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.
Inside the Great British Wool Revival: How the UK’s ‘farm-to-fashion’ summit aims to rebuild a broken fibre economy
British wool, despite a history spanning over 2,000 years, has been facing a perception problem. The raw material, once considered a definitive factor in shaping the UK’s economy, with roots in rural tradition, has in the modern day been regularly dismissed as a low-value, ‘throwaway’ product. Further structural complexities spanning...
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Fashion SVP highlights emerging talent and education focus at 2026 edition
The 2026 edition of Fashion SVP wrapped up at Olympia London yesterday with strong attendance from buyers, brands and manufacturers reported, alongside a continued focus on education and emerging talent. A key feature of the event was the Designer of the Year Awards, an initiative recognising fashion students from across the UK. The judging...
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Claire’s reportedly preparing for return to UK high street this summer
Just days after the closure of its UK and Ireland store estate, the French operator of Claire’s European business has announced plans to potentially bring the jewellery chain back to the region’s high streets. Julien Jarjoura, who oversees the company’s 240 stores in Spain, France, Austria, and Portugal, told the Guardian that he was aiming to...
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Saks Global cuts HQ headcount by 16 percent
Saks Global is cutting its corporate headcount by 16 percent amid the continued rollout of a restructuring plan designed to optimise the luxury retailer’s footprint. Company officials confirmed the news to WWD, which reported that around 640 workers will be impacted, reflecting 4 percent of Saks Global’s total workforce. The layoffs will not...
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PVH Foundation commits 10 million dollars to next-gen talent initiative
PVH Foundation, the philanthropic arm of global brand management firm PVH, has committed 10 million dollars to a new programme designed to uplift and support next generation talent. Set to run through 2030, ‘Runway Ahead’ will focus on facilitating mentorship opportunities, financial aid, and industry access for emerging designers and students....
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Mary Portas to open BRC summer school to push community engagement
Retail consultant and broadcaster Mary Portas is set to launch a development programme for leaders in the British Retail Consortium (BRC) to urge the adoption of community engagement within the sector. Set to open in June, the BRC Leaders Summer School will focus on the divisive nature of retail, namely the contrast between companies competing...
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Kingpins to introduce updated format at Los Angeles event
Denim trade fair Kingpins is shifting its approach to the US market with the introduction of an event in Los Angeles where it will debut an updated format. Taking place between January 12 to 13, 2027, with an exact location to be determined at a later date, the LA show will replace the January edition of Kingpins New York. The news was confirmed...
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John Lewis sued by Brent Cross landlords over click-and-collect service
The landlord of London shopping centre Brent Cross is suing John Lewis for a share of its click-and-collect sales, claiming that the department store should pay for online sales collected in-store. In a joint filing with the High Court, Hammerson and former landlord Standard Life Investments have requested clarification on whether sales made via...
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The Very Group confirms Edward Fry as permanent CFO
The Very Group has appointed Edward Fry as its permanent chief financial officer, following a period in the role on an interim basis. Fry has served as interim CFO since September 2025, having previously been group finance director. During that time, he played a key role in major developments for the business, including its change of ownership...
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Shein partners with THG Fulfil to boost UK marketplace offering
Shein has expanded its UK marketplace capabilities through a new partnership with THG Fulfil, aimed at improving services for local brands and retailers. The update looks to introduce a more integrated system for UK sellers using the Shein Marketplace, which launched in the region in 2024. The platform allows brands to list products and access a...
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