Author: Dave Antrobus

Fashion industry sees high-profile leadership shifts this week.Harvey Nichols announces Kate Phelan as new Creative Director.Burberry appoints former Topshop CEO Paul Price.Morleys welcomes Allan Winstanley as CEO.Elie Saab introduces Marina Raphael as Artistic Director of Handbags.This week, the fashion industry has been bustling with notable leadership changes, particularly in major retail companies. Among them, Harvey Nichols has appointed Kate Phelan as its new Creative Director, effective immediately. Phelan’s extensive background in fashion, including her tenure at British Vogue and Gap, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.At Burberry, a significant appointment has been made with the introduction of…

The election of Donald Trump raises new challenges and opportunities for UK businesses, particularly in the fashion sector.Following the election, the US dollar has strengthened against the pound and euro, indicating immediate economic impacts.Concerns grow over potential high tariffs on UK exports to the US, threatening British businesses, especially luxury brands.Trade relations with the Labour Party and potential US-China trade tensions add further uncertainty to the market.Industry leaders advise caution in pricing strategies due to possible unexpected changes in US import duty rates.The unforeseen shift in leadership in the United States, marked by Donald Trump securing the presidency, has injected…

Barbour releases its Christmas 2024 advert featuring Shaun the Sheep, crafted by Aardman Studios.The advert, located at Mossy Bottom Farm, centres around Bitzer, the farmer’s dog.Bitzer warms up the flock with Barbour gifts, enhancing their carol singing.Special edition Shaun the Sheep wax jackets are released, benefiting Oxfam.The campaign highlights shared values between Barbour and Aardman.In a bid to capture the essence of holiday giving, Barbour has launched its eagerly anticipated Christmas 2024 advert featuring none other than Shaun the Sheep. In collaboration with Aardman Studios, this year’s campaign returns to the beloved Mossy Bottom Farm. Here, Bitzer, the faithful dog,…

Following the US election, the American dollar has appreciated against both the pound and the euro, impacting various sectors.The dollar surged by 1.4% against the pound, reaching £0.777, and by 1.8% against the euro, reaching €0.931, post-election.Donald Trump secured the presidency after achieving the necessary 270 electoral votes, with Republicans gaining Senate control.Potential tariff implementations under Trump could affect international trade, notably imports from China.UK political figures are responding to potential trade challenges resulting from the election outcomes.The recent US election culminated in a significant appreciation of the American dollar against the pound and the euro, stirring impacts across multiple…

Marks & Spencer announces its new 2024 Christmas campaign, featuring a young girl rekindling festive spirit.The campaign includes a TV ad directed by Emmy-nominated Elliot Power.10-year-old Skylar Blu stars, using a magical snow globe to bring her family together.Corey Baker choreographs the energetic dance set to a classic hit from 1976.M&S aims to blend fantasy with festive joy, highlighting stylish, quality offerings.Marks & Spencer has officially launched its 2024 Christmas campaign, focusing on clothing and home products. The highlight of this festive initiative is a TV commercial directed by the distinguished Elliot Power, known for his Emmy-nominated work. This advertisement…

Excessive daytime sleepiness in older adults may signal emerging cognitive issues. This revelation, from a recent study, serves as a call to acknowledge sleep patterns as markers of brain health. As research evolves, observing these symptoms can aid in early intervention, potentially staving off more severe conditions.The study examined a cohort of older adults, linking daytime drowsiness to higher risks of cognitive decline. Monitoring sleep and its multifaceted aspects offers insights into neurodegenerative processes. Such findings highlight the importance of incorporating sleep assessments into routine health checks for ageing populations.Understanding the Link Between Daytime Sleepiness and Cognitive DeclineA recent study…

TikTok Shop is swiftly becoming a major player in UK’s ecommerce scene, driven by social commerce trends.With over half of UK users aged 15+ active on TikTok, the platform is reshaping consumer purchase behaviours and brand strategies.Influencers play a crucial role, offering authentic content that seamlessly blends entertainment and shopping, enhancing TikTok Shop’s appeal.UK brands, especially in beauty, are capitalising on TikTok’s viral potential to boost sales and visibility across various channels.Live and interactive shopping events are emerging trends, poised to fuel further growth and consumer engagement on the platform.TikTok Shop is quickly establishing itself as a formidable force in…

Philip Browne, a luxury menswear retailer in Norwich, is set to shut its doors after 38 years, following its acquisition by the Frasers Group last year.The store gained recognition for being the starting ground for fashion icons like Alexander McQueen, selling their initial collections.Currently, the retailer stocks high-end brands such as Moncler, Salomon, and Adidas, but it will soon cease trading.While the future of the Norwich store remains uncertain, it follows a pattern of closures linked to Frasers’ acquisition strategy.Frasers Group, known for its acquisition of independent boutiques across the UK, has not commented on the store’s impending closure.The men’s…

Pandora experienced a notable profit increase in its third quarter, showcasing the impact of its rebranding efforts.The company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose by 6.8%, totalling £110 million.Sales increased by 9.5%, reaching a value of £682 million during the quarter.Personalisation services, especially engraving, have been key in driving growth, with engraving alone growing by 100%.CEO Alexander Lacik highlighted the brand’s strategic growth initiatives as central to their performance amidst a challenging economy.Pandora’s strategic repositioning as a comprehensive jewellery brand has yielded a significant profit surge in the third quarter. The company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) saw…

Election periods can stir significant emotional unrest, influencing both mental and physical well-being. With heightened tensions, it becomes vital to explore practical approaches to manage stress effectively.Expert advice highlights the importance of proactive stress management, aiming to improve daily life amidst political turbulence. Awareness and targeted actions can significantly mitigate anxiety, leading to healthier outcomes.Understanding Post-Election StressThe aftermath of an election, especially one as polarising as the recent presidential campaign, often leaves individuals grappling with heightened stress and uncertainty. Such emotions are not uncommon, given the deeply entrenched political divisions that elections can expose. By acknowledging these stressors, it’s possible…