Trump Organization merchandise sales grew to more than $3 million in 2023.
Unofficial sales may rival, or even surpass official volumes.
The scale and longevity of MAGA’s retail arm are exceptional.
Made in USA claims difficult to guarantee in multi-tiered supply chains.
The MAGA brand illustrates how politics and retail converge, creating parallel economies.

Dick’s Sporting Goods has posted record Q2 FY25 results with net sales up 5 per cent to $3.65 billion and comparable sales rising 5 per cent.
Net income reached $381 million, while EPS grew to $4.71.
The retailer ended with 889 stores, raised FY25 EPS guidance to $13.9–14.5, and expects 2–3.5 per cent comp growth, supported by strong execution and the pending Foot Locker acquisition.

Despite rising prices, India witnessed a slight increase in physical gold demand as jewelers prepared for the festive season, with premiums reaching $4 per ounce. Conversely, China experienced subdued activity due to high prices and a lack of import quotas.

Spinnova signed binding deals to acquire all shares of Woodspin Oy and Suzano Finland Oy from Suzano S.A. for €2 (~$2.33), gaining full control of Spinnova fibre operations.
Suzano will contribute €5 million before exiting.
The joint venture ends, giving Spinnova licensing freedom.
Woodspin remains suspended, but Spinnova now owns the only large demo facility producing fibre from pulp to bale.

Castore has acquired 100 per cent of British brand Belstaff from Ineos on a debt-free, cash-free basis.
As part of the deal, INEOS will make a strategic investment in Castore.
The partnership aims to accelerate growth by combining Castore’s digital retail, supply chain and sports partnerships with Belstaff’s heritage positioning, while strengthening both brands’ presence in premium categories.

Abercrombie & Fitch has posted Q2 FY25 net sales up 7 per cent to $1.2 billion, led by Americas and APAC offsetting a 1 per cent EMEA dip.
Hollister rose 19 per cent to $656.7 million, while Abercrombie fell 5 per cent to $551.9 million.
EPS was $2.91.
Operating margin improved to 17.1 per cent.
The retailer raised FY25 outlook to 5–7 per cent sales growth and EPS of $10–$10.5.

Foot Locker posted a Q2 net loss of $38 million as sales fell 2.4 per cent to $1.85 billion, with comparable sales down 2 per cent.
North America rose 1.4 per cent but Europe and Asia Pacific dropped 10.3 per cent.
Gross margin slipped 50 bps and SG&A deleveraged.
The retailer closed 11 stores, ending with 2,354.
Shareholders approved its $8.6 billion sale to Dick’s, set to close September 8.

The Indian government has prolonged the import duty exemption on cotton until December 31st to aid the textile industry during the festive season, following a drop in domestic cotton production. This move aims to lower input costs for exporters, especially after the US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods.

Majority of used footwear still going to landfill or incineration.
Circular transition remains uneven and far from universal.
Many initiatives remain pilots rather than large-scale solutions.
Challenges in scaling recycling infrastructure, ensuring transparency, and avoiding greenwashing persist.
Policy and regulation will be decisive in shaping the industry’s next steps.

Guess?, returned to profit in Q2 FY26 with GAAP net earnings of $6.2 million versus a $10.6 million loss last year.
Revenue rose 6 per cent to $772.9 million, driven by Europe, but Americas retail, wholesale and Asia weakened.
Operating margins shrank sharply, and H1 showed a $26.7 million loss, highlighting ongoing cost and demand pressures.