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Represent names former Adidas Yeezy boss as its North America president

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January 16, 2026

British luxury streetwear brand Represent has a new country president to lead its North American ambitions. Jim Anfuso, described as a veteran of the footwear and streetwear industry with “pivotal experience” managing the high-profile Adidas Yeezy business, has joined Represent’s executive leadership team.

Jim Anfuso, Represent’s new North America president

He’s tasked with accelerating Represent’s foothold in the US, “currently the brand’s fastest-growing market”. In his new role, Anfuso will oversee all countrywide operations, including retail expansion, wholesale partnerships, and the scaling of its performance line 247. 

The role will also leverage Anfuso’s “deep experience in the footwear sector to refine Represent’s footwear strategy, a category the brand has identified as a key growth pillar”.

Represent noted the appointment “comes at a critical inflection point”, following the opening of the brand’s West Hollywood flagship and the “rapid adoption” of the 247 label.

As the brand “shifts from a cult British label to a global powerhouse”, it said Anfuso “brings a rare dual expertise in high-heat product strategy and operational infrastructure, a skillset honed during his tenure managing one of the most significant footwear partnerships in history”.

CEO Paul Spencer added: “As we enter our next phase of global expansion, the US market represents our most significant opportunity.

“Jim’s track record speaks for itself. From the minute we met… we knew he would be a great cultural fit with the wider leadership team and with [co-founder] George [Heaton] working side by side in our LA. office. Jim’s ability to navigate complex operational landscapes while maintaining brand integrity is exactly what Represent needs right now.”

George Heaton also said: “We have built Represent on ‘Relentless Effort’, and to crack the US market, we needed a leader who understands both the culture of streetwear and the mechanics of a billion-dollar operation. Jim shares our obsession with product and precision. This is a critical piece of the puzzle for the US business”

Anfuso said of his appointment: “Represent has achieved something rare: a hyper-loyal community that spans luxury, streetwear, and performance. My focus is now on operationalising that energy for the US market building the infrastructure, the team, and the strategy to take us from a ‘cult favourite’ to a dominant market leader.

“We are going to execute with the same level of precision and ambition that defined my previous work in this space.”

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India’s gem and jewellery exports to US drop 44.42%, GJEPC raises concerns

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January 16, 2026

Gem and jewellery exports from India to the US dropped by 44.42% year on year during April to December 2025 to total $3.86 billion, compared to $6.95 billion in the corresponding period a year prior. This has caused the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council to raise concerns.

Members of the GJEPC at a previous edition of international jewellery trade show Jewellery Arabia – GJEPC- India – Facebook

 
“The United States remains India’s largest export destination, accounting for nearly 30% of our gem and jewellery exports,” said GJEPC chairman Kirit Bhansali in a press release. “The sharp decline in shipments is a matter of serious concern. Prolonged uncertainty around tariffs could adversely impact the long-term viability of the US market for Indian jewellery exporters. That said, we have full faith in the Government of India and remain hopeful that ongoing bilateral trade discussions will lead to a positive and timely resolution.”
 
In December 2025, Indian gem and jewellery exports to the US declined by 50.44% year on year as a dip in demand and tariff-related pressures continued to affect the industry. However, despite the drop in US trade, India’s total gem and jewellery exports remained stable during the April to December 2025 period, according to the GJEPC. This has resulted in India’s total provisional gem and jewellery exports for the nine-month period being aggregated at $20.75 billion, representing a dip of 0.41% year on year and 3.69% growth in rupee terms.

“Free Trade Agreements with the UAE and Australia have come at a crucial time for the industry,” said Bhansali. “Recent FTAs with the UK, Oman, New Zealand, and others will further enhance competitiveness by reducing duties and easing trade barriers. With the Government of India currently negotiating multiple trade agreements, we are confident these will open new markets and strengthen India’s position globally on quality, value and trust.”

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After Newbie UK rollout, Kappahl Group expands to Iceland

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January 16, 2026

Expanding Nordic fashion firm Kappahl Group is to open eight signature stores and one Newbie kidswear store in Iceland with the venture marking its first franchised operation with partner LKA 19.

KappAhl

“Icelandic customers have long asked for our strong brands, and now that we’ve found a fantastic partner, the timing is perfect to enter the Icelandic market,” said Kappahl Group CEO Elisabeth Peregi, explaining the ambitious expansion into the small (400,000 population) country that also comes with major tourist numbers (2.25 million visitors last year).

She said the expansion into exploring the franchise concept “feels extra exciting to do this with such a well-established and skilled partner as LKA 19.”

The openings are planned for spring 2027 with the stores fully operated by LKA 19, with all staff employed by the franchise partner. LKA 19 will also manage the e-commerce sites Kappahl.is and Newbie.is.

LKA 19, which also operates franchises for Mango and Swedish fashion chain Gina Tricot in Iceland, noted plenty of demand for Kappahl and Newbie’s “strong” brand awareness  in the country. It added: “We have admired [both brands] for many years — not only for their Scandinavian design and quality, but for their values, sustainability leadership, and genuine respect for families and co-workers.”

 

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Onitsuka Tiger opens first dedicated production facility

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January 16, 2026

As Asics-owned Onitsuka Tiger continues to grow its international presence, including a new flagship store in London, closer to home, the Japanese sports footwear brand has invested in its first dedicated production facility in Tottori, the coastal prefecture in Japan’s southern Honshu.

Onitsuka Tiger

Called the ‘Onitsuka Innovative Factory’, the new facility “integrates the entire lifecycle of creation — from material development to design and production — under one roof”.

It will also act as a cultural hub, “showcasing Onitsuka Tiger’s brand vision and the artistry of Japanese craftsmanship to a global audience”. 

The facility will collaborate closely with the Milan Design Center — Onitsuka Tiger’s international creative headquarters — and The Asics Institute of Sport Science, “which focuses on pioneering research in advanced sports technology”.

The facility will also strengthen production for “high-value-added footwear”, including the globally ‘Nippon Made’ series and the formal leather shoe line ‘The Onitsuka’. It will also mark the brand’s first venture into leather bag production, “further expanding its creative horizons”.

It also comes with an adjacent gallery to showcase rare archival pieces and exhibits “highlighting the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship” while the Onitsuka Gallery Store also opens, marking the brand’s first retail presence in Tottori Prefecture.

The store will offer selected Nippon Made products produced at the factory, alongside a custom-order shoe service.
 

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