Articles by Rachel Douglass
Rachel has been with FashionUnited since mid-2021. Descending from the UK, she moved to the Netherlands in 2014 to attend Amsterdam Fashion Institute, where she studied a BA in International Fashion and Branding with a specialisation in Journalism.
At FashionUnited, Rachel covers daily news, from store openings to acquisitions, alongside which she focuses on research-based stories, interviews and on-the-ground event reporting. Her topics of interest include digital fashion, independent retail and current trends.
Labubu vs. 7-11: Global boom fuels Pop Mart's legal offensive against imitators
Labubu, a fluffy-eared elf character with a wide-toothy grin, has become the unassuming centrepiece of an intellectual property dispute. Once a niche collectible, the keychain figurine has evolved into a fashion-forward accessory that has garnered a cult-like following, and competitors have taken notice. Now, Pop Mart, the Chinese toy giant...
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Amid legal action: F&F eyes acquisition of TaylorMade
After the launch of what was alleged to be a nonconsensual sales process for TaylorMade, F&F has now announced its intention to pursue a potential acquisition of the US golf brand. The company has appointed Goldman Sachs as its exclusive financial advisor to look into a takeover of TaylorMade, noting that it was assessing an “array of strategic...
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Topshop confirms French and Danish stockists
As Topshop continues its relaunch roll out, the fashion brand has slowly been unveiling how and where it will be showing up for customers. Following on from McElhinneys’ revelation that it will be stocking the brand from August 21, more third-party partners have now been revealed. In a statement to Drapers, Topshop confirmed that it would be...
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Tommy Hilfiger owner PVH cuts roles among head office
PVH, the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, has cut some of its head office roles, the majority of which reside at its EMEA headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. According to a statement to Drapers, issued by a spokesperson for the group, its European, Middle Eastern and African (EMEA) business is “evolving” as the company...
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John Lewis reportedly mulling reinstatement of staff bonus upon set targets
Employees at John Lewis Partnership (JLP) are said to be one step closer to receiving staff bonuses as the department store chain edges towards associated financial targets. According to the Financial Times, the retailer is eyeing a 200 million pound profit target for the year ended January 2026, upon which it may reinstate bonuses four years...
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Superdry investor Hilco said to be eyeing Claire’s takeover
Hilco Capital, an investor in Superdry and the former owner of Cath Kidston, is believed to be among the initial bidders eyeing a takeover of struggling accessories chain Claire’s. According to Sky News, the investment firm is specifically eyeing the retailer’s UK arm, which reportedly appointed advisors from Interpath Advisory last week to...
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Topshop to be stocked in Ireland’s McElhinneys
Irish department store McElhinneys has been revealed as the first stockist for returning fashion brand Topshop. The retailer announced the news via a video posted to its social media platforms, where it simply stated: “Get ready… Topshop is coming to McElhinneys.” The launch date of August 21 was also shared. The revelation builds on growing...
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CaaStle founder charged over alleged 300 million dollar fraud scheme
Christine Hunsicker, the founder of bankrupt rental platform CaaStle, has been criminally charged over a 300 million dollar fraud case. Hunsicker has been accused of “defrauding investors of hundreds of millions of dollars through document forgery, fabricated audits, and material misrepresentations about her company’s financial condition”, US...
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Founding shareholder of N Brown Group David Alliance dies
Lord David Alliance, a founding shareholder of fashion conglomerate N Brown Group, has passed away at the age of 93. The news was announced by N Brown in a press release. Alliance, who was described as a “life-long supporter of N Brown Group”, served on the Manchester-based company’s board as a director and, at one time, chairman for over 50...
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Lululemon opens first store in Italy
In a continuation of its international expansion plans, Canadian athleisure giant Lululemon has opened its first store in Italy. Located at Vittorio Emanuele II 24/28 in Milan, the site’s launch marks the first time the brand’s range of athletic apparel and accessories is physically available to the Italian market. The store spans 5,700 square...
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