What: From September 1st to October 23rd, Tommy Hilfiger dresses in the atrium of Printemps Haussmann, in the women's store.

Why it is important: The Tommy Hilfiger pop-up features its new monogram as well as two exclusive collections in conjunction with digital events.

After a three-year absence from New York Fashion Week, the brand is working hard to celebrate its return through different brand activations. On September 11th, Tommy Hilfiger will present an interactive show linked to the metaverse.

The pop-up visually echoes its connection with fashion week through scaffolding structures, mirrors and a central podium lit by XXL lightboxes that feature giant avatars.

Tommy Hilfiger pop-up in Printemps Haussmann

What: Aqua, Bloomingdale’s private label has grown into a “full lifestyle” label and the company’s bestselling private brand.

Why it is important: Aqua is a full “lifestyle” label that offers trend-driven, diverse, and accessible women’s ready-to-wear and accessories which is a big differentiator in the market with the price point being available to all generations with no specific range.

The Aqua team consist of many people within the organization including fashion directors, creative directors, and merchandisers. Part of the label’s growth strategy is collaborations with third parties, including limited edition capsule collections, like their most recent with Maeve Reilly.

Although the label is not offered in the men’s category, they still have more opportunities in the women’s space with shoes, handbags, and jewellery. As well as plans for introducing more meaningful outerwear, intimate apparel, and pet products.

Bloomingdale’s private label, Aqua, is key to their success

What: Uniqlo has officially launched its Re.Uniqlo Studio inside its Regent Street flagship where customers can repair, remake, reuse, and recycle their garments.

Why it is important: While the company had been offering its repair services in store since April, the new offer expands to include free alterations on selected bottoms and great alteration and tailoring services on a wider range of items.

In addition, customers will have access to elevated customization services and essential accessories will be available for customers who would like to repeat the techniques at home. Bespoke services and a range of one-of-a-kind Uniqlo garments which have already been mended will also be available for purchase.

Uniqlo will collect and donate clothing to in-need companies and all non-usable fabric will be recycled into raw materials for new clothing or energy sources. Instructional and inspirational books along with items that prolong the life cycle of clothing will also be available for purchase.

Uniqlo’s repair, remake and recycle studio flagship

What: Amazon made a proposal in July, promising to set up a data silo to prevent its retail arm from using data to prioritize and influence its private label products using statistics from its competitors.

Why it is important: Several non-governmental groups and the pan-European consumers’ organization BEUC criticised the offer and urged the European Commission to demand adjustments.

The EU antitrust chief is in the process of assessing the complaints and will consider the suggested improvements regarding the proposal. There is also a line of communication set up between the EU and the US Department of Justice to set in place greater regulations for Big Tech.

Lack of trust in Amazon’s proposal to end unfair business practices

What: John Lewis Partnership is recruiting more than 10,000 seasonal staff across the country to meet increased demand over the busy holiday season.

Why it is important: The group plans to offer all partners and temporary workers free food from October 3rd to January 6th as a way of helping address the rising food prices.

The 10,000 roles are within both Waitrose and John Lewis shops as well as its distribution network as the company seeks to recruit associates for its retail, delivery, temp, and supply chain operations. Those hired are promised a competitive salary, training and potential development opportunities.

John Lewis to recruit 10,000 seasonal staff roles

What: A new study suggests that luxury brands need a coordinated approach to attract top talents and make advanced applications available to smaller players due to an increase in new technologies in the sector.

Why it is important: While luxury brands remain relatively technology-adverse, the sector is on the edge of a revolution that will see more widespread adoption of everything from artificial intelligence to blockchain and 3D imaging.

More than half of respondents plan to become involved with the metaverse and NFTs, making them by far the dominant technological trends between now and 2025, and positioning luxury brands at the forefront of the Web3 revolution. The use of 3D imaging is already widespread, with 45% of luxury firms having utilized the technology.

One of the many hurdles cited by companies is a lack of internal know-how, linked to the industry’s historic focus on design, craftsmanship and marketing, with 37% of companies saying they lack the talents to support their technological ambitions.

While most efforts are focused on client engagement, luxury firms are also investing and innovating in operational excellence, a term which covers issues such as inventory management and product traceability, and sustainable development. These have the potential to greatly reduce the carbon footprint of luxury goods.

The report identified 16 technologies and questioned executives from companies on their development plans for the next three years. Results show that on average only 2.3 technologies out of the 16 mentioned in the study have been adopted. They are testing on average 3.2 additional technologies, or plan to do so in the next three years.

This is a key moment in the technological revolution for the luxury sector and it is important to lay down the foundations today in order preserve and increase its desirability in a rapidly changing environment.

A technology revolution is coming; luxury brands must act 

What: Frasers has recently received an irrevocable commitment to acquire 103,745,000 MySale shares from the former non-executive chairman of MySale after he quit his position due to conflicts of interest.

Why it is important: Frasers is eyeing 481,276,224 MySale shares representing 48.5% of voting rights. Because the company is listed on the London Stock Exchange, the UK Takeover Code’s rules apply meaning Frasers is required to make a mandatory cash offer for the shares not held by it or ‘any persons acting in concert with it’.

Frasers will likely buy on the open market which is trading only marginally above its original offer price of 2p per share.

In addition to acquiring the entire holding controlled by the former non-executive chairman Carl Jackson, Frasers has also received an irrevocable commitment from Jamie Jackson for 62,145,385 shares.

Frasers to make mandatory cash offer for MySale takeover

What: Nordstrom in New York has launched “New New York” Center Stage, a monthlong event at the 57th street flagship, showcasing local talent in efforts to recover from the pandemic.

Why it is important: To rebuild clientele after the pandemic, Nordstrom is showcasing exclusive capsules, fine jewellery, and culinary classics.

In the “centre stage” in the middle of the flagship’s main floor, Nordstrom has begun featuring exclusive capsules with the theme “power dressing.” Each designer had a different take on the theme, with a range of traditional suits to colours and patterns.

A selection of fine jewellery is showcased, and the American Bar is coming to the Nordstrom flagship for a month. They will take over the 3rd floor with their culinary and cocktail classics.

The department store’s flagship on 57th street opened in October 2019, just weeks before the start of the pandemic. In August 2019, before the opening, the flagship raised awareness with ads of New York City street scenes and lots of fashion throughout its 320,000 square foot space across seven levels. After the opening, it caused lots of traffic until the pandemic forced it to close until June 2020. Since the reopening, the store has seen traffic steadily building.

Nordstrom is rebuilding clientele post-pandemic

What: The city's premium shopping mall Harbour City saw more than 70 new store openings in the first three quarters of 2022.

Why it is important: The shopping centre expects to see 100 new tenants this year and with relaxing quarantine rules, Hong Kong is expected more visitors.

Much of the growth has been driven by local demand as strict border controls remain intact with quarantine rules starting to loosen just last month. Retail revenue reports for the luxury shopping destination show an increase of 1% and an operating profit rise of 6% compared to the same time last year. For the first eight months of 2022, weekend and holiday traffic increased 10% year-over-year.

The Census and Statistics Department reported in July that retail sales value rose 4.1% year-over-year to 28.3 billion Hong Kong dollars, or 3.6 billion USD, reversing a two-month decline. July sales of watches, clocks and valuable gifts jumped 28.3% in value, while apparel retail sales value rose 3.7%.

Online retail sales value increased 8.6% year-over-year to 2.2 billion Hong Kong dollars, or 280 million USD.

Hints of a retail rebound in Hong Kong

What: London-based concept store Machine-A and multi-brand retailer Smets from Brussels, are teaming up with the Selfridges’ team to open a pop-up featuring a selected range of items from emerging designers, exclusive drops, as well as pieces from Selfridges' sustainability-focused projects Project Earth and Reselfridges.

Why it is important: The project is titled ‘& Good Company’ which is focused on sharing inspiration and creativity from some of the best independent multi-brand stores. The London department store believes in supporting their businesses by offering the chance to use the Corner Shop as a collaborative retail platform.

Machine-A will bring 22 brands, 16 of which will be new to Selfridges and a vintage edit under the concept Machine-B. Smets will bring three emerging Belgian designers to Selfridges for the first time and offer a selection of design pieces, including sculptures, candles and books. As well, the retailer will bring a 27-piece archival edit of Alaïa jewellery and ready-to-wear pieces from the brand’s spring and fall 2017 collections.

Machine-A and Smets open pop-up in Selfridges for Fashion Month

What: Ferragamo’s hotel management company, Lungarno Collection, will open a five-star hotel in an area extending over 10,000 square metres in the heart of Milan.

Why it is important: The retailer plans to create a luxury and lifestyle hub in this central Milanese location where they will host Ferragamo’s third hotel, a gourmet restaurant, wellness centre, a huge garden, and exclusive stores.

Among the exclusive stores will be the iconic multi-brand fashion retailer Antonia, which will be their second store in Milan.

The building was built in 1564 as one of the oldest seminaries in Europe. It has been unused since 2002, and is now undergoing extensive renovation work. The project has been commissioned by architect Michele de Lucci, and the complex is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2022.

Ferragamo moves into hospitality 

What: After completing a bankruptcy reorganization during the pandemic, the CEO and CFO of Neiman Marcus Group presented the current success of the Dallas-based luxury retailer’s strategy.

Why it is important: For the first time since 2004, Neiman Marcus appeared at the Goldman Sachs retailing event to present its renewed profitability, however, there was no mention of whether the company would return to the public markets.

Neiman Marcus is owned by three of the biggest wealth funds on Wall Street: PIMCO, Davidson Kempner Capital and Sixth Street. Farfetch is also a minority owner of the company and has helped Neiman Marcus expand its sales internationally faster than it could have done alone.

Thanks to its high-value earning clients and appeal to luxury brands, the company has regained profitabaility. According to the presentation, 40% of its revenue is coming from only 2% of all clients who spend, on average, 27,000 USD per year. They retain 90% of these clients which is one of the reasons brands want to be in their stores.

With over 1 billion USD in liquidity, Neiman Marcus Group is preparing to invest in remodelling stores over the next three years.

Neiman Marcus Group presents to Wall Street

What: Selfridges has announced the continuation of its partnership with Kidswear Collective and the expansion of the resale products into its other locations.

Why it is important: The concept will be coming to Selfridges’ Birmingham, Manchester and Trafford stores with each location carrying clothing, footwear and accessories for kids ages 0-14. An e-commerce edit will also become available.

The pop-up began in the Oxford Street flagship store’s kidswear department as part of Selfridges’ Project Earth initiative.

Selfridges renews kidswear resale platform partnership

What: La Fine Equipe opens a pop-up store at BHV.

Why it is important: The pop-up has more than 60 young creators with a renewed offer every Wednesday.

Their space in BHV is 100 metres squared with a selection of jewellery, accessories, decoration, and lifestyle products from 17 designers for the start of the school year.

Since 2015, La Fine Equipe has collaborated with many emerging brands while simultaneously bringing together different fashion players in the same space: creators, influencers, entrepreneurs and stylists.

La Fine Equipe “pops off” at BHV

What: Target will roll out a women’s ready-to-wear brand that brings a new creative director each quarter to codesign the collection.

Why it is important: The big-box retailer continues its mission of supporting diversity and inclusivity while expanding its fashion offer by collaborating with Kahlana Barfield-Brown, former fashion and beauty editor for “InStyle,” for the first Future Collective release

The news of Future Collective follows Target’s recent partnership with menswear brand Houston White. The retailer now has 18 owned apparel brands in multiple categories, across men’s, women’s and children. Ten of which are billion-dollar brands.

Target has announced that each Future Collective collection will be limited-edition to increase the urgency factor for consumers to buy.

Target launches new owned brand “Future Collective”

What: Athens is going to have one of Europe’s largest retail space with Ellinikon, slated to open in 2026.

Why it is important: Attica, a major department store in Greece (and the leading one on the luxury segment) plans to open a new door in this project. Soon we will be reviewing how the company had evolved over the years.

Ellinikon is a new real estate project being built just outside Athens, and a bet that it will soon become a must-see destination both for locals and tourists. The €8bn project will span over 200,000 sqm along the sealine, and will include a mall, stores, restaurants, entertainment, office spaces, and a retail park including big-box stores such as Ikea.

It aims at developing a distinctly Greek flavor to make sure it can attract more than a million tourists a year, and the first phase is planned to open in 2026

Ellinikon, Greece’s largest shopping mall to rise near Athens 

What: Dr Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics will go live on Amazon’s Luxury Stores.

Why it is important: Dr Barabara Sturm’s line, which is sold at Harrods, Saks Fifth Avenue and Space NK, will be the first high-end skincare brand to be added to the app-only storefront.

Amazon’s Luxury Stores, launched in 2020, is set to carry established and emerging luxury beauty brands to complement the existing ‘Premium Beauty’ selection which stocks widely distributed masstige brands. The company hints at providing more independence to brands for inventory, selection, pricing and imagery in order to appeal to luxury brands hesitant to join online marketplaces.

While Amazon cites consumer demand in Europe has led to the expansion of the beauty offer for Luxury Stores, some brands may still be cautious as the e-commerce giant has had a history of grey market activity, selling goods without the approval of the trademark owner.

Amazon expands luxury beauty brand offering

What: Macy’s has announced new initiatives to drive circularity through its social purpose platform, ‘Mission Every One.’

Why it is important: The newest goals of Macy’s are set around recycling which they hope to achieve by using RFID technology.

The report outlines the circularity-based solutions and services that the department store has implemented in the past few years, including reducing waste and packaging. As well, they have standardized the sizing and materials of their packing cartons.

The group’s beauty product team is launching a pilot program to ship outdated items to a third-party recycler. Macy’s has also partnered with ‘Give Back Box’ to enable customers to resell or recycle their clothing.

Macy’s sustainability initiatives

Macy’s sustainability initiatives - Source 2

What: Balenciaga launched a resale program in partnership with resale startup Reflaunt which has already partnered with Saks Off 5th, Yoox Net-a-porter, Ganni, COS, Harvey Nichols and more.

Why it is important: Balenciaga is offering customers the chance to receive higher credit in participating Balenciaga stores in Italy, France, the UK, the US and Singapore, rewarding customers for participating in circularity while also fueling new purchases.

Products can be dropped off at participating Balenciaga stores or collected by scheduled service available through Balenciaga.com.

Reflaunt offers an efficient service through handling the documentation, authentication, photography and merchandising of goods while allowing customers to list items across some 25 resale marketplaces. Reflaunt users receive credits or a cash payout depending on the brand’s directive.

Balenciaga launches resell program

What: Bloomingdale’s and the Fashion Institute of Technology are partnering in launching initiatives to raise money for educational programs and future-oriented projects to bring sustainability to the forefront of the fashion industry.

Why it is important: Throughout the year, Bloomingdale’s will organize and host various online and in-store events with the goal to raise 2 million USD for philanthropic endeavours.

The collaborative initiative will be used to launch educational and mentorship programs, open innovation labs, sustainable fashion showcases and more. The department store also launched ‘b the change’ a social purpose and philanthropic platform centred around sustainability initiatives, inclusivity and innovative educational programs.

The goal of the partnership is to create new spaces and resources that support teaching, learning and research while offering activities to educate students, faculty, alumni, industry partners and the public about sustainability.

Bloomingdale’s & FIT’s sustainable innovation fund

What: The Southwestern hub of Chengdu was put under sudden lockdown Thursday evening due to covid outbreaks.

Why it is important: As a result, major luxury shopping malls, such as Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu and Chengdu IFS, were forced to close.

Due to the strict lockdown control, upcoming events and pop-up events have been cancelled by retailers and department stores.

Chengdu is one of the most important luxury hubs in China with roughly 6% of mainland China’s luxury stores in Chengdu. The megacity contributes about 7 to 8% to mainland Chinese luxury retail.

Retail centres in China still affected by lockdowns

What: Frasers Group has announced its intention to return to the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index after six years, leaving the FTSE 250 Index.

Why it is important: After dropping out in 2016 due to a period of poor financial performance, the retailer has made a series of acquisitions and takeovers that have pushed the company back into the 100 Index.

The group is currently working on rebranding the company through a transformation strategy to elevate its brand under the new CEO Michael Murray.

Frasers returns to FTSE 100 Index

What: The French department store will open a flagship location in the historical One Wall Street building as part of its expansion and rebranding plan.

Why it is important: As the American spending power and interest in luxury grows, Printemps’ plans to open in New York will allow the company to tap into the intense touristic flows of the city which could also raise brand awareness for when American tourists visit Paris.

The luxury retailer is planning to utilize the recently renovated and refurbished landmark space to its advantage, bringing a curated mix of brands to the 54,365-square-foot allocation across two levels in the Financial District’s One Wall Street building. The Art Deco landmark has recently undergone a $30 billion overhaul to convert the former bank headquarters into a mixed-use retail and residential tower.

Recovering from Covid and leveraging the returning power of physical retail, Printemps has more plans for overseas store openings and rebranding over the next decade. The company has also been working to grow its global e-commerce footprint, making New York ideal to capture the US while maintaining visibility. The New York location will be the second in its overseas expansion as Printemps is on track to open in Doha, Qatar, this October.

The New York store is expected to open in early 2024.

Printemps to open New York flagship

What: The John Lewis Partnership reveals its ‘How we shop, live and look’ report highlighting annual insights into consumer trends of 2022 which has sparked the retailer to scrap its 97-year-old ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ price pledge and shift to a new brand promise: ‘For All Life’s Moments’.

Why it is important: John Lewis’ findings show that consumers self-reported their plans to continue shopping despite rising living costs, citing the importance of celebrating special moments with family and friends

Shopping itself became more of an enjoyment, as 60% of people surveyed said they went shopping ‘for the joy of it’, 72% said they don’t have to spend a lot of money to be happy, and 77% of respondents said that despite the rising cost of living, it was still important to experience moments that make them happy.

People want to return to in-person events because of covid lockdowns and living in an increasingly digital world. This shift has been linked to hat sales increasing 169%, occasion shoe sales rising 38% and bridesmaid dress sales increasing 19%. The indication that people are ‘reclaiming their homes’ was linked to a decrease in soup makers and bread bins, while commute-ready laptop bag sales rose 20% and travel mugs rose 65%.

John Lewis’ report on consumer shopping trends sparks rebrand - Source 1

John Lewis’ report on consumer shopping trends sparks rebrand - Source 2