What: a new space to support independent designers

Why it is important: the fashion sector has been hit hard by the pandemic. Now department stores are reinventing their store space by offering new options and services in order to optimise their attract more customers. As a response to the crisis, Selfridges opens a new space dedicated to emerging designer brands. The initiative allows for the store to offer exclusive items and deals, and to support independent European designers at the same time.

“Rewiring Space” opened at Selfridges flagship on Oxford Street and is the first tangible result of “Rewiring Fashion,” a series of virtual meetings between designers, brand operators, retailers and advisors looking for ways to reshape the fashion system as a result of the pandemic. The Twenty Europe-based designers selected to enter the space were hit hard by the pandemic, and suffered from cancelled orders and late payments. Through “Rewiring Space” they sell current and past-season for up to 70 percent off the original retail price. Selfridges does not buy the merchandise, but provides its floor space, retail fixtures and sales personnel free of charge, and will take a 15 percent commission on sales to pay for operating fees. Through this initiative, the department store both support young designers and reinforce its ties with them.

![selfridges Rewiring Space

Selfridges Launches New Retail Concept in Support of Independent Designers

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