Week in Review: Christy Sports changes management, Simon malls close on Thanksgiving Day.

Retail prices were once again a topic of discussion throughout the week. Here are some of the events that may have slipped your mind, and we're still thinking about it.

Simon has decided to honor Turkey

Simon announced this week that most of its U.S. facilities will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. They will reopen on November 24, Black Friday. This followed the latest trend for the investment trust company, which closed most of its shopping centers in 2020, 2021 and 2022 on Thanksgiving Day. Last year, many retailers viewed the holiday as an opportunity to start Black Friday early, but recent years have brought a change in attitude. In 2021, for example, Target said it would close its stores on Thanksgiving forever.

Christy Sports is changing its leadership

Christy Sports recently reshuffled its executive team, appointing a new chief executive officer, chief merchandising officer and chief marketing officer, according to a press release obtained by Retail Dive. Pete LaBore, who took the top job at Christy Sports after former head Matt Gold left in April, has more than a decade of experience at Backcountry, including as chief operating officer. The company credits his role for Backcountry's "explosive growth" and ability to handle changes in management and ownership.

In addition to Pete LaBore, the company's new chief merchandising officer is Mimi Nuel, who also has a decade of experience at Backcountry, where she most recently served as vice president of merchandising, leading the merchandise, soft goods and bicycle businesses. She has also worked at Nordstrom and Overstock.com and has 20 years of sales experience.

Danielle Quatrochi, who has been assigned the role of chief marketing officer, has held various leadership positions at Nike, Finish Line and Outside and has more than 20 years of marketing and sales experience. In the past, she has been active in customer retention and creating memorable brand experiences.

PwC refuses to continue serving Tupperware

The Tupperware company continues to face difficulties as auditing firm PwC has refused to be re-elected, according to information from the Securities and Exchange Commission. PwC had a 28-year audit relationship with Tupperware. Tupperware has been experiencing financial and operational difficulties for several months now. In April, the NY Stock Exchange reported that Tupperware no longer met the requirements for continued listing on the exchange due to its late filing of its annual report with the SEC. After months of delay, Tupperware did file its annual report, which showed a 19% drop in net income to about $1.3 billion. This month, the company also appointed Lori Ann Goldman to the new position of CEO, succeeding Miguel Fernandez, who had been with the company since March 2020. At the same time, Tupperware has undergone changes to its board.

Vacation has partnered with AriZona to create a tea-based lipstick.

Sunscreen brand, Vacation, known for its retro style, has unveiled a collaboration with beverage maker AriZona. The set of three lipsticks comes in AriZona's classic flavors: Moocho Mango, Green Tea with Lemon, and Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey.

Pottery Barn Teen introduces Super Mario inspired home collection

Pottery Barn Teen last week unveiled a home collection inspired by the game Super Mario. The collection includes bedding products, backpacks, lunch accessories, interior design items and apparel. The collection features game symbols such as super mushroom, blocks and super star. There's an LED pillow, pajamas that glow in the dark, and a chair bag shaped like a super mushroom.

Walmart has invested $500 million to modernize its stores

Walmart said it has invested $500 million to modernize 117 stores in 30 states. The retail giant plans to mark the upgrade with the largest single-day opening in the company's history on Friday. Inside the stores, QR codes and digital screens with customer information will be placed, pharmacies will be expanded, restrooms will be updated and Dollar Shop departments with seasonal merchandise will be installed at store entrances. The company plans to spend more than $9 billion to modernize more than 1,400 of its stores in the U.S.

$5.8 million - that's the amount Target lost due to cargo lost at sea in early 2021, according to a lawsuit by insurer Starr Indemnity & Liability Co. An insurance company is suing Maersk over an incident on the Maersk Eindhoven, where 57 containers of Target merchandise were lost while traveling to Los Angeles. The lawsuit alleges that Maersk is liable for failing to provide goods in good condition and also failed to compensate for lost goods. Cargo containers often fall into the sea, with more than 600 lost in 2022. However, this represents only a small fraction of the estimated 250 million containers that are shipped worldwide each year, according to the World Shipping Council.

Retailers are gearing up for expected holiday spending

as consumers remain cautious. Although the early October sales were successful, the heavily discounted advertising continues. Shoppers continue to show a propensity to save money, which is likely to influence seasonal discounts. This is especially true for low- and middle-income consumers who have student loans and other financial hardships. David Simon, chief executive of investment firm Simon Property Group, said this week that his tenant clients have "definitely become more cautious". "Cautious and prudent consumer attitudes continue to strengthen," said Neil Saunders, CEO of GlobalData. "These holidays won't be terrible for most retailers, but will be much more challenging than the last few years. "