Is now the time to launch a quality women's footwear factory in the UK?"Multiples news
M&S forecasts 3% rise in clothing prices
Marks & Spencer is likely to increase prices on its clothing by an average of 3% this autumn because of currency fluctuations.
Moss Bros moots hire tie-up with indies
Moss Bros has laid down the gauntlet to other high street chains to collaborate with independent retailers with plans to launch Moss Bros Hire departments in menswear indies across the country.
TK Maxx bolsters buying teams
Discount giant TJX Europe, the parent company of TK Maxx, has hired Etam managing director Pierre-Olivier Gaillard to head up its accessories division as part of a restructure of its head office buying team.
M&S sales improve
Marks & Spencer saw clothing sales rise 1.4% over the 13 week first quarter to June 27 but overall like-for-like-sales of general merchandise fell back 2.4%.
West End to capitalise on London Fashion Week fever
Fashion retailers in London’s West End will host a High Street Fashion Week in early September to promote shopping in the capital and take advantage of the build up to London Fashion Week.
The Drapers Interview
Brian Duffy
You’ve seen (and possibly bought) the Polo Ralph Lauren polo shirt. Now the brand’s European president wants the market to get acquainted with the relaunched Polo Jeans brand
Multiples analysis
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
Multiples shopwatch
Arnotts Project, Dublin
Arnotts’ new Project store in Dublin’s Jervis Shopping Centre, aimed at a younger shopper than its nearby flagship, is an inspired example of how to deal with an extra 80,000sq ft of unexpected retail space.
Explore multiples
Trend of the week
Block colour
Clashing brights are not just reserved for womenswear this season, as the high street sports plenty of colour panels in menswear collections too. T-shirts, fine-knit V-necks and longer-length cardigans all work well with this bold spring 09 trend.
Talking Business
Spooked into action by ghost town threat
While the situation portrayed in Mary Portas’s recent Save Our Shops TV show on the BBC is endemic in the UK and a serious problem, there are towns that are thriving despite the recession.
Multiples brandwatch
Gelco
Colourful separates and a bullish strategy have put a spring in the step of the womenswear brand
This Fashion Life
Tamsin Lejeune
Progress has been made but there’s still work to do, Ethical Fashion Forum founder Tamsin Lejeune tells Ana Santi
