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.

Results from companies including L’Oréal, LVMH and Ralph Lauren, along with industry data, suggest affluent consumers are starting to spend more again, helped in part by a Chinese equities rally boosting wealth and sentiment.

With soaring profits and rapidly expanding store networks, ‘heritage-gold’ jewellery brands like Laopu Gold and Lao Feng Xiang are red-hot in China’s otherwise tepid luxury market.

Once fashion’s most reliable growth engine, the Chinese market is shifting as consumer spending cools and shoppers with more choice than ever gravitate toward savvy domestic brands. Opportunities for international players are still plentiful, but the old formula for succeeding in China is no longer relevant. Brands need a new game plan to stand out.

The platform has long been one of China’s most important marketing tools, but until now has struggled to become a sales engine for brands.
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A new generation of Chinese fashion designers are extending their international footprints beyond western markets, tapping sourcing hubs in India and Turkey and retailers from Dubai to Mexico.

From sportswear giants Anta and Peak to cosmetic brands Maogeping and Chando, Chinese companies placed their marketing bets on team uniforms, athlete endorsements and themed products.

The sportswear giant is betting on Jordan brand’s latest ‘World of Flight’ retail concept in Beijing to kickstart sales in the region, amid increasing competition from home grown players Anta and Li-Ning.

While travel to Europe remains muted, Chinese shoppers are flocking to Singapore, Thailand and other Southeast Asian destinations where fashion retailers are hoping Lunar New Year marketing investments will pay off.
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Despite the country’s protracted property crisis, deflationary pressures and other economic headwinds, its domestic luxury market is expected to grow 4 to 6 percent in 2024, outpacing both Europe and the US.

Wholesalers and online platforms like Dewu have taken a larger share of China’s growing grey-market for luxury goods — formerly dominated by individual sellers.

Brands looking to invest in new developments and rapidly changing shopping districts across China’s major cities are scrutinising locations harder than before the economic slowdown.

This week’s round-up of global markets fashion business news also features Russian diamonds, Botswana’s gem trading investment and India’s Diwali fashion ads.
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.
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.
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.
Sales fell in September as above-average temperatures hit demand for autumn clothing.
Hitting newsstands in October, the magazine marks Elle’s 51st international edition, published under licence by the Geomedia group.
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.
The French giant handily beat expectations on strong demand for hair products at salons and premium skincare from its dermatological division.
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.