Retail news and archive

Seasonal clothing discounts keep shop price inflation steady in the UK

Summer discounting keeps shop price inflation stable according to latest figures by the British Retail Consortium (BRC): While overall shop price inflation held steady at 1.2 percent year-on-year in June, thus matching May's growth rate, despite the stability, this figure remains slightly higher than the three-month average of 1.1 percent. “...

Retail|Report

More than half of consumers interested in using Agentic AI tools for shopping

Consumers are becoming more interested in leveraging AI agentic tools, AI-powered assistants that research, compare, and can make purchases when shopping. New research from Commerce, a data-centric provider of an open, AI-driven commerce ecosystem, and PayPal found that 64 percent of UK consumers are interested in trying AI agentic shopping...

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Retail

UK shoppers spend close to 5 billion pounds on low-cost international shipping platforms

UK shoppers are spending approximately 4.7 billion pounds a year on ultra-low-cost international shopping platforms such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, causing retailers to face increasing competition from these global competitors, according to research from Barclays and Retail Economics. Close to half of all UK shoppers (49 percent) purchased...

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Retail

Artificial intelligence can unlock up to 320 billion euros for European retail

Amsterdam — Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend but an active force reshaping the European retail value chain. A collaborative report 'Rewiring retail in Europe: The AI imperative' published by European retail association EuroCommerce and global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company last week, reveals that end-to-end AI...

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People|Interview

Combining work and parenthood: Odette Lunettes' Babies at Work initiative

What kind of employees is Belgian eyewear brand Odette Lunettes looking for? “Authenticity, alongside professional expertise as a prerequisite, is our most important criterion,” says Eline De Munck. “We want someone who is genuinely themselves.” The team is a mix of different backgrounds, ages, appearances and personalities. This diversity not...

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Business

Mystery shoppers in fashion retail: from a monitoring tool to a coaching instrument

Interview Mystery shopping has long been a familiar tool in fashion retail for assessing in-store customer experience. Previously used primarily to monitor service agreements, its focus is increasingly shifting towards learning and improvement. Retailers now use insights from store visits as input for coaching, training and discussions on the...

Retail

Arc’teryx to open first store in Denmark

Canadian outdoor brand Arc’teryx is set to open its first-ever store in Denmark, Copenhagen, next month as it continues to roll out its retail strategy of opening 25 to 30 new stores globally each year. Located at Pilestræde 16, the new brand store opens its doors to the public on June 11 and marks Arc'teryx's first physical presence in the...

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People

Rosa Veloso, 28 years at Grain de Malice: “I would like to change the way people see my profession”

If there is one job in fashion where emotional intelligence reigns supreme, this is it. Far from the clichés, sales advisors embody the most vibrant and perhaps the most human face of this immense industry. To paint a multifaceted portrait of this hands-on profession, FashionUnited has chosen to speak with those who approach sales as a place for...

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Retail

Physical retail shifts its metrics: quality over quantity

The latest data published by the Spanish company TC Group Solutions in its 2026 Retail Intelligence Report points to an ongoing transformation in how European physical retail performance is measured. This scenario requires a review of one of the most historically used indicators by operators and brands: pedestrian traffic. It paves the way for...

Retail

Lululemon expands to Greece though franchise, opening debut stores in Athens

Canadian athleisure brand Lululemon is set to open its first-ever stores in Greece through a new franchise partnership with Arion Retail Group. The partnership and international expansion are in line with Lululemon’s wider retail strategy for growth across Europe. The brand’s debut Greek store, located in Kolonaki, central Athens, will open its...

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Retail|REPORT

Shopping street under the microscope: The secret of Gerard Doustraat in Amsterdam

Anyone familiar with the vibrant neighbourhood of De Pijp in the South of Amsterdam quickly thinks of the Albert Cuyp market, traditional pubs and lively, compact streets. However, those looking for unique shops increasingly find themselves on one particular street: Gerard Doustraat. This is not a run-of-the-mill street with large chains but a...

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People|The voices of retail

Laurent Capizzi of Kiabi: “Our support makes the difference over time”

If one profession in fashion reigns supreme in emotional intelligence, it is this one. Far from the clichés, sales advisors embody the most vibrant and perhaps the most human face of this vast industry. To create a multifaceted portrait of this field-based role, FashionUnited chose to speak with those who view sales as an opportunity for...