Independent retail news and archive

Scottish indie Attic Clothing shutters after 24 years

Long-standing Aberdeen indie store Attic Clothing has announced it will be shuttering after 24 years. The company announced the news on its Instagram page, where it said the decision came with “mixed emotions”. “This decision was not made lightly, but as we turn the page to a new chapter, we want to take a moment to thank each and every one of...

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Retail

Autumn Fair and SaveTheHighStreet.org join forces to launch ‘Retail Makeover Mission’

Autumn Fair, the UK’s largest seasonal showcase for home, gift and fashion, is teaming up with industry movement SaveTheHighStreet.org, to launch ‘Retail Makeover Mission,’ a new initiative aimed at revitalising independent retail and acting as a catalyst for high street regeneration across the UK. The new nationwide campaign aims to tackle the...

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Retail

Spotlight on Black independent retailers: Livewear curated by Áwet New York

There’s space in the fashion world for everyone. That includes independent retail. But what does it take to become an independent retailer? And what is it like to be a Black independent retailer, in an industry that hasn’t always been supportive of Black creatives? There’s a lot we can learn from Black independent retailers regarding business,...

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Frasers Group reportedly snaps up indie retailer Thackerays

British retail giant Frasers Group, owner of Flannels and Sports Direct, has continued in its pursuit of gaining market share in the independent space through the reported acquisition of multi-brand indie retailer Thackerays. Frasers takeover of the company, which was founded in 1972, was initially reported by TheIndustry.Fashion citing industry...

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From margins to sell-through: Important figures used in the fashion industry

On this page you will find key figures used in the fashion industry to monitor and optimise performance, such as sell-through, margin, and turnover, among others. Retailers use numerical analyses to substantiate business decisions, such as making a purchasing plan and budget for the next fashion season. “We sometimes compare choices for budgets...

Retail

New report suggests independent retailers are positive about year ahead

A new report by American Express and Small Business Saturday has said that small and independent retailers are understood to be looking towards the upcoming year with positivity, as expectations surrounding growth begin to rise. According to the report, business growth was said to be rising 89 percent among the 253 small businesses surveyed,...

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Inside independent retail: What it takes to run a fashion store

There are various types of fashion stores. We use the term retailers to broadly refer to all those who sell clothing to consumers. Retailers include chains such as Scotch & Soda, H&M and Zara, as well as department stores such as John Lewis, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. However, the term retailers also refers to independent retailers -...

Retail

Community space takes over former Debenhams store in London

An abandoned Debenhams building in London has finally been transformed into a multipurpose creative space nearly two years after the fashion retailer closed its doors. Set in the top floor of Hounslow’s Treaty Centre, ‘The Loft’ will act as an incubator, allowing businesses to gain their first high street retail experience in what will aim to be...

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Retail

Spotlight on independent retailers: Bumble Bee

In the midst of the pandemic, the high street saw a subtle face lift that once again favoured independents, as consumers began looking towards what is right outside their front door instead of venturing into town. Bumble Bee is part of this ongoing resurgence of local shops in city suburbs that have brought this spirit back to the high street....

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Spotlight on independent retailers: Merchant & Mills

At a time when fast fashion is seemingly on top, retailers like Merchant & Mills are proof that traditional production methods and handmade creations are still just as appreciated as they were in the past. The Rye-based store sells everything from sustainable cloth and haberdashery to sewing kits and patterns, reaching shoppers who are looking...

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Retail|Interview

Spotlight on independent retailers: The Hambledon

Located in a historic house in Winchester, department store The Hambledon is home to a selection of contemporary curiosities and sought-after clothing brands. Owner Victoria Suffield has brought the store through a range of fresh phases since its opening in 1999, adapting the concept while always sticking to its initial entertaining presentation...

Retail

Bradford to trial UK Green Street sustainability scheme

A select number of independent businesses in Bradford are set to take part in a sustainable high street pilot scheme that aims to encourage retailers to become more eco-friendly in their operations. Green Street, a government-backed strategy, looks to help high street-based companies to become more sustainable through accessing free support and...