How Fabletics is Disrupting Activewear: A Deep Dive with Ashley Kechter, Global President

In this compelling episode of the Remarkable Retail podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis welcome Ashley Kechter, Global President of Fabletics, to explore the rapid expansion of the athleisure powerhouse. Since its 2014 launch, Fabletics has evolved into a billion-dollar brand, leveraging an innovative membership model, proprietary fabrics, and a growing network of 100+ physical stores. Ashley shares insights into Fabletics’ omnichannel retail strategy, international expansion, and wholesale partnerships, including its upcoming collaboration with Nordstrom.

The episode also unpacks some of the biggest retail industry headlines:

• Saks and Neiman Marcus merger: A seismic shift in the luxury retail landscape, with Saks Global trimming its vendor base by 25% and extending payment terms—sending shockwaves through the industry.
• Walmart’s strong earnings: While Walmart posted 5%+ growth and a booming ad business, the retailer warned of slowing future sales due to consumer uncertainty and potential tariff impacts.
• Wayfair’s struggles: Despite cutting losses, the home retailer’s growth remains stagnant, raising concerns about its long-term viability.
• Luxury retail resilience: Hermès continues its impressive momentum, with 15% sales growth, proving that high-end consumers remain active even in economic uncertainty.
• Nike x Kim Kardashian: A strategic Skims x Nike collaboration signals a fresh take on the women’s activewear market.
• Dick’s Sporting Goods store strategy: While the retailer is scaling back on Outdoor Voices, it is doubling down on its experiential retail concept, House of Sport, with 15 new store openings planned for 2025.

Forbes article.Steve's Forbes article

https://www.costar.com/article/255276922/end-of-an-era-neiman-marcus-to-close-downtown-dallas-flagship-store

Registration is open for a special webinar featuring Steve in conversation with Placer AI's Head of Analytical Research RJ Hottovy. From changing shopping patterns to emerging market opportunities, shifting consumer demand continues to reshape the industry. So don't miss this data-driven session unpacking the most important trends defining today’s marketplace and the strategies leading brands are using to win retail's future. It's all brought to you by Placer.AI and It all happens on Tuesday September 29 at 1pm ET..

Register here today:

https://www.placer.ai/discover-events/discover-shifting-consumer-demand

About Us

Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.

Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.