Catalyst Brands LLC

JCPenney Brand CEO Michelle DeMartini Wlazlo and other Catalyst Brands LLC leaders recently attended the Fashion Scholarship Fund's #FSFLive Gala, recognizing the Class of 2026 Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) Scholarship Recipients. This year's class is made up of over 160 talented students, including Catalyst Brands scholars Cassandra Castro and Jazmin Hernandez Arceo. We are proud to support FSF's mission to invest in the next generation of industry leaders. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eY_khCJT

Today, we lost a visionary leader whose impact on retail and our industry will be felt for generations to come.   David Simon, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of Simon Property Group, will be remembered as a highly regarded entrepreneur and a force in the industry. His leadership transformed Simon Property Group into the largest retail real estate company in the world and drove the acquisition of JCPenney, the co-founding of SPARC Group and, ultimately, their combination to create Catalyst Brands at the beginning of last year.   David believed in the future of physical retail and in the power of iconic American brands to thrive when given the right platform and purpose. Through Catalyst Brands LLC, we intend to honor and further that vision, making quality fashion accessible to everyone.   While this is a profound loss for those who knew him and worked alongside him, his legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward.   Our deepest sympathies to his family and all those whose lives he touched.

Spring fashion was on display last Friday in Paris...Paris, Texas, that is! Read more about #TheOtherParisRunway: https://lnkd.in/eGAsGDWt

Catalyst Brands LLC’s own Wayne J. Milano, Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing, was recently named as one of Susan G. Komen’s 2026 Pink Tie Guys. Pink Tie Guys, part of Komen's new VIPink ambassador program, is a community of bold leaders committing to help create a world without breast cancer. As part of the program, Pink Tie Guys compete in a 72 Hour fundraising competition. Milano successfully raised over $10,000 for breast cancer research through this year’s fundraiser. Catalyst Brands is proud to support the important work of Susan G. Komen. Brooks Brothers provided pink ties for the Dallas-Fort Worth Pink Tie Guys Kickoff event in Arlington, Texas, last week, where members of the Women’s Initiative Networking Group of Success (WINGS) business resource group were in attendance. JCPenney will also make a donation to Susan G. Komen this March to honor Women’s History Month. https://lnkd.in/g8q87hFh

Catalyst Brands LLC recently partnered with Arizona State University Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising to welcome students into Lucky Brand and Brooks Brothers stores in the Los Angeles area for a hands-on industry visit. From store tours to real conversations with our teams, the experience connected classroom learning to real-world retail careers. We’re proud to support programs like ASU FIDM and to play a role in shaping future careers across merchandising, marketing, and design. 

Catalyst Brands LLC leaders including Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Marisa Thalberg and JCPenney Brand CEO Michelle DeMartini Wlazlo recently attended the NRF Foundation Honors during #NRF2026. The event celebrates those in the industry making a difference, awards scholarships to undergraduate students pursuing careers in retail, and raises funds to support the work of the Foundation including scholarship and development programs designed to foster the next generation of retail leaders. Catalyst Brands is proud to support the work of the NRF Foundation.

Catalyst Brands LLC is one! One year ago this month, Catalyst Brands emerged as a new force in retail. This week, associates gathered in our Plano and NYC headquarters to reflect on a year of collaboration and growth. Our mission is simple: to ignite America’s most beloved retail brands to make fashion accessible to all. This work would not be possible without the dedication of our associates, who have come together to blend ways of working, share best practices, and build a culture of collaboration and adaptability. Here's to one year!

Catalyst Brands LLC is proud to give back to our communities this holiday season! Members of the Pride business resource group in New York City recently volunteered with God's Love We Deliver, an organization that cooks and home-delivers nutritious, medically tailored meals for people affected by severe and chronic illness. The team was able to package over 1,400 farrow and beet salads and package over 1,200 soups for those in need. See below for photos from the volunteer event.

This week, CEO Marc Rosen joined Bloomberg's Open Interest to recap our first #BlackFriday weekend as Catalyst Brands LLC. From 5 a.m. lines at JCPenney to buy one, get one denim deals at Aéropostale, customers enthusiastically embraced the holiday spirit across our portfolio of brands. Watch the segment here: https://lnkd.in/gibie5KQ

In celebration of Diwali, the Aspire business resource group (BRG) recently brought the Festival of Lights to life with vibrant gatherings across our Plano and New York offices. Associates were united through meditation, cultural traditions including dance and henna artistry, flavorful cuisine, and joyful moments that honored the meaning of #Diwali.