2. New PUMA store ‘redefines what it means to be bricks and mortar location in rapidly evolving digital world’
PUMA has officially opened the doors to its second North American flagship store in Las Vegas at the BLVD Las Vegas. The 25,000-square-foot retail space, which spans three stories, aims to “redefine what it means to be a bricks and mortar location in today’s rapidly evolving digital world”.
“I am thrilled that we are opening a state-of-the-art flagship store in Las Vegas as part of our brand elevation strategy. Located along the iconic Las Vegas Strip, this flagship allows us to expand PUMA’s presence in North America to connect with US consumers and international visitors alike,” says Arne Freundt, Chief Executive Officer at PUMA.
“I believe that our new Las Vegas Flagship is essential for conveying the true character of our brand and for creating an immersive, interactive shopping experience as it will redefine in-person shopping by seamlessly merging sports performance, latest fashion trends, and technology.”
The store features a variety of immersive and interactive features powered by technology. It offers customers attractions such as a professional F1 racing simulator, an interactive arcade, and a customisation studio where customers can personalise apparel and footwear.
3. First EE Experience store opens in Birmingham with appearance from former football star Emile Heskey
EE has announced the grand opening of its latest Experience store in Birmingham’s Bullring.
Former England International Emile Heskey, who called Birmingham home during a five-year spell with Birmingham City and Aston Villa, cut the ribbon and welcomed visitors to the new space at 12pm on Thursday 28th November.
The store has been designed to help people explore the latest in connected technology and forms part of EE’s investment of more than £6 million in bricks and mortar retail this year.
It will feature Experience Zones themed around four key areas – Game, Work, Learn, and Home – along with a Tech Home area showcasing the future of connected living.
Heskey says: “It’s fantastic to open EE’s new Experience store in Birmingham, a city that’s very close to my heart. I used to love shopping in the Bullring during my years at Birmingham City and Aston Villa and it’s great to see the centre continue to reinvent itself. The EE Experience store is brilliant, and I can’t wait to see the excitement as people explore all the store has to offer.”
4. Croatian food retailer Studenac bins initial public offering due to unfavourable market conditions
The offer would consist of new shares and the sale of existing shares by current shareholders.
Studenac said at the time that final terms would be released following approval of the Luxembourg Financial Supervision Authority. The aim was to raise $85.94 million from the issuance of new shares in connection with the offering.
It is now, however, ditching the initiative, citing unfavourable market conditions.
Michał Seńczuk, CEO at Studenac, comments: “During our numerous meetings and discussions with Croatian, Polish, and international investors, they have shown genuine interest in our business model, appreciation for its dynamic growth and support for our expansion plans.”
“However, due to the challenging conditions in the capital markets, we – together with our majority shareholder – have decided not to proceed with the IPO of the company’s shares.”
He adds: “We remain confident in our strategy and development direction, fully committed to continuing on this path without compromise and demonstrating to our employees, investors, and all stakeholders that we can create value for them. We extend our gratitude to all investors who have placed their trust in us throughout this process.”