Anything that makes taking risks - arguably the only way to fight your way out - harder is a serious problem’Analysis
Picking through the bones of Peacocks
When value retailer Peacocks collapsed under the weight of almost £750m of debt last week, it sent shockwaves through the sector.
Shattered retailers pick up the pieces
Last week the country was subject to some of the most destructive rioting for decades. Many stood shocked at the scenes unfolding on television screens of hundreds of youths trashing shops and stealing goods, some with outrageous boldness. Some looters were even filmed trying shoes on for size before stealing them.
A fashion sales revival is Rose’s parting gift to M&S
Business was revitalised during Sir Stuart Rose’s seven years at the helm, yet his tenure had its lows too.
Divisions as law on country of origin labels gets closer
Legislation that could force brands, manufacturers and retailers to badge their product with country of origin labelling moved a step closer last week.
Brands’ ‘trust budgets’ are a leap of faith for stockists
German mainstream womenswear brand Gerry Weber has ruffled feathers at its UK stockists and in the wider industry with plans to overhaul its wholesale strategy and centralise distribution from Germany.
LFW through the looking glass
This year’s London Fashion Week is reported to have kicked off with the largest number of visitors on record.
Vintage styles are as good as new on the high street
French Connection last week launched a capsule collection of classic pieces from 1972, the year it was established, becoming the latest in a line of brands and retailers to revive styles from bygone years.
Lifestyle retailers battle to stand out from the crowd
The lifestyle sector is heading for a spring 11 shake-up as retailers and brands diversify to stand out in an increasingly saturated market.
More price rises ahead as Bangladesh riots continue
High street retailers including H&M and Marks & Spencer could face longer lead times and further price hikes as riots over pay threaten to cause more factory closures in Bangladesh.
Having a way with words
‘A picture’s worth 1,000 words,’ the old adage goes. Not so, say retailers and brands that are trialling innovative ways to communicate and pique the interest of recession-hit customers
How London's stores dressed up for LFW
On the opening day of London Fashion Week, Drapers took a trip around the capital’s West End to see which retailers got in to the spirit of London’s prime fashion event.
Drapers Fashion Summit
The Drapers WGSN Fashion Summit last week brought together individuals from all industry sectors to share ideas on surviving the recession and growing their businesses. Here are the highlights of the two-day event.
Value footwear lands on its feet in recession
The value footwear market has grown as sales fall across the rest of the sector. But are shoppers’ habits changing for good or will value players’ success fade with the downturn?
Businesses pull together in recession
The tough trading climate is forcing branded suppliers to dream up new ways to support their stockists and ensure their own survival
Multiples and indies create a magic mix
On the back of Mary Portas’s rallying cry for multiples and indies to unite to save local high streets, one Dorset town bucking the trend for decline can offer a few tips
Knickers in a twist
Lingerie brands that cut costs and fail to innovate are falling foul of increased competition and the perils of the recession
Forever 21 ready for assault on UK market
US fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 has decided now is the time to make a grab for a slice of the high street
Budget fails to loosen credit cover squeeze
Suppliers and retailers have suffered from the reduction or withdrawal of credit insurance, but the government’s answer to the problem, a top-up scheme, fails to convince
Topshop takes on US
As Sir Philip Green boarded his private jet for New York last week after celebrating his 57th birthday at exclusive London nightclub Annabel’s, he must have had just one thing on his mind.
Retailers see bright side of empty shops
Landlords are having to be more flexible with rents and leasing terms in a bid to stem the tide of empty shops blighting the UK high street
Feeling fashion’s pulse
Fashion retailers are feeling more pessimistic than the rest of the retail sector, according to a survey of leading executives
Hold on tight for a bumpy ride to 2011
The latest figures say retail sales will contract this year, so it will be vital for retailers to hang on to every customer and every pound they spend.
Ethics must stay high on the agenda
New Look chairman Phil Wrigley called on the industry to make a greater effort in terms of ethics at last week’s Drapers Fashion Summit 2008. Here is an extract from his speech
What’s in a name?
Despite arguments over their effectiveness, celebrity and designer tie-ups continue to generate sales for multiples.
Credit squeeze spooks suppliers
Brands and suppliers are facing a credit insurance crisis due to the banking meltdown. Will a supplier shake-out follow?
Quiet week at John Lewis sees fashion sales slip
Fashion sales slipped slightly at John Lewis last week as milder weather discouraged shoppers from buying knitwear however overall sales at the department store group remained flat.
Why the smart money is on a recovery for menswear
Menswear is often said to be the first area of fashion to feel the force of a recession and the last to return after it. If the aphorism is true, we can consider the recession good and buried. According to retail research firm Kantar Worldpanel, the total UK menswear market grew 2% in the 52 weeks to October 31, 2010.
Can fashion fix the cracks in China’s production line?
China topped the news agenda last week as Prime Minister David Cameron joined the biggest-ever British delegation to the country to forge a closer business relationship. But the Asian superpower was on the lips of those in the fashion business for an altogether different reason.
From value to luxury, there’s no escaping Osborne’s axe
Every sector of the industry will feel the knock-on effects of the Chancellor’s Spending Review.
Public cuts to hit North the hardest
Research into empty shop space has exposed a severe North-South divide and planned Government spending cuts are set to make it worse.
Streets ahead
Forget New York or Paris - when it comes to trend-driven, fast-paced and affordable high street fashion, London’s Oxford Street leads the way.
Larger women have plenty of plus points for retailers
Plus-size womenswear chain Evans emerged last week as the latest retailer gunning for a greater slice of the multi-billion pound plus-size sector, as Drapers revealed its plans to launch a branded young fashion offer.
Hopes of department store revival rest with own labels
Suggestions that the department store model is severely under threat have been quashed by an upsurge in innovation and activity in the sector.
Retailers back branded denim to beat the blues
If 2009 was a tough year for denim, 2010 has been tougher still, and women’s branded jeans in particular have taken a battering.
Workers can fight for their own rights
Audits of suppliers’ factories are failing to protect workers’ rights, so concerned retailers are looking to encourage the creation of trade unions to prevent exploitation
VAT rise puts retailers back to square one
After a year pegged back at 15%, VAT is due to return to 17.5% on January 1. What material impact will the increase have on retailers’ margins in 2010?
Weighing up the cost of Christmas
With consumer confidence at a low, pre-Christmas discounting was brutal last year. So with a recovery on the horizon, will the high street cut just as deeply again?
A changing playground for uniforms
Supermarkets have led a race to the bottom for low-cost school uniform offers, but what are the ramifications of this on the market and are shoppers the only winners?
Womenswear’s plus points
Evans’ tie-up with singer Beth Ditto shows how the plus-size womenswear market is targeting younger shoppers
A denim dust-up
Premium denim brands are investing in new product and strategies as they battle to differentiate themselves from the high street’s own-label offers which are gaining market share in the UK
We must invest in our future
An extract from House of Fraser chief executive John King’s speech to launch Skillsmart Retail’s Diploma in Retail Business
Crack the youth code to unlock the future
For the fashion sector, more than in many others, understanding how and where trends are generated is the key to unlocking profit.
Big Apple has its first taste of Topshop
At Topshop’s debut in New York last week, Drapers asked owner Sir Philip Green about his appetite for US success
Pressure on to push up prices
After years of deflation, prices on the high street are creeping up as the financial crisis bites
Retail embarks on a learning curve
A new skills academy aims to provide tailored retail training and make the sector a more attractive career option
Sales suffer under weight of discounts
Despite retailers’ best efforts to bolster their share of a shrinking market with heavy Christmas discounting, figures seen by Drapers suggest the price cuts didn’t pay off
No Irish luck for retailers
The 2.5% cut in UK VAT has dealt another blow to fashion retailers in the recession-hit Republic of Ireland. Can they discount their way out of trouble?
Shop around for a deal
Retailers could gain the upper hand in terms of rent negotiations if developers struggle to fill new shopping centres.
Westfield - London's retail showdown
The scrap for the capital’s retail spend will intensify when the massive Westfield London scheme opens.
The big energy switch off
Retailers are under increasing pressure to rethink their energy strategies as costs soar.
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Flying start for Bristol’s Cabot Circus
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Retailers go back to the classroom
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Retailers target gold in China
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Counting the cost
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M&S moves towards the margins
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Matalan’s face values
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House of Fraser raises the stakes in Belfast
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Ventura set to deliver an inside job
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Ethics tops the agenda for retailers
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Supply and demand for UK retail
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The Drapers Awards shortlist announced
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Team Europe fails to close the sales Gap
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Westfield London set for lift-off
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Trigger a production line of talent
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Cheap and cheerful
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George sets its sights on number one
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H&M unveils its design for dominance
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Crunch time for credit
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Warming to global expansion
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Rose's successors gather at the post
