Features

What does the future hold for Versace?

Versace, the Italian luxury brand known for its bold, glamorous aesthetic, has long been synonymous with excess, opulence, and cutting-edge fashion. Founded by Gianni Versace in 1978, the brand quickly rose to prominence in the fashion world, attracting an elite clientele and global recognition.  Over the years, the house has…

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Are consumers stuck in an endless cycle of ‘aesthetic’ dupes?

The retail landscape is increasingly defined by a relentless cycle of “aesthetic” dupes – fast, trend-driven products designed to mimic high-end styles at a fraction of the cost. From Pinterest and Primark’s new trend-inspired collection to Temu’s staggering 77% product overlap with Amazon – where every tenth item is identical,…

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Lessons from Forever 21’s decline

The collapse of once-iconic brands like Forever 21 serve as a stark warning for fast fashion retailers globally. Having filed for bankruptcy for the second time in the US, the news highlighted Forever 21’s failure to adapt to the needs of its customers, take note of its competitors and move…

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Stricter knife sale laws: Problem solver or business burden?

Stricter rules for online retailers selling knives are set to be introduced by the government, along with tougher penalties for failing to enforce them, as it pursues every avenue to protect young people from knife crime.  In response to cases where unregulated online knife sales have led to tragic deaths,…

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Are salary increases the only way to keep retail staff happy?

In the past few weeks a number of retailers including B&Q and Currys have announced that they will be increasing staff pay. In the case of B&Q it is raising its UK minimum hourly rate to £12.71 per hour, above the National Minimum Wage which is increasing to £12.21 per…

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How will the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street benefit retail in the UK?

In the last few months, London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced that the city will be pushing ahead with long-discussed plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street. Long regarded as the shopping hub of the capital, Oxford Street has suffered in recent years with a number of retailers closing their doors on the…

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Can Boohoo’s rebrand solve its fast fashion woes?

In the run-up to Boohoo announcing its name change to Debenhams Group, the fashion business had battled an onslaught of media scrutiny – and we’re only halfway through the 2020s. Let’s recap this chain of events: in 2020, a Sunday Times investigation found that Boohoo suppliers in Leicester were getting…

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WHSmith’s high street exit: what it means for the retail industry

After more than 230 years as a staple of British high streets, WHSmith is considering selling off its entire high street business. With around 500 stores facing an uncertain future, the company is shifting its focus to travel retail — airports, railway stations, and motorway service areas — where it…

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The decline of UK department stores: can they survive?

The decline of department stores in the UK has been one of the most significant shifts in the retail sector in recent years. High street giants that once defined the shopping experience have faced unprecedented challenges, leaving behind empty storefronts and a stark reminder of how much the landscape has…

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How Trump’s tariffs could affect UK retailers

US President Donald Trump has spent his first few weeks in power threatening to and actioning a number of moves which affect imports into America. While most of this has been focused upon Canada, Mexico and China it could have wide ranging effects across the globe. Trump is embarking on…

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