#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.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

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.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.