Bloomberg Intelligence Lululemon’s Disappointing Outlook Adds Urgency to CEO Search
Mar 18, 2026
Poonam Goyal, senior U.S. e-commerce and retail analyst, breaks down Lululemon’s weak forecast, product refresh timing and the urgent CEO search. Mary Ross Gilbert, senior retail analyst, covers Macy’s in-store wins, brand strategy and store-count plans. Diana Gomes, senior consumer staples analyst, outlines Unilever’s shift toward beauty and options for its foods business.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Founder Pressure And Board Shakeup Raise CEO Search Stakes
- Founder Chip Wilson continues to agitate for change and the board has begun to reshuffle directors.
- Goyal says governance pressure increases urgency for an incoming CEO to restore Lululemon's historical double-digit growth.
Past CEO's Beauty Bets Missed Apparel Focus
- Calvin McDonald had a beauty/merchandising background that led to non-core product attempts like skincare and deodorant.
- Goyal argues Lululemon needs someone focused on apparel style plus performance and constant newness to outshine competitors.
Macy's Comps Turn Positive As Merchandising Improves
- Macy's reported an inflection to positive comparable sales and expects stable growth despite cautious full-year guidance.
- Mary Ross Gilbert cites stronger merchandising, new brands and improved store experiences driving traction, particularly among middle and higher-income shoppers.