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Tag: Timberland

  • Timberland to plant 50 million trees in the next five years

    Timberland to plant 50 million trees in the next five years

    Global outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland has committed to planting 50 million trees around the world by 2025.

    The move builds on Timberland’s previous tree planting efforts; since 2001, the brand has planted more than 10 million trees worldwide.

    “At Timberland, we’re conscious of the impact our modern way of life has on the planet. And we believe as a global lifestyle brand, and as individuals, we have a responsibility to make it better,” said Timberland global brand president Jim Pisani. “Trees and green spaces help improve the quality of our planet as well as individual wellbeing. Our commitment to plant trees is a real, measurable way to act upon our belief that a greener future is a better future. We encourage people everywhere to join the movement by taking their own actions – small or large – to be heroes for nature.”

    To kick off its pledge, Timberland has launched its largest-ever global campaign, “Nature Needs Heroes,” calling on consumers around the world to join the movement by taking simple, small actions for a healthier planet. The campaign celebrates 12 eco-heroes who are making lasting, positive change for the environment and their communities. Each hero dons new styles from the fall 2019 collection, with city greenscapes as the backdrop.

    The campaign will come to life through media activations across print, digital, out of home, social media and PR. The brand will also engage the global community to be heroes for nature through a series of tree planting and greening events.

    To help realize its 50 million tree commitment, Timberland will partner with a range of organizations that support the environment through large-scale regreening and tree planting efforts. These organizations include the Smallholder Farmers Alliance, GreenNetwork, Tree Aid, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Connect4Climate – World Bank Group, Justdiggit, Las Lagunas Ecological Park, Trees for the Future, American Forests and Treedom.

    Projects in year one will focus on Haiti, China, the Dominican Republic, the US, Tanzania and Mali – including support of the Great Green Wall, an African-led movement to grow an 8000km line of trees across the entire width of Africa to fight climate change, drought, famine, conflict, and migration.

    “We are thrilled to have Timberland join the Great Green Wall movement – an emerging new world wonder that promises to grow hope for millions of people in the face of the 21st century’s most urgent challenges,” said Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

  • Vans, The North Face boost parents sales

    Vans, The North Face boost parents sales

    VF Brands has posted strong third-quarter results, with balanced growth across its entire portfolio. The US-listed apparel company, which owns and operates Vans, The North Face, Timberland, Wrangler and Lee, among others, says sales grew 8 per cent in the third quarter, to US$3.9 billion. Its share price soared 12.39 per cent after the announcement on Friday (US time) to $82.47.

    Vans sales soared 25 per cent and The North Face’s, by 14 per cent.

    “VF’s third-quarter results were fuelled by strong growth in our largest brands and balanced growth across the core dimensions of our portfolio,” said VF Brands president, chairman and CEO Steve Rendle.

    Revenue from VF’s ‘active’ segment, which includes brands such as Vans and JanSport, increased 16 per cent, while revenue from its ‘outdoor’ segment, which includes brands such as The North Face and Timberland, increased 11 per cent.

    VF reported $592 million in operating income, 22 per cent up on the prior year. Net income for the period was $463 million, a 613 per cent increase over the $90 million loss posted in the same period last year.

    “Based on the strength of our third-quarter performance and the growth trajectory we see for the remainder of fiscal 2019, we are again increasing our full year outlook,” Rendle said.

    The business expects revenue from its ‘work’ segment, which includes brands such as Dickies, is expected to increase 39 per cent, while revenue from its ‘active’ segment is expected to increase 16 per cent and revenue from its ‘outdoor’ segment is expected to grow 8 per cent.

    VF expects revenue from its ‘jeans’ segment, which includes brands such as Wrangler and Lee, to decline 3 per cent, while direct-to-consumer revenue is expected to increase 13 per cent, and digital revenue is set to increase by more than 30 per cent.

  • Esprit appointed new chief product and brand officer

    Esprit appointed new chief product and brand officer

    Struggling fashion retailer Esprit has tapped a former Burberry and Tommy Hilfiger executive to become its chief product and brand officer. Mia Ouakim will take up the new role – a crucial post in the brand’s turnaround plan – in February, reporting to the group CEO.  She will be responsible for managing the product creation and design of all product divisions, as well as the consistent execution of the brand strategy across all product divisions and consumer touch points, according to Esprit in a stock exchange filing.

    Ouakim’s experience spans corporate strategy, product design, merchandising, planning and development, brand and communication, and distribution gained from luxury and premium fashion brands. Her most recent role was senior VP of Tommy Hilfiger menswear and tailored, overseeing the brand’s menswear division globally. Prior to that, she served as VP at Tommy Jeans, formerly known as Hilfiger Denim (Women & Men) between 2014 and

    2017 where she had full business responsibility of the denim division globally.

    Before joining Tommy Hilfiger, Ouakim held various roles with Burberry, working in product, merchandising and design roles for childrenswear between 2006 and 2014. Before that, she was with Children Worldwide Fashion in the UK, responsible for brand, communication and public relations of various luxury and premium brands, including Burberry, Timberland, Kenzo, Nike, Elle and DKNY childrenswear.

  • 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.

  • VF Corporation to acquire Altra footwear

    VF Corporation to acquire Altra footwear

    VF Corporation, parent of Wrangler, Timberland, Vans and the North Face, among others, has bought fast-growing footwear brand Altra.

    Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Altra, launched in 2011 by Icon Health & Fitness, has already expanded into 1600 points of sale in 55 countries. In the last year it achieved sales of US$50 million.

    Altra’s point of difference is its specialised, innovative design technology for road, trail, and lifestyle footwear which has attracted awards and a strong and dedicated consumer following.

    “The acquisition of the Altra brand is another example of our efforts to reshape and evolve our portfolio of powerful brands to align with our enterprise value creation model,” said Steve Rendle, chairman, president and CEO of VF Corporation. “The active outdoor and performance sector is a large and attractive growth space. The addition of the Altra brand brings to VF a unique and differentiated technical footwear brand and a capability that when applied across VF’s outdoor footwear, direct-to-consumer and international platforms will serve as a catalyst for growth.”

    The deal will be settled next month.

    Scott Watterson, Icon chairman and CEO, said the sale of Altra would allow the company to accelerate the continuing growth of its core NordicTrack and ProForm brands, its Freemotion commercial business, and iFit, its connected fitness subscription program.

    “The global health and wellness industry is exploding, and we’re doubling down on that growth.”

  • Timberland buys Icebreaker

    Timberland buys Icebreaker

    US-based global fashion brand owner VF Corporation has bought New Zealand’s Icebreaker Holdings.

    Icebreaker pioneered the ethical and sustainable production of natural performance apparel for men, women and children, using Merino wool, plant-based fibres and recycled fibres.

    The brand is sold in 47 countries through wholesale, branded retail stores and online.

    The company has an annual turnover of about US$150 million, however terms of the sale were not disclosed.

    Jeremy Moon, who founded the company in 1995, says it was always his plan to build a global brand from New Zealand.

    “Our partnership with VF provides us with the largest platform in the world to tell our story, access new markets and reach new consumers at an accelerated pace. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our global Icebreaker brand team and for our wool suppliers to introduce a whole new universe of consumers to the benefits of sustainably farmed, ethically sourced, New Zealand Merino wool,” he said in a statement announcing the deal.

    “Bringing the Icebreaker brand into the VF portfolio is a special opportunity,” added Steve Rendle, chairman, president and CEO of VF Corporation. “Its natural fiber focus is an ideal complement to our SmartWool brand, which also features Merino in its clothing and accessories. Together, the SmartWool and Icebreaker brands create an advantaged position for VF as a leader in the growing and underpenetrated natural fibre category. We will have unmatched capabilities that will strengthen our ability to create innovative and sustainable natural fiber products across our brand portfolio, especially in VF’s outdoor and workwear brands.”

    VF Corporation has a diverse portfolio of lifestyle brands, including Vans, The North Face, Timberland, Wrangler and Lee.

  • Timberland US opens Tree Lab concept store

    Timberland US opens Tree Lab concept store

    Timberland US has opened the doors of its first specialty concept store: The Timberland Tree Lab.

    Located in the King of Prussia mall in Pennsylvania, the experiential Tree Lab features carefully curated product collections and brand stories in a gallery-style setting that will completely change every six weeks.

    The Tree Lab debuts with the theme Streetology – where versatile style for city streets meets hidden technology that’s been tested and proven for long days (and nights) in the city. Highlighting the Streetology launch will be the new men’s FlyRoam collection featuring the AeroCore energy system, as well as several new styles featuring SensorFlex comfort technology.

    Upon entering the Tree Lab – which is tagged by the brand’s signature tree logo followed by the word “Lab” – guests will immediately sense that this is something new from Timberland. Sleek, angular design elements combine with minimalist product displays for a fresh and modern brand presentation.

    Fun creative executions, like an oversized, Timberland-style periodic table, casually reinforce the science of comfort behind the new technologies. While testing the products in the Tree Lab, guests are invited to sample a local craft beer from Tröegs Independent Brewing (ages 21+) or enjoy a bottle of water that may one day be recycled into Timberland linings or shoelaces. And store associates, sporting custom Tree Lab hoodies, are always on-hand to help connect visitors to everything from the latest style trends to local city events. Every detail, down to the premium Tree Lab drawstring shopping bags, has been considered.

    “A shopping experience today reflects a journey through a hyper-connected world that’s constantly seeking something new, and our stores need to deliver on that, every day,” said Kate Kibler, VP of Timberland US’ direct-to-consumer business in North America.

    “The Tree Lab is more than just a place to shop – everything a consumer experiences from the moment they enter has been designed to enhance their visit, expand their horizons, and leave them with a great memory to go along with that beautiful new pair of shoes.”

    Following the Streetology installation, in late September Tree Lab will transform virtually overnight into SHEvolution. The entire store will be dedicated to women, with a curated selection of boots and shoes that offer everything she wants without giving up anything.  Feminine. Tough. Beautiful. Well-crafted.

    Comfortable. On the heels of SHEvolution will be a holiday-themed installation, opening early November.

    Tree Lab – the first of its kind in the world – is one of many initiatives Timberland plans to introduce this autumn. The brand plans to open a series of “flex retail” stores across the US, starting with a Mall of America location debuting on September 1.  In addition, Timberland plans to open specialty stores in Stanford, CA at the Stanford Shopping Center (August 18) and in the heart of Portland, Oregon along popular Couch Street (September 1).

  • Timberland Asia launches online

    Timberland Asia launches online

    Footwear and apparel brand Timberland Asia has partnered SP eCommerce, a Singapore Post company, to launch its official eCommerce store for the Southeast Asian region.

    The Singapore-based online store uses SP eCommerce’s security, management, digital marketing, store operations and customer-care technology. Order fulfillment is being handled across Singapore through SingPost’s last-mile distribution network.

    This gives Timberland the ability to deliver a seamless shopping experience, with exclusive online promotions as well as its full retail catalog.

    “This is a natural next step for Timberland,” says Malaysia/Singapore GM Daisy Tan of Timberland owner VF Corporation. “Working with one partner for the entire shop-to-ship process lets us focus our attention on serving our customers and growing our business.”

  • 7 for All Mankind sold by VF Corporation

    7 for All Mankind sold by VF Corporation

    Hip denim lifestyle brand 7 for All Mankind has been sold along with two sister brands.

    VF Corporation says it has sold its Contemporary Brands businesses to Tel Aviv-based Delta Galil Industries.

    The other brands are Splendid and Ella Moss.

    VF chairman and CEO Eric Wiseman said the brands included in this transaction are leaders in their sectors, and have talented, passionate people who are motivated by serving the marketplace with distinctive apparel design and exceptional service.

    “Earlier this year we said that we are taking a focused and proactive look at the composition of our business portfolio to ensure that we are well positioned to maximise VF’s growth and return to our shareholders. This announcement illustrates that our work as active portfolio managers is progressing.”

    The transaction, which is expected to close in the third quarter of this year, is subject to various regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions that must be accomplished in order for a closing to occur. The selling price is US$120 million, subject to various working capital adjustments.

    VF Corporation owns a diversified portfolio of brands around the globe, including The North Face, Vans, Timberland, Wrangler, Lee and Nautica.

  • Technology drives Timberland sales

    Technology drives Timberland sales

    In-store technology is helping brick-and-mortar stores like Timberland retain their relevance in a fast-growing online world according to leading US retailer VF Corporation (VFC).

    Todd Starcevich, Americas VP of direct-to-consumer with VFC, says his company is focused on growing its business at retail level and points to research from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ISCS) reminding etailers that brick-and-mortar stores continue to deliver the bulk of today’s total industry retail sales.

    VFC, which owns high-profile brands including Timberland, 7 For All Mankind and The North Face, achieves 85 per cent of its sales in its direct-to-consumer business through its onground stores.

    “We are building our sales by focusing on building our retail technology foundation while simultaneously experimenting and testing new technologies and experiences in-store,” said Starcevich.

    Consumer insights are woven into every aspect of VFC’s retail business. During testing periods, retail teams watch how consumers engage with various technology and process adjustments.

    In one recent experiment, Timberland deployed tablets to customers at its Herald Square store in New York City, allowing them to engage with every product in the store without having to sign up, download an app or initiate registration.

    As part of its Connected Store, which was introduced at the last National Retail Federation trade show, shoppers receive a guided Timberland sales experience with rich digital product information, styling options and recommendations for footwear, apparel and accessories. They can then choose to opt in via email to receive personalised content related to their store visit.

    Timberland’s Connected Store also offers “tap walls” featuring exclusive merchandise. Nimbus, CloudTags’ in-store recommendation engine, allows customers to shop from an extended range of styles, colours and sizing based on their location and interests.

    Meanwhile, The North Face and 7 For All Mankind brands have partnered with California-based Jaunt on innovative virtual-reality experiences. Shoppers at select The North Face stores could experience remote hiking or base jumping.

    Also partnering with Jaunt, 7 For All Mankind offered its customers Visions of California, filmed against the backdrop of a Paris chateau using 360-degree, stereoscopic 3D cameras and advanced 3D sound-field microphones. To amplify the content, Elle, the first fashion brand to collaborate with Jaunt, will promote the content across its digital platforms.

    Both The North Face’s and 7 For All Mankind’s virtual experiences are available via apps.
    VFC’s direct-to-consumer business accounts for about 30 per cent of its overall revenue. It includes 1520 retail stores and eCommerce sites.

  • Yue Yuen sales rise on retail rollout

    Yue Yuen sales rise on retail rollout

    The world’s largest branded athletic and casual footwear manufacturer and retailer Yue Yuen Industrial says retail and wholesale sales of sportswear in Greater China rose 19.6 per cent in the first nine months of this year, due to an expanding store network.

    Yue Yuen operates more than 6000 retail stores and concessions across Greater China under its own name as well as the international brands it manufactures for.

    Total sportswear sales reached US$1.7 billion compared to US$1.456 billion in the same period last year. Other factors in the growth were the company’s efforts to increase efficiency and a better merchandise selection.

    Sales of athletic shoes were up by 3.4 per cent and sales of casual shoes were down by 5.6 per cent. The total volume of shoes sold increased by just 1.1 per cent to 231.4 million pairs for the period.

    Hong Kong listed Yue Yuen designs and makes shoes for brands including Nike, Crocs, Adidas, Reebok, Asics, New Balance, Puma, Timberland and Rockport as well as operating its own network of retail stores under the YY Sports brand, through subsidiary Pou Shen.

    The increased athletic shoes and sportswear sales helped boost Yue Yuen’s overall revenue by 5.8 per cent to US$6.3 billion and gross profit by 9.1 per cent to $1.422 billion. Total net profit attributable to owners of the company was $285.6 million, up 36.6 per cent year on year, according to figures filed with the stock exchange.

    Pou Shen, which opened 771 new points of sale during the nine months, increased its gross profit by 32.5 per cent to $566.5 million due to management’s strategy to concentrate on the retail business, improved operating efficiency, and better procurement of inventory.

    YY Sport instore wide

  • Sports fashion demand drives Stella sales

    Sports fashion demand drives Stella sales

    Shoe marketer Stella International has reported increased sales in the second quarter on the back of growing demand for sports fashion footwear.

    In the three months to September 30, consolidated revenue from its China retail business and its manufacturing operations amounted to US$569 million, up 4.3 per cent year on year. For the nine months to September 30, revenues totalled US$1.366 billion, an increase of 7.9 per cent.

    “Looking forward, the group expects orders for the group’s footwear products will pick up further towards the end of this year and the beginning of 2016, as its customers continue to expand their global presence and as demand for sports fashion footwear continues to grow,” the company said in a stock exchange filing.

    “Order levels will also be supported by greater efficiency and improved utilisation at the group’s production facilities in inland China and Southeast Asia.

    “The group cautiously expects shipment volumes to reach 58 million pairs by the end of 2015.”

    Stella produces shoes for brands including Clarks, Deckers, Ecco, Rockport, Timberland, Wolverine, Cole Haan, Guess, Jones Group, Kenneth Cole and Michael Kors. It also designs, develops and manufactures footwear for high-fashion brands including Alejandro Ingelmo, Alexander Wang, Armani, Bally, Balmain, Brian Atwood, Givenchy, Kenzo, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marciano, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Prada, Sigerson Morrison, Via Spiga and Y3.

    And taking advantage of its manufacturing expertise, the wide acceptance of Stella’s products by brand customers, the company has successfully expanded into the Chinese and global footwear retail market through its own brands Stella Luna, What For, JKJY by Stella and joint-venture brand, Pierre Balmain.

    Stella says it will continue to implement strict cost controls and efficiency improvement measures to preserve its profitability. This includes placing a renewed focus on leveraging its competitive strengths to pursue new promising product segments, such as sports fashion footwear.

    “The group also remains committed to building the long-term competitiveness of its retail business with the opening of new standalone stores and shops-in-shops in quality locations. It will also continue to boost its branding efforts in Europe to further grow the value of its brands among Chinese consumers.”