Skip to main content

Retail

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

This Year’s Black Friday Paradox

Shoppers feel worse than ever but are still spending — selectively. This holiday season turns on a widening wealth divide and a rising insistence on quality at a fair price.

This Year’s Black Friday Paradox

Shoppers feel worse than ever but are still spending — selectively. This holiday season turns on a widening wealth divide and a rising insistence on quality at a fair price.


Billionaire Zara Heir Stakes Family Fortune on Going Upmarket

Inditex’s flagship brand is trying to elevate its image and capture new growth in a market where Shein and Temu are luring young, budget-conscious shoppers.

Billionaire Zara Heir Stakes Family Fortune on Going Upmarket

Inditex’s flagship brand is trying to elevate its image and capture new growth in a market where Shein and Temu are luring young, budget-conscious shoppers.


Streetwear’s First IPO, Explained

Human Made shares begin trading in Tokyo on Thursday, a milestone in streetwear’s evolution from a subcultural fashion trend to a mature fashion category.

Streetwear’s First IPO, Explained

Human Made shares begin trading in Tokyo on Thursday, a milestone in streetwear’s evolution from a subcultural fashion trend to a mature fashion category.


Is This the Year Discount Mania Finally Ends? | The Debrief

Consumer sentiment is slumping, but spending hasn’t collapsed – it’s bifurcated. Brands are leaning into desirability, newness and sharp pricing over blanket promos, while luxury department stores chase high-spending customers amid a shake-up. BoF reporters Cat Chen and Malique Morris break down what’s working – and what isn’t.

Is This the Year Discount Mania Finally Ends? | The Debrief

Consumer sentiment is slumping, but spending hasn’t collapsed – it’s bifurcated. Brands are leaning into desirability, newness and sharp pricing over blanket promos, while luxury department stores chase high-spending customers amid a shake-up. BoF reporters Cat Chen and Malique Morris break down what’s working – and what isn’t.


Dr. Martens Is Ready for a Reboot

In her first interview, new chief brand officer Carla Murphy says the brand is “in motion for its next chapter,” leading with a heritage-heavy revamp that’s on full display at its new London flagship.

Dr. Martens Is Ready for a Reboot

In her first interview, new chief brand officer Carla Murphy says the brand is “in motion for its next chapter,” leading with a heritage-heavy revamp that’s on full display at its new London flagship.


EssilorLuxottica Thinks It Cracked the Code on Smart Glasses

The eyewear giant and Meta are just getting started as they mount the most credible effort yet to make smart glasses a mainstream hit, EssilorLuxottica chief wearables officer Rocco Basilico says in the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.

EssilorLuxottica Thinks It Cracked the Code on Smart Glasses

The eyewear giant and Meta are just getting started as they mount the most credible effort yet to make smart glasses a mainstream hit, EssilorLuxottica chief wearables officer Rocco Basilico says in the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.


Exclusive: Kith’s Ronnie Fieg on Designing the Brand’s First London Flagship

The founder of the New York label discusses opening Kith’s first standalone UK store, which includes Fieg’s debut restaurant concept as the brand leans further into hospitality.

Exclusive: Kith’s Ronnie Fieg on Designing the Brand’s First London Flagship

The founder of the New York label discusses opening Kith’s first standalone UK store, which includes Fieg’s debut restaurant concept as the brand leans further into hospitality.


Shein’s First Physical Shop Adds to Department Stores’ Existential Pain

The ultra-fast fashion retailer’s shop in Paris’ BHV poses a new threat to the already struggling department-store model.

Shein’s First Physical Shop Adds to Department Stores’ Existential Pain

The ultra-fast fashion retailer’s shop in Paris’ BHV poses a new threat to the already struggling department-store model.


US Retail Sales Are Proving Resilient While Risks Mount

US retail sales growth likely moderated a touch in September, capping an otherwise solid quarter of spending by consumers who are nonetheless frustrated by high prices and anxious about job security.

US Retail Sales Are Proving Resilient While Risks Mount

US retail sales growth likely moderated a touch in September, capping an otherwise solid quarter of spending by consumers who are nonetheless frustrated by high prices and anxious about job security.


This Week: Black Friday’s Expectations Game, Human Made’s IPO

Consumers and retailer are approaching Black Friday differently this year. One side will end up disappointed. Plus, a Japanese streetwear brand is fashion’s first IPO in a year.

This Week: Black Friday’s Expectations Game, Human Made’s IPO

Consumers and retailer are approaching Black Friday differently this year. One side will end up disappointed. Plus, a Japanese streetwear brand is fashion’s first IPO in a year.


How to Survive Menswear’s Sameness Epidemic

A new transatlantic approach to minimalist tailoring and workwear has swept menswear, buoyed by the rise of buzzy upstarts from Japan, Scandinavia and the US. To outlast a current fixation on a sophisticated, pared-back look, labels are searching for ways to make their clothes stand out.

How to Survive Menswear’s Sameness Epidemic

A new transatlantic approach to minimalist tailoring and workwear has swept menswear, buoyed by the rise of buzzy upstarts from Japan, Scandinavia and the US. To outlast a current fixation on a sophisticated, pared-back look, labels are searching for ways to make their clothes stand out.


How Modern Brides Are Redefining ‘Something Old’

With the rise of vintage-focused bridal salons and large retailers like David’s Bridal reviving archival pieces, the bridal market is seeing styles from the past walk down the aisle once again.

How Modern Brides Are Redefining ‘Something Old’

With the rise of vintage-focused bridal salons and large retailers like David’s Bridal reviving archival pieces, the bridal market is seeing styles from the past walk down the aisle once again.