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Sector Overview: US Apparel Specialty Retailers — Collaborations Are the New Normal

In 2018, U.S. apparel and footwear specialty retailers’ sales totaled $197 billion, according to Euromonitor International, and its analysts forecast sector sales will grow at a CAGR of 3.3% to 2023, reaching $232 billion. Relative to the recent past, 2018’s results were strong.

Sportswear and athleisure are driving specialty apparel and footwear sales. We see areas of opportunity in the lingerie and plus-size categories. We expect specialty retailers to continue exploring collaborations, partnerships and global expansion – particularly into China and India.

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Unilever Expands Home Care Portfolio with the Acquisition of The Laundress

On January 28, Unilever announced it had acquired The Laundress, a premium detergent and fabric care company headquartered in New York. The Laundress was founded in 2004 by Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd after two years of research yielded a non-toxic line of laundry and home cleaning products. The portfolio now includes over 85 eco-friendly products.

Unilever said The Laundress will continue to operate from its New York City headquarters and that the two founders will remain in place to lead the business and operate the brand’s flagship store in New York.

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