Author: Dave Antrobus

In just over a month, Labour’s administration has made swift policy moves impacting various sectors, including fashion retail.Labour’s swift action on economic policies shows promise but has not fully capitalised on opportunities.Industry experts express concerns over missed economic opportunities despite initial positive moves.Labour’s policy framework has received mixed reviews from the fashion retail sector.Industry CEOs highlight both anticipation and apprehension regarding regulatory changes.Since taking office just over a month ago, the Labour government has moved quickly to implement policy changes affecting numerous industries, including fashion retail. Labour’s proactive approach aims to stimulate economic growth, yet leaders in fashion express mixed…

Zalando, Europe’s largest fashion e-commerce platform, reported a notable 3.4% revenue growth for Q2 2024, propelled by the ‘Summer of Sports’.The etailer’s gross merchandise volume also increased by 2.8% this quarter, reflecting successful market strategies.Operational efficiencies were achieved with an increased EBIT margin of 6.5%, attributed to improved gross margins and reduced expenses.Zalando capitalised on high-profile sports campaigns in major European cities, leading to a record-breaking sports sales month in June.Strategic investments in AI and B2B expansion were highlighted, alongside leadership changes within the company.Zalando’s latest financial report showcases a robust revenue growth of 3.4% in the second quarter of…

Asos proposes a new bonus plan aimed at substantial shareholder value.The proposed “Value Creation Plan” could replace the existing incentive scheme.Executive bonuses are linked to significant share price targets.The plan is set against a backdrop of recent sales challenges.Shareholder deliberation on the proposal is scheduled for 20 August.Asos has put forward a Value Creation Plan intended to deliver ‘exceptional value for shareholders through substantial growth’ by reshaping how executive bonuses are awarded. This proposal marks a significant shift in remuneration strategy, ensuring senior leaders’ rewards are closely aligned with the company’s ambitions to enhance shareholder return by boosting the company’s…

Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards rebrands to Drapers Conscious Fashion Awards for 2025.Event continues to promote responsible business practices in the fashion industry.Awards aligned with UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, judged by experts.New categories introduced: Empowering People Initiative and Power Product of the Year.Coincides with Drapers Conscious Fashion Summit in March 2025.For the year 2025, the well-regarded Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards have departed from their original branding to form the newly titled Drapers Conscious Fashion Awards. This evolution reflects a significant shift in the fashion industry’s commitment to sustainability. The awards, by acknowledging businesses at the forefront of responsible practices, aim to…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…