Macy’s CEO Points to E-Shaped Economy, Signalling Consumer Shift
The mention of a forked economy by the head of America’s largest department store signals a heightened wariness that middle-income Americans will continue to spend at the same pace.
Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.
What American Retailers Can Learn From European Department Stores
Creative experiences and a less-standardised approach to operations and design have helped iconic stores like Selfridges, Liberty and Le Bon Marché resist multi-brand retail’s decline.
What American Retailers Can Learn From European Department Stores
Creative experiences and a less-standardised approach to operations and design have helped iconic stores like Selfridges, Liberty and Le Bon Marché resist multi-brand retail’s decline.
The Debrief | Why Getting Dressed Up Is Here to Stay in 2023
Occasionwear’s late-pandemic comeback may have felt like a reactionary fluke, but retailers and designers are betting it’s more than a trend.
The Debrief | Why Getting Dressed Up Is Here to Stay in 2023
Occasionwear’s late-pandemic comeback may have felt like a reactionary fluke, but retailers and designers are betting it’s more than a trend.
What Fashion Can Learn From Gen-Z’s Approach to Gender
Young consumers are pushing brands to reconsider their approach to gendered collections.
What Fashion Can Learn From Gen-Z’s Approach to Gender
Young consumers are pushing brands to reconsider their approach to gendered collections.
Three Gatherings That Will Set Fashion’s 2023 Agenda
The World Economic Forum in Davos, a retail convention in New York and menswear shows in Paris will command the industry’s attention. Plus, what else to watch for this week.
Three Gatherings That Will Set Fashion’s 2023 Agenda
The World Economic Forum in Davos, a retail convention in New York and menswear shows in Paris will command the industry’s attention. Plus, what else to watch for this week.
BoF Insights | How Men’s Footwear Is Smartening Up in 2023
Male shoppers aren’t ready to give up on sneakers just yet, but dressier shoes are gaining favour, according to a BoF Insights survey.
BoF Insights | How Men’s Footwear Is Smartening Up in 2023
Male shoppers aren’t ready to give up on sneakers just yet, but dressier shoes are gaining favour, according to a BoF Insights survey.
How Emerging Consumer Sentiment Should Inform Your Returns Process
E-commerce returns company Happy Returns, a PayPal company, and research firm TRC surveyed over 2,000 US consumers on their evolving shopping habits and attitudes towards online returns to enable merchants to optimise strategies. Discover key insights from the downloadable report here alongside BoF analysis.
How Emerging Consumer Sentiment Should Inform Your Returns Process
E-commerce returns company Happy Returns, a PayPal company, and research firm TRC surveyed over 2,000 US consumers on their evolving shopping habits and attitudes towards online returns to enable merchants to optimise strategies. Discover key insights from the downloadable report here alongside BoF analysis.
Why 2023 Will Set a New Baseline for Retail
As pandemic-driven disruptions subside, brands and retailers have a brand new slate with which to measure growth and progress.
Why 2023 Will Set a New Baseline for Retail
As pandemic-driven disruptions subside, brands and retailers have a brand new slate with which to measure growth and progress.
Why 2022 Wasn’t So Bad — and 2023 Might Be Better
A global recession may still be on the table, but even now there are reasons for hope.
Why 2022 Wasn’t So Bad — and 2023 Might Be Better
A global recession may still be on the table, but even now there are reasons for hope.
The Best of BoF: Retail Is Back on Track
From a stabilised supply chain to the return of brick-and-mortar, the industry saw a new sense of normal in 2022. Still, challenges and new competition remain. How will brands and retailers adapt?
The Best of BoF: Retail Is Back on Track
From a stabilised supply chain to the return of brick-and-mortar, the industry saw a new sense of normal in 2022. Still, challenges and new competition remain. How will brands and retailers adapt?
Why Sequins and Platform Heels Are Here to Stay
The resurgence of occasion wear initially signalled a desire for pandemic escapism, but designers and buyers say the strength of the category will remain strong well into 2023.
Why Sequins and Platform Heels Are Here to Stay
The resurgence of occasion wear initially signalled a desire for pandemic escapism, but designers and buyers say the strength of the category will remain strong well into 2023.
The Year Ahead: Can New Production Models Help Fashion Overcome Supply Chain Woes?
As supply chains remain under pressure, garment manufacturers have an opportunity to lean into vertical integration, nearshoring and small-batch production, while seeking closer upstream and downstream collaboration, according to The State of Fashion 2023.
The Year Ahead: Can New Production Models Help Fashion Overcome Supply Chain Woes?
As supply chains remain under pressure, garment manufacturers have an opportunity to lean into vertical integration, nearshoring and small-batch production, while seeking closer upstream and downstream collaboration, according to The State of Fashion 2023.
For Nike, Is the Worst Over?
The activewear giant has struggled this year with inventory problems and a slowdown in China. Its results this week may show it’s turned a corner. That, plus what else to watch for in the coming days.
For Nike, Is the Worst Over?
The activewear giant has struggled this year with inventory problems and a slowdown in China. Its results this week may show it’s turned a corner. That, plus what else to watch for in the coming days.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
France’s Bid to Suspend Shein’s Marketplace Rejected by Appeals Court
The decision from Paris’ Court of Appeal marked a win for the fast-fashion giant after a scandal over sex dolls resembling children for sale on its site.
Macy’s Issues ‘Prudent’ 2026 Guidance on Geopolitical Risks
The retailer issued a cautious full-year forecast for sales and profit despite strong performance at Bloomingdale’s, which has benefited from shoppers seeking alternatives to struggling rival Saks Global.
Spandex Maker Lycra Files for Bankruptcy After Years of Stress
The company has been hampered with disruptions to supply chains, elevated inflation, growing competition from low-cost manufacturers and trade tariffs.
US SEC Preparing to Eliminate Quarterly Reporting Requirement, WSJ Says
The proposal would give companies the option to share results twice a year.
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.
Trump Signs Order to Combat Fraudulent ‘Made in America’ Labels, White House Says
The executive order directs the FTC chairman to prioritise enforcement of existing laws against sellers and manufacturers who falsely claim products are made in America.
Zalando Forecasts 2026 Profit Jump Driven by AI Boost
The European retailer forecast a rise in full-year adjusted operating profit and announced a share buyback, citing the productivity and cost-saving benefits of AI.