Shearling jackets will be the outerwear trend of the season"Analysis
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?
Flying start for Bristol’s Cabot Circus
With the UK economy on a tightrope, the 150 stores in Bristol’s new mall are confident the scheme is on a surer footing.
Retailers go back to the classroom
With the 85th Oxford Summer School held last week, businesses explain why investing in skills is crucial when times are tough.
Retailers target gold in China
With Sir Philip Green rumoured to be taking Topshop to China, what are the prospects for UK chains in Asia?
Counting the cost
How will Primark be affected by the BBC’s child labour exposé? Drapers commissioned an exclusive ICM poll to find out.
M&S moves towards the margins
The strategy to push better and best sales is the right one for Marks & Spencer, but how easy will it be to execute?
Matalan’s face values
As some value retailers struggle to survive, Matalan is hoping to win a bigger slice of the market with a £20m store makeover will help it win a bigger share of the market.
House of Fraser raises the stakes in Belfast
House of Fraser opened its first premium concept store in Belfast last week, as part of its new upmarket positioning.
Ventura set to deliver an inside job
Third-party retailers are now being offered the services and know-how of the Next-backed distribution business.
Ethics tops the agenda for retailers
It seems ethical clothing is not just a passing fad, with retailers now investing more to give themselves a cleaner conscience.
Supply and demand for UK retail
Suppliers are springing up as the new saviours of struggling retailers. But can they translate their manufacturing skills and take their product direct to the UK high street?
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.
The Drapers Awards shortlist announced
As Drapers unveils the shortlist for its annual awards this week, retailers explain the benefits of holding up a trophy and how it has boosted their business.
Team Europe fails to close the sales Gap
After scrapping its European design team after just two years, Gap’s strategy is back in the spotlight as it returns to classic US product in a bid to turnaround its fortunes.
Westfield London set for lift-off
Developer Westfield is confident its White City scheme will not just open on time, but will also prove to be a long-term success.
Trigger a production line of talent
Some of the UK’s top retailers highlighted the importance of staff recruitment and retention at last week’s BRC conference.
Cheap and cheerful
The economic slump is proving to be a blessing for branded discount chains, as shoppers seek quality product at low prices.
George sets its sights on number one
Anthony Thompson, the new managing director of George at Asda, has ambitious growth targets for the next three years.
H&M unveils its design for dominance
H&M has thrown down the gauntlet to its value competitors with its new statement store on London’s Regent Street.
Crunch time for credit
As consumer spending dives on the back of the credit squeeze, wholesalers and suppliers are also starting to feel the pinch.
Warming to global expansion
After turbulent times in the UK market, many high street retailers are looking overseas for growth opportunities. But international success is by no means guaranteed.
Rose's successors gather at the post
As Marks & Spencer boss Stuart Rose unveils his new senior team, what does this succession planning mean for the future leadership of M&S?
