#Retail & Brands

2021-11-18

Kontoor Brands launches immersive shopping experience with virtual stores for Wrangler® and Lee®

As virtual and augmented reality experiences continue to transform today’s consumer experience, global lifestyle apparel company Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) today announced the launch of its new virtual stores for two of the world’s most iconic brands, Wrangler® and Lee®.

Virtual stores offer 3D 360 digital experiences that showcase the brand’s most sought after products

The virtual stores invite consumers to navigate interactive three-dimensional retail space, browsing items in a store setting before seamlessly adding them to their shopping cart. The digital shopping experience creates a striking real-world experience without the stress that can accompany in-person shopping.

Drawing from an extensive portfolio of products available online and in stores, the virtual stores will feature the brands’ latest innovative design, top selling items, and current seasonal styles.

“Digital evolution is a critical component of our growth strategy as we enhance the overall omnichannel consumer experience,” explains Christopher Reid, VP & GM of Global Digital at Kontoor Brands. “Through these new virtual stores, we are offering consumers a more immersive experience with our products and the opportunity to engage with our brands in a curated store experience that brings to life the unique characteristics of each of our brands.

The Wrangler and Lee virtual shopping experiences are an example of the investment Kontoor Brands is making in its ongoing digital evolution, leveraging a consumer-centric approach to engage existing customers and acquire new and younger audiences. In addition to offering a fresh way to experience the best of both digital and in-person shopping, these virtual stores provide an enhanced consumer experience while delivering on Kontoor’s commitment of continued digital acceleration.

To explore the virtual Wrangler® and Lee® stores and shop 24/7, visit http://wrangler.com and http://lee.com.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Recover™ secures multi-year recycled cotton agreement with H&M

Recover™ has signed a multi-year agreement with H&M to support the integration of its recycled cotton fiber, RCotton, for use in H&M’s products. Since early 2024, H&M and Recover™ have collaborated on product development, which now enables scaled commercial introduction of Recover™ mechanically recycled cotton into H&M’s collections.

GORE-TEX® KIDSWEAR launches innovative membership scheme for kids’ jackets

With its revolutionary new membership model, GORE-TEX® Kidswear now offers families a simple, flexible and sustainable way of kitting out their children in top-quality jackets. It is aimed at the parents of children aged between five and ten and kicks off with a choice of functional winter jackets.

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.