Author: Diksha Gurung

Nike has made an official announcement of their first-ever UK retail partnership with JD Sports Fashion Plc as part of their Connected Programme. JD Sports is a British retailer of sports, fashion, and outdoor wear and has been a major name in the industry since its inception in 1983. What is the Connected Programme? Nike’s Connected Programme is a transformative integrated loyalty programme initiative launched by the sports giant last year in the United States with Dick’s Sporting Goods. The programme allows its members to access “member exclusive products” like select products, experiences and offers. It’s an integrated rewards programme…

Puma recently launched its first-ever storytelling and product development platform led by a team of Black designers called We are Legends.   The brand in their press release said that the collection is Puma’s way to pay respect to the Black creatives’ innovative and groundbreaking impact on cultural progression, globally, and they hope to empower and magnify the voices of “our legends” in the Black community. Puma’s Footwear merchandising manager and head of B-Bold employee resource group, Ariel Weeks explained the intention behind the platform,  “Often when we celebrate Black culture, we look to the past. However, our collective wanted to…

In yet another news of management change, Burberry’s chief creative officer since  2018 is set to be replaced by Daniel Lee. The shocking news however failed to shock anyone as rumours of the news were flying around ever since Jonathan Akeroyd was appointed the new CEO only 6 months ago. Last week the brand also announced the departure of Julia Brown, chief financial and chief operating officer.  Lee has previously proved to be quite a success at Bottega Veneta and was also the Director of RTW design at Celine in 2012. He has also worked with other big fashion houses…

Only days after Kwasi Kwarteng, finance minister of the UK announced the reintroduction of VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors; retailers have expressed their displeasure with the time it will take for the scheme to be implemented. Big names in the UK retail industry like outlet mall Bicester Village, at the Heathrow Airport, and many West End businesses aim to persuade ministers to fast-track the plans so they’re in place in time for the King’s coronation in 2024. The VAT-free scheme was earlier scrapped back in 2021 with Britain’s “Brexit” but is now being reintroduced in order to cope with rising…

Esteé Lauder Companies has formed a partnership with the French fashion house, Balmain to launch “Balmain Beauty” in the fall of 2024.  The beauty line is a combined effort of the conglomerate and fashion house to “develop, produce, and distribute an innovative line of beauty products that will speak to luxury consumers around the world.” The goal is to revolutionise the industry of couture and luxury beauty using tools like exceptional design, singular craftsmanship, and a commitment to innovate the world of beauty. Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of Balmain since 2011, explained this collaboration in detail, “For over 10…

Prada gave everyone a terrible fright at their Milan Fashion Week show, this week,  as their models were seen walking the ramp with slit skirts made of torn fabrics and unchecked creases and folds left on garments.

Julia Brown, Burberry’s chief financial and chief operating officer, will be stepping down from her posts on 1 April 2024, the end of the financial year.  Brown’s departure from the brand is a result of her desire to pursue opportunities “outside of the luxury industry.”  Burberry has already started looking for someone to take her place.  Not the Best Move for Burberry? Her exit is not being taken well by industry experts. Burberry’s share price is already down by nearly 4% percent. “The CFO departure at this point seems like an outright setback,” Bernstein analyst Luca Sola wrote in a…

Kwasi Kwarteng, finance minister of the UK presented the mini-budget on Friday and also announced the reintroduction of VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors.  The sales tax-free shopping has been brought back after being terminated in 2020 to encourage growth in the retail sector and help tolerate the rising inflation on the high street. “Britain welcomes millions of tourists every year, and I want our high streets and airports, our ports and our shopping centres, to feel the economic benefit. So we have decided to introduce VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors,” Kwarteng said as he announced the move in the parliament. …

The French-American beauty company, Coty, has revealed that they plan to achieve skincare sales of 500-600 million USD in a period of the next three years.  The brand plans to do so by shifting focus on prestige brands like Lancaster, Orveda, philosophy, Kylie Skin, and SKKN by Kim.  “Coty’s skincare portfolio is one of the most exciting growth areas in our business, with revenues on track to double to $500 million to $600 million by FY25. Our strategy is underpinned by world-recognized brands serving key white-space opportunities and consumer needs, 75 years of scientific innovation and leadership, superior patents and…

Mukesh Ambani’s conglomerate  Reliance Retail is reportedly planning to launch a fast fashion store chain to compete directly with global fast fashion giants Zara and H&M in India. This new format for apparel and accessories store chain is said to be called Regalia and Reliance will initially start by opening up 6 stores.  “International brands have the advantage of a certain cachet, which has allowed them to gain disproportionate visibility,” Devangshu Dutta commented. Dutta is the founder and CEO of Third Eyesight, a retail consulting firm. He also added that despite the monopoly of international brands, the market can certainly…