2025 has proven to be a challenging year for the retail industry, with retailers restructuring, divesting, and expanding their portfolios amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
Retail Gazette North America highlights the key acquisitions made by retailers since the start of the year.
Beyond acquires Buy Buy Baby
In February 2025, Beyond acquired baby products retailer Buy Buy Baby for $5 million. Beyond’s acquisition was a strategic move to drive profitability by expanding its portfolio of companies, including Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock.
The company plans to return Buy Buy Baby products to physical retail stores through a partnership with Kirkland’s.
Marcus Lemonis, executive chairman of Beyond said: “This acquisition, combined with Beyond’s existing portfolio of assets and investments, drives us toward our mandate of operating a profitable company focused on traditional revenue and earnings growth.
“Alongside our omnichannel partner, Kirkland’s, we collectively believe the Buy Buy Baby brand has a strong future both online and in brick-and-mortar.
“Kirkland’s will have full flexibility, from integrating Buy Buy Baby into Bed Bath & Beyond stores to opening standalone locations under each legacy banner.”
Steve Madden acquires Kurt Geiger
Luxury footwear company Steve Madden acquired UK brand Kurt Geiger from Cinven for $360 million.
Edward Rosenfeld, CEO and chairman of Steve Madden, commented: “With this acquisition, we are excited to add Kurt Geiger London, a brand that has exhibited exceptional growth over the last several years.
“Kurt Geiger London’s unique brand image, high-quality and statement-making styles, and compelling value proposition have driven success across multiple product categories, led by handbags.”
The addition of the brand will strengthen Steve Madden’s retail presence, with over 255 stores globally.
Acon Investments acquired a controlling stake in True Religion
In January 2025, private equity firm Acon Investments acquired a controlling stake in denim apparel brand True Religion for an undisclosed amount.
The California-based denim brand will continue to operate independently following the acquisition.
Acon Investments aims to drive growth and value of True Religion while collaborating with the consulting firm SB360.
Michael Buckley, True Religion’s CEO said: “Our partnership with ACON and SB360 represents an exciting new chapter for True Religion.
“With their expertise and resources, we are poised to enhance our digital and retail capabilities, accelerate our international growth, and continue innovating our apparel offering.”
Walgreens acquired by Sycamore Partners
Walgreens is set to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $10 billion.
Tim Wentworth, Walgreens Boots Alliance’s CEO said: “We are focused on making healthcare delivery more effective, convenient, and affordable as we navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving pharmacy industry and an increasingly complex and competitive retail landscape.
“While we are making progress against our ambitious turnaround strategy, meaningful value creation will take time, focus, and change that is better managed as a private company.”
The company will continue to operate under its Walgreens and Boots banners and will keep its headquarters in the Chicago area following the acquisition.
P180 acquired a majority stake in Vince
Retail management firm P180 acquired a majority stake of luxury apparel company Vince from Sun Capital Partners in January 2025.
Michael Mardy, Vince’s chairman commnted: “P180’s acquisition represents a transformative opportunity for Vince. With this transaction, we will gain the operational expertise and cutting-edge digital capabilities needed to drive the brand’s future success.”
The company made also C-suite changes following the acquisition, with former Vince CEO and P180 co-founder Brendan Hoffman taking on the role of CEO and David Stefko stepping down as interim CEO.
Reebok US acquired by Galaxy Universal
Reebok’s US operations were acquired by Galaxy Universal from Sparc Group for an undisclosed amount in February 2025.
Ivy Solari, vice president of digital commerce at Reebok, said: “We really do believe that there is a great connection between setting and experience, purchasing, and then returning as a consumer.
“That is in our long-term roadmap, hopefully into 2025, into 2026.”
Galaxy Universal is a global footwear management organization with its portfolio of brands including Shaq, Quiksilver, Billabong, and Magnum.
Marquee Brands acquires Laura Ashley
Management company Marquee Brands acquired textile and homeware retailer Laura Ashley from restructuring firm Gordon Brothers in early January 2025 for an undisclosed amount.
Laura Ashley had previously filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and was acquired by Gordon Brothers in April 2020.
Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands said: “Laura Ashley’s licensed business model and robust group of high-quality partners make the brand a seamless addition to Marquee Brands.
“We are excited to harness the strong affinity for this iconic brand and drive expansion across new platforms and partnerships.”
The acquisition is a strategic move for Marquee Brands to grow its portfolio of brands with a retail value of $4 billion, including Martha Stewart and Ben Sherman.
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