Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

What Next for Mike Ashley’s Patchwork Retail Empire?

With Frasers Group recently ejected from the FTSE 100, cutting profit forecasts and founder Ashley thwarted in an attempt to join the board of the online retailer Boohoo, are there signs his disparate empire is beginning to creak?

Mike Ashley's Frasers Group owns Sports Direct and House of Fraser. (Shutterstock)

The Guardian

16 March 2025

The lush green fields, scattering of farm buildings and 12th-century splendour of nearby Coombe Abbey that surround the small village of Ansty in Warwickshire are a long way from the neon football boots, giant mugs and piles of tracksuit bottoms of

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Frasers Calls for Removal of Boohoo Director Mahmud Kamani

Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has called for the removal of Boohoo’s co-founder from its board, accusing him of poor governance and financial mismanagement, in a fresh conflict between the two retail magnates.

Boohoo Rejects Criticism From Frasers Group as ‘Inaccurate and Unfair’

Boohoo has criticised Frasers Group’s attempt to install founder Mike Ashley as CEO, defending its debt refinancing strategy and emphasising the need for careful governance in leadership decisions.

Mike Ashley’s Frasers Pulls Bid for Handbag Maker Mulberry

The decision comes after Mulberry turned down Frasers’ latest bid of 150 pence per share Tuesday.

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Can Lake Translate Success in Sleepwear Outside the Bedroom?

The Savannah, Ga.-based pajama brand has developed a devoted following for its super-soft pyjamas. With their first daywear collection, they’re hoping that loyalty will apply in a much more competitive category

Is Quince Really Worth $10 Billion?

From $50 cashmere to Dom Pérignon champagne, the everything store for the aspirationally bougie is outrunning the ghosts of DTC past.

Why Strong Retail Sales Aren’t Leading to More Retail Jobs

A disappointing US employment report surprised economists and investors, but was old news for the apparel sector, where the labour market has stagnated for years.

BoF Masterclass | The State of Fashion 2026

Join us on Tuesday, March 17 at 15:00 GMT / 10:00 EST for the next BoF Professional Masterclass on The State of Fashion 2026.

Bondholders Approve Saks Global’s Five-Year Business Plan

Saks is moving towards exiting bankruptcy and tapped an additional $300 million of its Chapter 11 financing package.

Luxury Stocks Face Most Bearish Sentiment in Years, UBS Says

War in the Middle East, the luxury industry’s fastest-growing market, threatens to delay a long-expected rebound in demand.

What Stops Beauty Shoppers From Buying More

Beauty brands must rethink upselling with smarter value plays, from curated bundles to jumbo sizes and subscriptions, to keep their customers from switching to the competition.

Underdays and Foundrae Are Hiring on BoF Careers

Check out this week’s new partner and job openings on BoF Careers, the global marketplace for fashion and beauty talent.

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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

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