Rundown: Nike shakeups, Rent the Runway restructuring & DTC fire sales
Jan 13, 2024
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Nike's COO Andy Campion and golf star Tiger Woods are the guests this week. They discuss the surprising departure of Campion and the end of Nike's partnership with Woods. Rent the Runway is also restructuring, with its COO leaving and layoffs. DTC exits are expected to increase in 2024. The podcast covers Nike's unexpected cuts and future plans, apparel brands seeking exit strategies, challenges and options for DTC brands at the revenue wall, and a preview of NRF and a panel on live shopping.
Nike experiences shakeups with the departure of COO Andy Campion and the end of their partnership with Tiger Woods, reflecting challenges and uncertainties within the company.
Rent the Runway undergoes restructuring, including layoffs and the stepping down of their COO, highlighting the struggles faced by the company in terms of decreasing revenues and a decline in active users.
Deep dives
Nike Shakeups: Departure of COO & End of Partnership with Tiger Woods
Nike has recently experienced significant shakeups, including the departure of their Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the end of their longstanding partnership with Tiger Woods. The departure of the COO, Andy Campion, who was considered a potential successor to the CEO position, indicates challenges and uncertainties within the company. Additionally, Nike plans to cut $2 billion in the next three years, suggesting a need for cost-saving measures and a reevaluation of their future plans.
Restructuring of Rent the Runway and its Challenges
Rent the Runway, the popular clothing rental service, is undergoing restructuring, including reducing its workforce by 10% and the stepping down of its COO. The company has faced various challenges, including decreasing revenues and a decline in active users. Despite attempts to improve inventory and launch new programs, Rent the Runway has struggled to bounce back from pre-COVID levels. The company's stock price has also seen a significant decline. These changes reflect the ongoing difficulties in the rental industry and the need for Rent the Runway to regroup and find a new strategy for sustainable growth.
Potential DTC Exits in 2024 and the Changing Landscape
The direct-to-consumer (DTC) industry is expected to witness more exits and acquisitions in 2024. Several DTC brands, such as True Classic and Dagnie Dover, are exploring potential acquirers and partnerships. The challenges of reaching a sustainable revenue level and the need for profitability are driving many DTC companies to consider strategic exits. Fundraising in the DTC space may also become more competitive, with investors looking for clear paths to profitability. The year ahead will likely see further shifts in the DTC landscape as brands navigate these challenges and explore opportunities for growth and exit strategies.
This week on the Modern Retail Rundown: Nike announced the surprising departure of its COO Andy Campion, alongside the end of its longterm partnership with golf star Tiger Woods. Similarly, rental service Rent the Runway is also restructuring -- with its COO also leaving and the company laying off 10% of its employees as it tries to improve the business. Finally, industry watchers expect to see more direct-to-consumer exits in 2024 as more founders look to sell their companies.
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