July 8, 2026
Sports Ecosystem trends stayed slightly negative this week, our sector equity indices were mixed against a flat market, and we dive into our latest analysis on NKE across the US and globally. Summary: (1) Optimal’s…
July 5, 2026
Summary: (1) In our conversations with companies, we continue to hear about Gen Z and Boomer strength (and the pinch for Xers) … in Chart of the Week we highlight compelling analysis that after-tax, after-transfer…
July 2, 2026
Highlights of our regular weekly store walks looking at execution, innovation, shelves, endcaps, and pallets. This week we examine premium coastal summer brand stores. Summary: (1) La Jolla this week, a read on premium coastal…
July 2, 2026
The Optimal Advisory Cost Factor decelerated on a y/y basis for the fifth consecutive week. It had accelerated for 15 consecutive weeks after the breakout of the Iranian conflict. For the year, costs are up…
July 1, 2026
Sports Ecosystem trends stayed slightly negative this week, our sector equity indices primarily underperformed, and we dive into our analysis on NKE and especially in China following yesterday’s reported earnings. Summary: (1) Optimal’s Sports Ecosystem…
June 30, 2026
In this June report, we update our work across 109 consumer names. We analyze both (a) the relative inflection of AI-driven engagement and (b) the weight of AI engagement within the mix of engagement of…
June 29, 2026
Our attached 37-page Consumer Discretionary Briefing Book summarizes our updated June analysis of hundreds of public and private companies for non-normal change, examines spending and inflections by category, sentiment by ticker, early-indicator mindshare traction, and…
June 28, 2026
Summary: (1) RDI has spent the last three months at a pace rarely seen, we examine that and precedents in Chart of the Week; (2) Our math shows Consumer Velocity decelerated further last week, see…
June 26, 2026
We hosted an investor-focused meeting on the NFL economic ecosystem last week. We highlight 7 key opportunities and risks for public and private investors to consider. Summary: (1) media rights are the most durable leg;…
June 26, 2026
The Optimal Advisory Cost Factor was flat but decelerated on a y/y basis for the fourth consecutive week. It had accelerated for 15 consecutive weeks after the breakout of the Iranian conflict. For the year,…
June 25, 2026
Summary: While this year’s World Cup breaks viewership and attendance records, we parse survey data for which brands & channels align most heavily with World Cup fandom in the US. The data leaves us hopeful…
June 24, 2026
Sports Ecosystem spending was down but stable this week even as sub-index dynamics shifted, equity indices were mixed against a down market, and NKE’s online momentum indicators continued to trend favorably. Summary: (1) Optimal’s Sports…
June 23, 2026
Summary: Gen Z traction and growth are critical leading indicators given long-term demographic share shifts – in our June analysis of 114 names: (1) please see notable metrics from TPR, GPI, SHAK in Gen Z…
June 23, 2026
Summary: Last week we examined what is working and not working in NKE go to market. We noted the energy and connectivity with global World Cup visitors and the brand’s highest level offering juxtaposed with…
June 22, 2026
Summary: (1) Our math shows Consumer Velocity decelerated slightly last week which syncs up well with many of our industry conversations on tone of business, see Fig 1; (2) Housing inventory is approaching flat y/y,…