Executive Summary

December 1, 2019

• This week’s note “From the Desk of Deborah Weinswig” looks at how Amazon’s deal with Pinduoduo positions the online retailer to tap into China’s fast-growing markets in smaller cities.

In the news this week:

• Nicole Crafts announced it will close its entire fleet of more than 145 A.C. Moore stores. Michael’s will acquire nearly 40 A.C. Moore locations and a distribution facility.
• American Eagle will close all its American Eagle and Aerie stores in Japan by the end of December, along with its online store in Japan.
• Brazilian cosmetics company Natura will make half of its catalog suitable for refilling within the next five years as part of its sustainability initiative.