Fast Fashion

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Today’s news in brief-18/3/25

Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US for the second time, following a previous filing in 2019. The retailer, once a dominant force in fast fashion, has struggled to compete with foreign competitors and rising costs. While its US stores and website will continue trading during 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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