Latest news with #Ugg
Miami Herald
6 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
This viral luxury basics brand just became even harder to ignore
I've scrolled past the ads more times than I can count. Muted tones. Minimalist styling. Big promises about quality and price. At first glance, it looked like just another DTC basics brand. One of those Instagram-fueled startups trying to sell me the idea of an elevated capsule wardrobe. Don't miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet's FREE Daily newsletter So I kept scrolling. But then my mom brought it up. Out of nowhere, she asked if I had heard of it - and casually mentioned she'd just ordered a couple of sweaters and a pair joggers. That caught my attention. My mom's not usually the one discovering viral brands before me. Related: This Lululemon rival men love may win women over, too And she's definitely not the type to fall for aesthetic marketing. If she bought something, it wasn't because of a TikTok trend. It was because the value felt real. So I did a little digging. The brand was Quince: a direct-to-consumer company that promises luxury essentials at radically low prices. And unlike so many trendy brands, this one has managed to turn internet hype into real customer loyalty - and serious financial momentum. Image source: rblfmr/Shutterstock While other DTC brands are struggling to stay afloat, Quince just secured a major win. The brand is raising about $200 million in a new funding round led by Iconiq - the investment firm that manages money for Silicon Valley heavyweights like Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey. According to Business of Fashion, that round pushes Quince's valuation to more than $4.5 billion, over double its previous worth. It's a rare show of confidence in a retail sector that's seen capital dry up fast. Rising social media ad costs and disappointing sales have turned many investors away from the direct-to-consumer space. Related: Hoka, Ugg maker warns of rising prices amid tariff pressure But Quince is the exception. Its business model - cutting out middlemen, shipping directly from factories, and pricing aggressively - has struck a nerve with shoppers. Think $50 cashmere, $80 Turkish bath towels, and even discounted caviar. It's a playbook that slightly echoes parts of Shein and Temu, but with a much cleaner aesthetic and a focus on sustainability and quality. In a world where "affordable luxury" often feels like a contradiction, Quince is making it make sense. For customers, this kind of momentum isn't just about headlines. It's about what could come next. If the brand successfully closes its $200 million funding round, it will have more firepower to expand into new categories, scale logistics, and potentially lower prices even further. That kind of growth could reshape what "affordable luxury" looks like across the retail landscape. And it sends a message to competitors: Customers are no longer settling. They want luxury materials without luxury markups - and they're willing to switch brands to get it. More in Retail: Ulta Beauty makes surprise huge expansionNike eliminating some classic sneaker modelsWhy the latest Messi Stanley collab is smarter than it looks Quince's direct-from-the-source strategy has always promised value. But now, with backing from Silicon Valley's most powerful investors on the table, it's poised to take that promise to a whole new level. While most retailers are bracing for pullbacks, Quince is betting on growth. Which means that for shoppers, especially those who discovered the brand through an Instagram ad or a family member's closet, this might just be the beginning. Looks like I might be ordering one of those cashmere sweaters after all. Related: Owner of Louis Vuitton and Dior stumbles hard, leans on beauty The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Newsweek
15 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Gen Z Tenant Finds Mold in Apartment, Fury Over Lease Company's Response
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A South Carolina resident has horrified the internet after revealing the state of her mold-infested apartment, which her leasing agency claims is her fault. Reddit user Mary, 27, from Downtown Charleston, recently took to social media to share several images of the mold that's covering her home and her belongings. The images show handbags, UGG boots, wine bottles, and walls with patches of mold growing on them. Mary has lived in the unit for three years, and although it wasn't so bad for the first two years, things have really taken a turn in 2025. Mary told Newsweek that she previously noticed mold on shoes, purses and jackets that she barely wore, so she didn't think too much of it. But now, it's "even worse" and so many of her possessions have been devastated by mold. "My mattress is covered in mold spores, as well as 80 percent of my purses, shoes, and jackets," Mary said. "My cat tree is covered, and I had to throw it out. Pretty much cotton is the only thing that doesn't have it. All my wooden furniture, like bookshelves and storage shelves, have spots. I've had to throw out so many odds and ends." Mary's Ugg boots and a handbag with spots of mold. Mary's Ugg boots and a handbag with spots of mold. Impossible_Yam4412 / Reddit To make matters worse, Mary said that food items in her cupboards "feel damp" and start to grow mold within a few days. While she isn't sure why it's become so much worse recently, Mary wonders if there might be a potential leak in the wall. She cleans and disinfects regularly, uses a dehumidifier, leaves the extractor fan running in the bathroom, and keeps doors open. When it started to become a serious problem in early June, Mary contacted the leasing office and sent them photos of the mold, asking what they would do to help. Mold spots on Mary's mattress and a wine bottle. Mold spots on Mary's mattress and a wine bottle. Impossible_Yam4412 / Reddit "They responded six days later and said they'd sent maintenance to look, but that they haven't seen any indication of a leak. They said it was 'organic growth' and recommended getting a dehumidifier, keeping the AC on auto, and keeping my doors open, which I have always done," Mary said. She continued: "They said it's mildew because it's not on any walls or ceilings. I responded and told them it is indeed on the walls and ceilings, and that I have already been doing their recommendations and it's only worsening. I formally requested to be let out of my lease due to uninhabitable conditions—they did not respond. I followed up nine days later stating how bad it is and that I cannot live there anymore." When she called the office again, one of the leasing agents told Mary that they'd "brought in a third party professional" to inspect the property. At the time of writing, Mary hasn't received a report from the maintenance team or the third party. Newsweek has contacted the building management company via email. Mary told Newsweek: "She was blaming me, saying that the 'organic growth' and 'mildew' is not mold, and is caused by me sometimes opening my windows in my living room. She said it's my fault and my responsibility, but was also saying their team would help, which doesn't make sense." Following the back and forth, Mary shared several images of the mold on Reddit (posting as user Impossible_Yam4412) to ask what internet users think it is. The post has horrified many, leading to over 240 comments from people who agreed with Mary that it is in fact mold. Seeing the online support has been somewhat comforting for Mary, who has received plenty of suggestions about what she could do next. The experience has left Mary fearing for her health, as she wonders what she and her cat have been inhaling. She also discovered that the previous tenant moved out after developing "severe health concerns" due to mold. Although her lease doesn't end until December 2025, Mary is planning to move elsewhere as soon as possible. "Even if they make me pay the $3,000 to break my lease, I have no choice. This apartment is not habitable," she said. She is still waiting for the leasing office and management company to help, but she believes they are delaying the inevitable as they keep ignoring her calls and emails. "They don't care about me or my health, just my rent," Mary said. Among the hundreds of comments on the Reddit post, one person responded: "Omg get out of there that is a health hazard!" Another Reddit user wrote: "I'm not sure that they should blame it on you, especially if the previous tent moved because of mold. Your landlord might have painted over the mold instead of having the apartment cleaned. I've heard of some landlords doing this." While another person added: "I'm just surprised you said you have stayed there for three years now. I would have definitely left!" Do you have any viral videos or pictures that you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
News.com.au
a day ago
- Climate
- News.com.au
Snow in Qld? These homes with fireplaces are turning up the heat
Queensland may be better known for its swimming pools than its fireplaces, but with snow on the horizon - yes, snow - the owners of these homes might just get the last laugh. A polar air mass could settle directly over South East Queensland within days threatening to bring hail, heavy rain, damaging winds and even snow. Weather chasers are saying the winter storm could dump as much as 15cm of snow on the Granite Belt and Northern Tablelands. That would be white gold to Aussie ski fields. The full effects are expected to be felt on Saturday, with snow seekers already booking out accommodation in Stanthorpe and its surrounds. Brisbane is expecting a top of 16C on Saturday, the Gold Coast 18C and the Sunshine Coast 17C. On the Granite Belt, Stanthorpe is expecting a low of 1C and a high of just 12C while Toowoomba is chasing a high of 11C following a low of 5C. Up north, Cairns will record a high of 25C on Saturday, Townsville 20C and Mackay is tipped to top out at just 17C on Friday followed by 20C on Saturday. Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Harry Clark said if current modelling persisted, there was the chance of snow falling on the highest points of the Granite Belt. 'In terms of snow potential in Queensland, it's still just a chance on Saturday,' he said. Mr Clark said it depended a lot on the coldness of the air mass, with the modelling 'jumping around a fair bit'. So let's take a look at some of the best fireplace set-ups on the market. 1. PULLENVALE On a 1.01ha block, this substantial home boasts both a pool and a fireplace, covering all bases. It also has large double-glazed windows to keep the summer heat out and the winter warmth in. There is also a centralised ducted HVAC system with a seven-zone climate control configuration. 2. NOOSAVILLE Snow is unlikely in this surf location but the owners of this muliti-million dollar residence will easily ride out any cold blast. It has Jetmaster fireplaces in both the upstairs and downstairs lounge areas. There is also a terrace with a plumbed-in gas fire pit and an alfresco area with a gas fireplace and BBQ. If that isn't enough, you could always climb into the home's dual ovens. It is listed for sale for $18.25 million. 3. BROADBEACH WATERS On the market for offers over $15 million, this Hampton's-inspired estate is ready for summer and winter. Yes there is a pool and a private pontoon and sandy beach but for that one day a year when Queenslanders get out their Ugg boots and best winter flannies, it also has a sauna and a master suite with an electric fireplace. The living room also has a Mezzo 1600 Gas Fireplace by Jetmaster. 4. REESVILLE Situated on 8.62ha, Elysian Ridge comprises a 1200sq m luxury residence. It has underfloor heating in every one of its six bathrooms. There is also dual feature gas fireplaces in the living and dining zones. 5. MONTVILLE In the Sunshine Coast hinterland, it does get chilly in winter. And this architectural masterpiece on 49 acres has those cold winters nights covered. It has a pool, gym, cinema, games room, a sunken lounge and a firepit terrace. And there is a statement fireplace in the main lounge area. 6. CHEVALLUM Under offer after being listed for $11 million, the award winning Chateau Immanuel is blend of Tuscan design and Hollywood opulence. Situated on 10 acres, it has seven statement fireplaces. There are Portugese hand carved stone fireplaces in the reception area, formal living room, family room and dining room. There is also feature fireplaces in two of its five bedrooms and another one located in the alfresco entertaining area. And if that's not enough, you could always climb into the industrial oven. 7. NORMAN PARK Listed for sale and on a 1770sq m riverfront block, Falconwood is on the market for the first time in 32 years. The five-bedroom prestige home boasts a private pontoon, a self-contained boat house and an swimming pool and deck suspended above the river's edge. The Spanish Mission-style residence has numerous character features. On the residence's third level is the opulent master suite which has its own sitting room with a fireplace, a study and balconies that provide exceptional river and city views. 8. GOONDIWINDI There is no denying that its can get as cold as brass balls out this way. On a 18.03ha block sits Ulawanna Estate, a six-star country lifestyle home inspired by a Hampton's retreat. The heart of the home is the open-plan living space which seamlessly flows out to the north-facing poolside area and southern lagoon-view entertaining zone. This area also features a statement copper fireplace. Other places to escape the cold include the vintage games room with bar, man cave and the river bar featuring power, a fire-pit and a jetty. 9. BRIDGEMAN DOWNS On 1.07ha sits this grand eight bedroom, six bathroom estate inspired by Como House in South Yarra in Melbourne. Following extensive and meticulous renovations completed in December 2017, the grand residence has a pool, tennis court and an outdoor kitchen, ideal for those balmy summer nights. But when winter does arrive, however brief it may be, there is also a refined dining room with an original fireplace. 10. KANGAROO POINT This three bedroom apartment overlooks the Brisbane River and we all know what can be like when the brisk August winds come in for a blast. The sub-penthouse is located in the Castlebar Cove compex, and is accessed via a private lift. At the heart of the home is the expansive living area, complete with a fireplace, which opens out onto the covered balcony which wraps the entire river frontage of the residence. AND A FEW IN PLACES THAT WILL PROBABLY NEVER FLICK A MATCH ... MILLSTREAM, CAIRNS REGION On the market for offers over $1.5 million is this 25.6ha property complete with a custom-built five bedroom residence. The main living space features a double-sided wood fireplace creating the perfect ambience to the main living area and the master bedroom. Just a short stroll from the home towards the riverbank is a heated spa. PORT DOUGLAS, CAIRNS REGION Given Port Douglas is the go-to place for many Victorians in winter, it is hard to imagine this fireplace would get much of a workout. And I was just there --- in the pool. Now under offer and called The Caribbean, another place unlikely to need much heat, the residence literally has a flow-through design inviting in the balmy tropical breezes. But there, in the spacious living area is a fireplace, albeit it is not part of the sale. BUSHLAND BEACH, TOWNSVILLE REGION There was a saying when I lived in Townsville: 'Winter came and went on a Wednesday'. In other words, this electric fireplace, going by that logic, might be switched on maybe once a year. On the market for offers over $799,000, this Hampton's style home may have a fireplace, but there is no pool for the other 364 days of the year. HALIDAY BAY, MACKAY REGION Believe it or not, it actually did snow in the Mackay region in 1965. Snow was reported at Dalrymple Heights, 65km west of Mackay. It is the only tropical snowfall location on record in Australia. So maybe the owner of this Haliday Bay residence is a bit of a prepper - preparing for the next shock snowfall. It does have a pool and airconditioning for the other 60 years between flurries. BOWEN, WHITSUNDAYS REGION Another favourite region for winter refugees down south, the Whitsundays region is known for its azure blue waters and balmy breezes. But the owner of this contemporary farmhouse is prepared for all weather, including a cold blast. There is a grand media room with a striking stone-clad gas fireplace and an outdoor firepit.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Miami Herald
This Lululemon rival men love may win women over, too
It started out just for men. Premium workout gear. Smart, simple design. No logos screaming across the chest. And most importantly - it actually fit. That's what helped Rhone stand out in a sea of overhyped menswear. While Lululemon grabbed headlines, Rhone built loyalty. Quietly. Deliberately. Related: As Lululemon faces pressure, a rival brand builds global buzz This was the brand guys recommended in group chats. The one they wore to the gym, to brunch, and sometimes to meetings. It wasn't trying to be loud. It just worked. But lately, something's shifted. The same performance brand men swear by is showing up in new places - new closets, new workouts. For a brand that built its name by going all-in on menswear, it's now getting attention from a very different kind of shopper. And it might just be giving Lululemon something to sweat over. Image source: JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock There wasn't a press release or campaign shouting "We're coming for Lululemon." But the signs are you know where to look. On Reddit's Buy It For Life subreddit - a place obsessed with durability and quality - one user dropped Rhone into a thread asking for the best leggings. "Rhone is great," said u/thealternateopinion. In another thread, when someone asked for alternatives to big-name brands, one reply stood out. u/RepulsivePatience425 doubled down: "This x 1,000! Rhone's quality is measurably better." That kind of feedback isn't from sponsored posts or ad campaigns. It's real people, comparing real gear. Related: Hoka, Ugg maker warns of rising prices amid tariff pressure And after sharing a quick story on my Instagram about the brand, my friend and content creator Carolina Coscia messaged back: "I loveeeee their leggings and the material." She's not alone. I tried the Revive Longline Bra, the Serene Crop Tee, and the DreamGlow jogger + hoodie combo and yeah, it lives up to the hype. I actually wrote this article while decked out in Rhone - and I couldn't have been more comfortable. Looks like I'll be making room in my closet. This isn't a brand experimenting. It's a brand already nailing it. Lululemon still dominates the athleisure space (and my closet). It's a multi-billion dollar brand with global awareness and a cult following. But it's no longer the only name in premium performance wear. Rhone isn't trying to copy Lululemon, and that's what makes it a real threat. Instead of chasing drops or trends, it focuses on comfort, cut, and fabric quality. Think low-key luxury with actual function behind it. And while it made its name with men, that playbook clearly resonates far beyond that. More in Retail: Ulta Beauty makes surprise huge expansionNike eliminating some classic sneaker modelsWhy the latest Messi Stanley collab is smarter than it looks Women don't need another brand trying to look like Lululemon. They want one that feels like it was designed with intention - not as an afterthought or spinoff. If Rhone keeps this momentum, it could chip away at a key part of Lululemon's base: shoppers who prioritize feel, fit, and longevity over hype or labels. For a brand that wasn't even in the women's game until recently, that's a big shift. And it didn't take flashy influencer campaigns or headlines - just better product. Related: Popular water brand taking on Red Bull, Monster, and Celsius The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Down 48%, This Growth Stock Looks Like a No-Brainer Buy
Key Points Over its history, Deckers has been a top performer on the stock market. The stock plunged early in the year on fears of tariffs and weakening consumer sentiment. The company's first-quarter numbers showed off surging international growth. 10 stocks we like better than Deckers Outdoor › Deckers Outdoor (NYSE: DECK) has been quietly been one of the best-performing stocks on the market over its history, returning nearly 10,000% since its 1993 initial public offering (IPO). In recent years, the footwear company's success has been driven by the growth of two brands, Hoka and Ugg, known respectively for running shoes and sheepskin boots. Deckers, which acquired both of those brands when they were just start-ups, has proven itself to be a savvy brand manager, scaling up each brand through marketing, manufacturing, and distribution. And it's achieved industry-leading gross margins, approaching 60%. However, the stock has struggled more recently, diving this year amid concerns about slowing growth and tariffs. Even after a strong first-quarter earnings report last week, shares are still down 48% from their peak earlier this year. That sell-off presents an excellent buying opportunity. Let's take a closer look at why. 1. The sell-off seems to be an overreaction Sustaining a growth rate of 20% or higher over a long period of time is difficult for any consumer brands, so some skepticism about the sustainability of brands like Ugg and Hoka is understandable. However, that reached a fever pitch after the company's earnings report in April, for the fourth quarter of its fiscal year 2025: Overall revenue growth slowed to 6.5%, including 10% growth in Hoka and 3.6% growth in Ugg. At that time, management refused to give full-year guidance due to macroeconomic uncertainty related to global trade policies. It did give a weak forecast for the first quarter, calling for revenue of $890 million to $910 million. The company just blew past that guidance, with revenue of $964.5 million in the first quarter. Its bottom-line result of $0.93 in earnings per share (EPS) was also much better than its guidance for $0.62 to $0.67. First-quarter growth was driven by strength in the international market and the wholesale channel. However, second-quarter guidance was once again muted due to uncertainty around trade; it calls for 7% revenue growth at the midpoint of its range of $1.38 billion to $1.42 billion, and EPS of $1.50 to $1.55, down from $1.59 in the prior-year quarter. Deckers has beaten analysts' EPS consensus by double-digit percentages in each of the last four quarters, a good indication that its guidance could prove to be conservative once again. While there's still uncertainty, Deckers' momentum seems stronger than investors believe. 2. The stock looks cheap Even after jumping 12% on its first-quarter report on Friday, Deckers still looks like a good value. The stock is trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 18, more cheaply than a number of its peers in the footwear and apparel sector -- not to mention the S&P 500, which is trading at a P/E of 28. Essentially, that means that investors expect the company to grow at less than two-thirds the pace of the broad market over the long term. But that seems like a mistake, given that Deckers just reported 17% revenue growth in the first quarter with 20% growth in Hoka and 19% at Ugg. Additionally, Deckers has a strong balance sheet with no debt and $1.7 billion in cash, equivalent to about 10% of its market cap. The company is also taking advantage of the discount in its stock price by buying back shares. Over the last four quarters, Deckers has reduced its shares outstanding by nearly 4 million, or 2.5%. In the most recent quarter, it bought back 1.7 million shares, and it has $2.4 billion remaining under a repurchase authorization. 3. The international market is strong Peers like Nike make the majority of their sales in international markets, and Deckers seems to be on its way to doing the same. In the first quarter, international sales made up nearly half of its revenue, growing 49.7% to $463.3 million. Management credited strong performance in the Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions, including at its owned stores in China. There's also been a strong response to the new Hoka Arahi 8 model, which the company said had achieved double-digit weekly sell-throughs since launch in EMEA -- meaning stores are selling more than 10% of inventory each week -- and significant volume gains in China. This strength outside the U.S. should give investors some confidence that Deckers Outdoor can overcome any volatility in the U.S. related to tariffs. At the current price, the stock looks like a good bet to outperform, especially after the strong first-quarter earnings report. Should you invest $1,000 in Deckers Outdoor right now? Before you buy stock in Deckers Outdoor, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Deckers Outdoor wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $636,628!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,063,471!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,041% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 183% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025 Jeremy Bowman has positions in Nike. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Deckers Outdoor and Nike. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Down 48%, This Growth Stock Looks Like a No-Brainer Buy was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
