New York-based management firm Authentic Brands Group announced on Wednesday a new partnership with Unified Accessories for Izod belts and small leather goods.
Authentic inks partnership with Unified for Izod accessories. – Authentic
Under the agreement, Unified will be tasked with the design, production and distribution of a new collection of men’s belts, wallets and leather accessories. The collection will merge Izod’s signature American style with Unified’s expertise in crafting high-quality accessories.
“Izod is a celebrated brand with a strong connection to its heritage. We’re excited to continue to grow its lifestyle offerings in partnership with Unified,” said Jean Fei, senior vice president, active and classic brands – lifestyle at Authentic. “Unified’s expertise and commitment to quality perfectly aligns with the brand’s core values. We look forward to working together to bring these products to life.”
The product line is set to launch in Fall 2025 and will be available through multiple retail channels, including department stores, specialty retailers, and online platforms across the United States.
“We are proud to partner with Authentic to bring Izod’s style into the men’s accessories market,” added Scott Weiner, senior vice president of sales at Unified Accessories. “This collection reflects our shared commitment to quality craftsmanship and will connect with consumers seeking both style and function.”
Earlier this year, Authentic announced a new partnership with K9 Wear for the manufacturing and distribution of pet apparel for its Izod brand. Authentic acquired the Izod brand from U.S. fashion giant PVH Corp, in late 2021, along with fellow heritage brands Van Heusen and Arrow.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he would impose reciprocal tariffs as soon as Wednesday evening on every country that charges duties on U.S. imports, in a move that ratchets up fears of a widening global trade war and threatens to accelerate U.S. inflation.
Reuters
“I may do it later on or I may do it tomorrow morning, but we’ll be signing reciprocal tariffs,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
Trump’s latest round of market-rattling tariffs comes as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit the White House on Thursday. The Trump administration has complained that India has high tariffs that lock out U.S. imports.
Republican U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson told Reuters that he believed Trump is considering exemptions that would include the automotive and pharmaceutical industries, among others, but said he was not certain.
Economists broadly see tariffs as an inflation risk, and data released on Wednesday showed consumer prices increased in January by the most in nearly 1-1/2 years. The president has already stunned markets by announcing tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports beginning on March 12. That drew condemnation from Mexico, Canada and the European Union, while Japan and Australia said they were seeking exemptions from the duties.
The news sent industries reliant on steel and aluminum imports scrambling to offset an expected jump in costs.
The EU will prioritize negotiations over retaliatory countermeasures for now in an effort to avoid a damaging trade war, officials signaled earlier on Wednesday. An EU government official said ministers considered reinstating countermeasures imposed in 2018 on products like bourbon and Harley-Davidson motorcycles in response to Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum.
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic spoke on Wednesday with Hassett, Commerce Secretary-designate Howard Lutnick and U.S. trade representative nominee Jamieson Greer.
Last week, Trump imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, effective February 4, with Chinese countermeasures taking effect this week.
He delayed a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada until March 4 to allow negotiations over steps to secure U.S. borders and halt the flow of the drug fentanyl.
Some U.S. workers have welcomed the metal tariffs, but manufacturing firms have warned the hike would reverberate across supply chains and lead to higher prices. Europe’s steelmakers are also worried that U.S. tariffs will lead to a flood of cheap steel into Europe.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking to reporters in Brussels, said some Americans would lose their jobs and U.S. growth would suffer from Trump’s metals tariffs.
Rarewolf, a Scottish fashion brand co-founded by actor Barry Keoghan, is undergoing dissolution proceedings a year after its establishment. The company, incorporated in October 2023, is subject to removal from Companies House records due to inactivity and failure to file required documentation.
Barry Keoghan’s Fashion Venture Faces Dissolution – The National
Initially registered with the intention of offering luxury apparel through select retailers, the company never moved beyond its incorporation phase. Rarewolf did not develop an e-commerce platform, engage in marketing efforts, or establish a presence on social media. Additionally, no retail distribution agreements were announced, and there were no indications of product launches or brand positioning within the industry.
In early 2024, Keoghan resigned from the board of directors, marking a shift in the company’s leadership. Despite his initial involvement, there were no public statements outlining Rarewolf’s business strategy, product development, or future plans. No transactions, investor funding, or retail collaborations were reported during its brief existence.
As a result of the company’s inactivity, Companies House issued a strike-off proposal, a process that applies to businesses that fail to meet filing requirements. This is a standard procedure for companies that do not maintain legal compliance or show operational activity. Without intervention, Rarewolf is set to be formally dissolved in the coming months.
The fashion industry frequently sees brands launched by public figures, often through licensing agreements or direct-to-consumer models. Some of these brands achieve longevity through strong retail partnerships and brand identity, while others struggle to gain traction. Rarewolf did not publicly disclose its operational structure or how it intended to compete in the market before entering dissolution proceedings.
Retail distribution is a key factor in the growth of emerging fashion brands. Many new labels secure placements in department stores, multi-brand retailers, or e-commerce platforms to expand their reach. However, there were no reports of Rarewolf pursuing any retail agreements or developing a direct sales strategy.
In addition to retail distribution, digital marketing plays a crucial role in brand visibility. Social media platforms, influencer collaborations, and online campaigns have become industry standards for engaging with consumers. Unlike other brands that use these strategies to build awareness, Rarewolf did not launch digital platforms, implement marketing campaigns, or engage in press outreach initiatives.
Keoghan’s Fashion Brand Rarewolf Set for Removal from Records – Vogue
Beyond visibility, financial planning is an essential component of sustaining a fashion brand. Some companies secure external investment, while others rely on early revenue generation to maintain operations. Rarewolf did not report securing financial backing, revenue streams, or any funding initiatives before dissolution proceedings began.
The closure of a company can result from various factors, including market conditions, financial challenges, or strategic redirection. While many businesses that shut down provide statements explaining their decisions, no public remarks have been made regarding Rarewolf’s dissolution or any potential future activities.
Meanwhile, Keoghan continues his career in the entertainment industry, with recent performances in award-nominated productions. His association with Rarewolf was limited to its early stages, and no further involvement was documented after his resignation from the board.
With no indication of attempts to restore the company’s active status or transfer ownership, Rarewolf’s removal from Companies House records is expected to proceed as scheduled. Unless an appeal or intervention is made, the dissolution process will be finalized in the coming months, closing the chapter on the brand’s brief existence.
Superdry has confirmed the closure of its Union Square Shopping Centre store in Aberdeen, which will close on 15 February 2025. The decision comes as the company continues to adjust its retail strategy in response to evolving shopping habits and the growing dominance of online retail.
Superdry to close Aberdeen store – Shutterstock
This latest closure is part of a broader reshaping of Superdry’s physical footprint, following 12 store closures in 2024, bringing the total number of stores down to 87. While the brand remains a well-recognised player in the fashion industry, it is grappling with the same pressures affecting much of the retail sector, including rising operational costs, shifting consumer preferences, and the impact of inflation on discretionary spending.
A shift in retail strategy
Like many brands, Superdry is adapting to a changing retail landscape. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores must compete with the increasing convenience of digital shopping. The company has been reassessing its store presence, ensuring that its locations align with consumer demand and profitability.
The closure of the Aberdeen store reflects a more significant strategic move rather than a singular business setback. Superdry, known for its distinct fusion of British design with Japanese-inspired graphics, has built a strong brand identity. However, maintaining a wide physical store network has become increasingly challenging in today’s retail climate.
Challenges across the industry
Superdry’s decision indicates broader retail struggles, with multiple fashion and lifestyle brands reducing their high-street presence in response to higher overheads and shifting consumer habits.
The increasing preference for e-commerce and digital-first shopping experiences has forced retailers to rethink how they connect with their customers. Superdry’s latest moves suggest that optimising its physical footprint is necessary as it aligns with the changing market environment.
Retail experts point to a wider industry trend: Brands are increasingly focusing on profitability rather than sheer expansion. The shift towards leaner, more efficient retail models has led to store closures across multiple sectors, not just in fashion but also in electronics, home goods, and department stores.
Superdry to close Aberdeen store amid retail challenges – Superdry
A calculated move for Superdry
Despite the closures, Superdry remains a globally recognised brand with a strong customer base. The company continues focusing on brand positioning and financial stability, ensuring it remains competitive in an ever-changing retail environment.
The decision to scale back its store count does not necessarily signal trouble for the brand but rather an adjustment to consumer behaviours. As online shopping continues to grow, Superdry will likely prioritise its digital channels and strengthen its presence through e-commerce and select store locations.
Looking ahead
With ongoing adjustments in its retail strategy, Superdry is expected to continue refining its business model. While store closures can impact employees and local retail environments, they are often part of a necessary evolution for brands adapting to modern retail dynamics.
As the industry continues to evolve, Superdry’s ability to balance its physical presence with a strong digital offering will be crucial to maintaining relevance and long-term success.
For now, the closure of the Aberdeen store marks another step in Superdry’s broader restructuring efforts as the company navigates the complexities of a changing retail world.