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.
Why Adidas Is Selling Reebok
The German sportswear giant has more urgent priorities as it navigates out of the pandemic, and Reebok’s rich sneaker archive could be appealing to a range of buyers.
How Independent Fashion Brands Are Navigating the Crisis
BoF’s Imran Amed discusses transparency, cooperation and disruption with Dries Van Noten, Anya Hindmarch and Stefano Martinetto, leaders of two early pandemic initiatives — The Forum and Rewiring Fashion — to share thinking on the role of independent fashion brands and retailers amidst the biggest crisis in the history of the modern fashion industry.
What to Do When Retailers Don’t Pay
While small fashion labels have little recourse when it comes to collecting their bills, there are tactics they can use to build leverage — or at least mitigate losses.
Racism and Inequality Are Stitched Into the Garments We Wear
This week, Doug Stephens speaks with Kalkidan Legesse and Robert Hoppenheim about fashion’s moral imperative to take responsibility for the people it impacts.
Retail Media 2.0: Content Is the New Merchandising
At VOICES 2020, Story founder Rachel Shechtman considers the role of media in retail alongside Ben Kaufman, co-founder of Camp.
On the Road to Recovery, Canada Emerges as an Unlikely Luxury Player
Less reliance on tourists and a commitment to shopping locally have accelerated Canada’s retail recovery, while innovations brought on by the pandemic have positioned the sector for a strong future.
What’s Selling in Streetwear
Gore-Tex jackets, hiking boots and other outdoor items — collectively known as “gorpcore” — are sweeping fashion retailers, resale platforms and mood boards. How big can the trend get?
Retailers Pledged Action on Diversity. Delivery Is Proving More Elusive.
Public pressure, especially from the 15 Percent Pledge, pushed many US-focused businesses to disclose information and promise progress, but the industry is still largely in a planning and promises stage.
For Brands, Is Resale Actually Worth It?
The secondhand market is booming, and a growing number of labels are piling in. But selling pre-worn trousers and handbags online — and turning a profit — is challenging.
What Fashion Can Expect From Biden’s Stimulus Plan
This week, everyone will be talking about aid talks in Washington, fashion’s commitments to carry more Black-owned brands and the start of the Lunar New Year holiday.
Dissecting the Rise, Fall and Future of Topshop
This week on the BoF Podcast, retail veteran and former Topshop brand director Jane Shepherdson and BoF senior editorial associate Tamison O’Connor break down Topshop’s rise and fall and what comes next for the British high street.
Amazon Fashion After Jeff Bezos
This week, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said he would step down as chief executive, passing the baton to top lieutenant Andy Jassy. What does the internet giant’s new CEO mean for its fashion strategy?
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.