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.
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.
London’s West End Turns Dead End as Shoppers Leave Oxford Street
A flood of store closures is being aggravated by lockdown restrictions that are decimating foot traffic and driving more shoppers online.
The New Wave of Black-Owned Marketplaces
In the wake of last year’s civil rights protests, online stores, including Black Fashion Fair and Black Owned Everything, have sprung up to shine a spotlight on Black-owned fashion and beauty brands.
London High Rises Are Investors’ Fix for Ghostly Shopping Malls
On a chilly winter afternoon, one of the few signs of life at the Colosseum Retail Park in suburban north London is an elderly woman smoking outside
Is Net-a-Porter’s Unconventional Prada Deal the Future of Wholesale?
The Richemont-owned e-tailer has struck a novel partnership with Prada, reflecting how the relationship between multi-brand retailers and luxury houses is shifting.
#BoFLIVE: The Future of Buying
Exclusively for BoF Professionals, a host of experts delve into the role of buyers in a retail landscape reshaped by the pandemic, and the uncertain career paths for fashion buyers as programmes at retailers become radically altered.
Rise of the Zombie Retailers
Long struggling retailers like J.C. Penney and Ann Taylor are getting a second chance under new ownership after going bankrupt. But without innovation, how long can they last?
From West to East: Recentering the Fashion World
This week, Uniqlo’s Japanese owner Fast Retailing became the world’s most valuable fashion company, a reflection of just how much the pandemic is recentering the global fashion sector from the United States and Europe to Asia.
London Designers Face ‘Most Challenging’ Season Yet
As London Fashion Week kicks off, the UK’s chaotic exit from the European Union and painful policy shifts on retail are adding to the challenges created by the pandemic.
What Fashion Can’t Seem to Get Right About the Plus-Size Market
Brands often launch plus-size lines to great fanfare, only to abandon their efforts when sales don’t immediately meet expectations. But some labels have found success with a more-comprehensive approach to the category.
10 Retail Archetypes of the Future
It’s increasingly difficult for brands to gain and retain traction in a crowded and competitive market. Retail futurist Doug Stephens unpacked the key to post-pandemic success at BoF VOICES.
The Resale Gold Rush Rolls On
BoF unpacks emerging models of resale services for brands, including Reflaunt, a startup that counts Ganni’s founder among its latest investors, and Vestiaire Collective’s new ‘Brand Approved’ programme.
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.