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US Republican senator calls for DOJ and Homeland Security to investigate Shein, Temu for counterfeiting

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US Republican senator calls for DOJ and Homeland Security to investigate Shein, Temu for counterfeiting


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Reuters

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December 1, 2025

U.S. Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Monday calling for the U.S. departments of Justice and Homeland Security to investigate online retailers Shein and Temu, which ship most of their merchandise from China, for wide-scale intellectual property theft and counterfeiting.

Reuters

The letter, which was seen by Reuters, adds to the increased scrutiny of Shein and Temu, which both sell $20 shirts and $10 accessories, following the end of a U.S. trade exemption that helped both companies gain popularity in the region. Shein is privately held and Temu is owned by PDD Holdings.

Shein and Temu did not immediately comment on Cotton’s letter.
The European Commission said in July that Temu was breaking EU rules by not doing enough to prevent the sale of counterfeit goods on its platform. The company said at the time that it would fully cooperate with the Commission.

Shein has previously said that it requires its suppliers to certify that their products do not infringe on a brand’s intellectual property and that they are not counterfeit. The company has a team that ensures its sellers comply with the policy and takes swift action if they are not in compliance, a spokesperson previously said.

The ending of the, which allowed packages shipped directly to shoppers valued at under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, has “forced Shein and Temu to change their business model,” Cotton said in the letter.

“These companies now stock massive inventories in U.S. warehouses and distribution centers. Their goods are no longer slipping through ports,” Cotton said. “They are sitting on American soil under U.S. jurisdiction.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Monday he is investigating whether Shein violated state law related to unethical labor practices and the sale of unsafe consumer products. France last week asked a Paris judge to suspend Shein in the country for three months over sales of childlike sex dolls and banned weapons.
 

© Thomson Reuters 2025 All rights reserved.



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Switzerland’s Calida narrows sales decline, lifts profit in 2025

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Switzerland’s Calida narrows sales decline, lifts profit in 2025



Swiss premium bodywear group Calida Group has reported improved profitability and a strengthened financial position in 2025, posting net sales from continuing operations of CHF 215.9 million (~$278.5 million), down 5 per cent year on year (YoY) on a currency-adjusted basis, with the rate of decline easing in the second half of the year. Core brands Calida and Aubade demonstrated positive operational progress supported by premium positioning and disciplined execution of the group’s Operational Excellence strategy.

The group recorded an operating result (EBIT) of CHF 9 million (~$11.6 million) compared with CHF 4 million in the previous year, lifting the EBIT margin to 4.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent. Excluding Cosabella, the combined EBIT margin of Calida and Aubade reached 6.7 per cent, approaching the company’s medium-term target range. Operating net profit improved significantly to CHF 7.6 million (~$9.8 million) from CHF 0.5 million a year earlier, Calida Group said in a press release.

Calida Group has reported net sales of CHF 215.9 million (~$278.5 million) in 2025, down 5 per cent YoY.
EBIT rose to CHF 9 million (~$11.6 million) and net profit to CHF 7.6 million (~$9.8 million), supported by strong Calida and Aubade performance.
The group maintained solid liquidity and continued Cosabella repositioning while targeting future profitability improvement.

The group maintained a solid financial base with net liquidity of CHF 25.1 million and an adjusted equity ratio of 67.9 per cent, while free cash flow reached CHF 9.8 million. The board proposed a cash dividend of CHF 0.25 per share, corresponding to a payout ratio of 23 per cent in line with its long-term dividend policy.

“After a challenging first half of 2025, the Calida Group developed positively in the second half and achieved operational improvements on sales and profitability. By deliberately and systematically forgoing discount-driven growth and strategically positioning Calida and Aubade in the premium segment, the brands were strengthened in the long-term. Overall, 2025 was another year defined by a persistently challenging market environment,” said Thomas Stocklin, CEO of the Calida Group.

“Geopolitical uncertainty, US trade and tariff policies, and muted consumer sentiment in our core markets impacted the entire industry. In this environment, the Calida Group has demonstrated strategic discipline and, step by step, is evolving in the desired direction. Today, our group is more agile and efficient. Combined with our financial strength, this positions the Calida Group to pursue well-considered organic as well as external growth opportunities, allowing us to look to the future with confidence,” added Stocklin.

Operationally, the company continued implementing its efficiency-focused strategy by reintegrating functions into individual brands, streamlining group management structures and strengthening capabilities across product management, marketing, operations and sales.

Brand-wise, Calida generated sales of CHF 145.1 million, declining modestly as store traffic softened, although e-commerce growth and a strong Christmas season supported second-half performance. The brand improved its operating contribution margin through higher gross margins and ongoing cost optimisation while reinforcing its premium market positioning.

Aubade recorded sales of CHF 58 million amid weak consumer sentiment in France and the strategic withdrawal from unprofitable channels following the pandemic-driven demand surge. Nevertheless, margin performance strengthened through strict cost management, ongoing rebranding initiatives and progress in expanding export markets, particularly in the United States.

Cosabella reported sales of CHF 12.8 million, extending its negative growth trajectory and contributing higher losses as the brand remains in an intensive repositioning phase under strategic review. The group is targeting a turnaround towards operational break-even in 2026.

Overall, the group indicated that organisational restructuring, inventory optimisation and disciplined channel management enhanced agility and cost efficiency, positioning the company for future growth while aiming to improve group profitability further as Cosabella’s performance stabilises.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)



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Iran conflict and apparel sourcing: Nearshoring on the rise

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Iran conflict and apparel sourcing: Nearshoring on the rise












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US’ Wolverine Worldwide 2025 revenue rises 6.8% on Active Group growth

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US’ Wolverine Worldwide 2025 revenue rises 6.8% on Active Group growth



American footwear manufacturer Wolverine Worldwide, Inc has reported full-year 2025 revenue of $1.874 billion for the period ended January 3, 2026, an increase of 6.8 per cent year-over-year (YoY), with ongoing business revenue up 7.1 per cent. Active Group sales advanced 13 per cent to $1.408 billion, while Work Group decreased 7.3 per cent to $422.2 million. Saucony led brand performance with 31.1 per cent growth to $533.1 million, while Merrell rose 8.4 per cent to $648.9 million.

The gross margin expanded to 47.3 per cent and diluted earnings per share more than doubled to $1.14 from $0.55.

Wolverine Worldwide has reported revenue of $1.874 billion in 2025, up 6.8 per cent, led by Active Group growth and strong Saucony performance.
Margins and earnings improved, while cash rose and debt declined.
Fourth-quarter revenue increased 4.6 per cent.
CEO Hufnagel highlighted brand momentum and transformation progress.
The company expects 2026 revenue growth with steady margins.

The company strengthened its balance sheet during the year, ending with cash of $206 million, up 35.6 per cent, and net debt reduced 16.2 per cent to $415 million. Inventory increased 10.7 per cent to $274 million, Wolverine Worldwide said in a press release.

The fourth quarter (Q4) revenue rose 4.6 per cent YoY to $517.5 million, supported by strong Active Group growth, particularly Saucony and Merrell. Active Group revenue increased 12.4 per cent to $372.7 million, while Work Group declined 11.3 per cent to $134 million. Gross margin improved to 47 per cent from 43.6 per cent, reflecting product cost savings, favourable mix and price increases, partly offset by higher US tariffs. Diluted earnings per share climbed to $0.38 from $0.28.

“We exceeded our expectations across all key metrics in the fourth quarter, finishing a solid year for the Company. Our biggest brands are growing around the world, direct-to-consumer (DTC) continues to improve, earnings per share increased meaningfully YoY, and I believe we’re finding our footing where we’ve underperformed,” said Chris Hufnagel, president and chief executive officer of Wolverine Worldwide. “I am pleased with our progress in transforming the company and encouraged by the momentum we have carried into 2026. We’re focused squarely on executing our brand-building model with pace and distinction—building awesome products, telling amazing stories, and driving the business each day.”

Looking ahead, Wolverine Worldwide expects fiscal 2026 revenue of $1.96-1.985 billion, representing growth of 4.6-5.9 per cent YoY. The company anticipates gross margin of about 46 per cent, operating margin of roughly 8.8 per cent and diluted earnings per share between $1.31 and $1.46, signalling continued but measured expansion as brand-driven strategy execution progresses, added the release.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)



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