Gap vs TJX

Old Navy CEO to Exit After Weak Q2 Sales

Gap Inc. announced a leadership transition at its largest brand, Old Navy: CEO Haio Barbeito will move to an advisory role on Nov. 2 and Michael Francis will take over leadership. The change follows Old Navy’s disappointing Q2 results, with net sales down 4% year-over-year to $2.1 billion and comps down 4%, attributed in part to an unexpected traffic slowdown and merchandising issues. Meanwhile, Gap’s namesake brand and Banana Republic posted stronger Q2 performance, and Gap Inc. overall reported net sales down 2% to $3.7 billion. Gap CEO Richard Dickson characterized Old Navy’s miss as modest and planned; industry analysts, including GlobalData’s Neil Saunders, said the brand needs a broader correction beyond a merchandise range fix.

• Haio Barbeito will move to an advisory role at Old Navy on Nov. 2 after four years as CEO.
• Michael Francis will replace Barbeito; he joined Gap Inc. in March and held roles including chief customer officer at Old Navy.
• Old Navy Q2 net sales fell 4% year-over-year to $2.1 billion, with comparable sales down 4% and an unanticipated slowdown in traffic.

Gap’s Culture-Driven Ads Lift Gap Brand Amid Parent Sales Dip

Gap Inc.’s second-quarter results show mixed performance across its brands: overall net sales fell 2% to $3.7 billion, while the Gap brand grew, driven in part by culture-driven campaigns such as its work with Hailey Bieber. Gap brand net sales rose 9% ($844 million) with comparable sales up 10% year-over-year, while Old Navy sales declined (headline notes a 4% fall) and Athleta net sales fell 12% to $264 million. Operating expenses were $1.3 billion, representing 34.3% of net sales. The article highlights that culturally resonant creative and influencer partnerships have helped Gap the brand even as the parent company's overall results softened.

• Gap Inc. reported $3.7 billion in net sales during the second quarter, a 2% year-over-year decline.
• Operating expenses were $1.3 billion, or 34.3% of net sales.
• Net sales at the Gap brand were $844 million, up 9% year-over-year; comparable sales at Gap increased 10% year-over-year.

Ads of the Week: From Gap to Marc Jacobs

Adweek published a weekly roundup highlighting 12 notable advertising campaigns on 2026-08-14. The article (by Matt Barker) spotlights campaigns from brands including Gap, Foot Locker, Heinz, Marc Jacobs, CeraVe, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, Google Pixel, Hinge and Kalshi, and notes celebrities and creators featured across spots (Method Man, Rowan Blanchard, Jemima Kirke, Tyler Cameron, Malcolm Todd, Inde Navarrette, Jayden Daniels, Stephen Curry). The piece summarizes creative approaches and unusual activations (e.g., Heinz’s sauce-squeeze control option, Hinge’s audiobook, Kalshi’s sandwich stunt) and serves as an editorial collection of recent creative work rather than reporting on platform policy or AdTech infrastructure.

• Adweek published an 'Ads of the Week' roundup on 2026-08-14 listing 12 recent campaigns.
• Featured advertisers and brands include Gap, Foot Locker, Heinz, Marc Jacobs, CeraVe, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, Google (Pixel), Hinge and Kalshi.
• Celebrities and creators featured in the highlighted ads include Method Man, Rowan Blanchard, Jemima Kirke, Tyler Cameron, Malcolm Todd, Inde Navarrette, Jayden Daniels and Stephen Curry.

Burlington to Reinvest $55M Tariff Refunds into Lower Prices

Burlington CEO Michael O’Sullivan said the company will put the full $55 million in tariff refunds it received in Q2 toward lower prices rather than retaining the money to boost margins. Burlington reported Q2 sales up 11% year-over-year to nearly $3 billion, with store comps rising 2% and a record 51 store openings in the quarter (net +45). With the tariff refunds included, gross margin widened 250 basis points to 46.2% and net income doubled to $184 million (excluding a $41 million after-tax benefit, net income was $151 million). O’Sullivan said the move supports customers facing higher living costs and helps protect market share amid competitor strength at Ross and weaker comps at TJX U.S.

• Burlington received $55 million in tariff refunds in Q2 and plans to reinvest the full amount into lower prices.
• Q2 total sales rose 11% year-over-year to nearly $3 billion; comparable store sales were up 2%.
• Gross margin expanded by 250 basis points to 46.2% when tariff refunds are included; merchandise margin expanded 70 basis points excluding the refunds.

TJX Reports Q2 FY27 Results; Above-Plan Comp Sales Growth of 4%; Pretax Profit Margin and Diluted EPS Both Well Above Plan; Increases Full Year FY27 Pretax Profit Margin and EPS Guidance

08/19/26 - 7:30 AM EDT TJX Reports Q2 FY27 Results; Above-Plan Comp Sales Growth of 4%; Pretax Profit Margin and Diluted EPS Both Well Above Plan; Increases Full Year FY27 Pretax Profit Margin and EPS Guidance

Target's snack sales jump after grocery refresh

Target reported a 15% year-over-year increase in snack sales in Q2 2026 after expanding shelf space for snacks, fresh food, bakery and other emerging grocery categories as part of a broader grocery refresh. The company’s second-quarter food and beverage sales rose about 7% year over year, according to Target’s Q2 2026 earnings release. The article is a Big-Box Briefing column published by Modern Retail on August 20, 2026 and written by Mitchell Parton.

• Target reported snack sales increased 15% year over year in Q2 2026.
• Target said it added more space for snacks, fresh food, bakery and other emerging categories within its grocery areas.
• Target's second-quarter food and beverage sales rose about 7% year over year.