Retail Roundup: Week in Review
Weekly Recap: Harry Potter's Wand Wanders into Chicago; Target Strengthens Collaborations
Welcome back to another in-your-face rundown of retail news, the kind that keeps you up to speed before your morning joe spills over the cup. Here's all the good, bad, and sometimes ugly from the world of retail this week.
Fresh Hires
- Funko's New Top Gun: Glenn Abell, a seasoned toy industry pro, is Funko's new Senior Vice President of Sales for the U.S. and Canada. In this role, Abell will be responsible for driving revenue growth and strategic development in the company's wholesale and specialty sales channels.Senior Vice President of Sales
- Funko's Second Act: Just last month, Funko brought on Jenn Reeves as Senior Vice President of Brand. Her responsibility lies in accelerating Funko's global brand positioning, voice, and growth strategies.
Heads Turning in the Exit Doors
- Portia's Exit: Portia Blunt, Reebok's Senior Vice President of Global Product, has announced her departure from the company. Her focus will now be on her own lifestyle and fashion brand, Bee Blunt, which she founded in 2022.
Stepping Down to Step Up
- Carl's Swan Song: After more than 10 years with Shoe Carnival and over five decades in the retail industry, current Chief Merchandising Officer Carl Scibetta has announced his retirement. Taking over the role on April 6 is Tanya Gordon, who has worked in various leadership positions within Shoe Carnival.
Making Wands and Wishes Come True
- Chicago's Enchanting New Arrival: Get ready to grab your wands, fans! A Harry Potter immersive store is coming to Chicago this spring, ready with themed areas, exclusive merchandise, props, and a Butterbeer Bar. Harry Potter Shop Chicago
Welcome, Orbi! The Emoji Sphere with a Cause
- Orbi Takes Vegas: Sphere Entertainment has unveiled Orbi, an emoji character on the Exosphere in Las Vegas. Orbi's expressive reactions appear daily on "the world's largest LED screen." Sphere also launched an e-commerce site featuring apparel and accessories for adults and children and an Orbi Collection.
Keep up with the story by subscribing to the Retail Dive free daily newsletter.
[1] Funko Taps Mattel, Lego Veteran Glenn Abell to Run U.S. Sales Unit[2] Funko hires Glenn Abell, former Mattel executive, as SVP of sales for U.S. and Canada[3] Funko Expands Leadership Team with Veteran Mattel Executive Glenn Abell
- Glenn Abell, a seasoned toy industry professional, has joined Funko as the new Senior Vice President of Sales for the U.S. and Canada, responsible for driving revenue growth and strategic development.
- Funko has also brought on Jenn Reeves as Senior Vice President of Brand to accelerate Funko's global brand positioning, voice, and growth strategies.
- In a move announced this week, Portia Blunt, Reebok's Senior Vice President of Global Product, is stepping down to focus on her own lifestyle and fashion brand, Bee Blunt, which she founded in 2022.
- After more than a decade with Shoe Carnival and over five decades in the retail industry, Carl Scibetta, the company's current Chief Merchandising Officer, has announced his retirement.
- A Harry Potter immersive store is coming to Chicago this spring, offering themed areas, exclusive merchandise, props, and a Butterbeer Bar.
- Sphere Entertainment has introduced Orbi, an emoji character on the Exosphere in Las Vegas, with expressive reactions appearing daily on the world's largest LED screen.
- Orbi's e-commerce site features apparel and accessories for adults and children, as well as an Orbi Collection.
- The retail industry continued to see changes in its executive ranks, with Funko's new Senior Vice President of Sales having previously worked at Mattel and Lego, demonstrating the interconnectedness within the toy and AI sectors.
- The entertainment industry, including retail and lifestyle, is in a period of transformation, with billion-dollar industries like fashion and finance recognizing the growing influence of expressive and engaging content on consumer behavior.
- As retail continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market conditions, businesses must focus on their distinct competitive advantages, whether in athletics, entertainment, or retail, to remain successful in a crowded market.
