Author: Scott Dylan

Fast fashion giant Shein is exploring UK warehouse sites in the Midlands, aligning its plans for a £50bn listing on the London Stock Exchange.Shein is focusing on the Midlands’ ‘golden logistics triangle,’ renowned for its logistical benefits.The company’s search involves several large sites already equipped for e-commerce operations.Shein’s decision is influenced by ongoing negotiations with its current third-party logistics provider, Super Smart Service.The anticipated London stock market debut is one of the largest floats in the city for a decade.The company, now headquartered in Singapore, is focusing its search on the Midlands’ ‘golden logistics triangle,’ a prime area celebrated for…

Independent retailers were caught off-guard by the launch of the UK website for German brand Fynch-Hatton, operated by Sardine Agencies.The domain for the UK site was registered early this year but was not disclosed to retailers during key business interactions.Some retailers expressed frustration over the lack of transparency about the new direct-to-consumer platform.The new website, which only currently offers menswear, is viewed as a strategic move post-Brexit.Fynch-Hatton and Sardine Agencies are committed to maintaining retailer partnerships amidst these changes.Independent retailers have expressed surprise and discontent with the sudden appearance of a UK-based website for the German clothing brand Fynch-Hatton. Operated…

Pret A Manger has initiated a body camera trial in six London outlets to address rising shoplifting and violence.This measure follows a significant increase in retail crime, necessitating enhanced security protocols.UK retailers are experiencing heightened financial losses due to post-pandemic crime and violence against staff.Pret’s body cameras will be activated under specific circumstances and supervised by the security team.Similar actions have been taken by other organisations, highlighting a growing trend in the UK retail sector.Pret A Manger has begun a trial in six of its London locations, equipping team leaders and managers with body cameras. This move aims to combat…

The BBC has demanded Huw Edwards repay over £200,000 following his arrest related to child abuse images. This call follows accusations of Edwards acting in bad faith characterised by several key events.Edwards allegedly accepted payments post-arrest in November last year.South Wales Police discovered 37 indecent child images linked to Edwards’ WhatsApp account.BBC director-general Tim Davie has received the board’s support for his handling of this case.An independent review into BBC’s operational culture has been initiated.The BBC has taken a firm stance in demanding that Huw Edwards return over £200,000 of his salary, following his arrest for possession of child abuse…

Recent riots across England and Belfast have led to a significant decline in footfall on UK high streets.Footfall on high streets has dropped by 4.8% between Sunday and Wednesday.The decline outpaces the average drop of 2.7% across all retail destinations.Northern England and Yorkshire have been particularly affected, with a 12.9% decrease.The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has convened an urgent meeting to address the safety of retail workers.Recent riots across England and Belfast have led to a significant decline in footfall on UK high streets. According to real estate software firm MRI Software, footfall dropped by an average of 4.8% between…

BA is set to suspend its direct flights from London Heathrow to Beijing starting 26 October.This decision follows just over a year after the route was reinstated post-Covid restrictions.The suspension is attributed to the increased costs and complexities of avoiding Russian airspace.Chinese carriers retain a competitive advantage by flying directly over Russian territory.Western airlines face longer flight times and increased fuel consumption to reach China.British Airways (BA) will suspend its direct flights from London Heathrow to Beijing from 26 October, citing rising operational costs. This decision comes just over a year after the national carrier restored the route in June…

Under Armour has reported a significant operating loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, as sales experience a downturn.The company’s North American and direct-to-consumer sales have seen notable declines, impacting overall performance.Wholesale and apparel revenues have been negatively hit, with numbers dropping by substantial margins.Footwear and accessories categories have also reported lower sales, contributing to the financial losses.A restructuring plan introduced in May aims to address these challenges and reposition the brand.Under Armour has announced an operating loss of $300 million (£235 million) for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, concluding on 30 June 2024. This downturn is primarily…

The Drapers Independents Awards 2024 celebrates the forefront of independent fashion retail in the UK and Ireland, highlighting innovation and community support.This year, 17 awards will be presented, honouring categories from menswear to kidswear retailers, showcasing standout achievements.A notable addition is the Best Independent Department Store category, alongside recognition of individual stars across the sector regardless of age or tenure.The awards will feature a ceremony on 19 September at Grosvenor House, London, celebrating the shortlisted finalists and their contributions to industry resilience.Finalists across various categories demonstrate the diverse talent and robust enterprise within the independent fashion retailers of this region.The…

George at Asda has experienced a remarkable surge in its back-to-school sales, almost doubling compared to last year.Sales increased by 88% in the first two weeks of the campaign ending on 15 June.The success is attributed to a strategic early bird promotion and an investment in staff training.Despite a slight decline in overall clothing sales, online sales saw growth during this period.Asda’s overall revenue showed an increase, although like-for-like sales slightly decreased.George at Asda has reported an exceptional start to its back-to-school season, with sales nearly doubling year on year within the first two weeks of its campaign. The brand…

Bangladesh is undergoing significant political and economic shifts, impacting its garment industry.Following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as interim PM.The transition in leadership coincides with challenges in the garment sector due to recent protests.UK retailers face potential delays in fashion product deliveries from Bangladesh.Industry professionals advise continued support for Bangladeshi manufacturers despite uncertainties.Bangladesh has been in the midst of transformative political and economic events. Most notably, the recent appointment of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus as interim Prime Minister marks a new chapter following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,…