Retail entrepreneur Christine Hunsicker has resigned from her position as chief executive officer of CaaStle after the fashion-technology startup’s board of directors alleged she misrepresented the company’s performance to investors, according to a March 29 letter to shareholders seen by Bloomberg News.
Bloomberg
CaaStle faces “a severe and immediate liquidity problem,” and the board is considering options including a possible wind down, liquidation or strategic transaction, according to the letter. The company is planning a two-week-long furlough for its employees. Law enforcement authorities are also investigating the matter and the company is cooperating, the letter said.
Hunsicker didn’t respond to calls and emails seeking comment.
“The performance to date has not matched what Christine claimed — we have learned that Christine provided certain investors with misstated financial statements and two falsified audit opinions, as well as capitalization information that understated the number of company shares outstanding,” the letter said.
“The board is deeply disappointed by the conduct that has led to this moment,” a representative for CaaStle said in a separate statement to Bloomberg. “Our immediate focus is on addressing the company’s challenges, supporting our employees, and preserving the value of our technology and business operations.”
The board has appointed George Goldenberg, the firm’s chief operating officer and board member as interim CEO, according to the letter, details of which were first reported by Axios.
CaaStle, based in New York, began as Gwynnie Bee Inc. in 2011 and changed its legal name in 2018, according to an auditor’s report attached to the letter. It provides rental subscription services for owned and third-party retailers. The company has retained ICR for restructuring and strategic communications advice, according a person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named discussing confidential information.
Hunsicker also co-founded P180 with Brendan Hoffman, which aims to invest in or acquire brands and retailers to use CaaStle technology, according to a 2024 press release. In January, P180 announced that it had acquired a majority stake in Vince Holding Corp., which operates the Vince brand.
Fashion and homewares brand La Redoute has launched its latest UK collaboration with the brand’s newest ambassador, author, podcaster and columnist Louise Thompson.
The reality show star (she originally appeared in Made In Chelsea) has become a popular lifestyle influencer in recent years.
The range brings together Thompson’s “unique aesthetic to life through an exclusive edit, blending effortless elegance with her distinct personal touch”.
And for an edit, it’s extensive, featuring 100 pieces across fashion and interiors offering both wardrobe essentials and homewares pieces.
Of the spring/summer fashion edit, there are 26 curated pieces “that transition through the seasons”. From pastel knit jumpers to blazers and ballet-style flats, and we’re told “each item reflects Louise’s effortless yet refined approach to dressing”.
The interiors edit comprises of over 70 homewares pieces, with staple wooden furniture, soft furnishings and decorative accents.
Sarah Link, marketing director at La Redoute, said: “Louise’s passion for style and clean-cut aesthetic is something which aligns perfectly with La Redoute’s ethos, which makes this collaboration such an idealistic one.”
The La Redoute x Louise Thompson edit is available online, with prices starting from £14.99.
Returning for a sixth consecutive year, both Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City malls become the capital’s leading destination for the annual London Eid Festival.
Europe’s largest Eid al-Fitr celebration, it’s taking place until 6 April at Westfield London, followed by Westfield Stratford City (11-13 April), with the events expected to draw over 300,000 visitors across both weekends – “rivalling the footfall typically seen on Boxing Day at the centres”, operator Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield said.
Organised by Westfield Rise, its in-house media, brand partnerships, and experiential agency, the events span 4.2 million sq ft across indoor and outdoor event spaces. The festival features a mix of live entertainment, immersive brand activations, food markets, and international retailers from Turkey, Malaysia, Dubai, and beyond.
Westfield Square will host a main entertainment stage, showcasing appearances from community celebrities and VIPs. Inside, visitors can explore over 80 international concession stands across The Atrium at Westfield London and The Arena at Westfield Stratford City, offering everything from modest fashion and boutique gifts to children’s books and homeware.
Melanie Lalou, director of Westfield Rise, Northern Europe, said: “The London Eid Festival is a prime example of how Westfield Rise connects brands with communities through immersive activations. Our event spaces host everything from interactive pop-ups to large-scale cultural celebrations, with live entertainment, vibrant food markets, and striking creative displays across our digital OOH network. This festival highlights the power of experiential engagement, bringing brands and diverse audiences together in a meaningful way.”
Fasahion/lifestyle retail group Matalan has launched a 27-piece collection in collaboration with fashion brand Little Mistress and TV personality Vicky Pattison.
She’s only the latest in a series of reality TV show stars to link up with a retailer on a signature collection. She rose to prominence originally on the Geordie Shore show.
We’re told it’s a collection that brings together “the best of on-trend designs with Matalan’s signature commitment to great quality fashion at affordable prices”.
From dresses and tailored jumpsuits to casual blouses and statement skirts, the collection covers a variety of day-to-night styles, “reflecting Pattison’s personal style”. It comes in “bold hot pink, fiery red, and playful florals”.
With prices starting from just £18 and in sizes from 8-22 the collection is now available in-store and online.
Matalan’s buying director, Laura Wiard said: “The collection reflects the latest trends, while ensuring we stay true to Matalan’s mission of providing stylish fashion at accessible prices.”
Mark Ashton, founder and MD at Little Mistress, added: “We’ve worked hard to create a collection that’s not only fashionable and versatile but also accessible for everyone. It’s all about empowering women to feel their best, no matter the occasion. We’re confident that this collection will resonate with customers and help them express their own unique style.”