Mike Ashley’s Frasers Says It’s Taken Control of Hugo Boss
The British retail group has pushed its stake in the German apparel brand above 50 percent in a move that will turn Hugo Boss into a subsidiary of Frasers.
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Technology
Bits & Bytes | Amazon Launches Storefronts, the Rise of CGI Models
This week, Amazon launches a platform for small and medium-sized businesses, while virtual influencers challenge the status quo of the modelling industry.
Technology
Bits & Bytes | Instagram's Shopping App, Amazon to Become the Top Seller of Apparel in US
This week, Instagram is tapping into e-commerce with a new platform, while Amazon is projected to overtake Walmart as the number-one retailer of apparel in the US.
Technology
Bits & Bytes | Instagram's Retail Salvation, Online Retailers Compete for New Designers
This week, retail design is adapting to an internet age, while luxury e-commerce platforms launch initiatives to highlight young talent.
Technology
Bits & Bytes | Google's Retail Strategy, the Digital Future of Merchandising
This week, Google is reported to soon be signing the lease on its first permanent store, while merchandising in retail continues to evolve with the integration of analytics and digital solutions.
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Technology
Bits & Bytes | Farfetch Files for IPO, Walmart Bets on VR
This week, Farfetch registered to take the company public, while Walmart has applied for two US patents that signal towards a VR strategy in retail.
Technology
Bits & Bytes | H&M Bets on AI, The Rise of Digital Supermodels
This week, H&M turns to tech to build a stronger business and drive operational efficiencies, while a new wave of modelling agencies offer brands virtual models.
Technology
Bits & Bytes | WeChat's Mini-Programmes, Is AI the Future of Sustainable Fashion?
This week, WeChat's advanced-feature offering experiences rapid growth, while artificial intelligence is helping advance the sustainable fashion movement.
Technology
Bits & Bytes | The Rise of Chinese Shopping Platform Pinduoduo, US Retailers Lead in Data Breaches
This week, Shanghai-based Pinduoduo went public raising $1.6 billion through a US IPO, while the number of US retailers reporting a data breach at any time in the past is up to 75 percent with half of those occurring in the last year.
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Technology
Bits & Bytes | Walmart Strikes Back at Amazon, JD.com Is Changing E-Commerce in China
This week, Walmart enters into a strategic partnership with Microsoft to rival Amazon, while JD.com's innovations are transforming rural China.
Technology
Bits & Bytes | Target's Secret App, Louis Vuitton Expands E-Commerce in China
This week, Target has an invite-only app that lets members collaborate with the company's designers, while in mainland China customers gain access to Louis Vuitton's delivery service.
Technology
Bits & Bytes | Venture Capitalists Bet on Shoe Start-Ups, JD.com Invests in Luxury Retailer
This week, venture investors put a premium on shoe start-ups, while JD.com builds up its presence in the luxury retail sector with an investment in Chinese luxury retailer Secoo.
Technology
Bits & Bytes | The Luxury Smartwatch Boom, Over a Quarter of US Apparel Is Sold Online
This week, the Apple Watch's success has created a successful luxury smartwatch niche, while a new report sees apparel sales increase online.
The News in Brief
Shein Agrees to Pay $100 Million to Settle US FTC Probe
The settlement, equivalent to 44 percent of the ultra fast-fashion company’s second-quarter profit, is the latest blow amid regulatory and tax crackdowns in Europe and the US that have hampered Shein’s growth.
Kering Drops 12% as Luxury Braces for Tough Winter
The recovery long promised by luxury brands seems nowhere in sight, as the expansion of war in the Middle East, along with China’s tax crackdown on the wealthy, piled further pressure on the world’s biggest luxury conglomerates in the third quarter, and executives buckled in for a tough winter.
UK Retail Sales Fall 0.4% in September, More Than Forecast
Sales fell in September as above-average temperatures hit demand for autumn clothing.
Elle Launches Moroccan Edition
Hitting newsstands in October, the magazine marks Elle’s 51st international edition, published under licence by the Geomedia group.
David’s Bridal Plans Spinoff and IPO of AI Wedding Planning Platform Pearl
Pearl, a subsidiary of David’s Bridal, will own David’s Bridal and license its intellectual property back to the bridalwear brand. David’s Bridal CEO Kelly Cook will serve as Pearl’s CEO.
L’Oréal Sales Beat Expectations as Premium Products Surge
The French giant handily beat expectations on strong demand for hair products at salons and premium skincare from its dermatological division.
P&G Beats Revenue Estimates, Flags Bigger Hit to Annual Profit
The maker of Pantene shampoo was helped by strong personal care demand, but expects higher commodity costs to reduce profit by about $1.4 billion this year.