Shein Outsells British Rival Asos as UK Revenue Hits $3.41 Billion
The ultra-fast fashion company said sales had been bolstered by marketing partnerships with music festivals, a pop-up shop on London’s Oxford Street and local Christmas gift events.
Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.
Inside the Outdoor Voices Saga
Existing investors, including General Catalyst, have provided a lifeline for the activewear label, which continues to lose money on customer acquisition as it struggles to broaden its audience.
Victoria's Secret's New Owner Has a History With Troubled Brands
As the down-and-out lingerie maker announces the sale of a majority stake to Sycamore, BoF breaks down how the private equity firm has dealt with its past acquisitions, from Hot Topic to Stuart Weitzman.
Adidas, Puma Warn Of Coronavirus Hit to China Business
The German sportswear brands make almost a third of their sales in Asia, which is also a key sourcing hub.
Post-Brexit Trade Deal Could Increase Retail Prices
Negotiations on a new relationship between Britain and the EU will start next month.
Laura Ashley's Major Shareholder in Funding Talks
The British fashion house is the latest victim of a troubled couple of years for UK retailers, with sales hit by store closures and a worsening consumer mood.
Golden Goose Acquired By Permira
Current owner Carlyle aimed for bids valuing the Italian sneaker brand at no less than €1.2 billion, per sources.
What Happened to Hood By Air?
Shayne Oliver speaks to BoF about the rise and fall of Hood By Air, how the American fashion system thwarts creativity and his plans to relaunch his brand.
5 Ways to Boost Customer Loyalty
In an era when 'customer lifetime value' is one of the most important measurements of retail success, these tactics will help build loyalty.
Under Armour Forecasts Surprise Fall in 2020 Sales
The sportswear brand said the coronavirus outbreak in China would have a $50 million impact on first-quarter sales.
Hudson's Bay Appoints President to Lead Saks Off-Price Stores
The Saks Fifth Avenue owner's move comes amid attempts to bolster its outlet stores.
UK Consumer Spending Shows Signs of Wariness
The average retail spending by Britain's shoppers is at its lowest since 1995.
The New Rules for Going Direct-to-Consumer
With increased competition and costs mounting, the playbook for selling products direct is changing. Here's how to do it in 2020.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Gap to Use Athleta Leader’s Exit to Rebuild Slumping Brand
The departure of Athleta’s CEO for Lululemon is a chance to ‘reimagine the brand’s path forward,’ Gap Inc. CEO Richard Dickson wrote in an internal memo viewed by Bloomberg.
Harvey Nichols’ Birmingham Store Will Close in January
The department store’s Leeds and Bristol outlets will be converted to the Flannels brand in a shake-up under Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, which purchased the chain when it was put into administration in mid-August.
Lululemon Hires Athleta Head in Management Shakeup
Maggie Gauger is joining Lululemon as chief product officer as new CEO Heidi O’Neill looks to revive sales.
Levi’s Growth Slows After Marketing Misstep
The company lost out in its third quarter because of a decision to market baggy jeans over low rise, but still raised its sales outlook for the year.
Fast Retailing Annual Profit Jumps 32%, Beats Expectations
The Uniqlo owner hit a new record annual profit for the fifth year in a row, boosted by strong results in all regions.
Frasers Group Acquires 8.8% Stake in Under Armour
The move extends British company’s push into sports brands following a recent purchase of Puma stock.
Asos Customers Receive ‘Hack’ Notification Threatening Leak
The retailer is investigating after users of its mobile app received a notification claiming hackers had ‘fully compromised’ company data.