Roots CEO Exits After Go-Private Deal as FTC Turns Up Heat on Pricing

Meghan Roach stepped down as president and CEO of Roots on Monday, the same day the Canadian retailer completed its go-private sale to Marquee Brands. Roach will stay on as an adviser. She joined Roots as interim CFO in 2019 and took the top job in 2020.

"With the transaction complete, this is the right moment for me to step aside," Roach said in a statement. "I have every confidence in the team's ability to carry the brand forward, and I am excited about the future of the company."

The deal closed roughly two months after Roots agreed in August to be acquired by Marquee Brands.

What does the FTC's pricing push change for retailers?

The Federal Trade Commission made its priorities plain this week. On Monday, the agency joined 20 states in suing Dollar General over alleged deceptive pricing practices. The complaint cited consumer objections to higher-than-expected prices at registers and detailed an FTC undercover investigation.

Dollar General said in a statement that it aims for complete pricing accuracy, but that "occasional price discrepancies" can occur.

Then, on Wednesday, the FTC sent orders to nine companies — Walmart and Target among them — demanding details on whether "pricing for a ticket, ride share, food delivery or other product or service varies from one person to the next." The agency wants to know if that variance stems from analysis of personal data using artificial intelligence and other tools.

The scrutiny lands as both consumers and retailers head into the holiday season on edge. Personalized pricing built on AI data analysis now sits squarely in the regulator's line of sight.

Brooks runs its streak to 13 quarters

Privately held Brooks said Thursday it logged its 13th consecutive quarter of revenue growth, with gains in global performance running and U.S. premium performance running footwear during the third quarter.

For the nine months through September, revenue rose 12%. Growth hit every region: 9% in the Americas, 9% in Asia-Pacific and 24% across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Footwear climbed 11%; apparel grew 18%. Brooks also held the No. 1 market position in specialty retail for the quarter.

"As we expand the Brooks brand globally, we're constantly pushing ourselves to rethink what's possible — in our products, in the experiences we create, and in the ambitions we pursue alongside runners," CEO Dan Sheridan said in a statement. "Our results through the first three quarters of 2026 reflect the momentum that comes from that mindset and the incredible work of our teams around the world."

Aritzia bets on 17% annual growth

Aritzia projects a compound annual growth rate of up to 17% over its next five years. The company expects to reach at least $6.8 billion by 2032 — more than double its most recent annual revenue.

The plan includes:

• Opening 12 to 14 stores annually
• Repositioning five to seven stores annually
• Revamping its denim line next year
• Eyeing expansion into handbags and beauty

Fancy Feast makes 25 collectible cat bags

Fancy Feast, designer Susan Alexandra and television personality Paige DeSorbo teamed up on The Little Gem, a tiny limited-edition bag inspired by Fancy Feast's white cat. The fit is natural: Alexandra already sells cat-themed bags including one dubbed "Meow Meow," and DeSorbo has a white cat named Daphne.

Only 25 handmade bags exist, each embroidered with intricate beadwork. A sweepstakes launched Wednesday offers cat lovers a shot at one. With the FTC probing how prices get set, and AI-driven personalization under federal orders, expect pricing practices to stay in the headlines through the holidays.