Author: Scott Dylan

The webinar explores the increasing importance of customer returns in fashion retail.Paid returns are on the rise as businesses struggle with returning costs.Customers prefer returns that are fast, flexible, and ideally free of charge.Retailers face challenges from repeated returners and aim to maximise full price sales.Experts from New Look and ZigZag discuss strategies for effective return management.The significance of customer returns has become a pivotal topic in the fashion retail sector. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, these returns are no longer just a logistical matter but a strategic component in customer satisfaction and retention. Retail giants such as New…

A well-regarded Birmingham hotel and restaurant have entered the market, valued at £12 million.This sale follows the administration of its leaseholder, providing a prime investment opportunity in the city’s vibrant commercial sector.Hotel and Restaurant on the MarketA Birmingham landmark, The Cube Hotel and its iconic Marco Pierre White restaurant, have emerged on the market, priced at an impressive £12 million. This opportunity presents itself following the administration of its leaseholder MSHA Global Investments, which had been overseeing the hotel operations. Watling Real Estate and Graham + Sibbald are spearheading the sale efforts, representing a significant property investment in the city.With…

Castore, a Manchester-based sportswear brand, has secured a 10-year lease for a new store in Derby’s Derbion shopping centre, set to open on 22 August.The store will be located on the second floor, adjacent to sportswear retailer Footlocker, expanding Castore’s UK presence.Castore’s expansion strategy includes over 30 retail locations worldwide, with 16 in the UK alone.Peter Alecock, Castore’s commercial director, expressed excitement about entering the Derby market, highlighting the strategic importance of the location.The Derbion centre attracts a diverse customer base from across the East Midlands, making it an ideal location for Castore’s latest retail expansion.Castore, renowned for its innovative…

VF Corporation, owner of brands like Vans and The North Face, reported a significant operating loss in Q2.Revenue for VF Corp in the second quarter was $1.9bn, a decline of 9% from the previous year.The North Face sales saw a modest dip of 3%, while direct-to-consumer sales improved by 6%.Vans experienced a sharp revenue decline of 21%, and Timberland sales decreased by 10%.Despite current challenges, VF Corp aims to achieve cost savings and return to growth.VF Corporation reported an operating loss of $239.9 million (£188.9 million) for the quarter ending June 29. This marks a substantial increase from the $8.9…

Asos has entered into a strategic three-year partnership with Microsoft to enhance operational effectiveness through artificial intelligence.The collaboration will integrate AI to automate meeting tasks, code-writing, and customer interaction tools.Asos engineers will utilise the AI chatbot Microsoft Copilot for efficient code generation.Microsoft’s Power Automate will be employed to streamline workplace processes, improving productivity.The AI Stylist tools will assist customers in discovering new styles through conversational interfaces.Asos has signed a significant three-year agreement with Microsoft, aiming to boost its operational efficiency by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). This strategic collaboration is designed to streamline processes and enhance productivity across the company’s operations.A…

Frasers Group, featuring Sports Direct and House of Fraser, renews leases at Croydon’s shopping centres as new retailers are introduced.Owner Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has secured leases with three new fashion retailers, expanding the retail offerings in Croydon.The Centrale and Whitgift shopping centres will soon include Dressmode, Maflora, and Rebel Clothing as new tenants.Additional new signings feature Adara Beauty, Pinball Republic, and Stacks, diversifying the retail environment in Croydon.The leasing director highlights the variety of retailers and the trust placed in Croydon as a key shopping destination.Frasers Group, which includes notable brands like Sports Direct and House of Fraser, has extended its retail…

Senior leaders from top retail brands discuss essential tech for future success.Chris Williamson highlights the fusion of physical and digital retail spaces.Papinder Dosanjh emphasises the importance of data science and AI.Stephanie Legg focuses on the marketing potential of new technologies.Sangeetha Chandru analyses AI’s role in shaping retail experiences.The recent Drapers Talks podcast brought together industry leaders from N Brown, Asos, Schuh, and EXL to delve into the transformative power of technology in retail. Chris Williamson from N Brown Group expressed the critical convergence of the physical and digital worlds, highlighting augmented and virtual reality as pivotal tools for retailers.Williamson posited…

In the first half of 2024, Puma’s financial performance showed a decrease in various metrics, signalling challenges for the renowned sportswear brand.Puma’s sales declined by 2.1% year on year, totalling €4.2 billion (£3.61 billion) for the period.Net income for the brand decreased by a significant 25% to €129.3 million.Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) also saw a fall of 5.1%, with currency effects cited as a primary factor.Despite these setbacks, Puma remains optimistic about the second half of the year and strategic market focus.In the first six months of 2024, Puma experienced a year-on-year sales decline of 2.1%, resulting in…

Lord Rose, former M&S CEO, appointed first patron of Fashion Retail Academy.His retail career began at Marks & Spencer in 1972 as a management trainee.Rose’s leadership at Burton Group and M&S highlighted his industry influence.The Fashion Retail Academy aims to enhance student opportunities with this appointment.The Academy has successfully prepared over 13,000 students for the fashion industry.Lord Rose, whose full title is Baron Rose of Monewden, has been appointed as the first patron of the Fashion Retail Academy, a specialist college located in London. The former CEO of Marks & Spencer, Rose’s career in retail began at this retailer in…

Richard Arnold, the former CEO of Manchester United, now assumes a significant role at Norton Motorcycles, a historic British brand. His new position as executive director marks a strategic shift aimed at revitalising Norton’s global presence.After overseeing Manchester United’s major sponsorships, Arnold is ready to steer Norton Motorcycles toward ambitious growth, involving the introduction of new models and expansion into international markets.Richard Arnold’s appointment as executive director of Norton Motorcycles follows a profound career in football. During his tenure at Manchester United, Arnold orchestrated lucrative sponsorship deals that significantly benefited the club. His transition to Norton marks a pivotal moment…