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Retail

Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.

The Best of BoF 2025: What People Bought in 2025

From over-the-top accessories to slimmed-down shoes, consumers’ 2025 purchasing habits were driven by a desire for individuality.

The Best of BoF 2025: What People Bought in 2025

From over-the-top accessories to slimmed-down shoes, consumers’ 2025 purchasing habits were driven by a desire for individuality.


Shoppers Shun UK High Streets Despite Lure of Boxing Day Sales

Central London recorded a 7.7 percent decline in visitors compared with a year earlier.

Shoppers Shun UK High Streets Despite Lure of Boxing Day Sales

Central London recorded a 7.7 percent decline in visitors compared with a year earlier.


The Best of BoF 2025: Chaos, Tariffs — and Opportunity

Tariffs, bankruptcies and a botched department store merger exposed deep fault lines across the industry, but amid the turmoil, nimble brands and retailers found ways to gain ground.

The Best of BoF 2025: Chaos, Tariffs — and Opportunity

Tariffs, bankruptcies and a botched department store merger exposed deep fault lines across the industry, but amid the turmoil, nimble brands and retailers found ways to gain ground.


Shein’s Global Ambitions Survive French Store Uproar

Almost two months after its doors opened, efforts to resist the fast-fashion retailer in France are falling flat.

Shein’s Global Ambitions Survive French Store Uproar

Almost two months after its doors opened, efforts to resist the fast-fashion retailer in France are falling flat.


Fashion’s Hottest New Sales Strategy Is One of Its Oldest

As wholesale continues to be challenged and marketing costs soar, trunk shows are fuelling sales — that is, for brands that know how to get in front of the right people.

Fashion’s Hottest New Sales Strategy Is One of Its Oldest

As wholesale continues to be challenged and marketing costs soar, trunk shows are fuelling sales — that is, for brands that know how to get in front of the right people.


This Week: One Last Push for Holiday Sales

Retailers are hoping to make the most of surprisingly strong consumer spending as the crucial end-of-year shopping season draws to a close.

This Week: One Last Push for Holiday Sales

Retailers are hoping to make the most of surprisingly strong consumer spending as the crucial end-of-year shopping season draws to a close.


Can the Multibrand Fiasco Be Salvaged in 2026?

Matches is plotting yet another reboot, Ssense has a restructuring lifeline and an interest payment looms for Saks. Together, they signal an industry in crisis, but hope springs eternal.

Can the Multibrand Fiasco Be Salvaged in 2026?

Matches is plotting yet another reboot, Ssense has a restructuring lifeline and an interest payment looms for Saks. Together, they signal an industry in crisis, but hope springs eternal.


US Consumer Prices Increase Less Than Expected in November

The consumer price index rose 2.7 percent year on year in November, the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Thursday.

US Consumer Prices Increase Less Than Expected in November

The consumer price index rose 2.7 percent year on year in November, the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Thursday.


Pop Mart’s 40% Stock Rout Shows Growing Labubu Crash Worry

A disappointing US Black Friday and cooling resale demand have revived comparisons to the 1990s’ Beanie Babies bust.

Pop Mart’s 40% Stock Rout Shows Growing Labubu Crash Worry

A disappointing US Black Friday and cooling resale demand have revived comparisons to the 1990s’ Beanie Babies bust.


Fashion Needs a New Growth Playbook

Companies will need to unlock new efficiencies to drive growth, as levers brands long relied on such as scale and low-cost sourcing are no longer sufficient, says the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.

Fashion Needs a New Growth Playbook

Companies will need to unlock new efficiencies to drive growth, as levers brands long relied on such as scale and low-cost sourcing are no longer sufficient, says the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.


Executive Memo | How to Cut Costs While Investing for the Future

Fashion is facing a crunch as consumers grow more cautious and the full impact of tariffs comes into view. Brands and retailers need to cut their expenses, but they can’t stop investing towards the future if they want to win in the long-term.

Executive Memo | How to Cut Costs While Investing for the Future

Fashion is facing a crunch as consumers grow more cautious and the full impact of tariffs comes into view. Brands and retailers need to cut their expenses, but they can’t stop investing towards the future if they want to win in the long-term.


Why Lululemon’s CEO Is Stepping Down

Slowing growth, rising costs and a loud campaign from its outspoken founder set the stage for Calvin McDonald’s exit. It may be the athleisure giant’s best hope to regain its cultural momentum.

Why Lululemon’s CEO Is Stepping Down

Slowing growth, rising costs and a loud campaign from its outspoken founder set the stage for Calvin McDonald’s exit. It may be the athleisure giant’s best hope to regain its cultural momentum.