Sleep Number's CFO Transition
Acquisition of Phlur and Surge in American Eagle's Shares in This Week's Market Movement
Sleep Number announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Francis Lee, has stepped down from his role, effective as of August 15, 2025. Bob Ryder, a senior adviser at the Boston Consulting Group and the CEO of management consulting firm Horsepower Advisors, has been appointed as the interim CFO, effective July 21, 2025. Sleep Number is actively searching for a permanent CFO while Ryder oversees the finance function, focusing on the company's debt structure and supporting long-term success.
The transition is unrelated to any financial or operational issues, according to Sleep Number. CEO Linda Findley thanked Francis Lee for his contributions and highlighted that during Lee’s tenure, the company strengthened its operating model and reduced costs.
Phlur Acquisition
Indie fragrance brand Phlur has been acquired by private equity firm TSG Consumer for an undisclosed amount. Prelude Growth Partners will exit its investment in Phlur following the deal. The brand, which partners with retailers including Sephora, Amazon, and Space NK (now owned by Ulta Beauty), will continue to be led by Creative Director Chriselle Lim.
Product Launches and Collaborations
- Chili's has partnered with Austin-based Tecovas to create a limited-edition cowboy boot made from the restaurant's famous red booth material. The Booth Boots retail for $345 a pair and come in two styles: the Annie cowgirl boot for women and the Garrett snip-toe cowboy boot for men. The products will be available exclusively on Tecovas' website beginning Tuesday.
- Yankee Candle Company has announced a brand relaunch focusing on a modernized product design, improved wax blend, and an emphasis on the emotional power of fragrance. The brand has also partnered with actress and director Brittany Snow as part of the marketing effort for the relaunch.
- On National Auntie Day, all guests can receive a cinnamon sugar or original pretzel with any pretzel item purchase at Auntie Anne's. Details of a giveaway will drop on Saturday on Auntie Anne's Instagram page, and three lucky fans will win a card good for one year's worth of original or cinnamon sugar pretzels, lemonade, and one catering order for up to 50 people.
Business Developments
- Vuori plans to operate 15 international stores by 2026, in addition to a broader store expansion across the U.S.
- Hasbro has increased its production runs for its Final Fantasy version of its Magic: The Gathering game four times since its June launch. The game experienced 23% growth in the second quarter, helping minimize the impact of a 16% revenue drop in Hasbro's consumer products category.
- Ulta Beauty now owns U.K. company Space NK.
- Lululemon is currently involved in a lawsuit over alleged duplicates with Costco. Jefferies analysts have also noted an "alarming" rate of markdowns at the athleisure brand. Nike is rebalancing its sneaker assortment and rebuilding wholesale relationships.
- Vuori and fellow competitor Alo Yoga are expected to take share during the back-to-school season, potentially at the expense of usual stalwarts like Lululemon and Nike.
Stock Market
American Eagle's stock price reached $12.13 on Thursday, marking an 11.2% increase from a Wednesday high of $10.90 and a 17.5% jump from the $10.32 trading high on Tuesday.
Chili's Winter Warmth
In a bid to keep customers warm during the winter months, Chili's has introduced booth boots, which are insulated covers for the restaurant's outdoor seating areas.
- Sleep Number's interim CFO, Bob Ryder, will oversee the finance function during the search for a permanent CFO, focusing on the company's debt structure and long-term success in the business industry.
- The private equity firm TSG Consumer has acquired indie fragrance brand Phlur, with Chriselle Lim continuing to lead the brand in the retail sector.
- Chili's has partnered with Tecovas for a limited-edition cowboy boot made from Chili's famous red booth material, available through the Tecovas website and retailing for $345 a pair.
- In the culture domain, Yankee Candle Company has announced a brand relaunch focusing on product design, improved wax blend, and the emotional power of fragrance, with actress Brittany Snow as part of the marketing effort.
- Space NK, a retail partner of Phlur, has been acquired by Ulta Beauty, influencing the trade between these companies in the industry.
- American Eagle's stock price showed a significant increase of 17.5% from Tuesday's trading high, indicating positive growth in the finance and stock market sector.
