Fast Fashion
This coverage examines the fast fashion segment within the UK retail industry, focusing on business strategies, supply chain practices, consumer trends, and sustainability challenges. Reporting highlights brand performance, operational efficiency, regulatory scrutiny, and market dynamics — delivering insight for retail executives, brand managers, and professionals overseeing competitive positioning and ethical considerations in this sector.
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Sep- 2025 -25 SeptemberClothing & Shoes
H&M profits soar 40% in Q3 despite muted sales
H&M has seen operating profits rocket by 40% to SEK 4.914bn (£389m) in its third quarter, despite sales only rising by 2% to SEK 57,017m (£4.51bn) over the period. The lower sales came as the group operated from 4% fewer stores at the end of the quarter compared with last…
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16 SeptemberFeatures
Why Inditex is betting on speed while rivals retract
Fashion retail is in a moment of reckoning. Inflation, freight costs and currency headwinds are pressuring margins across the board, while digital disruption continues to reshape how consumers shop. Many players have responded by scaling back their physical footprint, trimming overheads, or leaning heavily into online channels. But Inditex, the…
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Jul- 2025 -8 JulyFeatures
Retailers vs. returns: is cracking down costing brands more than it’s saving?
Asos became wrapped up in another controversy in late June after the online giant, which shipped 67.2 million orders last year, confirmed it had closed the accounts of “a small number” of customers for returning more clothes than they kept. According to the retailer, this is in breach of its…
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Jun- 2025 -27 JuneFeatures
Has homeware become a fast fashion rite of passage?
This summer marks a bold new chapter in Primark’s retail journey, as the brand opens its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Trafford Palazzo in Manchester. Following the success of its debut Home concept in Belfast, this 11,900 sq. ft, two-floor space aims to bring the full breadth…
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2 JuneFeatures
Is kidswear holding fashion retailers back?
Children’s apparel rarely commands the spotlight in retail reporting – but when it underperforms, the drag is felt quietly across the balance sheet. In its latest financial results, Adena Brands – owner of Monsoon and Accessorize – reported a £7.5m pre-tax loss and an 11% decline in group sales. The…
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Apr- 2025 -28 AprilClothing & Shoes
Shein rises prices by up to 377% for US consumers ahead of tariffs
Fast fashion retailer Shein has increased its prices by up to 377% on certain products in the US in response to the upcoming impact of Trump’s tariff war. Bloomberg data found that price increases for US consumers came into effect on Friday (25, April 2025) with markups varying significantly from…
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14 AprilClothing & Shoes
UK watchdog faces criticism over Shein IPO approval
UK watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority, is facing criticism from UK investor groups after reports from Reuters that it has given Chinese fast fashion retailer Shein the go ahead for a London listing. A top UK managers’ trade group, including Aviva Investors, Schroders and M&G has criticised the watchdog’s decision,…
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Mar- 2025 -31 MarchFeatures
Topshop’s comeback: a boon for the high street?
Topshop is back. Once a beacon of British high street fashion, the brand has teased its return to reclaim its position in the retail landscape. But in an era dominated by digital-first brands, resale platforms, and evolving consumer habits, does Topshop have what it takes to thrive again? The journey…
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24 MarchFeatures
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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24 MarchFeatures
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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