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Retail

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

Nike Told to Compensate Workers in High-Profile Labour Controversy

An independent investigation commissioned by The Fair Labour Association — a human rights monitoring organisation that counts Nike as a member — identified several “significant issues” in a long-standing case of alleged wage theft.

Nike Told to Compensate Workers in High-Profile Labour Controversy

An independent investigation commissioned by The Fair Labour Association — a human rights monitoring organisation that counts Nike as a member — identified several “significant issues” in a long-standing case of alleged wage theft.


5 Takeaways from Nike’s Earnings

New CEO Elliott Hill outlined his plan to turn Nike around as the company battled through another challenging quarter. There are signs of progress, but it’s going to be a long road back.

5 Takeaways from Nike’s Earnings

New CEO Elliott Hill outlined his plan to turn Nike around as the company battled through another challenging quarter. There are signs of progress, but it’s going to be a long road back.


Why Are Sneaker Collaborations So Boring?

Sneaker giants often have a ‘cheat code’ for tie-ups with indie designers, insiders say, reflecting a lack of innovation among legacy players in the industry.

Why Are Sneaker Collaborations So Boring?

Sneaker giants often have a ‘cheat code’ for tie-ups with indie designers, insiders say, reflecting a lack of innovation among legacy players in the industry.


The Debrief | BoF’s Top Stories of 2024

Executive editor Brian Baskin and senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young take a look back at some of BoF’s top stories of the year, spanning topics including Nike’s struggles, Black beauty brands, affiliate marketing and luxury labour practices.

The Debrief | BoF’s Top Stories of 2024

Executive editor Brian Baskin and senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young take a look back at some of BoF’s top stories of the year, spanning topics including Nike’s struggles, Black beauty brands, affiliate marketing and luxury labour practices.


This Week: Nike’s Elliott Hill Takes the Stage

The company’s third-quarter earnings call will provide one of the first opportunities for CEO Elliott Hill to lay out his turnaround plan.

This Week: Nike’s Elliott Hill Takes the Stage

The company’s third-quarter earnings call will provide one of the first opportunities for CEO Elliott Hill to lay out his turnaround plan.


The BoF Podcast | How Independent Brands Can Thrive in a Fashion World Ruled by Giants

At BoF VOICES 2024, 1 Granary founder Olya Kuryshchuk hosted a panel on independent fashion with designer Roksanda Ilincic, consultant Bohan Qiu, and Antwerp Royal Academy director Brandon Wen.

The BoF Podcast | How Independent Brands Can Thrive in a Fashion World Ruled by Giants

At BoF VOICES 2024, 1 Granary founder Olya Kuryshchuk hosted a panel on independent fashion with designer Roksanda Ilincic, consultant Bohan Qiu, and Antwerp Royal Academy director Brandon Wen.


Real Estate Can’t Save Department Stores

Their struggling, often bloated businesses and valuable properties make them tempting targets for investors. Selling off these assets can be lucrative, but rarely produces retail success stories.

Real Estate Can’t Save Department Stores

Their struggling, often bloated businesses and valuable properties make them tempting targets for investors. Selling off these assets can be lucrative, but rarely produces retail success stories.


J.Crew: How to Build an ‘Ageless’ Brand

As the four-decade-old American retailer projects record sales this year, CEO Libby Wadle unpacks how she and her design team were able to win back alienated customers for the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025.

J.Crew: How to Build an ‘Ageless’ Brand

As the four-decade-old American retailer projects record sales this year, CEO Libby Wadle unpacks how she and her design team were able to win back alienated customers for the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025.


Is the Luxury Watch Market Turning a Corner?

While demand still lags behind supply, some observers believe Swiss timepieces will see renewed interest in the face of tech fatigue and disillusionment with luxury fashion.

Is the Luxury Watch Market Turning a Corner?

While demand still lags behind supply, some observers believe Swiss timepieces will see renewed interest in the face of tech fatigue and disillusionment with luxury fashion.


Case Study | How to Get Fashion Collaborations Right

Collaborations are a powerful tool for grabbing attention, reaching new audiences and letting brands stretch their design aesthetics. But the proliferation of tie-ups has made it hard to stand out. The ones that succeed are built on great products, with a strong point of view and a clear strategy to reach the right consumers.

Case Study | How to Get Fashion Collaborations Right

Collaborations are a powerful tool for grabbing attention, reaching new audiences and letting brands stretch their design aesthetics. But the proliferation of tie-ups has made it hard to stand out. The ones that succeed are built on great products, with a strong point of view and a clear strategy to reach the right consumers.


This Week: Will Zara’s Charmed Run Continue?

Inditex reports third-quarter results that are expected to show steady growth at its biggest brand, which has built strong defenses against rivals at the top and bottom of the market.

This Week: Will Zara’s Charmed Run Continue?

Inditex reports third-quarter results that are expected to show steady growth at its biggest brand, which has built strong defenses against rivals at the top and bottom of the market.


The BoF Podcast | How Skims and On Create Cultural Relevance

Skims co-founder Jens Grede and On co-founder David Allemann joined BoF founder and CEO Imran Amed at BoF VOICES 2024 to share how they are building culture-shaping brands rooted in product innovation.

The BoF Podcast | How Skims and On Create Cultural Relevance

Skims co-founder Jens Grede and On co-founder David Allemann joined BoF founder and CEO Imran Amed at BoF VOICES 2024 to share how they are building culture-shaping brands rooted in product innovation.