The Weekly Closeout: J. Jill names chief merchant as Spirit Halloween resurrects seasonal hiring

It’s been another week with far more retail news than there is time in the day. Below, we break down some things you may have missed during the week, and what we’re still thinking about.

From Goop’s store openings to Nike’s new board member, here’s our closeout for the week.

What you may have missed

J. Jill names Club Monaco vet as chief merchant

Apparel retailer J. Jill announced the appointment of Courtney O’Connor as chief merchandising officer, effective Monday. Former chief merchant Shelley Liebsch is leaving the company “to pursue other opportunities,” according to a press release. 

O’Connor was most recently the chief merchandising officer at Club Monaco and has 20 years of experience at other retailers including Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, among other companies. 

“Courtney is a seasoned merchant who brings extensive experience in elevating product assortments to showcase brands’ offerings in a way that best aligns with customer expectations,” Mary Ellen Coyne, CEO of J. Jill, said in a statement.

Nike taps former Lego CEO for board member

This week, Nike announced former Lego Group CEO Jørgen Vig Knudstorp would join the board in September, provided shareholders agree to elect him. Knudstorp led the iconic toy brick company from 2004 to 2016 before moving to the executive chair role for six years. He is currently the deputy chair of the toy company’s Lego Foundation.

“Jørgen’s strong global experience with brand and digital marketing, strategy, and consumer products, as well as his development and fostering of culture and values, will make him an excellent addition to our board,” Nike Executive Chairman Mark Parker said in a statement. “We look forward to working with Jørgen during an exciting time for Nike where we will unlock our next chapter of growth through innovative product and distinctive brand storytelling across an integrated marketplace.”

The addition comes as Nike is executing on a turnaround strategy that emphasizes product innovation, bolder marketing and a more consumer-led approach to selling. The retailer is also reinvesting in wholesale partnerships and pulling back on some of its classic franchises that saturated the marketplace under former CEO John Donahoe.

Goop looks to grow

Wellness and lifestyle brand Goop wants to grow its brick-and-mortar footprint, and recently accelerated those efforts by opening its seventh permanent store in Aspen, Colorado. 

“Our decision to expand into Aspen reflects the continued strength of goop’s retail presence and our commitment to cultivating meaningful, in-person experiences,” Matthew Blythe, Goop’s vice president of retail, said in a statement. “Aspen has long inspired us with its natural beauty, creative energy, and vibrant community, making it a clear next step for goop.”

The company is currently eyeing an additional location in Newport Beach, California. The retailer did not respond to questions regarding reports it would open between 20 and 30 stores.

Retail therapy

Pasta by the pool? 

Just in time for summer, Olive Garden is debuting pool noodles based on the restaurant chain’s pasta.

Customers can order a Floatin’ Fettuccine, Relaxin’ Rigatoni or a Takin’ it Easy Tortelloni pool noodle for $40 each starting Monday. With every order comes another free summer-themed item. Fans can choose from a breadsticks bucket hat, soup tote bag or a salad floating drink holder.

Pottery Barn Teen partners with the WNBA

Pottery Barn Teen, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, recently announced a collection that is sure to be a fan favorite. 

For its exclusive home furnishings collection with the Women’s National Basketball Association, Pottery Barn Teen created bedding and room decor featuring all 13 teams. Team logos are incorporated on the collection’s bedding, backpacks and decorative accessories.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Pottery Barn Teen on this first-of-its-kind collaboration that brings the energy and identity of the WNBA into the everyday lives of young fans. This collection not only celebrates all of our teams, but it also reflects the growing cultural impact of the league and the passion of a new generation of fans,” Colie Edison, WNBA chief growth officer, said in a statement. 

Sister brand Pottery Barn Kids debuted a collaboration with BBC Studio’s “Bluey,” based on the hit TV series for children, according to a Monday announcement. The line includes bedding, backpacks, lunch bags and accessories.

What we’re still thinking about

50K

That’s how many positions Spirit Halloween will hire for ahead of the upcoming holiday season. The roles will support the retailer’s more than 1,500 temporary locations.

The retailer touted employee perks such as competitive salaries, flexible scheduling, a pay incentive program and season retention bonuses for returning store managers. All associates will also receive a 30% discount on purchases.

“The talent and enthusiasm of our associates is the driving force that brings Halloween to life each year, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning faces for another killer season,” Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween, said in a statement. 

50

That’s how many company-owned stores Mango now operates in the U.S. after opening a location in Portland, Oregon. 

“Reaching this milestone is an important achievement for the entire Mango team and reaffirms our deep commitment to our U.S. client,” Daniel López, Mango’s chief expansion and franchise officer, said in a statement. “Opening our 50th company-owned store in the U.S. is a testament to the warm reception of our unique value proposition and to Mango’s ambition in the U.S.”

The retailer has already opened eight stores this year and expects to operate around 65 by the end of 2025.

What we’re watching

Claire’s dangles potential sale

Two years after ditching plans to go public, teen accessories chain Claire’s is shopping itself around, according to Bloomberg’s reporting this week, citing unnamed sources. The mall-based teen retailer launched plans for an IPO in 2021, nearly three years after emerging from bankruptcy backed by private equity firms Elliott Management and Monarch Alternative Capital. They remain among those in control of the company, per Bloomberg’s report. 

The retailer — which runs 2,750 stores in 17 countries in North America and Europe under the Claire’s banner plus 190 stores in North America under the Icing banner — has had an interim chief executive for the past year. Its financial troubles appear to be building, and Debtwire analysts in recent weeks listed the company as distressed. Claire’s didn’t immediately return Retail Dive’s request for comment.