Author: Dave Antrobus

Martin Newman, a noted futurologist, addressed the future of fashion retail, unveiling a vast £350bn opportunity.The focus was on leveraging technology to address and solve consumer challenges effectively.Newman, with an extensive background in ecommerce, emphasised the untapped potential within the retail industry.The event served as a call to action for retailers to innovate and rethink their strategies.The conference highlighted the critical role of technology in shaping the future of fashion retail.Martin Newman, a prominent figure in the field of futurology and former head of ecommerce for renowned brands, initiated the Future of Fashion conference in London. He pointed out a…

Authentic Brands Group has inaugurated its 25,000 sq ft European headquarters at 5 Marble Arch in London.The new office features state-of-the-art product showrooms and comprehensive office spaces.This strategic expansion aims to strengthen Authentic’s presence and operations across Europe.Authentic is continuing its expansion by acquiring Champion’s intellectual property for $1.2 billion (£940 million).Efforts are ongoing to find a new operating partner for Ted Baker’s UK and European retail and e-commerce divisions.Authentic Brands Group, with over 50 internationally acclaimed brands like Ted Baker, Hunter, Reebok, and Forever 21, has strategically expanded its footprint in Europe by inaugurating a 25,000 square foot headquarters…

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the schedule for London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025, set to occur earlier to avoid conflicts with other major fashion events.The event will run from 12 to 17 September, ensuring no overlap with the Milan Fashion Week which starts on 17 September at 3pm.This adjustment facilitates optimal exposure for designers to a global audience heavily involved in the fashion industry.Key international fashion councils collaborated to agree on these dates, including organisations from Italy, France, and the USA.The upcoming seasons, including London Fashion Week Men’s, have also been scheduled, providing a comprehensive outlook for the…

Superdry’s restructuring plans receive robust shareholder support, indicating confidence in the company’s turnaround strategy.Shareholders have approved a £10 million equity raise, underwritten by founder Julian Dunkerton, aimed at enhancing liquidity.Creditors have given the green light to rent reductions on 38 of Superdry’s 94 UK stores, strengthening the restructuring plan.Upcoming High Court hearing is scheduled to sanction Superdry’s restructuring strategy, marking a significant milestone.Leadership at Superdry expresses gratitude, anticipating a positive trajectory for the brand post-restructuring.In a decisive vote on 14 June, Superdry shareholders have endorsed the company’s plan for a £10 million equity raise. This financial manoeuvre is underwritten by…

Graduate Fashion Week concluded with its prestigious awards ceremony, highlighting top design talent.Alice Daggett from Winchester School of Art claimed the top Gold Catwalk Award.Patrik Platko from Coventry University secured the Silver Catwalk Award.Elizaveta Lykova from Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts received the Bronze Catwalk Award.These awards underscore the enduring support from industry leaders like Debenhams.com, Next, and Zalando.Graduate Fashion Week (GFW), hosted at The Truman Brewery in east London from 10-13 June, culminated in a ceremony yesterday where top honours were awarded to standout designs. Organised by the Graduate Fashion Foundation, this event serves as a launchpad…

The upcoming 2024 general election in the UK sees the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties presenting their distinct retail policies.The Liberal Democrats propose abolishing business rates in favour of a ‘commercial landowner levy.’Conservative plans focus on providing a £4.3bn support package for small businesses to alleviate high street burdens.Labour suggests overhauling business rates to ensure fairness between high street and online enterprises, though details remain undisclosed.Each party has differing approaches to international trade, apprenticeship levies, and retail crime.In the lead-up to the 2024 general election, the UK’s major political parties have outlined their retail policies. The Liberal Democrats are…

The Labour party has introduced its election manifesto, proposing major changes affecting the fashion retail industry.A new system replacing business rates aims to create a fair balance between high street and online retailers.The manifesto plans to combat retail crime by introducing a specific offence for assaults on shopworkers.It seeks to ensure access to training, apprenticeships, and work experience for young people aged 18 to 21.Labour will pursue a free trade agreement with India and the GCC while seeking an EU-UK mutual recognition agreement.The much-anticipated Labour manifesto outlines significant reforms intended to reshape the landscape of the fashion retail industry. It…

Lea Cranfield, chief buying officer at End Clothing, is set to leave the business in August.Terry Betts has been appointed as the interim head of buying and merchandising.Lea Cranfield’s impact at End Clothing includes strengthening the team’s functions and capabilities.Betts brings extensive experience from roles at The Elder Statesman and Thread.End Clothing has made strategic promotions and hires to reinforce their team.Lea Cranfield, who has significantly contributed to End Clothing since joining in May 2023 from Yoox Net-a-Porter, will be leaving her position as chief buying and merchandising officer in August. Her exit marks a notable change in the company’s…

Quiz, a well-known womenswear retailer, unveiled a flagship store in Manchester’s Trafford Centre.The new 2,500 sq ft store replaces the previous city centre location with a focus on premium aesthetics.Features include porcelain flooring, gold highlights, and LED technology for a modern shopping experience.The store presents a range of occasionwear, casualwear, footwear, and accessories, including the ‘summer luxe’ collection.This opening increases Quiz’s standalone UK stores to 68, solidifying its presence in Manchester.Quiz, a leading name in womenswear, has expanded its retail footprint by opening a flagship store at Manchester’s Trafford Centre. The new 2,500 sq ft store is designed to offer…

Marks & Spencer has appointed Alex Scott, a former England footballer and sports presenter, as its first activewear ambassador.This strategic appointment precedes the UEFA Euro tournament and the Paris Olympics, significant events on the sporting calendar.Scott expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration through social media, highlighting the iconic status of the brand.Marks & Spencer has made significant investments in expanding its sportswear range, identifying it as a major growth area.The retailer has partnered with prominent sports brands via The Sports Edit platform to enhance its sportswear offerings.Marks & Spencer has enlisted Alex Scott, a respected voice in sports presenting and…