Mike Ashley’s Frasers Says It’s Taken Control of Hugo Boss
After the retail empire’s initial takeover bid failed, the company raised its holding to 50.08 percent in a move that will turn the German apparel brand into a subsidiary of Frasers.
Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.
Boohoo Offers Retail Relief by Boasting Strong Christmas Growth
The retail group's improvement has been led by popular brands PrettyLittleThing and Nasty Gal, each of which saw revenue growth of more than 70 percent.
Op-Ed | Why I’m Leaving Neiman Marcus
Today’s retail corporations make meaningful innovation almost impossible, argues Scott Emmons, the former head of Neiman Marcus’ innovation lab.
China Experiments With Longer Weekend to Boost Shopping
The capital city hopes to boost spending on fashion and branded goods in the "night economy” by getting retailers to extend their business hours.
Asos CEO on the Next E-Commerce Frontier
As the next big e-commerce battle begins, Asos chief executive Nick Beighton finds himself in a race to build the best ‘conversational interfaces’ and turbo-charge customer experience with AI.
The Week Ahead: LVMH Primed to Dominate Blockbuster Week at the Paris Men's Shows
This week, everyone will be talking about Virgil Abloh, Hedi Slimane, Kim Jones and the other designers showing at Paris Fashion Week Men's - and how the the buzziest brands share a corporate parent. Read our BoF Professional Cheat Sheet.
The Year Ahead: The Digital Landgrab
In the race to be the platform of choice for both fashion companies and end consumers, e-commerce players will continue to innovate by adding profitable value-added services, focusing on new technologies and diversifying business models.
Britain's Moss Bros Warns of Challenging 2019
The company, like other retailers, has faced lower traffic at its stores amid sluggish consumer spending and sentiment dampened by Brexit fears.
Calvin Klein Set to Hire a New Creative Lead
The brand also plans to close its Manhattan flagship and consolidate some of its North American divisions.
Macy's Cuts Profit and Sales Forecast After Weak Holiday Season
Department stores had shown signs they were finding ways to cope with declining mall traffic and tough competition from online seller Amazon, but some are predicting an industry-wide slowdown this year.
Ted Baker Indicates Business as Usual as Christmas Sales Rise
The company's shares, which fell more than 40 percent in 2018, rose more than 10 percent on Wednesday, taking them to the top of London's mid-cap index.
Despite Setbacks, Nike Is Scoring with Direct-to-Consumer 'Offense'
Nike is staying ahead by investing in product innovation, speed-to-market and the integration of its physical and digital channels, forging stronger direct relationships with consumers.
Macy’s CEO on Reinventing the Store
In a bid to thwart off-price competitors and refresh the store experience, Jeff Gennette is focused on removing pain points and friction while tapping into the magic of radiated sales.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Shein Agrees to Pay $100 Million to Settle US FTC Probe
The settlement, equivalent to 44 percent of the ultra fast-fashion company’s second-quarter profit, is the latest blow amid regulatory and tax crackdowns in Europe and the US that have hampered Shein’s growth.
UK Retail Sales Fall 0.4% in September, More Than Forecast
Sales fell in September as above-average temperatures hit demand for autumn clothing.
David’s Bridal Plans Spinoff and IPO of AI Wedding Planning Platform Pearl
Pearl, a subsidiary of David’s Bridal, will own David’s Bridal and license its intellectual property back to the bridalwear brand. David’s Bridal CEO Kelly Cook will serve as Pearl’s CEO.
EBay Will Lay Off 9% of Workforce
The online marketplace is looking to simplify operations and shift resources to its fastest-growing areas, Reuters reported.
Vinted Faces Influx of Suspected Looted Goods After French Riots
The company has ‘taken immediate action to identify and remove listings linked to the looting,’ and has ‘stepped up monitoring of suspicious listings,’ a Vinted spokesperson said in a statement. ‘When our rules are breached, we act against the accounts involved, up to permanent bans.’
Zara Billionaire Owner Ortega Buys $550 Million Chicago Tower
Pontegadea Inversiones SL acquired the 51-story One North Wacker in the city’s business district in one of the biggest US office deals this year.
Joe Corré’s Light House Club Launches Pop-Up Spaces for Emerging Designers
Independent creatives can apply to utilise pop-up spaces at Light House to sell merchandise and meet with clientele.