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Editor’s Comment: Double tariff trouble for British fashion
British fashion retail has been dealt a double dose of bad news in recent days.
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The UK fashion retail sector has faced several years of upheaval – the continued rise of ecommerce, momentous store closures, and declining profits – and the industry has had to adapt at a much faster rate than ever before to remain relevant and weather the storm.
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Retail
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Mint Velvet: the making of a £100m brand
As Mint Velvet celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, co-founder and CEO Liz Houghton has big plans for growth with the support of its new owner.
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The UK fashion retail sector has faced several years of upheaval – the continued rise of ecommerce, momentous store closures, and declining profits – and the industry has had to adapt at a much faster rate than ever before to remain relevant and weather the storm.
Book your ticket
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Product & Trade Shows
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Chloe Burch's fashionable family affair
Chloe Burch, along with sister Neely, aim to produce affordable yet aspirational fashion.
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Business Operations
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The magic of merch for fashion retailers
Drapers explores why retailers and brands are jumping on the bandwagon for merchandise from musicians, TV shows and films
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The UK fashion retail sector has faced several years of upheaval – the continued rise of ecommerce, momentous store closures, and declining profits – and the industry has had to adapt at a much faster rate than ever before to remain relevant and weather the storm.
Book your ticket
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People
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Mint Velvet: the making of a £100m brand
As Mint Velvet celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, co-founder and CEO Liz Houghton has big plans for growth with the support of its new owner.
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Drapers Fashion Forum 2019
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The magic of merch for fashion retailers Subscription
Drapers explores why retailers and brands are jumping on the bandwagon for merchandise from musicians, TV shows and films
Fashion sales break negative streakSubscription
Exclusive: White Stuff announces first pop-upSubscription
Four injured in Manchester Arndale stabbingsSubscription
This week's need-to-know people movesSubscription
LK Bennett founding store to shutSubscription
Drapers independent survey deadline extendedSubscription
Guest designer announced for Pitti Uomo Subscription
Monki trials social shopping Subscription
Quiz battles tough retail climateSubscription
Pure London launches athleisure zoneSubscription
Khaadi closes stores in pre-packSubscription
'Fair' tax proposed for etailersSubscription
Digitally focused N Brown back in the black Subscription
Debenhams reveals Eastbourne store closure dateSubscription
Debenhams secures new cash injectionSubscription
News analysis
The Drapers Interview
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The buyers' verdict: spring 20 women's catwalksSubscription
Industry-leading buyers analyse the spring 20 womenswear catwalks, revealing their stand-out collections and top buys for the season.
Under pressure: how fashion is harming mental healthSubscription
World Mental Health Day shines a spotlight once more on the intense pressure the fashion industry places on people working in it.
Fashion's post-Brexit funding conundrum Subscription
As Brexit leaves a question mark over European funding for universities and young fashion businesses, Drapers asks how the landscape is changing and what the shift means for upcoming talent in the industry.
The new champions of UK textilesSubscription
Now in its fifth year, the Prince’s Foundation’s Future Textiles initiative is ramping up efforts to attract a new generation into the British textile industry, while ensuring sustainable practices are embedded from the start.
Bags of desire: new directions for accessoriesSubscription
From the rise of soft pouches to the death of minuscule accessories, Drapers assesses the main trends shaping the new directions in the bags market.
Top 10 trends of Paris Fashion Week spring 20Subscription
The womenswear catwalk season drew to a close this week in Paris, where designers evolved established trends and offered up new directions for spring 20.
Latest developments in sustainable store designSubscription
From responsibly sourced materials to in-store recycling schemes, stores offer brands and retailers the opportunity to make their environmental efforts concrete.
How John Lewis and Folk created a new sustainable lineSubscription
A new tie-up with John Lewis & Partners has allowed contemporary brand Folk to produce its most sustainable collection to date.
Guide to Growth: Your questions answered Subscription
Our new portal focuses on answering the questions brands and retailers want answered.
How to achieve growth in a difficult climate Subscription
Editor’s Comment: Double tariff trouble for British fashionSubscription
British fashion retail has been dealt a double dose of bad news in recent days.
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Editor’s Comment: Double tariff trouble for British fashion
British fashion retail has been dealt a double dose of bad news in recent days.
Editor’s Comment: the Karen Millen store cull was hard to watch
It was a sad moment walking past the closing Karen Millen store on the corner of Regent Street and Princes Street in central London last week.
Retailer Insight: Andrew Jennings on how to remain relevant
Retail has never been this fast and it will never be this slow again, writes Andrew Jennings, senior retail executive, author of Almost Is Not Good Enough and former boss of House of Fraser, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods.
Editor’s Comment: Facing the pressure of the fast fashion world
The high-stress world of fast fashion was laid bare last week in the first episode of a six-part BBC Three documentary on womenswear etailer In The Style.
Comment: Première Vision sets edgy autumn agenda
Sustainable innovations and Brexit were the top talking points at the autumn 20 edition of Paris textiles trade show Première Vision, as fabrics veered towards the dark and shimmering.
London Fashion Week: the Drapers verdict
International buyers flock to London’s womenswear designers for a balance between creativity and commerciality.
Retailer Insight: How China became a key market for Radley
When Radley was bought by private equity firm Bregal Freshstream in 2016, the business was well-established in the UK, but under-represented internationally, writes CEO Justin Stead.
Editor’s Comment: Brexit déjà vu at London Fashion Week
Yet again we find ourselves in the strange position of celebrating London as an international stage for British design talent, less than two months before the UK leaves the European Union.
Industry Comment: Collaborate to overcome fashion's new challenges
New skills and collaboration are vital for fashion SMEs, writes Judith Tolley, head of creative business incubator the Centre for Fashion Enterprise, as it opens its new business hub
Editor's Comment: There's fight left in our independent retailers
Judging for the Drapers Independents Awards is always a lively debate, and one that reassures me that it’s not all doom and gloom on the high street – there is so much innovation and success to celebrate.
Editor's Comment: Panic autumn Sales cause lasting damage
Widespread discounting on autumn stock before the summer has even come to an end has, worryingly, become common practice for many UK fashion retailers – and has potentially damaging implications.
Comment: Apprenticeships have the power to transform fashion
Creative and technical skills are vital for a thriving UK fashion and textiles industry, but skills shortages and risks to the talent pipeline are among the most urgent challenges facing the sector, writes John West, director of skills and training at the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT).
Industry comment: We need to be bold after Brexit
Agility, courage and determination will let businesses prosper after Brexit, despite the challenges, writes Lucy Reece-Raybould, CEO of the British Footwear Association.
Editor's Comment: Online profitability is a long game
Consumers are embracing online shopping, which requires fashion retailers to invest heavily in developing ecommerce – but an increasing number are questioning the return on that investment.
Editor's Comment: A pleasure and a privilege
When I joined Drapers in June 2005, I could not have imagined the challenges and opportunities the next 14 years would bring.
Retailer Insight: Breathe some lifestyle into footwear retail
Brands and retailers need to widen their view and delight their customers to remain successful, writes Gerard Levy, owner of independent footwear retailer Spice London and footwear agency Gil Agencies.
Editor's Comment: Still a lot to be proud of on the high street
This week Drapers celebrates an incredible 132 years. Looking back at the industry over that time there have been huge changes and challenges to overcome but there has also been plenty to celebrate.
Comment: Putting the preppy pep back into Jack Wills
Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct has acquired lifestyle retailer Jack Wills for £12.8m. What will it take to revive the flagging business?
Editor's Comment: HoF won't survive without strong supplier relationships
To say it has been a turbulent week for Sports Direct Group is an understatement.
Comment: Quality of buyers makes up for quantity at Jacket Required
In the sweltering heat of one of London’s hottest days of the year, the spring 20 edition of menswear trade show Jacket Required was judged by exhibitors and buyers alike to be relatively quiet.
Editor's Comment: Industry support must be Johnson's top priority
Consumer confidence is low, the high street is in the midst of one of its most challenging periods yet, Brexit is imminent, and the UK has a new prime minister, Boris Johnson.
Comment: Steady spring 20 at Pure London and Scoop
The spring 20 editions of UK trade shows Pure London and Scoop, which ran concurrently in London on 21-23 July, got off to a sunny yet slow start on Sunday, although both shows picked up across the three days.
Editor’s Comment: Make high streets local focal destinations
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the high street is not dead.
Comment: What does Asos's fall from grace tell us?
In the wake of Asos’s second profit warning in seven months, Stephen Springham, head of retail research at property consultancy Knight Frank argues that ecommerce is not a golden ticket to success.
Spotted: why Zara’s dotty dress went viral
It’s summer’s dress sensation – but why has Zara’s polka-dot maxi-dress taken the high street by storm?
Editor’s Comment: Retail visionary Arthur Ryan never forgot his roots
The industry is saddened this week by the loss of retail stalwart, Arthur Ryan, who has died aged 83. My thoughts go to all of his family, friends and colleagues.
Editor's Comment: Get the basics right – and then take a leap
Lately, not a week goes by without the mention of a CVA and this week is no exception – the latest being high street footwear staple Office, which has appointed restructuring advisers to assess its financial position amid “tough trading conditions”.
Editor's Comment: Footwear's finest step up to market challenges
When market conditions are tough, it is never more important to take time to celebrate the achievements, innovations and businesses pushing forward through turbulent waters.
Comment: The use of CVAs needs greater scrutiny
Company voluntary arrangements must be bound by stricter rules, says Ed Cooke, chief executive of commercial property body Revo.
Editor's Comment: 'Out of touch' government is failing industry and customers
The fashion industry contributes more than £32 billion to the UK economy, yet, once again, calls for support from the government have gone unheeded.
Givenchy’s Florentine takeover
As the sun set over the plush Florentine hills, the Pitti crowds made their way to the luxurious Villa Palmieri for British designer Clare Waight Keller’s first standalone menswear show at the helm of French fashion house Givenchy.
'CVAs are unexploded bombs for indies'
Large retailers entering into CVAs can have an unfair and heavy impact on independent retailers, says Martin Brighty, owner of central London menswear independent Peckham Rye.
Comment: Fresh perspective is just what John Lewis needs
The incoming chairman of John Lewis Partnership is certainly a leftfield choice.
Comment: Finding the future at London Fashion Week Men's
The spring 20 edition of London Fashion Week Men’s (LFWM), which took place on 7-10 June, officially kicked off the new menswear buying season with a strong and steady edition that focused the spotlight on fashion’s future.
Editor's Comment: Brands reboot for the new buying season
Product will always sit at the heart of any fashion business. As we move into June and the new buying season kicks off with London Fashion Week Mens and menswear trade show Pitti Uomo in Florence, retailers will be looking at how their new-season collections can offer something unique to drive customers in store and online.
Comment: Why my agency picks brands with no online presence
Sales director at independent fashion and distribution agency MDA International, Hannah Jordan, explains why the company chooses to work with independent brands that do not have an online presence.
Comment: Strategy refresh is just what Asos needs
Asos is one of many retailers that admits it has tightened its returns policy, as figures reveal that 26% of brands have recorded an increase in returns over the last two years.
Editor's Comment: Hard lessons for the once-mighty Arcadia
Arcadia was once the most powerful player on the high street.
Comment: What Arcadia is lacking on the high street
As Arcadia seeks to close stores in the UK and the US, Drapers assess the strengths and weaknesses of the high street heavy weight’s fascias.
Digital innovation lies at the heart of successful strategies
The growth of online sales continues to transform the fashion industry, and digital innovation has become a key driver of many success stories.
Comment: Building bridges with Africa's textile industry after Brexit
African fashion sourcing consultant and founder of the social enterprise Africa Fashion Guide, Jacqueline Shaw, discusses the Brexit effect and how a UK alliance with Africa could positively affect the fashion industry.
Comment: Retail disruption by 'Airbnb of fashion'
Combining the promise of rental with the popularity of resale, new peer-to-peer lending sites could be fashion’s next disruptor.
Comment: Fashion – the industry that never sleeps
Sales agent Diane Sykes discusses the fashion industry’s culture of “always on, never off”, FOMO and the perpetual working day.
Retailer Insight: independents must adapt to survive
As premium womenswear independent Pamela Shiffer celebrates its 30th anniversary, the owner of the eponymous store based in Primrose Hill, north London, says retailers have to keep changing their approach to satisfy shoppers.
Comment: Small businesses can rejuvenate the high street
Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday, believes building communities around small businesses can save the high street.
Editor's Comment: Thriving brands connect with their customers
Lord Rose famously said, “the customer is no longer king – they are masters of the universe” and never is that truer than in today’s market.
Comment: Why STEM roles are right for retail
Lee Lucas, principal of the Fashion Retail Academy, explains why retail leaders of the future will need to blend creativity with tech know-how.
Retailer Insight: Making sense of declining wholesale relationships
Elizabeth Hanley, owner of independent store Magpie’s Nest in Stalybridge, Cheshire, explains how she has identified a significant shift in wholesale relationships and brand loyalty.
Comment: Safety in Bangladesh is a joint responsibility
Today marks six years since the Rana Plaza tragedy. Mostafiz Uddin, managing director of Bangladeshi manufacturer Denim Expert, examines the progress that has been made.
Comment: Sustainability is gathering momentum – what are your views?
Last Wednesday evening, John Lewis celebrated the launch of the new festival-themed rooftop experience at its Oxford Street flagship, where guests were presented with an array of eco-friendly sunglasses from eyewear brand Parafina.
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Drapers and Klarna launch Next Generation Entrepreneurs
Our new report lists the founders challenging the status quo.
How to achieve growth in a difficult climate
Our new report, Growth in a Changing Economy, explores how fashion brands and retailers can achieve growth in an uncertain climate.
Guide to Growth: Your questions answered
Our new portal focuses on answering the questions brands and retailers want answered.
Mapping the multichannel customer journey: Connected Consumer 2019
The Connected Consumer – Drapers’ multichannel customer insight report – shines a light on how fashion shoppers are using mobile, social and store shopping.
How sustainability is changing the fashion economy
Drapers has collaborated with Raconteur on a new report, the Fashion Economy, published in The Times today.
Webcast: Increasing profitability with automation
Our webcast explored how brands are using analytics and automation to increase profit.
Gen Z and Millennials
Between them, Generation Z and millennials – broadly, shoppers in their late teens, twenties and thirties – attract endless attention, and represent fashion’s consumers of both the present and future.
Five ways AI is working for fashion retailers
It’s not just a buzzword – artificial intelligence is changing how retailers do business in tangible ways. In our new report, we speak to some of the retailers using the technology about how AI is changing things for them.
Drapers multichannel trends report 2019
Drapers’ multichannel trends report explores the most important trends in cross channel retail this year. Download it here for interviews with River Island, M&S, Mango and more.
If you entered fashion to be creative, don't fear automation
Until recently, technology and fashion and may not have seemed natural bedfellows, and yet today, from design to marketing, from production to distribution, technology is influencing every facet of our industry.
What sold well online over Christmas 2018?
Drapers, in partnership with Ebay, provides a quarterly snapshot of data on online fashion retail’s KPIs and trends.
Coming up: Drapers multichannel roundtable
Drapers’ multichannel breakfast will explore how the cross-channel mix is evolving in fashion in 2019.
Webinar: Lessons from Christmas 2018
Drapers’ webinar explores key lessons and insights from Christmas 2018.
Drapers Guide: Customer Reviews
How customer reviews are changing fashion, and our step by step guide to making the most of them.
Personalisation for anonymous shoppers
Most of the visitors to a retailer’s website are anonymous. How can the experience be tailored to them without knowing who they are?
The opportunities of off-price fashion
As sustainability - and squeezed margins - continue to put pressure on retailers to improve management of excess stock, off-price fashion has become a hot topic. Drapers’ new report explores its opportunities.
The new rules of digital customer experience
What does the ideal digital customer experience look like today, and who are the retailers leading the way?
What Nike, Asos and Everlane have in common
Join us for a live briefing on what makes a great digital experience, and hear who’s getting it right.
Webinar: The future of data in online retail
Retailers are starting to learn more about their shoppers based on their online behaviour - something that is becoming more important in a post-GDPR world.
Where automation can help
Our new report pinpoints the parts of the customer journey that technology is improving.
Facing fashion's sustainable challenge
Sustainability in fashion is the hot topic of the moment, and was the subject of discussion at Drapers’ latest roundtable.
Mastering mobile as the 2018 peak approaches
The 2018 retail peak is nearly upon us, and mobile will be playing a more important role than ever.
Webinar: Next-generation digital marketing
How are retailers’ email strategies evolving?
Customer insight: How fashion’s multichannel consumers are evolving
Our annual survey of fashion shoppers provides in-depth insight into what shoppers want in a multichannel retail world.
Ecommerce Snapshot: Fashion's Q3 online performance
The Drapers Ecommerce Snapshot gives a comprehensive overview of fashion’s digital performance over the last quarter.
Building a continuous customer view
The single customer view is at the forefront of retailers’ minds, but GDPR and continuing customer concerns about privacy mean it is no easy win
Video: How 3D software is impacting design
Fashion retailers gathered at the Soho Hotel in June to discuss how 3D fashion is changing the industry.
Instagram's new tools for fashion retailers
In partnership with Instagram, Drapers explores the platform’s range of recent new tools - including the launch of IGTV last month - and how they are boosting consumer engagement.
Solving fashion's sustainability problem
Fashion is one of the world’s most polluting industries.
Digital snapshot: Fashion's Q2 online performance
The Drapers Ecommerce Snapshot gives a comprehensive overview of fashion’s digital performance over the last quarter.
