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.
Risk, Resilience and Rebalancing in the Apparel Supply Chain
Will a heightened awareness of risk alter global sourcing strategies?
The Future of Online Shopping
From dramatically redesigned websites and shoppable content to two-hour delivery, BoF outlines the services that will define the next era of e-commerce.
You Can’t Predict the Future of Retail, but You Can Prepare for It
In an exclusive excerpt from his new book, ‘Resurrecting Retail: The Future of Business in a Post-Pandemic World,’ Doug Stephens outlines the common pitfalls to which business leaders fall victim when tasked with devising strategies for the future.
How Revolve Pulled Off Its Pandemic Pivot
The retailer transformed itself after the pandemic put a stop to the festivals and influencer events that once drove sales. Here’s what worked and what didn’t.
How Big Is Luxury’s Opportunity Outside Capital Cities?
The pandemic has devastated the tourist centres and retail hubs that sustained luxury’s fashion capitals. As the crisis continues to reshape the nexus of consumer spending, some companies are looking to regional cities for new opportunities.
How to Build a One-on-One Relationship With Your Customer
Luxury retailers have long gone the extra mile to serve top-spending VIPs. Now, more brands are finding ways to scale personalised customer service. Here’s how to get it right.
What’s Next for Streetwear’s Biggest Brands
The new owners of Stone Island and Supreme have lofty expectations for their billion-dollar brands. Is it possible to scale these labels without sacrificing cool?
H&M’s Helena Helmersson on Making Retail More Resilient
H&M Group sank to a loss in the second quarter of 2020 as the pandemic caused sales to plummet 50 percent year-on-year, but it has since recovered faster than expected. The fast fashion giant’s chief executive is focusing on more sustainable business models to drive growth in the coming years.
The Radical Strategy That Drove Nike’s Pandemic Success
How a bold direct-to-consumer push unveiled by former chief executive Mark Parker almost four years ago drove the sportswear giant’s stock price to an all-time high in the middle of a pandemic.
The Retail Footprint of the Future
In the post-pandemic world, conventional approaches to store network optimisation are no longer enough. Fashion brands need to urgently scrutinise their global retail footprint or risk further financial blows in 2021.
No Parties, No Problem: How Fashion Is Selling Holiday Clothes in 2020
In a year where sweatpants, pyjamas and activewear dominated fashion, brands have had to adjust their own offerings just to survive. So, what sells?
The Vaccine Is Finally Here. When Will Fashion See the Benefits?
This week, everyone will be talking about the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, Saint Laurent’s approach to showing and Nike’s financial results. Get your BoF Professional Cheat Sheet.
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.