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.
Where Will Americans Spend Their Stimulus Checks?
This week, everyone will be talking about a potential stimulus-driven shopping spree in the US, the start of Rakuten Fashion Week in Tokyo and Nike’s financial results.
#BoFLIVE: For Brands, Is Resale Actually Worth It?
The secondhand market is booming, and a growing number of labels are piling in. Exclusively for BoF Professional members, a host experts break down how to make a profit selling pre-worn trousers and handbags online.
BoF LIVE: The Future of Buying
As the pandemic has remodelled the retail landscape, buyers have found different ways to operate in the digital-focused era while utilising data to look beyond just demographics and sizing to focus on consumer experiences within social media to retail spaces.
Influencers Take on Yet Another Role: Store Merchant
A new wave of retailers is relying on tastemakers not only to promote products — but to curate them, too.
In Retail, Discovery Is Dying
The unbundling of iTunes and the algorithmic echo chambers of Facebook have spilled into retail, robbing consumers of surprise and serendipity, but there is opportunity in this state of affairs, argues Doug Stephens.
The Obstacle Standing Between Retailers and Recovery
This week, everyone will be talking about widespread transport delays, the tail end of Paris Fashion Week and Adidas earnings.
How L Catterton Really Won Birkenstock
The story behind CEO Oliver Reichert’s manoeuvres to get the LVMH-backed private equity firm to buy the footwear maker for more than €4 billion.
Unraveling Kering’s Investment in Vestiaire Collective
Vestiaire Collective’s chief executive Max Bittner opens up about the resale platform’s big deal with the French luxury group.
#BoFLIVE: DTC vs Wholesale — Striking the Right Balance
How and where should brands sell in 2021? Exclusively for BoF Professional members, a host of experts unpack best practices for striking the right balance between sales channels.
Are Hats the New Sneakers?
Drawn by street cred and a sense of community, New York City youth are lining up for fast-selling fitted baseball caps with the same fervour they have for limited-edition sneakers.
The Secret Way People Buy and Sell Secondhand Clothes
Indie boutiques have been using Instagram direct messaging for years to sell off goods. Now, peer-to-peer resale accounts like Noihsaf.Bazaar are expanding faster than ever thanks to the pandemic.
Beyond the Chunky Sneaker Craze: Fila’s Performance Pivot
The brand engineered a stellar revival after more than a decade of decline, hitting over $3 billion in sales in 2019. Now it’s looking to regain momentum with renewed focus on performance wear.
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.