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The Stores Defining a New Era of Multi-Brand Retail

As department stores and online giants struggle, a new generation of independent boutiques are carving out their own path for success. Often that means eschewing easy online sales, investing in brick-and-mortar offerings and taking a chance on emerging labels.
Inside Jamestown in Hudson, New York.
Inside Jamestown in Hudson, New York. (Jamestown)
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BoF PROFESSIONAL

When Laura Baker operated her own showroom for independent brands like Remi Relief, Han Kjobenhavn and Editions MR in the late 2000s, Barneys was often their biggest champion, placing large orders on young designers who had yet to prove they could turn buzz into sales.

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Further Reading

Searching for the Next Barneys

American luxury retail has changed, but customers are still hungry for the special feeling only an exceptional multi-brand store can offer. Can a crop of upstarts and a few savvy incumbents succeed where others have failed?

About the author
Cathaleen Chen
Cathaleen Chen

Cathaleen Chen is Retail Editor at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and drives BoF’s coverage of the retail and direct-to-consumer sectors.

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