Author: Dave Antrobus

Alo Yoga has launched a 10,000 sq ft flagship store on Regent Street as part of its expanding UK footprint.This new opening is Alo Yoga’s second in the UK, following its initial store on King’s Road.The store offers a diverse range of activewear and loungewear, in addition to accessories and wellness items.Further expansion includes new stores in Knightsbridge and Covent Garden slated for later this year.Alo Yoga aims to foster community connections through its stores, promoting both fashion and mindfulness.Located at the iconic 150 Regent Street, Alo Yoga’s new store represents a significant step in the brand’s UK expansion strategy.…

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Retailers gear up for peak trading with strategic preparations.Physical stores remain crucial, with a focus on bricks and mortar strategies.Streamlined communication and automation lead the agenda for operational efficiency.Empowered and well-prepared staff are key to thriving in the festive season.Insights and success stories provide motivation for upcoming challenges.As the retail sector anticipates the peak trading season, strategic preparations are gaining momentum. A recent survey by Drapers indicates that consumers continue to favour physical stores as their primary shopping destination, underlining the integral role of bricks and mortar in the retail mix. Retailers are therefore prioritising strategies that strengthen their physical…

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Prada Group has demonstrated significant growth in the first half of 2024, with net revenue surging by 17%.Retail sales reached €2.2bn, marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year.The Asian, European, Japanese, and Middle Eastern markets contributed to the double-digit growth.Miu Miu’s retail sales experienced a remarkable 93% surge.Prada attributes its success to strategic initiatives and creative dynamism.Prada Group, known for its luxury brands Prada and Miu Miu, reported a substantial increase in net revenue, reaching €2.5 billion (£2.1 billion) for the first half of 2024, a rise of 17% from the previous year. This growth underscores the resilience…

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Several fashion and lifestyle brands are launching pop-up stores off London’s Oxford Street, part of a local revitalisation effort.Westminster City Council’s ‘Meanwhile On: Oxford Street’ initiative aims to rejuvenate the area by reducing vacant retail spaces.Hades, a premium knitwear label, and Canvvs, known for custom sneakers, are key participants in the scheme.These pop-up spaces, previously filled by candy and souvenir shops, are now transformed into dynamic retail outlets.Over 800 innovative businesses applied for the scheme, highlighting significant interest in Oxford Street’s revival.Westminster City Council has launched the ‘Meanwhile On: Oxford Street’ initiative, seeking to inject new life into the well-known…

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Primark has announced a significant partnership with designer Victoria Jenkins to expand adaptive clothing options.This collaboration aims to bring more inclusive fashion to Primark’s stores following a successful adaptive underwear launch.Victoria Jenkins’ brand, Unhidden, leads in adaptive fashion and is the first to join the British Fashion Council.Ann Marie Cregan of Primark emphasised the shared passion for accessible fashion in this new venture.Victoria Jenkins highlighted the meaningful impact of this collaboration for the disabled community.Primark has recently entered into a pivotal partnership with designer and disability advocate Victoria Jenkins to enhance and expand its offering of adaptive clothing. This partnership…

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Peter Hawkings has exited his position as creative director at Tom Ford.Hawkings was appointed creative director just 14 months ago, following the brand’s acquisition by Estée Lauder Companies (ELC).His departure leaves the role vacant, with no successor announced yet by ELC.Guillaume Jesel, CEO of Tom Ford, expressed gratitude for Hawkings’ contributions to the brand.Tom Ford previously expressed confidence in Hawkings’ leadership capabilities.Peter Hawkings has made the decision to leave his role as the creative director at Tom Ford, a position he took on 14 months ago. This departure comes in the wake of Tom Ford’s acquisition by Estée Lauder Companies…

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As the festive shopping season approaches, fashion businesses must prepare their stores and staff for peak trading.A key focus is enhancing communication between headquarters and store associates to improve coordination.Automation of task tracking is essential to save time and reduce errors during busy periods.Equipping store staff with the right resources can significantly enhance their performance and customer service.Effective visual merchandising is crucial to draw in customers and boost sales during this peak period.With the festive shopping season on the horizon, fashion retailers are urged to fortify their stores and teams for the impending peak trading period. The importance of physical…

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Frasers Group has reported a £12.5 million loss following the acquisition of Matches earlier this year.Despite a rise in adjusted profit, the group experienced a significant dip in overall profits and operating income.The acquisition, aimed at boosting the group’s ‘elevation strategy’, resulted in substantial trading losses.Further financial support for Matches was deemed non-viable by the group, leading to its administration.The brand name and intellectual assets were later acquired for £20 million to offset some losses.Frasers Group, the retail conglomerate, has announced a £12.5 million loss after acquiring Matches, a decision which contributed to a 20.5% decrease in profit before tax,…

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Club L London elevates Richard Wing to CFO amidst global expansion.Wing, previously a group finance director, steps up to CFO after joining in 2022.Under his leadership, the brand aims to launch two new market websites this year.The company shows impressive growth with a 96.87% CAGR, marking it as a fast-growing entity.Wing’s vision focuses on sustainable, profitable growth and innovation.Club L London, a prominent womenswear brand, has strategically promoted Richard Wing to the pivotal role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to steer its ambitious global expansion. This transition marks a significant development in the company’s journey, as Wing brings a wealth…

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Adidas has once again raised its profit expectations for 2024.The guidance now anticipates an operating profit of €1bn (£840m) by year end.This marks a significant increase from the initial €500m (£427m) forecast.Second-quarter revenues witnessed a 9% growth, reaching €5.8bn (£4.9bn).The decision follows a notable €50m (£42m) gain from Yeezy inventory sales.Adidas, the German sportswear powerhouse, has elevated its full-year operating profit forecast to €1 billion (£840 million) for 2024, marking the second upward revision this year. This adjustment comes on the back of better-than-expected performance in the first half of the year, indicating robust financial health and strategic efficiency within…

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