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Retail

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

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.


What Fashion Retail Professionals Need to Know Today

BoF Careers provides essential sector insights for fashion professionals in retail this month, to help you decode fashion’s retail landscape.

What Fashion Retail Professionals Need to Know Today

BoF Careers provides essential sector insights for fashion professionals in retail this month, to help you decode fashion’s retail landscape.


Lord & Taylor Will Relaunch as an Online Off-Price Retailer

Under anonymous new owners, the iconic department store has a new identity as a discount luxury e-commerce site and a licensed brand name to be distributed in department stores.

Lord & Taylor Will Relaunch as an Online Off-Price Retailer

Under anonymous new owners, the iconic department store has a new identity as a discount luxury e-commerce site and a licensed brand name to be distributed in department stores.


Ralph Lauren: Selling a Dream at Every Price

The American brand is seeing rising sales even as consumers rebel against high prices. For the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025, CEO Patrice Louvet spoke about how pricing and merchandising strategies have set up the company for success in uncertain times.

Ralph Lauren: Selling a Dream at Every Price

The American brand is seeing rising sales even as consumers rebel against high prices. For the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025, CEO Patrice Louvet spoke about how pricing and merchandising strategies have set up the company for success in uncertain times.


The Debrief | The Future of Resale

Retail editor Cathaleen Chen and e-commerce correspondent Malique Morris join senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young and executive editor Brian Baskin to unpack how resale has evolved from niche to mainstream, and what may be in store for the future of secondhand shopping.

The Debrief | The Future of Resale

Retail editor Cathaleen Chen and e-commerce correspondent Malique Morris join senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young and executive editor Brian Baskin to unpack how resale has evolved from niche to mainstream, and what may be in store for the future of secondhand shopping.


Black Friday Sales: A Solid Holiday Kickoff, With Warning Signs for Retailers

Early promotions and consumer resistance to a rise in prices contributed to healthy sales growth over the holiday weekend. But consumers' growing expectations for discounts could spell trouble next year.

Black Friday Sales: A Solid Holiday Kickoff, With Warning Signs for Retailers

Early promotions and consumer resistance to a rise in prices contributed to healthy sales growth over the holiday weekend. But consumers' growing expectations for discounts could spell trouble next year.


US Retailers Attempt to Stir Excitement During Shorter Holiday Shopping Season

Retailers are ramping up Black Friday strategies with interactive experiences and high-tech products, while also stocking up on popular basics to cater to cautious shoppers facing higher prices and a shorter holiday season.

US Retailers Attempt to Stir Excitement During Shorter Holiday Shopping Season

Retailers are ramping up Black Friday strategies with interactive experiences and high-tech products, while also stocking up on popular basics to cater to cautious shoppers facing higher prices and a shorter holiday season.


Represent Sells Minority Stake to Private-Equity Firm True

The investment comes off the back of soaring sales for the British menswear brand, which opened its first flagship stores in Los Angeles and Manchester this year and expects to hit annual sales of £100 million by the end of 2024.

Represent Sells Minority Stake to Private-Equity Firm True

The investment comes off the back of soaring sales for the British menswear brand, which opened its first flagship stores in Los Angeles and Manchester this year and expects to hit annual sales of £100 million by the end of 2024.