H&M Profit Rises on Tariff Refunds as Sales Remain Sluggish
US tariff refunds drove an increase operating profit, even as the fast-fashion retailer has struggled to deliver consistent sales growth.
Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.
BoF LIVE: The Right Way to Do Plus-Size
Plus-size fashion is a multi-billion dollar market. Why do so many brands still struggle to get it right?
Take a Look Inside The Post-Pandemic Store
Vaccinated consumers finally returning to their favourite stores are in for a surprise. BoF outlines some of the biggest changes in retail.
What Ever Happened to Toms Shoes?
The Millennial favourite is evolving for a new generation after near-collapse
Anya Hindmarch to Open Five-Store ‘Village’ in London as Part of New Retail Strategy
The unusual retail concept will bring the brand’s playful wit to life through a mix of spaces dedicated to product, pop-up activities and a café.
To Sue or Not to Sue: Nike’s ‘Satan Shoe’ Conundrum
After a Brooklyn company sold 666 pairs of customised Nike Air Max 97s as ‘Satan Shoes’ in collaboration with queer rapper Lil Nas X, the sportswear giant sued to protect its brand. Was it the right move?
In Shaking Up the Stodgy Sport of Golf, Fashion Sees Green
A new wave of brands are bringing streetwear to the cloistered world of the links. But convincing players to trade in their khakis and polos for hoodies and sweats is a major undertaking.
H&M CEO Helena Helmersson’s Challenging Year
The executive’s first 14 months running the fast fashion giant were marked by the pandemic. Now her company’s at the centre of a backlash in China against retailers who criticise human rights abuses in the cotton-producing Xinjiang region.
Looking to the Summer, Fashion Retail Has a Renewed Sense of Occasion
US retailers are reporting growing sales of bright colours, flowy fabrics and dresses, but getting consumers to go back to high heels and suits will not be easy.
The Truth About Black Buying Power
African Americans are disproportionately interested in fashion goods but brands must end the scourge of ‘shopping while Black’ to seize the opportunity, argues Jason Campbell.
Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue Mired in $200 Million Retail Rent Fight
A few giant deals remain in gridlock and reduced demand has forced landlords to cut prices, signalling further obstacles to the shopping strip’s recovery.
Pangaia Won Over Consumers. Can It Do the Same for Businesses?
After generating $75 million in revenue in 2020 while staying profitable, the company needs to move beyond the pandemic uniform it helped to define in order to sustain its growth. In exclusive interviews with company executives, BoF examines Pangaia’s growth challenges and opportunities in B2B.
Where Next for Kith’s Hype Machine?
As the 10-year-old burgeoning sneaker and streetwear empire opens its first European store in Paris, founder Ronnie Fieg sits down for a rare interview.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Asos Names Law Roach ‘Stylist in Residence’
Online fashion retailer Asos has brought on celebrity stylist Law Roach to bring his creative lens and styling approach to its campaigns and recently relaunched magazine.
Boohoo’s New Chairman Stirs Controversy as Broker Drops Coverage
The online clothing retailer, which rebranded as Debenhams Group last year, said Friday that Iain McDonald had taken over from Tim Morris with immediate effect in a move aimed at ‘rebuilding equity value.’
UK Retail Sales Bounce Back With 0.5% Gain in August
Warm weather and a brighter national mood helped lift spending on clothing and household goods despite rising energy bills.
Authentic Brands Targets Creator Economy, Eyes Public Offering
The licensor could pursue an IPO as early as the first half of next year.
JD Sports Names New North America CEO, Chief Marketing Officer
The sneaker retailer is shaking up its North American leadership as it looks to reverse soft sales and an extended slump in the stock market.
Top Africa Clothes Retailer Pepkor Sinks on Earnings Outlook
Shares in the South African discount clothing retailer fell the most in more than three years, as an expansion into banking weighed on profit forecasts.
Fayed Abuse Victims Seek Up to £150 Million From Harrods
The retailer currently has a £62 million provision set aside for redress payments, but victims’ lawyers say more is likely needed.