we believe there is an opportunity for this market to be directly developed and managed by a local, highly experienced partner,” said CEO Carlos Alberini.

    “We have already met several potential candidates for consideration and we expect for this transition to be completed before the end of this fiscal year.”

    In addition, the retailer plans to streamline its Guess full-price store portfolio in North America by exiting non-strategic, unprofitable locations.

    Alberini explained that the company is focusing on increasing direct-to-consumer sales productivity globally and improving profitability through business and portfolio optimisation.

    For the fourth quarter ended February 1, Guess reported a 5 per cent increase in revenues to $932.3 million, driven by the Rag & Bone acquisition, positive momentum in the wholesale business, and increased licensing revenues.

    In the Americas, retail sales were up 4 per cent while wholesale revenues soared 63 per cent. Europe revenues increased 2 per cent and Asia revenues fell 15 per cent. Licensing revenues were up 18 per cent.

    GAAP net earnings for the period dropped 29 per cent to $81.4 million, including a net $18.9 million unrealised loss due to the change in fair value of the derivatives related to the company’s convertible senior notes due 2028.

    For the full year, sales grew 8 per cent to $3 billion and adjusted net earnings decreased 40 per cent to $104.5 million.

    “During the year, we delivered solid results with our licensing segment and our wholesale businesses in Europe and the Americas, but missed our plans for our direct-to-consumer business due to slower customer traffic in North America and Asia,” commented Alberini.

    For FY26, the retailer expects net revenues to increase 3.9-6.2 per cent. It forecast a loss of $30-35 million in the first quarter and earnings of $133-165 million for the full year.

    In a separate announcement, Guess said its board has established a special committee to review the non-binding takeover offer from WHP Global.

    “The special committee is carefully evaluating and considering WHP Global’s proposal with the assistance of its financial and legal advisors and has not yet determined whether it is appropriate to pursue the proposed transaction or any other transaction,” the company stated.

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  • Guess Jeans to launch in India

    Guess Jeans to launch in India

    GUESS? Inc. is bringing its California-based denim lifestyle label, Guess Jeans, in India.

    The move comes as part of a long-term strategic franchise partnership with Tata Group’s multi-category e-commerce platform, Tata CLiQ, operated by Tata UniStore Limited.

    Under the partnership, Tata CLiQ will serve as the exclusive retailer for Guess Jeans in India, offering the brand’s products through both physical stores and online platforms. The collaboration is aimed at establishing an omnichannel presence, providing Indian customers with seamless access to the latest collections.

    The partnership is expected to drive significant growth for Guess Jeans by expanding its retail footprint across the country.

  • Guess Jeans to launch in India

    Guess Jeans to launch in India

    Guess sub-brand Guess Jeans will launch in India through a long-term franchise agreement with Tata Group’s multi-category e-commerce platform, Tata CLIQ.

    As part of this collaboration, Tata CLIQ will become Guess Jeans’ exclusive retailer in India, growing its retail footprint through brick-and-mortar stores and digital storefronts.

    According to the brand, the collaboration between Guess Jeans and Tata CLIQ will be critical in extending distribution channels and supporting Guess Jeans’ ambition to expand its store network nationwide.

    “As the next step in our global growth initiative for Guess Jeans, we expect a rapidly expanding and prosperous partnership with Tata CLIQ, which is part of the Tata Group in India,” said Nicolai Marciano, chief new business development officer, Guess Inc.

    “Our brand’s legacy, heritage, and innovative outlook on denim, paired with the local knowledge and expertise of Tata Group, ensure a strong and enduring partnership.”

    Guess Jeans is a West Coast lifestyle brand founded by Nicolai Marciano. The brand offers a full line of core basics, concentrating on denim, that captures Guess’s spirit.

    Last year, Tata announced it would postpone the plans to open m

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  • Guess Asia sales up, but store closures loom

    Guess Asia sales up, but store closures loom

    Guess Asia sales are recovering post-Covid-19, but the company will be exiting some stores in the region when leases come up for renewal, as part of a worldwide network trim of 100 outlets.

    The store closures represent about 9 percent of the global fleet and will take place over the next 18 months.

    CEO Carlos Alberini said last week that about 75 percent of the fashion retailer’s leases come up for renewal within the next three years, representing an opportunity to cut back unprofitable stores. Guess has 1169 company-operated shops along with 560 operated by partners.

    In the quarter to May 2, Guess sales globally fell by 51.5 percent to US$260.3 million, compared with $536.7 million in the same prior-year quarter. The company recorded an adjusted net loss of $118.9 million, compared to $19.6 million for the first quarter a year ago.

    In Asia, sales fell by 52.6 percent in US dollars and by 50.6 percent in constant currency terms.

    The Guess Asia regional operating margin decreased by 52.6 percent to negative 56.4 percent in the first quarter, due mainly to the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which resulted in significantly higher inventory reserves.

    Since the end of the quarter, all Guess-run stores have now reopened, however, they continue to experience significant reductions in traffic and therefore, sales. The company said its e-commerce sites have experienced lower traffic, but this has been partially offset by a strengthening in conversion.

    Alberini said the Covid-19 crisis had a material impact on the company, including operations and financial results.

    “To minimize our loss and protect our liquidity, we challenged every aspect of our business which was being significantly impacted by extensive store closures and lower customer demand.”

    With all stores open in Asia, more than 400 in Europe and 180 stores in the US and Canada, Alberini says he is encouraged by initial trading results, which have been better than anticipated. “Our sales productivity for re-opened stores for the second quarter to date has reached roughly 75 percent in the US and Canada and 70 percent in Europe as compared to last year’s level.”

    He said the company was continuing to focus on improving its omnichannel platform centered around the consumer, and improving efficiencies in its global operations.

    “I fully expect to be on the other side of this crisis with a more efficient business model, a more focused and consistent global brand strategy, and a more nimble and agile organization.”

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  • Guess announces new CEO

    Guess announces new CEO

    Iconic American fashion brand Guess Inc. announced that its chief executive officer and director, Victor Herrero, is leaving the company effective February 2, 2019. Carlos Alberini, who served as Guess’s president and chief operating officer more than ten years ago, will replace Herrero.

    “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Victor for his contributions during his tenure and wish him well in his endeavors,” said Maurice Marciano, chairman of the board.

    Alberini has been appointed as the new CEO and a Director of the company, “effective upon his separation from his current employer,” said Guess in a press release detailing the new hire on January 28.

    Alberini served as COO for the Californian company from 2000 to 2010. He was co-CEO of Restoration Hardware until 2014, and a director on the board of Restoration Hardware from 2010 until present.

    More recently, Alberini has been the Chairman and CEO of Lucky Brand, a role he took on from 2014.

    “I am very excited to have Carlos coming back as CEO at Guess. He was instrumental in building the international business in Europe and Asia during his 10-year tenure with the company,” said Maurice Marciano.

    The company also announced that Marciano has agreed to remain as Chief Creative Officer. His employment will be “at will”, according to Guess.
    During the transition, Marciano will be acting as interim Chief Executive Officer.

    In 2017-2018 financial year, Guess witnessed a steady growth track in Asia, notably in China.

    In March last year, the brand said it planned to open 60 stores in Asia, after also opening its first subsidiary in Singapore.

    In same financial year, the group said it improved its gross margin in Asia by 470 base points, with sales up 40 percent.

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  • Guess Asia sales up on strong comps

    Guess Asia sales up on strong comps

    Guess Inc. announced on Wednesday that its total second-quarter sales lifted by double digits, pushed on by comparable sales growth in Europe and Asia.

    The Los Angeles-based company said total revenues increased 14% to $645.9 million with Asia recording the highest growth percentage in the quarter.

    Total revenues in the region lifted 32%, while comparable sales gained 17% while Europe revenues gained 22%. However, the Americas fell 2%, in retail terms, but lifted 5% in the wholesale segment, said Guess.

    Operating margins and net earnings for the period ending August 4, 2018, were pushed on by favourable currency exchanges. Indeed, net earnings rose 67.8 per cent from a year ago to $15.2m, or 31 cents a share.

    “I am pleased to report that our second quarter results finished above the high-end of our expectations for adjusted operating margin and adjusted earnings per share,” said Victor Herrero, Guess’s Chief Executive Officer, adding that he was “pleased by the momentum we are experiencing across the globe.”

    Looking ahead, the company plans to see positive comp growth across all of its regions, including a slight gain in the Americas. Elsewhere, comps in Asia and Europe are expected to grow in the low teens and mid-single digits, respectively.

    Finally, for the full fiscal year, Guess sees revenue climbing between 8.5% and 9.5%, marking an increase from its previous guidance for 7% to 8% growth, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.88 to $0.99.

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  • Guess Asia enjoys sales, profit surge

    Guess Asia enjoys sales, profit surge

    Guess has returned to profit in the first half of this year, with high rate of growth in Asia-Pacific a key factor.

    Sales by Guess in Asia rose by 32.3 per cent during the first half of this year, expressed in US dollars, and by 27.1 per cent in constant currency, with same-store sales up by 20 per cent.

    That was more than double the sales growth of the company overall.

    For the full year, Guess is predicting comp sales in Asia to be up by the low teens in percentage terms, with profit up in the low- to mid-20 per cent region.

    The company is performing across all markets, even in its core US home market where it has been struggling in recent times.

    Globally, for the six months to August 4, Guess achieved net sales of US$1.17 billion, up 14.1 per cent. Net earnings were $11.6 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of $3.3 million for the same period last year.

    “Overall, I am very pleased by the momentum we are experiencing across the globe,” said CEO Victor Herrero in the company’s earnings statement.

    “We are now planning for positive comps in all regions, including the Americas. Looking forward, I feel confident that the ‘turnaround’ has only just begun, as we are well positioned to exit this fiscal year with every business segment profitable and the company firmly on the path to our 7.5 per cent operating margin goal by continuing to execute on our strategic initiatives,” he said.

    Operating margin for the Guess in Asia rose by 120 basis points over the first half to 3.4 per cent, from 2.2 per cent a year ago. The company said the improvement was driven by reduced occupancy costs, partially offset by higher expenses resulting from retail expansion in Australia.

    The company said a lower number of markdowns in the US also helped reverse its loss.

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  • New phase of Sands Cotai Central opens with Apple anchor

    New phase of Sands Cotai Central opens with Apple anchor

    Sands Cotai Central has opened phase four of its retail offer, adding almost 100,000sqft of retail space and 25 retailers.

    At the heart of the expansion is an Apple store, which opens today.

    The new space is home to several brands new to Macao: Calvin Klein Performance and Razzle. Other stores to open are MLB, Esprit, Guess, Watson’s, Noble Mart, Levi’s, Florsheim, Timberland, The North Face, Boy London, Zaxy and Bauhaus.

    Later this year, several restaurants will be added to the line-up, including Chiado, a modern yet authentic Portuguese concept developed in partnership with celebrity chef Henrique Sa Pessoa, and Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, which brings a contemporary twist to classic Beijing, Szechuan and Shanghai cuisine.

    “The addition of these new stores, especially the introduction of an iconic Apple Store, continues to ensure we provide our customers with more new-to-market brands, more choice and more amazing experiences,” said David Sylvester, executive VP of global retail at Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    Sands Cotai Central, which celebrated its sixth anniversary in April, has been the focal point of a wide range of products, offerings and experiences on the Cotai Strip, with access to four hotels since it opened in 2012.

    Earlier this year Sands China revealed plans to transform Sands Cotai Central into The Londoner Macao, which will feature new attractions including some of London’s most-recognisable landmarks.

  • Guess Jeans taking Farmers Market bigger

    Guess Jeans taking Farmers Market bigger

    Guess Jeans is expanding its Farmers Market concept to global stores until the end of next month.

    Created by Guess and vintage streetwear collector Sean Wotherspoon, the collection features reworked items from the Guess archives developed in the ’80s and ’90s, with a colour palette derived from the Californian landscape.

    Key pieces include hoodies, denim jackets and tracksuits, with original Guess graphics featuring the classic logo on T-shirts and accessories.

    Launched in central Los Angeles last month, the limited-edition merchandise are available through key retailers and pop-up stores. In Asia, expect pop-up stores in Singapore’s Dover Street Market, Tokyo’s GR8 and Hong Kong’s Juice. Items can also be bought through the Chinese Innersect App.

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  • Guess narrows losses in first quarter, revenues lift 14% on Asia earning

    Guess narrows losses in first quarter, revenues lift 14% on Asia earning

    Continued momentum in Asia has helped boost revenues for US clothing brand Guess Inc for its first quarter, to May 5.

    As the company continued to take advantage of its infrastructure investments in China and Japan, its operating margin in Asia improved by 430 basis points.

    Asia revenues increased 32.6 per cent in US dollars and 25.1 per cent in constant currency.

    Operating margin for the company’s Asia segment increased 430 basis points to 4.8 per cent in the quarter, compared to 0.5 per cent. This was driven mainly by higher gross margins.

    CEO Victor Herrero says company revenues overall grew 15 per cent in US dollars and 8 per cent in constant currency. “We were also able to expand the company’s operating margin, despite cost pressures related to our transition to our new distribution centre in Europe.”

    At the same time, the company had a GAAP net loss of $21.2 million, a 0.3 per cent improvement on the first quarter a year earlier. An adjusted net loss of $17.8 million was 7.9 per cent better than the same period 12 months ago.

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  • Paul Marciano resigned from Guess

    Paul Marciano resigned from Guess

    Guess co-founder Paul Marciano has stepped away from the business for an indefinite period while an investigation takes place into allegations of improper conduct.

    Marciano denies the allegations which have not been detailed by Guess.

    However Retail Dive has reported that actress and model Kate Upton, who has worked for the brand, accused Marciano of sexual harassment via Twitter and model Miranda Vee, who previously accused Marciano and real estate developer Mohamed Hadid of sexual harassment and assault, had filed a report against the two men with the Los Angeles police.

    “The company takes very seriously any allegations of sexual misconduct, is committed to maintaining a safe work environment, and looks forward to the completion of a thorough investigation of all the facts,” the company said in a brief statement.

    Two independent directors were appointed to oversee the investigation on February 7. The probe is being conducted by the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers and the directors have also retained the law firm Glaser Weil.

    “The board… and Mr Marciano have agreed that Mr Marciano will relinquish his day to day responsibilities at the company, on an unpaid basis, pending the completion of the investigation,” the statement said

    Marciano added: “I have pledged my full cooperation to the company, and I have the utmost confidence in our CEO, Victor Herrero, to continue leading the company during this time.”

  • Dutch chain Topshelf to close down

    Dutch chain Topshelf to close down

    Dutch department store operator Topshelf appears to be closing down.

    The company has announced its last store in Alkmaar will close in mid-January, following the shuttering of stores in Arnhem, Nijmegen and Groningen.

    The company has not filed for bankruptcy and it says it will continue to employ existing staff as it quits remaining stock. Disappointing sales were cited as the reason for the closure.

    Topshelf – no relation to the UK-headquartered Topshop and Topman retail brands – was launched in 1995 as a megastore, focusing on sports and outdoors wear, called Sportsworld. At the end of 2015, it opened stores in premises occupied by collapsed department store chain V&D, expanding further in April last year into Arnhem and Nijmegen en Groningen.

    With sales remaining weak last December, the company decided to convert the city stores – Arnhem, Nijmegen, Groningen and Alkmaar – to Topshelf, continuing to operate other branches in Beuningen, Leerdam and Cruquius, outside the city, as Sportsworld.

    The Topshelf stores stocked luxury gifts, fashion and homewares and ranged products from brands including Versace, Guess, McGregor, Superdry, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Speedo, Calvin Klein, Ray Ban, O’Neill and Atomic.

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