Analysis news and archive

Circularity Gap Report: Six circular economy strategies examined

In collaboration with the H&M Foundation, Amsterdam-based organisation Circle Economy has published the latest edition of its Circularity Gap Report. For the first time, the organisations have conducted an in-depth examination of the textile industry, revealing that it is only 0.3 percent circular, compared to an overall global average of 7.2...

BusinessFeatured

Inditex's challenge: Can it continue selling more while polluting less?

Recent reports by Reuters have accused Spanish fashion giant Inditex of increasing air freight shipments from its supplier factories in India to its logistics centres in Spain by as much as 70 percent. This increase in air freight, and its associated environmental impact, calls into question the company's ability to continue growing and...

Business|Opinion Featured

Burberry's future proof strategy should avoid a Moncler takeover, analysts say

As Burberry looks to reclaim its authority in outerwear and all-weather accessories, the British heritage brand must contend with another half year of dire results, which saw retail sales down as much as 20 percent. The future proof strategy under CEO Joshua Shulman is to amplify the brand's strengths, like its trench coats, outerwear, and of...

BusinessFeatured

The price of reinvention: What’s at stake when brands change their creative directors?

What drives creative director changes? Is it a dip in sales, a shift in the board's vision, or pressure from investors? And more importantly, what are the financial consequences when a brand changes its creative director? Massimiliano Giornetti, director of Polimoda and former designer for luxury brands like Salvatore Ferragamo and Shanghai...

Business

Q3 Highlights: financial performance of the fashion industry

A broad analysis of publications from the past three months shows that the fashion industry is resilient,driven by international growth, corporate mergers, and expansions. Major players reported revenue growth while many companies continue to navigate challenges such as fluctuating consumer spending, covid debts, and economic uncertainty in...

Retail

Industry leaders comment on September retail sales growth

Retail sales rose by 0.3 percent in September and increased 3.6 percent by value and 4 percent by volume. Three industry leaders comment on the latest figures: Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British Retail Consortium, said: “September saw the strongest retail sales growth since January, and the highest sales volume since March 2022. This...

Fashion|Opinion Featured

Why the Prada space suit matters

The fashion industry, long criticised for its cyclical and often repetitive nature, may have found a truly innovative frontier in the realm of space exploration. This groundbreaking development comes at a time when fashion marketing and design have begun to feel increasingly homogeneous, with brands struggling to differentiate themselves in a...

Business|Opinion Featured

LVMH sales dip signals broader challenges for the luxury industry

A 5 percent decline in quarterly sales may not spell disaster for LVMH's annual revenue, but for a bellwether like this luxury giant, the stagnation in its fashion and accessories portfolio signals broader challenges for the entire industry. LVMH, long heralded for its ability to weather economic downturns and outpace its competitors, is now...

BusinessFeatured

Navigating the EU's new mandate: Comprehensive insights for the fashion industry

The European Union’s upcoming legislative changes, following the 2024 elections, are expected to have a major impact on the fashion industry. This topic was recently explored in depth at a Global Fashion Agenda session, where a distinguished panel, including members of the European Parliament, experts in sustainability policies, and European...

BusinessFeatured

When Boohoo shareholders lose patience: Is a split the only way out?

Boohoo Group PLC, owner of the Boohoo fast-fashion brand and the Debenhams department store chain, is facing increasing pressure from shareholders to split its businesses. According to a report in The Times, executives are now considering the drastic option in response to a falling share price and declining sales. Several shareholders have...

BusinessFeatured

Fashion Week: Profitable investment or poker move?

Fashion week, while a true showcase for the fashion industry, is a complex strategic operation. Paris Fashion Week kicked off on 23 September, offering experts the chance to take a look behind the scenes of such an event. Recent reports reveal the fundamentals of this industry: the costs are exorbitant, but so are the profitability stakes. So...

BusinessFeatured

Dupe culture: The new threat to China's luxury sector

Luxury brands are facing a new landscape: the rise of dupes and the changing purchasing behaviours of Chinese consumers. As the Chinese economy transforms, consumer behaviour is also undergoing a significant shift. The rise of counterfeit products and the decline in demand for luxury products illustrate a broader paradigm shift. The rise of...