retail
Stories tagged retail.
Luxury's Identity Crisis: AI Belongs Behind the Scenes, Human Touch on Centre Stage
A luxury executive with 38 years of experience managing operations across 15 countries argues the sector is confusing modernization with mechanization, and that screens, kiosks and algorithms cannot deliver ultra-luxury.
Lands' End Brings 'Tote Tailgate Tour' to Three College Towns
Lands' End is mounting a college football marketing campaign this fall, including a new clear tote bag and game-day events in Bloomington, Ann Arbor and Oxford, as it works to reach new shoppers.
Malin + Goetz’s Tomato Collection Keeps Growing as Home Scent Sales Rise
Source signal: At Malin + Goetz, tomato girl summer is still going strong
Fragrance emerges as key driver of premium pricing in consumer goods
Fragrance is increasingly being used by consumer packaged goods brands to justify higher price points and stand out on crowded retail shelves, with mass-market fragrance sales outpacing other beauty segments.
Lululemon Q2 comp sales fall 9% as CEO transition looms
Lululemon’s second-quarter earnings missed expectations, with comparable sales sliding 9% and the Americas down 12%. Former Nike executive Heidi O’Neill takes over as CEO on Sept. 8.
Australian retailers bracing for online marketplace squeeze
A Deloitte survey finds 61% of Australian retailers expect online marketplaces to intensify competition in the next year, up sharply from 28% last year.
Bath & Body Works Tops Q2 Expectations Despite Sales Slip
Bath & Body Works reported a 2.3 percent decline in second-quarter sales to $1.5 billion, but still beat Wall Street estimates. Digital sales grew 3 percent, the first increase since 2021, while in-store sales fell 5.4 percent.
Retail's New 'It' Character Is a 70-Year-Old Dutch Bunny Named Miffy
Miffy, the Dutch cartoon bunny created by Dick Bruna in 1955, has become a licensing powerhouse, partnering with brands from Starbucks to Baccarat. The character's blend of nostalgia and kid appeal has made her one of retail's most sought-after collaborations.
Consumers Welcome AI Research but Resist Automated Purchasing
A new Ipsos report finds that while most consumers are comfortable using AI for product research and comparisons, only one-third would let it make purchases without human approval.
Bath & Body Works Reports Q2 Sales Dip but Amazon Channel Triples
Bath & Body Works reported a 2.3% decline in net sales to $1.5 billion for Q2 2026, yet the company sees progress from its turnaround plan as Amazon sales tripled sequentially.
Lanvin Group H1 Revenue Falls 13% as Turnaround Measures Take Hold
Shanghai-headquartered Lanvin Group reported a 13% year-on-year decline in first-half revenue to €101 million, even as the company cited improving momentum and expanded gross margins.
Urban Outfitters Makes Dorm Decor a Big Business as Back-to-College Spending Tops $100B
Urban Outfitters is doubling down on dorm room furnishings, especially bedding, as back-to-college spending is projected to exceed $100 billion for the first time.
U.S. Polo Assn. Hits Record $2.7B in Sales as Younger Shoppers Drive Growth
U.S. Polo Assn. reported a record $2.7 billion in sales for 2025, fueled by a larger store footprint and rising demand among Gen-Z women and Gen-Alpha boys.
Thai Perfumer Pañpuri Opens First Mainland China Store in Shanghai
Thai niche fragrance brand Pañpuri has opened its first Mainland China boutique at HKRI Taikoo Hui in Shanghai, as it looks to tap China's fragrance boom with its sensory, skinification-focused oil products.
China’s luxury rebound brings a changed shopper
China’s luxury market is recovering from a spending slump, but the returning consumer has new priorities that brands must adapt to.
Tapestry quarterly sales rise 8.9% as Coach demand offsets Kate Spade weakness
Tapestry Inc reported an 8.9% rise in quarterly sales, boosted by resilient demand for Coach handbags, though weakness at Kate Spade tempered its annual revenue outlook.
AG1 broadens portfolio with gummies, canned drinks and more as CEO Kat Cole plots rapid expansion
AG1 is moving beyond its signature greens powder with new product launches and wider retail distribution, as CEO Kat Cole targets new customers through multiple formats and a 'good, better, best' strategy.
Stanley 1913 Reworks Content for AI Search Visibility
Stanley 1913 is shifting from hack-driven SEO tactics to a long-term content strategy designed for AI search engines, adding FAQs and usage guides to answer real consumer questions.
On misses quarterly sales estimates as consumer pullback and tariff costs weigh
Swiss sportswear maker On reported second-quarter net sales below Wall Street expectations on Tuesday, citing a tougher consumer environment and higher costs from US tariffs.
Harvey Nichols warns of administration risk without rescue deal
Harvey Nichols has reported a sharply wider annual loss, driven largely by an impairment of intracompany loans, and warned it faces collapse if a rescue deal is not secured.
Frozen Yogurt Makes a Comeback as Lines, Wellness Trends Drive Second Act
Frozen yogurt is back in vogue, with New York City shops drawing 30-minute lines and $10 cups. Established chains like 16 Handles report double-digit growth as wellness and social media fuel the resurgence.
Chanel First-Half Sales Jump 16% on Blazy Collections
Chanel Ltd. posted a roughly 16% rise in comparable first-half revenue, outpacing rivals, as demand for Matthieu Blazy's debut collections drove growth across regions.
Beauty Founders Weigh Debt Options as Lenders Push Asset-Based Financing
SG Credit Partners lenders explain when debt makes sense for beauty founders, how to balance it with equity, and why retail concentration can be a strength.
Fuel, Freight and Tariff Costs Complicate Holiday Importing
Importers are contending with sharply higher fuel and freight rates during the peak shipping season, adding new cost pressures on top of recent tariff changes.
Sephora to Launch K-Beauty Brand Yepoda in US on Aug. 11
Yepoda, a certified B Corp with two million customers worldwide, will debut its six-step routine at Sephora starting Aug. 11, with prices ranging from $23 to $39.
Max Mara reopens Munich boutique with new retail concept
Source signal: Max Mara launches new retail concept in Munich
Luxury Resumes Growth But Lags Boom-Era Peaks
Source signal: Luxury resumes growth, but the boom years remain elusive
Meadowhall adds Mint Velvet and Belstaff, plans Michael Kors refit
Meadowhall has added Mint Velvet and Belstaff to its fashion line-up and will refit its Michael Kors store, reinforcing its status as the UK's leading super-regional shopping centre.
EU Ends Duty-Free E-Commerce Imports, Shifting Customs Liability to Merchants
As of July 1, all parcels entering the European Union are subject to customs duties, ending the de minimis exemption for low-value goods. Merchants now bear the legal responsibility for duty payments, impacting cross-border e-commerce operations.
Clean Beauty Boutique Pretty Well Beauty Seeks Buyer as Founder Plans Exit
Pretty Well Beauty, a clean beauty retailer highlighting BIPOC-owned brands, is up for sale. Founder Jazmin Alvarez announced she will close the business if a buyer is not found before her relocation to Barcelona in September.
Mid-Market Fashion Brands Accelerate African Expansion
The trend of international fashion brands entering Africa is picking up speed, led by mid-market players, while luxury labels face stiff competition from European rivals.
Myer shares plunge 12% after retailer flags sharp consumer spending slowdown
Australian department store operator Myer reported a steep decline in consumer demand during June and July, sending its shares down more than 10% on Monday.
Jewellery Sales Emerge as Key Differentiator for Luxury Groups Amid Fashion Slump
As luxury conglomerates face declining fashion sales and geopolitical headwinds from the Middle East conflict, investors are zeroing in on jewellery performance as a critical factor in determining market winners.
Sports Direct Opens Dublin Flagship, CEO Criticizes UK Retail Taxes
Sports Direct and Everlast Gyms+ have opened a combined flagship store on Dublin's Henry Street, replacing a former Debenhams. The CEO also used the occasion to criticize UK tax policies.
Michaels' AI Assistant Doubles Conversion Rate with Google Gemini
Michaels reports that its Google Gemini-powered shopping assistant, Ask Mike, has achieved a conversion rate more than double that of traditional search since its quiet launch in May.
Denim Takes Center Stage as Back-to-School Shopping Season Lengthens
Retailers including Pacsun, Kohl's, and Gap are launching denim-focused back-to-school campaigns earlier than ever, as shopping begins weeks ahead of past years.
China Unveils First Five-Year Plan to Boost Consumption, Targets $9 Trillion Retail Sales by 2030
China's cabinet has issued its first five-year plan dedicated to boosting consumption, aiming for annual retail sales of 60 trillion yuan ($9 trillion) by 2030 and promising to raise household incomes significantly.
Sainsbury's opens first Manchester Airport store in Terminal 3
Sainsbury's has opened its first store at Manchester Airport in Terminal 3 arrivals, offering convenience products and online collection services for Argos and Habitat.
Hong Kong Airport Seeks Bids for Two F&B Concessions in Terminal 1
Airport Authority Hong Kong has launched tenders for a boutique restaurant and a coffee shop concession at Hong Kong International Airport's Terminal 1 and Midfield Concourse.
Shanghai's 'Beer Lady' Turned a Grocery Store into a Craft Beer Hub
Yindi Zhang, known as the Beer Lady of Shanghai, grew a small neighborhood grocery into a beloved craft beer destination with multiple stores, surviving the pandemic by converting a suburban store into a central kitchen.
AS Watson Leverages Data and AI to Fast-Track Beauty Brand Launches
The global retailer is using its vast consumer data, artificial intelligence, and 17,000-store network to help beauty brands move from concept to commercialization more efficiently.
Liberty Appoints Laura Simpson as CMO, Expanding Beauty Role
Laura Simpson has been named chief marketing officer of Liberty London, adding the title to her existing role as managing director of the store's beauty division, LBTY.
Damson Madder Opens First Permanent Store at Selfridges London
Source signal: Damson Madder arrives at Selfridges London to debut brand's physical space
Shams Acquires Fragrance Tech Firm Scentys
French olfactory design company Shams has acquired fragrance technology specialist Scentys, combining expertise in scent creation and diffusion to expand in luxury, retail, and hospitality.
Temporary gains mask weak Thai retail demand in Q2 2026
Thailand's retail sector failed to show a broad-based consumption recovery in the second quarter of 2026, with recent gains driven by pull-forward demand and base effects rather than stronger underlying spending, according to CGS International.
Tailored Brands files for US IPO, marking return to public markets
Tailored Brands Inc., owner of Men's Wearhouse and other menswear chains, has filed publicly for an initial public offering, signaling its latest move to return to public markets.
Fast Retailing Lifts Profit Forecast Despite Yen Weakness and European Heatwaves
Fast Retailing, the Japanese parent company of Uniqlo, raised its annual profit forecast on Thursday citing strong global sales, while warning that the weak yen and heatwaves in Europe pose challenges.
Luxury brands accelerate AI adoption as consumer usage surges
A new joint study reveals that luxury executives are rapidly prioritizing AI, with 22% ranking it among their top three strategic priorities by 2026, up from 5% in 2024. Meanwhile, 55% of luxury consumers now use AI in their purchase journey.
TOTEME Opens Miami Boutique at Bal Harbour Shops
Swedish fashion label TOTEME has opened a 1,010-square-foot boutique at Bal Harbour Shops in Miami, blending Scandinavian aesthetics with local tropical influences through a design by Stockholm architects Halleroed.
Luxury Brands Elevate AI to Top Strategic Priority as Consumer Adoption Surges
New research shows a sharp increase in luxury houses ranking artificial intelligence among their top corporate priorities, even as consumer AI usage for shopping outpaces brand deployment.
Singapore Consumers Quietly Abandon Brands After Losing Trust
Most Singapore consumers who lose trust in a brand choose to silently disengage rather than complain publicly, posing a hidden reputational risk for companies.
Perth Airport Unveils Revitalised Terminal 1 International Retail and Dining Precinct
Perth Airport has opened 14 new and refreshed outlets in its Terminal 1 International precinct, featuring Western Australian brands and global retail partners.
Nike turnaround wobbles as China sales slump 17%
Nike's global recovery under CEO Elliott Hill is showing signs of progress, but China sales continue to slump, falling 17% in the latest quarter.
ALAÏA Opens New Boutique in Miami Design District
The French fashion house has opened a new boutique in Miami's Design District, featuring an Art Deco-inspired interior by Stockholm-based architecture firm Halleröd.
Amazon Prime Day Sales Rose 9% to $26.4 Billion Amid Inflation
US shoppers spent $26.4 billion during Amazon's Prime Day event from June 23-26, a 9% increase from last year, as inflation drove demand for deals on essentials and electronics, according to Adobe Analytics.
Nike Faces ‘Show Me’ Moment Ahead of Earnings Report
Nike is under pressure as investors seek signs of stabilization, with sales declining in seven of the past eight quarters.
Fashion Sales Fuel Trafford Centre Growth, Says Operator
Manchester's Trafford Centre has seen a strong year, with fashion sales driving momentum, according to operator Pradera.
Reformation Files for IPO After Surpassing $500M in Sales
The Los Angeles-based womenswear brand has filed for an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange, citing 20 consecutive quarters of double-digit revenue growth.
H&M Q2 Profit Misses Expectations, Raising Turnaround Doubts
H&M reported weaker-than-expected second-quarter earnings, casting uncertainty over its turnaround strategy amid fierce competition and cautious consumer spending.
Imperial College First University to Launch Branded Merch With Wetland-Grown BioPuff Insulation
Imperial College London has become the first university to offer branded merchandise insulated with BioPuff, a sustainable material grown in wetlands.
Amazon Prime Day to test US consumer spending power as focus turns to essentials
Amazon's Prime Day sales event, starting Tuesday, will gauge U.S. shoppers' financial strain as promotions shift toward basic necessities rather than discretionary splurges.
Shoezone expands payment options with American Express acceptance
Discount footwear and accessories retailer Shoezone now accepts American Express both in-store and online, responding to rising use of the card among younger shoppers.
Ralph Lauren Opens Wimbledon-Themed Pop-Up in London's Sloane Square
Ralph Lauren returns to Sloane Square with a month-long Wimbledon-themed pop-up, featuring a clubhouse, viewing platform, and retail shops, starting June 29.
Luxury Brands Double Down on Summer Destinations to Lure Wealthy Clients
Mytheresa, Gucci, Jacquemus and Burberry are staging seasonal activations in Monaco and Athens, extending the luxury beach club trend into its ninth year.
China's 618 Shopping Festival Growth Stalls
E-commerce growth during China’s 618 festival has stalled, according to a round-up of global market news that also covers Panama’s luxury malls, Polish retailer LPP, and Indian textile exporters.
Beauty Brands Embrace Tactical Deflation to Woo Budget-Conscious Shoppers
In response to a K-shaped economy, mass and masstige beauty brands are cutting prices to drive growth as consumers tighten spending.
Hill House Hits $110 Million in Sales, Eyes Next Chapter
Six years after its nap dress went viral during the pandemic, Hill House has grown to $110 million in sales and is expanding through collaborations and retail.
ASOS brings Face + Body beauty pop-up to London Lido during heatwave
ASOS launched a pop-up store at the London Lido to showcase its Face + Body beauty category, timed with the UK's hottest days.
Isaac Mizrahi Returns to Target in Bid to Revive Apparel Sales
Target is reuniting with designer Isaac Mizrahi, who helped pioneer its designer collaboration model, in an effort to rejuvenate its clothing offering. The move must go beyond nostalgia to succeed.
Lakeside Mall Launches Brompton Arcade for Independent Brands
Lakeside shopping centre in Essex has opened Brompton Arcade, a dedicated space for independent brands and local entrepreneurs.
Amouage Opens First West Coast Flagship in Beverly Hills
Omani luxury fragrance house Amouage has opened a new flagship boutique in Beverly Hills, marking its first store on the U.S. West Coast. The boutique, named 'The Wadi,' brings the brand's Omani heritage to Los Angeles.
China's '618' Shopping Festival Shows Signs of Waning Excitement as Consumers Tighten Spending
The annual '618' e-commerce bonanza, a key barometer of China's retail health, appears less vibrant this year as cautious consumer behavior amid the economic slowdown leads to noticeably smaller package piles at delivery stations.
Retail real estate advisor LM makes three key appointments
UK independent retail and leisure real estate adviser LM has made three key promotions “strengthening the firm’s reputation for innovation, collaboration and nurturing internal talent.”