This week in retail saw several noteworthy developments: pop culture mainstay Hilary Duff became the latest brand ambassador for Reebok, and department store leaders Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus launched new autumn campaigns reflecting their parent company’s updated identity, Exemplar Luxury Group.
Reebok Debuts Hilary Duff in New “Unfiltered & Unstoppable” Campaign
On Monday, Reebok named Hilary Duff as their newest ambassador, unveiling her role in the “Unfiltered & Unstoppable” campaign, which highlights the brand’s apparel and accessories offerings. Duff shared her excitement about teaming up with the brand, stating that her take on style—wearing pieces that boost her confidence and suit her everyday life—resonates with Reebok’s philosophy.
With this partnership, Duff joins a roster that already includes Angel Reese, Julian Edelman, and Belmont Cameli, continuing Reebok’s pattern of collaborating with popular figures from the sports and entertainment industries.
Lowe’s Foundation Announces Coalition to Address Skilled Trades Shortage
In response to ongoing skilled trades labor shortages, the Lowe’s Foundation this week brought together corporations including Nvidia, AT&T, Bank of America, and General Motors to launch the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition. The goal: training and preparing 1 million people for skilled trades roles by 2035, as outlined in a press release.
Marvin Ellison, CEO of Lowe’s, spoke to the necessity of investing in the skilled workforce, declaring, “The next industrial revolution won’t be built by algorithms alone. It will be built by the millions of skilled trade professionals who power, connect and move this country forward.” He noted that the foundation has prioritized backing unique workforce training efforts over the last four years, with this new coalition forming the largest combined national effort yet.
Walmart Honors National Chicken Month With Rotisserie Chicken Bag
To celebrate National Chicken Month, Walmart revealed a creative new product on Tuesday: a rotisserie chicken-shaped purse. Offered in traditional and lemon pepper designs, the limited-edition bags sell for $5.97—the same as Walmart’s rotisserie chicken. Alongside, four charm styles—including hot sauce and lemon pepper bottles—are available for $4 to $5.97, underscoring the product’s link to Walmart’s favorite prepared food.
PWC Reports Reveal Revenue Challenges for Retail Heavyweights
Major brands continued to grapple with financial pressures this quarter. Calvin Klein saw its Q2 revenue fall 7% to $913.3 million year over year, according to PVH Corporation’s latest report. Meanwhile, Tommy Hilfiger’s revenues held steady at $1.1 billion, and sales among Heritage Brands—those overseeing licenses for Nike, Van Heusen, and others—inched up by less than 2%.
PVH’s overall second-quarter revenues decreased 3% to $2.1 billion, which the company said was at the high end of its projections. CEO Stefan Larsson pointed to encouraging initial results from product rollouts and marketing, plus high-visibility campaigns starring Tate McRae and Travis Kelce.
Exemplar Luxury Group Unveils Saks and Neiman Marcus Fall Campaigns
Following recent bankruptcy proceedings and debt restructuring, Saks and Neiman Marcus—now part of Exemplar Luxury Group—introduced 2026 fall marketing campaigns, their first since coming out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy this June.
Shot by Judy Pak, Neiman Marcus’s “Signature Style” campaign takes cues from Los Angeles influences, with creative head Elle Strauss noting, “At the heart of this campaign is the idea that style is an expression of each customer’s unique identity.” Saks introduced its “Let’s Go!” campaign, photographed by Nadine Ijewere. According to a company statement from Cheryl Han, chief marketing and digital officer of Exemplar, this campaign aims to capture the dynamic street energy of New York.
However, despite these new initiatives, some critics point out that Saks Fifth Avenue’s Manhattan flagship has lost favor among locals, who now prefer shopping destinations such as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Bergdorf Goodman.
What’s Next
Major retailers are adapting their strategies—unveiling new campaigns, partnering with celebrities, and launching programs to support workforce development—in an industry facing significant pressures. As PVH, Reebok, and Exemplar Luxury Group cope with evolving customer expectations and revenue challenges, time will tell whether these current strategies can deliver sustained brand revitalization in a competitive landscape.