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The Singapore-based company has not determined the size of the deal or the valuation at IPO. The online fast-fashion retailer, which manufactures most of its merchandise in China, faces criticism that Uyghur forced labor is used to make its low-priced apparel and home goods. Earlier this year, the congresswoman led a bipartisan call for the SEC to halt Shein’s IPO until it verifies that the company does not use forced labor within its supply chain. Shein did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the company has previously told Reuters it has “zero tolerance for forced labor” and has no contract manufacturers in Xinjiang. Shein's IPO is "going to be raising issues (for the SEC) that may later be applied across the board to all China-based or China-related companies that are going public," Penick said.

Persons: Chen Lin, Shein confidentially, Shein, Jennifer Wexton, Megan Penick, Robinson, Penick, Republican Sen, Marco Rubio, ”, Rubio, Chris Smith, Smith, ByteDance's TikTok, Group's, Katherine Masters, Arriana, Michael Martina, Marguerita Choy Organizations: REUTERS, Bloomberg, Beijing, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, SEC, Reuters, Reuters Graphics, Capitol Hill, Republican, Congressional, Commission, Oritain, U.S, Thomson Locations: Singapore, China, New York, U.S, Beijing, Washington, China's Xinjiang, Xinjiang, India

[1/6] People load up their newly purchased items from Best Buy on Black Friday in Wheaton-Glenmont, Maryland, U.S., November 24, 2023. A record 130.7 million people are expected to shop in stores and online in the U.S. on Black Friday this year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates. But at 6 a.m. on Friday at a Walmart in New Milford, Connecticut, the parking lot was only half full. "It's a lot quieter this year, a lot quieter," said shopper Theresa Forsberg, who visits the same five stores with her family at dawn every Black Friday. And the rise of online shopping has reduced the importance of Black Friday as a single-day event.

Persons: Leah Millis, Cowen, David Klink, Theresa Forsberg, Michael Brown, Kearney, Jeff Gennette, Jimmy Lee, there's, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Oscar de, Carlos Araejo, Ruiz, It’s, ”, Paul Aheren, Puma, Siddharth Cavale, Helen Reid, Arriana McLymore, Katherine Masters, Andrew Hay, Bianca Flowers, Danielle Broadway, James Davey, Deborah Sophia, Miral Fahmy, Nick Zieminski, Frances Kerry Organizations: REUTERS, Shoppers, Huntington Private Bank, Walmart, Target, National Retail Federation, Garden, Insider Intelligence, Macy's, Adobe Analytics, Wealth Consulting, Amazon, Adobe, Nordstrom, “, Saks, Puma, Israel Football Association, IFA, Thomson Locations: Wheaton, Glenmont , Maryland, U.S, RALEIGH, N.C, New Milford , Connecticut, Paramus , New Jersey, Indianapolis, Israel, Palestine, United States, Dallas, Raleigh, Crabtree, Boston

Brokerage TD Cowen lowered its U.S. holiday spending estimate to 2% to 3% growth, from 4% to 5%, as it forecast flat Black Friday traffic. With many consumers squeezed by persistent inflation and high interest rates, U.S. holiday spending is expected to rise at the slowest pace in five years. A record 130.7 million people are expected to shop in stores and online in the U.S. on Black Friday this year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates. In France, Italy, and Spain, most shoppers planned to buy clothing on Black Friday, with electronic goods coming second, according to a PwC survey. Thanksgiving Day discounts online peaked at about 28% for toys, while electronics had discounts as steep as 27%, Adobe said.

Persons: Shannon Stapleton, Cowen, Theresa Forsberg, “ It’s, ”, Jill Lizzo, she’s, “, I’m, Lizzo, PwC, hasn’t, Naomi Ojomo, Jeff Gennette, Barbie, John Roberts, Apple AirPods, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Oscar de, Katherine Masters, Arriana McLymore, Helen Reid, Mimosa Spencer, Corina Pons, James Davey, Siddharth Cavale, Arriana, Deboarh Sophia, David Gaffen, Miral Fahmy, Nick Zieminski, Frances Kerry Organizations: Black, REUTERS, Shoppers, National Retail Federation, Insider Intelligence, Barclays, Macy's, Adobe Analytics, Adobe, Walmart, Argos, PlayStation, Apple, Thomson Locations: Westbury , New York, U.S, RALEIGH, N.C, New Milford , Connecticut, . U.S, Harlem, Manhattan, France, Italy, Spain, Zara, Canary Wharf, London, British, Paris, Madrid, New York, Raleigh , North Carolina, Bengaluru

☆ Retailers hope to draw picky Black Friday shoppers to stores
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Originally known for crowds lining up at big-box stores in the U.S., Black Friday has moved online and gone global. In France, Italy, and Spain, most shoppers planned to buy clothing on Black Friday, with electronic goods coming second, according to a PwC survey. On average, shoppers in France expected to spend 295 euros ($322) on Black Friday, the survey found. Most U.S. stores were closed on Thanksgiving but opened to shoppers at 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. on Friday. In post-earnings calls this week, retailers from Kohl's (KSS.N) to Nordstrom (JWN.N) told investors they had invested in jackets, cashmere sweaters and Ugg boots to lure Christmas shoppers after an unseasonably warm October.

Persons: Shannon Stapleton, Jessica Ramirez, Jane Hali, Jeff Gennette, Mari Shor, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Oscar de, ” Nordstrom, Pete Nordstrom, Katie Wyle, Katherine Masters, Mimosa Spencer, Helen Reid, James Davey, Josie Kao, Miral Fahmy, Frances Kerry Organizations: Black, REUTERS, Retailers, Associates, National Retail Federation, Insider Intelligence, Barclays, Macy's, The New York Police, Nordstrom, Walmart, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Westfield, Thomson Locations: Westbury , New York, U.S, Europe, France, Italy, Spain, Amazon, Israel, New York City, Kohl's, Mall, Britain, Westfield, Paris, London

Brokerage TD Cowen lowered its U.S. holiday spending estimate to 2% to 3% growth, from 4% to 5%, as it forecast flat Black Friday traffic. With many consumers squeezed by persistent inflation and high interest rates, U.S. holiday spending is expected to rise at the slowest pace in five years. But at 6 a.m. on Friday at a Walmart in New Milford, Connecticut, the parking lot was only half full. "It's a lot quieter this year, a lot quieter," said shopper Theresa Forsberg, who visits the same five stores with her family at dawn every Black Friday. The rise of online shopping has reduced the importance of Black Friday as a single-day event.

Persons: Cowen, David Klink, ”, Barbara Kahn, Theresa Forsberg, Michael Brown, Kearney, Jimmy Lee, Leah Millis, there's, Jeff Gennette, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Oscar de, Carlos Araejo, Ruiz, It’s, Paul Aheren, Puma, Siddharth Cavale, Helen Reid, Arriana McLymore, Katherine Masters, Andrew Hay, Bianca Flowers, Danielle Broadway, James Davey, Deborah Sophia, Miral Fahmy, Nick Zieminski, Frances Kerry, Leslie Adler Organizations: Shoppers, Huntington Private Bank, Walmart, Target, Ross Stores, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, “, National Retail Federation, Garden, Insider Intelligence, Adobe Analytics, Adobe, Wealth Consulting, Amazon, REUTERS, Nordstrom, Saks, Protesters, Puma, Israel Football Association, Thomson Locations: RALEIGH, N.C, U.S, New Milford , Connecticut, Paramus , New Jersey, Wheaton, Glenmont , Maryland, Indianapolis, Israel, Palestine, United States, Dallas, Raleigh, Crabtree, Boston

[1/8] Waste from international clothing brands is stored before being used to fuel kilns at a brick factory on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia November 17, 2023. It found pre-consumer garment waste including fabric, plastic, rubber, and other materials from the brands was being burned at seven factories. The factories were burning garment waste to save on fuel costs, it said. Brick factory workers reported regular migraines, nosebleeds, and other illnesses, the UK report said. LPP said it was unaware its textile waste was being burned in brick kilns, and has contacted its agents responsible for placing orders in Cambodia.

Persons: Lululemon, Co's, Betty, Tilley Endurables, Armour, Lidl, LICADHO, LPP, Tilley, Clare Baldwin, Helen Reid, Katherine Masters Organizations: Cambodian League, Promotion, of Human, REUTERS Acquire, Adidas, Walmart, The Cambodian League, of Human Rights, Reuters, UNDP, Royal Holloway, University of London, Navy, Lidl Stiftung, Reebok, Venus, World, Cambodian Ministry of Environment, Sarom Trading, Thomson Locations: Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Cambodian, Kandal

☆ 'Dupes' clothing, perfume craze lures holiday shoppers as major brands fret
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

Hashtag searches for dupes of major brands - including Skims underwear and Deckers' (DECK.N) Ugg boots - have been viewed millions of times on TikTok. Graphic shows pictures of four original products and their original prices under named brands compared with the prices of their 'dupe' counterparts. Newer technologies like the Google Lens app allow people to take photos of items they like and find similar products for sale. In other cases, dupe sellers opt to replicate the look of higher-priced originals with cheaper materials to maximize profit. However, experts say dupe sellers have grown increasingly skilled at avoiding brand logos and other design features that could infringe existing patents or copyrights.

Persons: Lauren Maginness, Shannon Stapleton, Maginness, Estee, Tom Ford, Dupes, “, ”, Penny Pincher, Leslie Ghize, Doneger Tobe, Calvin McDonald, Ian Taplin, Juozas Kaziukenas, Kaziukenas, Maria Boschetti, Mike Scheschuk, Birkenstock, Katherine Masters, Dorothy Kam, Vanessa O'Connell, Rod Nickel, Matthew Lewis Organizations: REUTERS, Abercrombie, Fitch, Scout, Walmart, Department, Nordstrom, Circana Inc, COMMERCE, Wake Forest University, eBay, Google, HK, Amazon, New, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, Hong Kong, TikTok, Los Angeles, Zara, Italy, New York

The sign for a Gap store is seen on 5th avenue in midtown Manhattan in New York June 16, 2015. The company expects fourth-quarter net sales to be flat to slightly negative, compared with analysts' expectations for a 0.33% rise, according to LSEG data. Banana Republic and Athleta's sales fell 11% and 18% in the third quarter, while Old Navy, Gap's biggest brand, recorded a 1% decline. Its net sales of $3.78 billion - mainly aided by its Old Navy brand - beat Wall Street expectations of $3.60 billion. Gap reiterated that fiscal 2023 net sales would decline in the mid-single-digit range.

Persons: Brendan McDermid, Richard Dickson, Deborah Weinswig, Weinswig, Zachary Warring, Katrina O’Connell, Ananya Mariam Rajesh, Kate Masters, Devika Syamnath, Matthew Lewis Organizations: REUTERS, Old Navy, Walmart, Banana, Gap's, Republic, Navy, Banana Republic, Thomson Locations: Manhattan, New York, Bengaluru

☆ Formula One clothing craze sweeps retailers ahead of Vegas debut
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/4] F1 apparel is displayed for sale, as U.S. retailers including PacSun and Abercrombie & Fitch are launching lines of Formula 1-inspired apparel, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., November 15, 2023. Teen clothing chains Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF.N) and PacSun are among the U.S. retail chains seeking to turn Americans' budding love affair with Formula One into sales of F1-inspired clothing lines, building partly on excitement for this weekend's inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, the retailers said. At the start of the year, the average ticket price for the three-day race weekend was $1,667 -- more than triple that for some European races, such as the Belgian Grand Prix. Rolex paid $35 million in 2023 for a deal that includes title naming rights at two Grand Prix, according to research firm GlobalData. Ahead of the Vegas race, PacSun is selling a collection that includes a pair of $69 women’s cargo jeans and a $600 men’s leather jacket.

Persons: Mike Blake, Jay Prasad, ”, Richard Cox, PVH, Tommy Hilfiger, Conrad Wiacek, Red, Max Verstappen, they’re, Williams, Alfa, Katherine Masters, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Abercrombie, Fitch, REUTERS, Rolex, One, Las Vegas, Prix, Mercedes, AMG Petronas, Miami Grand Prix, Puma, AP Rocky, Monaco, Netflix, ESPN, Red Bull, Alpine, Kappa, McLaren, Alfa Romeo, Thomson Locations: Las Vegas , Nevada, U.S, Belgian, Vegas, Miami, United States, Las Vegas, men’s

NEW YORK, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Nike released a replica jersey for England goalkeeper Mary Earps on Monday, after facing widespread criticism for not selling the popular Women's World Cup finalist's shirt. Earps was one of the standout stars of the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this year, earning FIFA's Golden Glove award. She was voted England Women's Player of the Year last month . More than 170,000 people signed a Change.org petition calling on Nike to sell jerseys for Earps and other women goalkeepers. The England men's goalkeeper jersey is available to buy on Nike’s website.

Persons: Mary Earps, Earps, ” Earps, “, Katherine Masters, Amy Tennery, Lincoln Organizations: Nike, England, England Football Association’s, Reuters, Federation, U.S ., Sports, Thomson Locations: Australia, New Zealand, Spain, U.S, France, Netherlands, England

[1/2] A jogger wearing Nike shoes runs along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., March 18, 2019. Nike has also experienced competition from other sneaker brands, including Deckers' (DECK.N) Hoka, On Running (ONON.N) and French-owned sports retailer Salomon, as shoppers gravitate toward "performance" shoes. Nike CEO John Donahoe said the company would turn its attention to "prioritizing the everyday runner" and connecting with shoppers in more channels, including specialty running stores. The company posted total revenue of $12.94 billion in the quarter, missing analysts' estimates of $12.98 billion. Nike reported a profit of $1.45 billion, or 94 cents per share, beating estimates of 75 cents per share.

Persons: Charles, Brian Snyder, Matthew Friend, Friend, Jordan, Salomon, Dylan Dittrich, John Donahoe, David Swartz, Deborah Sophia, Katherine Masters, Shounak Dasgupta, Jamie Freed Organizations: Nike, REUTERS, Air, Jordan, Insights, Morningstar, Thomson Locations: Cambridge , Massachusetts, U.S, Kobe, Bengaluru, New York

☆ Nike Air Jordans are losing resale value. Is sneaker culture moving on?
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The famous Nike swoosh and Air Jordan logo is seen on an Air Jordan 1, called "Notorious" released from 1984-1985, during a preview for "The Rise of the Sneaker Culture" exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum in the Brooklyn borough of New York, July 8, 2015. Some investors are concerned the Jordan brand, a major source of sales for Nike, may be "losing steam," Bernstein analysts said on Sunday. The company does not report what percent of its total revenues come from the Jordan brand. Sales of performance shoes from Nike's Jordan brand have also outpaced retro styles, which include Air Jordan 1 high-tops, Donahoe said in June. Donahoe told investors in June that the company had "reset" its running business, highlighting updates to existing styles including its Infinity road running shoes and Pegasus trail running shoes.

Persons: Brendan McDermid, Altan, Jordan, Bernstein, John Donahoe, Salomon, Donahoe, Altan's, Dylan Dittrich, Jessica Ramirez, Jane Hali, Katherine Masters, Deborah Sophia, Josie Kao, Shweta Agarwal Organizations: Nike, Air, Brooklyn Museum, REUTERS, Altan Insights, Nike's Air, Air Jordan, Reuters Graphics, Barclays, Associates, Thomson Locations: Air Jordan, Brooklyn, New York, North America, Jordan, American, U.S, Bengaluru

☆ Shein shifts shipping strategy to bring China-made goods closer to US shoppers
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The move also marks a strategy shift for Shein, which has traditionally flown goods directly from China to shoppers. Goods eligible for QuickShip are delivered significantly faster than Shein's standard shipping times, which can range from nine to 14 days, according to estimates on its website. Importing high-demand products in bulk helps Shein save money, a person familiar with Shein's strategy said, as ocean shipping is significantly less costly than air freight. Shipping goods by air directly from China is a strategy that helps the e-tailer avoid unsold inventory piling up in warehouses, according to Juozas Kaziukenas, founder of e-commerce analytics firm Marketplace Pulse. Prior to 2020, Shein imported no clothing by ocean freight, according to the ImportGenius data.

Persons: Chen Lin, ImportGenius, Shein, AWEIGH Shein, Juozas Kaziukenas, Katherine Masters, Matthew Lewis Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Walmart, UBS, U.S . House, PDD Holdings, Shipping, Thomson Locations: Singapore, China, U.S, Whitestown , Indiana, Shein, Indiana, Cherry Valley , California, York

☆ Nike investors reject pay equity, human rights proposals
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] The Nike swoosh logo is pictured on a store in New York City, New York, U.S., September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNEW YORK, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Nike investors voted against two shareholder-led proposals during the sportswear giant’s annual meeting on Tuesday, according to a preliminary tally by the company. One of the resolutions, filed by Massachusetts-based investment adviser Arjuna Capital, called on Nike to provide more data on pay equity for female and minority employees. The company will disclose the final vote tally in a future U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Arjuna’s resolution on pay equity reporting failed for the second time since 2021 despite backing from proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services, which in August recommended that investors vote for the proposal.

Persons: Carlo Allegri, Arjuna Capital, John Donahoe, Katherine Masters, Josie Kao Organizations: Nike, REUTERS, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Services, Reuters, Thomson Locations: New York City , New York, U.S, Massachusetts, Cambodia, Thailand

☆ Nike urged to backpay garment workers ahead of annual meeting
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The investors want Nike to provide $2.2 million in allegedly unpaid wages to more than 4,000 workers at two suppliers in Cambodia and Thailand. The investor request could add more pressure to sportswear giant Nike (NKE.N), which is set to hold its annual shareholder meeting on Tuesday. Before the factory's closure in July 2020, Violet Apparel was owned by global textile manufacturer and Nike supplier Ramatex, according to WRC. WRC alleges that Violet Apparel made clothing for Nike as a subcontractor until 2020, citing what it said was testimony from factory workers and photographs taken inside the factory. Nike said it found "no evidence to support the claims" that Violet Apparel made Nike items after 2006.

Persons: John Donahoe, Kees Gootjes, Violet Apparel, Violet, Katherine Masters, Josie Kao Organizations: Nike, Reuters, Canadian, ABN AMRO, Washington, D.C, Workers Rights Consortium, Violet, Violet Apparel, Ramatex, WRC, Apparel, Hong Seng, Thomson Locations: Cambodia, Thailand

☆ Exclusive: US Customs finds garments made with banned Chinese cotton
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

It requires cutting out the far western region from apparel supply chains. Ten of the 37 garments collected by Customs and Border Protection in May returned as “consistent” with Xinjiang, the documents show. "The amount of Xinjiang cotton entering the U.S. should be zero," she said. Many retailers have also turned to isotopic testing in a bid to keep their supply chain free of cotton with links to forced labor. Officials said isotopic testing alone is not enough to clear shipments detained at U.S. ports for suspected links to Xinjiang.

Persons: Mickey, Laura Murphy, Eric Choy, Ralph Lauren, Oritain, Choy, “ It’s, ”, Katherine Masters, David Gregorio Our Organizations: U.S . Customs, Protection, Reuters, Customs, Sheffield Hallam University, . Customs, Goods, Retail, Oritain, Thomson Locations: Xinjiang, China, England, U.S, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand

☆ Will Macy’s, Nordstrom merchandise overhauls lure shoppers?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

In an effort to boost sales, Macy's - which reports second-quarter results on Tuesday - has focused on revamping its private brands, including its new On 34th label launched in July. Analysts expect Macy's to post a 87% slide in second-quarter profit, dragged down by heavy discounting to clear spring and early summer merchandise, according to Refinitiv. Thirteen percent answered Walmart and 9% answered Amazon, compared to 5.8% for Macy's and 3.3% for Nordstrom. Nordstrom so far has disclosed few specifics about the new merchandise intended to revive the Rack, including the brands and categories it plans to prioritize. On Monday, Rack’s website was advertising brands including Kate Spade, Adidas, Steve Madden and Cole Haan.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Nordstrom, Erik Nordstrom, Macy's, Nordstrom's, Prosper, Macy’s, Kathy Gersch, ”, Kate Spade, Steve Madden, Cole Haan, Katherine Masters, Granth Vanaik, Savyata Mishra, Deepa Babington Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, REUTERS, Nordstrom, U.S ., Target, Walmart, Nordstrom . Consulting, Deloitte, Private, Kotter, Adidas, Thomson Locations: Manhattan , New York City, U.S, New York, Bengaluru

The International Labour Organization (ILO), of which Cambodia is a member, permits prison labour provided it is not forced. The companies, which Sopheak confirmed were W Dexing Garment (Cambodia), IGTM (Cambodia) and Chia Ho (Cambodia) Garment Industrial, did not respond to requests for comment. It said it learned in February that Cambodia was investigating and that the prison workshops had been suspended. Centric told Reuters in an email in June that it had "placed on hold" imports from a factory in Cambodia and would "immediately terminate" any supplier found to be using prison labour. CAMBODIA INVESTIGATESPrison labour at CC2 potentially puts Cambodia at odds with the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, which grants duty-free benefits to eligible developing nations.

Persons: Keo Chhea, Sopheak, Chia Ho, AAFA's, Ken Loo, Aun, Loo, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, amfori, Klot Dara, Stephen Lamar, Nate Herman, Clare Baldwin, Katherine Masters, Siddharth Cavale, John Shiffman, Kristina Cooke, David Crawshaw, Kay Johnson Organizations: Correctional, Google, REUTERS Acquire, Walmart, Centric Brands, Reuters, American Apparel and Footwear Association, International Labour Organization, ILO, Cambodian Ministry of Commerce, State, European Union, Japan, Garment, Human Rights, Textile, Apparel, Footwear, Travel Goods Association, IZOD, U.S . Federal Trade Commission, U.S, Travelway, Centric, Better Factories, BFC, amfori's Business, Authentic Brands, U.S . Trade, CC2, Cambodia's Ministry of Interior, General Department of Prisons, Facebook, Thomson Locations: Phnom Penh, Cambodia, PHNOM PENH, U.S, Washington, AAFA, IGTM, Canada, Better Factories Cambodia, CC2, CAMBODIA, Cambodia's U.S, New York, Los Angeles

☆ Focus: Key trade loophole keeps cheap Chinese products flowing to US
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows that de minimis shipments into the U.S. rose to 685.5 million in 2022, up nearly 67% over 2018. That equals roughly two to three million packages a day, Robert Silvers, Under Secretary for Policy at the Department of Homeland Security, told lawmakers in July. A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers in June introduced bills that would ban de minimis shipments from China upon enactment. Rival U.S. retailers also have grown increasingly concerned about the exemption as Shein and Temu have gained market share. In 2015, Congress raised the cap on de minimis shipments to $800 from $200, making the U.S. threshold one of the highest in the world.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Shein, Peter Pernot, Robert Silvers, minimis, Jason Smith, Temu, Steve Story, They're, Erik Autor, Katherine Masters, Anna Driver Organizations: REUTERS, PDD Holdings, U.S, Reuters, American Apparel and Footwear Association, de, U.S . Customs, Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Republican, Columbia, Apex Logistics International, UPS, FedEx, Barlow & Company, Thomson Locations: China, U.S, Beijing, Mexico, Canada

[1/2] The Levi Strauss & Co. label is seen on clothes in a store at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, New York, U.S., February 15, 2022. Shares of the company fell about 6% in extended trading, as it joined peer American Eagle Outfitters (AEO.N) in predicting a weak outlook for consumer spending. Levi’s net revenues for the second quarter that ended May 28 declined by 9%, its steepest quarterly drop since the first quarter of 2021, according to Refinitiv data. The annual reported net revenue is expected to increase 1.5% to 2.5% from a year earlier, the apparel maker said, narrowing its previous forecast range of 1.5% to 3%. The apparel maker posted a net loss of $1.6 million for the second quarter, compared with a net income of $49.7 million a year earlier.

Persons: Levi Strauss, Andrew Kelly, Levi's, Chip Bergh, Bergh, Michael Ashley Schulman, Granth, Kate Masters, Shweta Agarwal, Muralikumar Organizations: Woodbury, REUTERS, American Eagle Outfitters, Nordstrom, Revenue, Running, Capital Advisors, Thomson Locations: Central Valley , New York, U.S, North America, Bergh, Levi's U.S, Europe, Americas, Bengaluru, New York

In North America, the company's biggest market, still-high inflation has led to consumers buying essential goods and reducing discretionary spending. Sales rose 5% in the region in the fourth quarter, the slowest in four quarters as U.S. wholesalers became more prudent in placing newer orders. Peer Under Armour (UAA.N) forecast annual sales and profit below Wall Street estimates in May due to waning demand and higher discounts. The company expects full-year reported revenue to rise mid-single-digits, compared with analysts expectations of a revenue of a 6.3% rise. The company's fourth-quarter revenue rose to $12.83 billion and beat estimates of $12.59 billion, while earnings per share of 66 cents missed estimates by 1 cent.

Persons: Florence, John Donahoe, Armour, Jane Hali, Jessica Ramirez, Granth Vanaik, Ananya Mariam Rajesh, Sriraj Organizations: Nike Inc, REUTERS, Nike, Wall, Associates, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Jessica Ramirez . Greater China, Bengaluru

From big-box chains Walmart (WMT.N) and Best Buy (BBY.N) to specialty retailers like Savage X Fenty and Adore Me, retailers' subscription programs are facing growing scrutiny. Amazon is under fire from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which filed a lawsuit against it in Seattle. Amazon "substantially revamped its Prime cancellation process" to some customers before the lawsuit was filed, according to the complaint. He withdrew the lawsuit, according to the court docket. Best Buy in 2021 launched a subscription program offering tech support and discounts on products.

Persons: Amazon, William Kovacic, Kathleen Benway, SAVAGE, Savage X, Savage, Ranjan Roy, Me's, Morgan Stanley, Spencer Sheehan, Arriana McLymore, Kate Masters, Siddharth Cavale, Muralikumar Organizations: YORK, Amazon.com Inc, Euromonitor Inc, U.S . Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Amazon, George Washington University Law School, FTC's, Consumer, WALMART, BEST, Walmart, Thomson Locations: Seattle, United States, U.S, Europe, California, Michigan, New York City

☆ China e-commerce shipments would lose US tariff exemption under proposed law
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The bill would ban such shipments from China immediately upon enactment, sponsor Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said. Ecommerce sellers such as China-founded, Singapore-based Shein and Temu, a rival owned by PDD Holdings Inc (PDD.O) that operates the Chinese ecommerce site Pinduoduo, are big beneficiaries of the exemption. De minimis shipments have drawn attention at least since 2019, when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported it struggled to catch unsafe imports because of the heavy volume of low-value packages. Such shipments rose to 685.5 million in 2022 compared with 410.5 million in 2018, U.S. customs data showed. Under the bill, countries other than China and Russia could keep the exemption by adopting the $800 threshold for their own tariff-free imports.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Bill Cassidy, minimis, Temu, De, J.D, Vance, Tammy Baldwin, Earl Blumenauer, Katherine Masters, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: REUTERS, PDD Holdings, U.S . Consumer Product Safety, Democratic, FedEx, UPS, DHL, Thomson Locations: U.S, China, Singapore, Xingiang, Xinjiang, Russia

☆ Retailers battle for uncertain back-to-school demand after ‘volatile’ quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Katherine Masters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/2] Shopping trolley is seen in front of Walmart logo in this illustration, July 24, 2022. U.S. shoppers' spending in the summer ahead of the college and K-12 school year has grown steadily since 2015, according to the National Retail Federation, a trade group. The chain is stocking Adidas' Samba and Gazelle sneakers ahead of the new school year, it said. The challenge for retailers is predicting whether parents will buy less clothing and sneakers when the cost of necessities - such as pencils, notebooks and laptops - strains many households. Retailers face a "volatile time," said Jessica Ramirez, a senior research analyst at Jane Hali & Associates.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Locker, Spencer, hasn't, Ralph Lauren, Nordstrom, Doug McMillon, John David Rainey, Jessica Ramirez, Jane Hali, Moody’s, Moody's, Maxx, Martin Waters, Fran Horowitz, Jennifer Foyle, Abercrombie’s Hollister, URBN, Katherine Masters, Siddharth Cavale, James Davey, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Walmart, REUTERS, National Retail Federation, Ulta, Adidas, U.S . Commerce Department, Associates, Target, Moody's Victoria’s, Abercrombie & Fitch, Urban Outfitters, Abercrombie, Fitch, Free People, Thomson Locations: Britain, U.S, North America, New York, Bentonville , Arkansas, London

Shares of the company hit a six-month low of $190.30 during trading hours after Estee Lauder slashed its fiscal-year forecasts for a third time. Estee expects full-year 2023 net sales to fall between 10% and 12%, compared with its prior forecast of a 5% to 7% decrease. Even though China relaxed pandemic-related restrictions, the company saw January 2023 pressured by retailers destocking due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. Estee has also been challenged by the growth of smaller competitors in the beauty space, according to Travis. Estee forecast adjusted per-share profit to fall by 50% to 51%, compared with a 27% to 29% decrease it expected earlier.

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