Author: Scott Dylan

At the Drapers Future of Fashion conference, Zalando’s use of AI to improve customer engagement was a central theme.Zalando’s vice president detailed the challenges and advantages of serving over 50 million customers with AI tools.The Zalando Assistant offers personalised shopping suggestions, though it might not always predict trends like weather changes.Zalando’s Trend Spotter tool analyses data from multiple European cities to forecast emerging fashion trends.These AI-driven tools leverage technologies like ChatGPT, providing cost-effective solutions for the retailer.At the recent Drapers Future of Fashion conference, held on 19 June, Tian Su, Zalando’s vice president of personalisation and recommendation, took the stage…

Celebrating its 15-year anniversary in Portugal, Primark has announced a significant expansion, investing €40m (£34m) to boost its retail footprint.This development aims to extend Primark’s selling space by over 30%, introducing four new stores across the country.The expansion will mark the introduction of self-service checkouts in Portugal for the first time.Primark’s existing Colombo store in Lisbon will unveil a refreshed look with additional fashion, beauty, and homeware offerings.The investment is set to create over 500 new jobs, demonstrating Primark’s commitment to growth in the Portuguese market.Primark is marking its 15-year milestone in Portugal by embarking on a substantial expansion plan…

Asos has highlighted concerns over the impact of virtual meetings on company performance.The fashion retailer warns that failing to comply with its return-to-work policy could result in disciplinary actions.Certain essential meetings, including brainstorms and commercial discussions, are mandated to occur in person.Different departments have specific in-office requirements, with creative and marketing teams particularly affected.A similar policy has been adopted by JD Sports, promoting office presence for teamwork enhancement.The fashion retailer, Asos, has expressed serious concerns about the negative impact of continued virtual meetings on overall company performance. In a recent statement, they have communicated to their staff the importance of…

Nobody’s Child and Never Fully Dressed are leveraging data analytics to strategically enhance their ecommerce operations.The panel at Drapers Future of Fashion conference focussed on the evolving ecommerce landscape.In-depth discussions outlined how data can inform sustainable practice and customer engagement.The collaboration with BluBolt emphasised technological advancement in retail.Insights revealed a focus on future-proofing fashion businesses in a competitive market.At the Drapers Future of Fashion conference on 19 June, esteemed womenswear brands Nobody’s Child and Never Fully Dressed engaged in a panel discussion facilitated by the ecommerce agency BluBolt. The discourse primarily revolved around how these brands are harnessing data analytics…

The digital transformation journey of Clarks was spotlighted at the Drapers Future of Fashion event, discussing their comprehensive ecommerce replatform.Clarks’ Chief Information Officer, Simon Clarke, and AbsoluteLabs’ Managing Partner, Rushi Lala, led the discussion on this significant technological evolution.The initiative spanned 18 months, aiming to enhance Clarks’ digital capabilities and improve customer experience.Experts from the industry analysed the strategic objectives and anticipated outcomes of Clarks’ ecommerce transformation.The conversation provided insightful perspectives on the challenges and benefits of replatforming in the competitive footwear industry.At the forefront of the event’s discussion was the detailed exploration of Clarks’ strategic decision to embark on…

Key players discussed tech advancements at the Drapers Future of Fashion conference.Technology is redefining the boundaries of fashion retail, emphasising strategic adaptations.Retailers are advised to focus on four pivotal technological activations for future-proofing.Insights were drawn from industry leaders at Asos, N Brown Group, Schuh, and EXL.The discourse highlights the critical role of technology in evolving retail landscapes.During the recent Drapers Future of Fashion conference, panellists from Asos, N Brown Group, Schuh, and EXL shared insights on how technology is reshaping the fashion retail sector. They identified four key technological activations that retailers should harness to remain competitive in an ever-evolving…

At the Drapers Future of Fashion Conference 2024, innovation was the key focus, as shared by Deliveroo’s Paul Wilkinson.The emphasis was on innovation strategies that benefit both customers and businesses.Wilkinson highlighted the importance of aligning product development with customer needs.He also discussed leveraging technology to streamline service delivery.The session underscored the need for businesses to remain agile and responsive to industry changes.At the Drapers Future of Fashion Conference 2024, Paul Wilkinson, product director at Deliveroo, shared valuable insights into driving innovation within companies. His dialogue centred around optimising both customer satisfaction and business efficiency through strategic innovation.Wilkinson stressed the significance…

Inflation in the UK has hit the Bank of England’s target for the first time since July 2021, marking a significant economic development.The annual Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 2% over the 12 months leading up to May 2024, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).A notable factor in this shift is the change in food prices, which increased by 1.7%, down from 2.9% the previous month.The Consumer Prices Index including Housing costs (CPIH) also saw a reduction, increasing by 2.8% compared to 3% the previous month.Experts suggest this inflationary progress could lead to potential interest rate…

Authentic Brands Group has launched its new European headquarters at 5 Marble Arch, London.The London office is a 25,000 square foot space featuring product showrooms and functional office areas.This expansion aligns with Authentic’s strategy to bolster its presence across Europe with around 70 employees.Recently, Authentic has also moved to acquire Champion’s intellectual assets for $1.2 billion (£940 million).The group is actively pursuing a new operational partner for Ted Baker’s business in the UK and Europe.Authentic Brands Group, a conglomerate managing over 50 global brands including Ted Baker, Hunter, Reebok, and Forever 21, has inaugurated its new European headquarters in London.…

Biffa has filed a lawsuit against the Scottish Ministers, claiming losses amounting to £200 million due to the collapse of the bottle deposit return scheme. The legal action, initiated in Scotland’s highest civil court, seeks compensation for wasted investments and lost profits.The lawsuit, led by Roddy Dunlop KC, arises from alleged misrepresentations by the Scottish government regarding the scheme’s viability. Biffa had heavily invested in preparation for the scheme, which was later scrapped due to regulatory issues. This article delves into the intricacies of the case and its broader implications.Background of the Deposit Return SchemeThe deposit return scheme (DRS) was…