SEFF’s Post

Allbirds just announced a 1:20 reverse stock split….to maintain its NASDAQ listing. Its market cap is under $100M…a long flight from its post IPO multibillion valuation. This is a shame because Allibirds’ is an authentic #sustainability pioneer that walked the talk when it came to environmental stewardship and some attribute their financial challenges to their #sustainability focus. While no company is perfect…founders Tim Brown and Joseph Zwillinger make #carbonemissions reduction fundamental to their strategy. More specifically (a partial list)…..the company… 👟 Developed carbon negative natural materials (with Braskem) to replace EVA…and then shared the formulation with the industry 👟 Invested in Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) and were first to market with a plant based leather upper / shoe 👟 Built a “Flight Plan” to deliver a Net Zero carbon emissions company 👟 Partnered with adidas to develop a sub 3 kg of CO2 running shoe 👟 Listed the carbon footprint of its shoes on the products 👟 Asked Amazon to rip off their sustainability strategy (vs just their shoes) Unfortunately, a series of merchandising and go to market missteps (including an apparel launch that was not well received, a store buildout plan that was too aggressive, forecasting misses and product expansions that did not work) stalled momentum. Now, according to the attached article, Allibrids’ is shifting its marketing messaging from sustainability to nature.  Perhaps it makes sense to focus more on the benefit (e.g. preservation of nature) as compared to "technical" LCAs and carbon footprints? Allibirds has been authentic in their pursuit of environmental sustainability and that they did so from Day 1. Could they still become the Patagonia of footwear? Perhaps, but, only if the product, merchandising, go to market and sourcing work powerfully. In #fashion, sustainability is most often a gift-with-purchase - not a primary reason to buy (notwithstanding what the survey data tells you). Noel Kinder Matt Dwyer Hana Kajimura Jad Finck Brett Mathews Matt Powell Maxine Bédat Leslie Johnston, M.Sc. Ali Sheridan Camille Richard Deanna Bratter Sydney Badger George Harding-Rolls Mads Oscar Haumann Joel Makower Illana Adamson Lutz Walter Paul Foulkes-Arellano Zofia Zwieglinska Sarah Kent Luke Haverhals Rachel Arthur Tricia Carey https://lnkd.in/eJHTUEz8

What if we gave Allbirds the option of exiting the capital markets, by negotiating a "going stewardship" transaction with a consortium of Pensions & Endowments agreeing an equity payback (of the money required to buy Allbirds out of capital markets ownership) to an actuarial/fiduciary cost of money, plus opportunistic upside, from enterprise cash flows prioritized by contract for suitability, longevity and fairness across all six vectors of business fairness: fairness to suppliers (Fair Trade); fairness to communities (Fair Engagement); fairness to Nature and Society (Fair Reckoning); fairness to workers (Fair Working); fairness to customers and competitors (Fair Dealing); and fairness to the savers whose savings are the original and ultimate source of the money made to flow into the enterprise by its financiers, fiduciary and otherwise (Fair Sharing)? Think Private Equity upgraded, from ownership for extraction through financial engineering, to stewardship of interactions, through a different kind of financial engineering.

In a world increasingly dominated by fast fashion, it’s refreshing to see a brand that holds true to its roots. Anoraq Apparel, https://lnkd.in/eC39DJxN founded by a trailblazing female entrepreneur, is making waves in the fashion industry—right here in the UK. What sets Anoraq apart?   🔹 Made in the UK: Every piece is crafted locally, supporting British manufacturing and reducing the carbon footprint—an essential focus amidst the climate conversation. 🔹 Female-led: In a sector where women often dominate the workforce but rarely the boardroom, Anoraq’s founder is breaking the mold, inspiring more women to lead businesses and own their narrative. 🔹 Sustainability: As discussions around ethical production and sustainability grow louder, Anoraq stands out by offering stylish apparel without compromising on values. Supporting brands like Anoraq isn't just a fashion statement—it's about backing the future of sustainable, local, and female-led businesses.   Let’s celebrate #BritishManufacturing, #FemaleEntrepreneurship, and the #SustainableFashionMovement!#SupportLocal #MadeInTheUK #WomenInBusiness #AnoraqApparel   Even better you can access ANORAQFRIENDS10 for a little discount.

What's New to The Street... 👖 Gap's look is finally back on point! With new leadership bringing fresh excitement to all its brands, the apparel retailer is making waves without sacrificing profitability. What do you think of Gap's new direction? 🛍️✨ 👉🏻Follow New To The Street for more! #Gap #Fashion #Retail #StyleRevival #FutureLeaders #business #news #newtothestreet

What's New to The Street... 👖 Gap's look is finally back on point! With new leadership bringing fresh excitement to all its brands, the apparel retailer is making waves without sacrificing profitability. What do you think of Gap's new direction? 🛍️✨ 👉🏻Follow New To The Street for more! #Gap #Fashion #Retail #StyleRevival #FutureLeaders #business #news #newtothestreet

In the ever-evolving world of fashion retail, we see two powerful forces at play: established brands with deep-rooted heritage and global reach, and dynamic challenger brands that bring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies. Over the past decade, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with both types of businesses through my roles at Fenix and Knitup. Fenix, with its decades of experience and strong reputation in the high-end market, excels in creating exquisite tailored products that help established players maintain market leadership. Conversely, Knitup supports individual designers and emerging brands to carve out their niche, leveraging cutting-edge technology to bring their visions to life and help them grow. The unique challenges and opportunities faced by each type of brand have reinforced my belief that blending traditional wisdom with innovative thinking is essential for success in this industry. In my opinion, the intersection of tradition and innovation is where true potential lies. By uniting the strengths of Knitup and Fenix, we are paving a new strategic path that accomplishes a double objective: - Enables incumbent brands to remain relevant through an agile, tech-enabled supply chain; and - Provides challenger brands with extensive resources and a clear pathway to scale effectively. Our commitment to this dual approach aims to enrich the fashion ecosystem, ensuring that every brand—regardless of size—can thrive. If you are either of these brand types or somewhere in between, I'd welcome a chance to chat with you. #innovation #fashiontech #fashion #retail #supplychain #sustainable #manufacturing #apparel #knitwear #brands #designers #designinnovation

Fashion retail industry analysts and headhunters sound off on the appointment of Andrea Baldo as Mulberry's new chief executive. "It will be amazing to see how the development of sustainability and ethical practices evolve in the leather goods accessories sector with Baldo at the helm, after the positive progress at Ganni." Read the full story below. #Mulberry #fashion #fashionnews #retailnews #CEO #peoplemoves

Read more of the latest fashion retail people moves here, including Gymshark and JOSEPH. #peoplemoves #fashionretail #retailnews

In this insightful "Why It Matters" conversation, our CEO, Rob Watson, chats with Branded Merch Network contributor Jeff Solomon, MAS, about how our commitment to sustainability is deeply ingrained in our company culture. From responsibly sourced products to superior decoration techniques, we focus on creating apparel that not only looks great but also provides lasting value and enduring brand impressions. Watch the video below to learn more.

The latest fashion retail people moves features Frasers Group and Castore Sportswear. Read more below. #peoplemoves #appointments #retailnews #fashionnews