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 Digital Fashion Companies Are Buying Up Tired Brands
Boohoo Group has bought ailing department store Debenhams, while Asos confirmed it is in talks to acquire Topshop. Why are new digital players targeting fading high street labels?
How Far Can the White House Boost a Fashion Brand?
Michelle Obama catapulted a new set of designers to stardom. With a new administration, what can brands and designers learn from dressing the White House?
The Age of the Enlightened Consumer
More than ever, consumers are looking for spiritual meaning from the products they buy.
The Plan to Bring Supreme to the Masses
This week, everyone will be talking about VF Corp.’s plans for Supreme, Haute Couture Week in Paris and LVMH’s latest financial results. Get your BoF Professional Cheat Sheet.
The BoF Podcast: What Extended Lockdowns and Slow Vaccine Distribution Mean for the Fashion Business
BoF’s Imran Amed and McKinsey’s Achim Berg discuss what the fashion industry can expect as the world continues to battle Covid-19.
After a Strong Start as a Public Company, What’s Next for Mytheresa?
Targeting big spenders with busy schedules, not discount hunters, has been a profitable approach that led to an IPO exceeding expectations. However, competition for those clients is fierce.
What Fashion Wants From a Biden Presidency
Designer and brands can expect a 180-degree turn on topics ranging from climate change to race relations. Here’s what to expect in the new administration’s opening days.
Fashion Leaves the Trump Years Behind
This week, everyone will be talking about the incoming Biden administration, plus Prada and the rest of the men’s shows in Milan and Paris. Get your BoF Professional Cheat Sheet.
How to Sell Subculture to the Masses
Scaling a brand without selling out can be a challenge. Here’s how the likes of Dr Martens, Supreme and Vans have managed it.
These $4,400 Sneakers Are the New Stilettos
Demand for high heel shoes were down 12 percent and heel boots saw a decline of 9 percent from the year before.
The 10 Themes That Will Define the Fashion Agenda in 2021
Each of the 10 defining themes from The Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company’s authoritative annual report, The State of Fashion 2021, examines a major disruption sparked by Covid-19 and outlines how to overcome obstacles on the road to recovery.
Risk, Resilience and Rebalancing in the Apparel Supply Chain
Will a heightened awareness of risk alter global sourcing strategies?
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.