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News
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The CBD buzz: a new high point for fashion retailers?
CBD is the current buzzword of the beauty and well-being industries, but can fashion benefit?
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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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Birkenstock strides beyond the comfort zone
Oliver Reichert, CEO of heritage footwear brand Birkenstock, tells Drapers why it is broadening its product offer, entering new categories and expanding into new markets
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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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Product & Trade Shows
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Cult mule shoes and important instincts with Malone Souliers
Mary Alice Malone, founder of footwear brand Malone Souliers, has created a luxe success with her elegant, architectural designs.
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Business Operations
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Time to celebrate: birthday brands weather the storm
Drapers marks its 132nd anniversary this week, and we’re not the only ones celebrating.
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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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Birkenstock strides beyond the comfort zone
Oliver Reichert, CEO of heritage footwear brand Birkenstock, tells Drapers why it is broadening its product offer, entering new categories and expanding into new markets
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Living the Hush lifeSubscription
Womenswear brand Hush has gained a devoted following by telling a brand story beyond its relaxed clothing offer
Indies expect bumper bank holiday salesSubscription
Laura Ashley eyes younger marketSubscription
Online clothing sales ‘disappoint’ in JulySubscription
Li & Fung swings back into profitSubscription
Shop Direct offers £600,000 for charity projectSubscription
Beth Butterwick departs from Karen Millen Subscription
Ted Baker finance boss heads to MulberrySubscription
Laura Ashley profits collapseSubscription
Prices warning on no-deal BrexitSubscription
Further redundancies at Karen MillenSubscription
Office to shut up to 15 storesSubscription
Profits slump at Urban OutfittersSubscription
Hammerson hires new CFOSubscription
Revenue up at Global Fashion Group Subscription
News analysis
The Drapers Interview
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Birmingham's burgeoning retail sceneVideoSubscription
It is the country’s second city, but is Birmingham the right location for retail expansion? Drapers takes a trip
Entering the sophisticated and stable German marketSubscription
With sophisticated, innovative and super-demanding consumers, the German retail market requires innovation from brands and retailers alike.
Drapers Investigates: the true cost of online retailSubscription
Drapers investigates the real costs of running an online operation for fashion retailers, and analyses what steps retailers can take to make the most of this fast-growing route to market.
Retail rents: the race to the bottomSubscription
Retailers are demanding rent cuts in the wake of an avalanche of company voluntary arrangements. But the long-term effect may be to undermine investment in retail property.
The brands Down Under: Aussie names to knowSubscription
Australian fashion labels are stretching their reach internationally and making an impact in the UK market.
Buying Guide: spring 20's sweet footwear selectionSubscription
Drapers brings you the latest update on the footwear market with our essential buying guide for the new season.
Buying Guide: women's footwear pick-and-mix trendsSubscription
From soft pastels to acid brights and chunky sandals to cowboy boots, cover all women’s footwear bases for sping 20.
Buying Guide: make a splash with men’s footwearSubscription
Drapers’ edit of the new styles, fresh colourways and key trends to know in men’s footwear for spring 20.
The CBD buzz: a new high point for fashion retailers?Subscription
CBD is the current buzzword of the beauty and well-being industries, but can fashion benefit?
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The Drapers Quiz
Job of the week
Drapers branded fashion content section Brand Showcase brings you the collections you can't afford to miss
Carmel: a one-stop global solutionSubscription
Sorona: sustainability and performance without sacrificeVideoSubscription
Rudholm cares with greener, cleaner accessoriesSubscription
Drapers' Industry Insight brings you the latest supplier and technological developments that you can't afford to miss
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Coming up: Drapers' features and specials 2019Subscription
Upcoming features and specials in Drapers magazine for the coming quarter
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The CBD buzz: a new high point for fashion retailers?
CBD is the current buzzword of the beauty and well-being industries, but can fashion benefit?
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.
Editor's Comment: A tale of two store strategies
In the midst of several high-profile company voluntary arrangements (CVAs), retailers are fighting to prove that evolution is the key to survival – particularly when it comes to the high street.
Comment: Understanding the evolution of luxury
Luxury is not just about a hefty price tag any more – so what does the word mean for today’s fashion industry?
Comment: It is time for retailers to be bold
Retailers must take control to survive a perpetually postponed Brexit, says Mary Anderson-Ford, managing director of merchandising recruitment specialist Aqua Retail.
Comment: Death by design for Coal Drops Yard
The King’s Cross retail destination had a great vision – but may have overlooked customer appeal.
Comment: What does fashion’s gender pay gap data actually tell us?
Thousands of UK companies – including 139 fashion, footwear and accessories brands and retailers – have filed their gender pay gap figures for 2018/19, shining a spotlight on the issue of gender equality in the workplace.
Editor's Comment: Debenhams must act to head off demise
The UK high street took another hit this week as Debenhams entered a pre-pack administration and its lenders took control.
BRC: A perfect Brexit is no longer an option
The government must compromise to deliver Brexit and give retailers much-needed clarity, says Mat Morris, external affairs adviser on Brexit for the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Richard Hyman: Yesterday's assets are today's liabilities
Traditional signs of retail strength – such as a large store portfolio – can now be weaknesses, says retail analyst Richard Hyman.
Comment: Brexit deadlock is a disaster for business
Planning for Brexit is like to trying to pack for a holiday with no idea of where you’re going, the method of travel or even what factor of sunscreen you’ll need.
Comment: Nigel Oddy brings operational gravitas to New Look
Over the past few years, there have been a number of unexpected appointments to the top rungs of traditional fashion retailers, as they have sought to break away from accepted thinking.
Editor's Comment: Fashion faces up to its sustainable future
Sustainability has been a key theme in the fashion industry over the last 12 months but hosting the first ever Drapers Sustainable Fashion event last week highlighted how widespread the ambition is for fashion businesses to move towards a greener future.
Visual search to AI: 2019’s biggest multichannel trends
Long-term success in fashion depends on brands’ ability to adapt to broad, structural changes in the way consumers want to shop.
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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 upcoming webcast will delve into 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.
Luxury's Digital Revolution
Despite the success of early trailblazers such as Net-A-Porter and Farfetch, the luxury sector has lagged behind the rest of fashion world when it comes to adapting to a digital future.
Taking the supply chain digital
3D sampling is here, and it is transforming the way companies design, develop and produce fashion.
Webinar: Why RFID is gaining momentum in fashion
Earlier this month Drapers hosted a live discussion with SML and Zebra on how – and why – fashion retailers are adopting RFID at an accelerating rate.
Making multichannel fashion fast, instant and seamless
Fashion consumers today want fast, easy and seamless. Drapers’ report on the growth of instant fashion explores how retailers should respond to this in a multichannel era.
