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Retail

Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.

What the Cowboy Boot Boom Says About America

The style statement is also a story about nostalgia, nationalism and America’s search for identity in times of uncertainty.

What the Cowboy Boot Boom Says About America

The style statement is also a story about nostalgia, nationalism and America’s search for identity in times of uncertainty.


Can a Store Ever Be a ‘Third Place?’

From listening bars to in-store cafés, brands are reimagining stores as gathering spots. But whether these commerce-driven hangouts can foster true community is still up for debate.

Can a Store Ever Be a ‘Third Place?’

From listening bars to in-store cafés, brands are reimagining stores as gathering spots. But whether these commerce-driven hangouts can foster true community is still up for debate.


How Frey Group Is Capturing the European Outlet Shopping Opportunity

As consumers across income levels embrace value-driven shopping, the off-price category continues to grow. BoF sits down with Antoine Frey, chairman and CEO of Frey Group — the new owner of Europe’s fourth-largest outlet operator ROS Retail Outlet Shopping — to discuss the outlet market opportunity and positioning itself at the forefront of this shift.

How Frey Group Is Capturing the European Outlet Shopping Opportunity

As consumers across income levels embrace value-driven shopping, the off-price category continues to grow. BoF sits down with Antoine Frey, chairman and CEO of Frey Group — the new owner of Europe’s fourth-largest outlet operator ROS Retail Outlet Shopping — to discuss the outlet market opportunity and positioning itself at the forefront of this shift.


‘A Paroxysm of Disposability’: France’s Distaste for Shein’s Ultra-Fast Fashion

A Change.org petition to ban Shein in France has surpassed 270,000 signatures.

‘A Paroxysm of Disposability’: France’s Distaste for Shein’s Ultra-Fast Fashion

A Change.org petition to ban Shein in France has surpassed 270,000 signatures.


Zara’s Cut-Price Sister Brand Lefties to Rival Primark on UK High Street

Zara owner Inditex SA is planning to launch its ultra-low-cost chain Lefties in the UK in 2026, posing a significant competitive threat to Primark, the current market leader.

Zara’s Cut-Price Sister Brand Lefties to Rival Primark on UK High Street

Zara owner Inditex SA is planning to launch its ultra-low-cost chain Lefties in the UK in 2026, posing a significant competitive threat to Primark, the current market leader.


Exclusive: The Inside Story of Carhartt WIP’s Fashion Ascent

In his first interview since taking over as CEO, Wilfried Atzert opens up about his rise from the shop floor to the top job, and his plans to grow the brand without losing its underground credibility.

Exclusive: The Inside Story of Carhartt WIP’s Fashion Ascent

In his first interview since taking over as CEO, Wilfried Atzert opens up about his rise from the shop floor to the top job, and his plans to grow the brand without losing its underground credibility.


Amazon to Pay $2.5 Billion to Settle FTC Lawsuit Over Prime ‘Subscription Traps’

The e-commerce giant is also facing a separate case brought by the FTC that the company built and maintained an illegal monopoly.

Amazon to Pay $2.5 Billion to Settle FTC Lawsuit Over Prime ‘Subscription Traps’

The e-commerce giant is also facing a separate case brought by the FTC that the company built and maintained an illegal monopoly.


Stone Island’s CEO Details New Store Design and Expansion Plans

The luxury Italian sportswear label is revamping stores in key US cities, as it looks to return to growth.

Stone Island’s CEO Details New Store Design and Expansion Plans

The luxury Italian sportswear label is revamping stores in key US cities, as it looks to return to growth.


Ssense Founders Join Sale Process for Troubled Retailer

Rami Atallah, chief executive of the embattled e-tailer, told employees on Sep. 17 that the company is set to be sold in early October, and announced a new round of layoffs.

Ssense Founders Join Sale Process for Troubled Retailer

Rami Atallah, chief executive of the embattled e-tailer, told employees on Sep. 17 that the company is set to be sold in early October, and announced a new round of layoffs.


Elevating Physical Retail Strategies to Engage Brand Communities

Partnering with GGP, BoF explores how brands are reinvesting in retail to effectively communicate value to consumers and drive growth. In the third edition of this four-part series, BoF outlines key strategies for success — from training and empowering staff to creating meaningful, personalised in-store experiences and a sense of community.

Elevating Physical Retail Strategies to Engage Brand Communities

Partnering with GGP, BoF explores how brands are reinvesting in retail to effectively communicate value to consumers and drive growth. In the third edition of this four-part series, BoF outlines key strategies for success — from training and empowering staff to creating meaningful, personalised in-store experiences and a sense of community.


Richard Dickson Has Assembled a Dream Team at Gap. Can They Deliver?

With the hiring of Reed Krakoff and John Demsey this week, and Zac Posen last year, the retailer’s top ranks are a who’s who of fashion and beauty industry talent. But boosting sales and breaking into new categories such as accessories and beauty would be a tough assignment for anyone.

Richard Dickson Has Assembled a Dream Team at Gap. Can They Deliver?

With the hiring of Reed Krakoff and John Demsey this week, and Zac Posen last year, the retailer’s top ranks are a who’s who of fashion and beauty industry talent. But boosting sales and breaking into new categories such as accessories and beauty would be a tough assignment for anyone.


From Skechers to Foot Locker: Tariff Chaos Spurs Record-High Footwear, Apparel Deals

Some companies are merging to help offset tariff costs while others go private to weather the remaining years of his presidency outside of the public market.

From Skechers to Foot Locker: Tariff Chaos Spurs Record-High Footwear, Apparel Deals

Some companies are merging to help offset tariff costs while others go private to weather the remaining years of his presidency outside of the public market.