Fashion News

Are Retailers (and Consumers) Paying the Price of Tariffs? I recently spoke with The Drum about the escalating fallout from Trump’s latest tariffs and let’s just say, optimism is in short supply. While retailers like Target scramble to adapt, there’s a growing sense that these policies are less a strategic play and more a costly bet with shaky odds. Here’s why I’m skeptical: “Inevitable” price hikes feel unsustainable. Target’s warning about avocado and strawberry spikes isn’t just a supply chain hiccup—it’s a preview of broader inflation. Best Buy’s admission that vendors will “pass costs downstream” suggests consumers are the ultimate backstop for this tariff experiment. Supply chains aren’t “resilient”—they’re fraying. A 25% tariff on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China isn’t a nudge toward “local sourcing.” U.S. Retailers are stuck renegotiating contracts, absorbing losses, or raising prices—none of which are long-term fixes. Volatility undermines planning. With tariff threats shifting weekly, businesses are forced into reactive mode. Who wins here? Tariffs were pitched as a tool to protect U.S. interests, but so far, they’re fueling inflation, destabilizing partnerships, and alienating consumers. Retail executives warn of slowed growth and geopolitical isolation—hardly a win for Main Street. These policies feel less like a recalibration and more like a gamble with no clear endgame. Thank you to Audrey Kemp for reaching out. I’d love to hear your take on Trump’s trade policies in the comments. 🛍️💭 https://lnkd.in/gWK8y7n8 #retail #tariffs #consumer #store #target #marketing #economy #fashion #retailer

Some mall brands are making a major comeback While headlines like Forever 21’s closures suggest trouble for malls, the reality is some brands are finding success. Retailers like Aritzia, UGG, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Coach and American Eagle—are thriving by reinventing themselves and drawing shoppers back to malls. Leaning into Gen Z marketing strategies, fresh customer experiences, and a dose of nostalgia to drive foot traffic—but not every brand is making the cut. Want to know who’s winning the mall game? I recently spoke with Real Simple about how these brands are rethinking their approach to connect with shoppers in exciting ways. If you’re looking for inspiration or just curious about what’s working in retail, this is your sign to dive in. What mall brands do you think have earned relevancy and which will be axed next? 🛍️💭 https://lnkd.in/gMMdCY-T #marketing #malls #retail #creativemarketing #retailer #store #fashion #realestate #shopping

Inside Nordstrom’s $300M Client Play Where Stylists Lead I’ve seen firsthand how luxury shopping is evolving, and Nordstrom’s bold move to hire Catherine Bloom as its Director of Luxury Styling is a textbook case of doing it right. When Fortune interviewed me last month about this trend, I emphasized one critical truth: Affluent shoppers don’t just buy products—they buy relationships. Bloom, whose $300M+ client book reads like a Forbes list, brings exactly that. As I noted, star stylists aren’t just salespeople, they’re “client magnets." What excites me most? Nordstrom is leaning into styling services and rebranding their Melrose Place location to 'Catherine Bloom for Nordstrom.' This creates a curated, appointment-only experience that mirrors what I’ve seen work at European luxury houses. Exclusivity, personal trust, and tactile service you can’t replicate online. Data shows luxury shoppers spend 73% more when assisted by a stylist (McKinsey). I break down the nuances in the Fortune's interview, where human connection is a new luxury. Retailers: Are you investing in "tastemakers," and “experience makers”? If not now, then when? 🛍️🤔 #LuxuryRetail #RetailStrategy #FutureOfShopping #Styling #Retail #Marketing #MarketingStrategy #Nordstrom https://lnkd.in/g-KtPWfn

BREAKING: Forever 21 files for second bankruptcy. A retail giant worth $4.4 billion filed for bankruptcy again. Their story teaches one brutal truth about modern retail: Time to market matters more than time in market. Breaking down their self-inflicted collapse: DIGITAL DELAY KILLED THEM While Shein launched 6,000 new styles daily with 5-7 day production cycles, Forever 21 took 6-9 months to release new products. THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY: • Forever 21: $25 hoodie + $6.99 shipping • Shein: $9 hoodie + free shipping • Result: 40% of revenue eaten by operating costs MALL DEPENDENCE CRUSHED THEM They bet everything on mall traffic: • Zero standalone locations • Long-term lease commitments • 40% of revenue going to rent • No robust online presence THE CUSTOMER EVOLUTION GAP They built for teens while their core millennial customers grew up. Every successful brand grows with their audience: • Aritzia: Evolved from hoodies to office wear • Forever 21: Stayed frozen in time FATAL PARTNERSHIP Partnering with Shein to allow returns at Forever 21 locations backfired spectacularly. It reinforced their image as just another fast fashion retailer when Gen Z wanted sustainability. SUPPLY CHAIN WEAKNESS • Forever 21: 300 suppliers, 6-month lead time • Shein: 4,000 suppliers, 7-day turnaround • Result: Impossible to compete on speed or price THE SURVIVAL BLUEPRINT THEY MISSED: 1. Renegotiate $1.1B lease liabilities 2. Build micro-fulfillment centers 3. Launch 500 new SKUs weekly 4. Create loyalty program 5. Pivot to growing categories Evolve with your customers or move out the way. Comment below if you agree, and share your thoughts below. Read my opinion piece on the topic below 🛍️😊 https://lnkd.in/gyT4DMsZ #retail #business #fashionindustry #marketing #forever21 #retailer #storedesign #ecommerce #news #breakingnews #shein #fastfashion

BREAKING: Hudson's Bay announces total liquidation after 350+ years! A retail giant falls marking the end of an era. Hudson's Bay failed because it forgot the essential truth about modern retail: adapt or disappear. The autopsy reveals three critical failures: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION DISASTER • Website showed US prices to Canadian customers • $15 shipping on $45 purchases • Competitors offered free shipping • Zero competitive advantage online MERCHANDISING MELTDOWN • Ignored athleisure revolution • Missed comfort-wear boom • Catered to 40+ demographic while younger shoppers controlled spending • Empty, disorganized stores became retail museums SUPPLY CHAIN COLLAPSE • Delayed vendor payments • Brands pulled merchandise • Theft losses pushed to suppliers • Payment priority queue leaves vendors exposed But something bigger happened here. The death of Hudson's Bay signals the end of traditional retail thinking. 1. Product offerings trump brand heritage. 2. Customer desires drive trends, not fashion weeks. 3. Physical spaces require constant evolution. 4. Temporary experiences beat permanent displays. Walking through their stores felt like entering a time capsule. While competitors created engaging spaces, Hudson's Bay remained frozen. The market spoke clearly: - Young shoppers want pop-ups creating FOMO - Consumers need reasons to visit physical stores (ie. exclusive in-store only merch) - Spaces must evolve to be interactive - Limited collections and scarcity drives foot traffic Comment below if you agree retail must evolve or shutter. Are you surprised — why or why not? 🛍️🤔 ✍️Read my opinion piece on the topic below #retail #business #fashionindustry #hudsonsbay #thebay #store #retailer #trumptariffs #canada #marketing

E-commerce Will Reach 20 Percent of All US Retail Sales by 2024, Report As we delve into the future of #retail, recent forecasts present a fascinating picture of how shopping habits are set to evolve over the coming years in the United States. According to a Statista report, in 2024, traditional brick-and-mortar stores are anticipated to dominate the retail sector, accounting for an impressive 83.8 percent of total sales. However, by 2028, digital transformation is expected to significantly shift this landscape, with e-commerce projected to rise to encompass 20 percent of total retail sales. Read full insights here: https://lnkd.in/gA8un7cE #ecommerce #business #dtc #retailnews #shopify #onlineshopping

RB Spotted: Louis Vuitton NYC flagship store is under-construction and while it’s not fully-completed, the store is open for shopping. 🤩🏗️The facade embellished with signature #monogram trunk design is temporary while the building undergoes completion. The building is estimated to cost $13 million and will also host HQ offices for the #luxury brand. Love it or hate it? ⬇️✨ Drop a comment below . . . . #luxury #retailnews #retailer #retaildesign #retailstore #popupstore #popupdesign #storefront #stores #retailmarketing #fashionmagazine #fashionmarketing #retailtrends #retailspace #retailbusiness #newyorkcity #newyorker #newyorklife #nyfw #nyfwm #nyc

YouTube and Shopify have expanded their partnership, making it easier than ever for merchants and creators to collaborate and thrive. With over 30 billion hours of shopping-related videos watched on YouTube in 2023, the platform is fast becoming a critical space for connecting creators, fans, and brands. As of today, all eligible Shopify Plus and Advanced merchants in the U.S. can sign up for YouTube Shopping’s affiliate program through the Google & YouTube app on Shopify. This move will enable thousands of creators to tag products from a broader range of brands, making shopping content more engaging and impactful. Read full article: https://lnkd.in/gifysfqd

Aritzia has announced remarkable financial results for Q2 fiscal 2025, showcasing significant growth and strategic advancements. "Our performance during the second quarter of Fiscal 2025 exceeded our expectations, as we delivered a 15% increase in net revenue compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2024 and generated comparable sales growth of 6.5%. Our top line was fueled by a 24% net revenue increase in the United States, which was driven by our proven real estate expansion strategy, a meaningful acceleration in eCommerce growth and strong comparable sales growth in our boutiques." said Jennifer Wong, Chief Executive Officer. Key Highlights: ▪️A phenomenal 24% increase in net revenue in the United States, climbing to $345.4 million! This growth is attributed to the robust real estate expansion strategy and a surge in eCommerce activities. ▪️Online sales soared by 10.4%, reaching $190 million, fueled by strong traffic in the US and vibrant Fall product collections. ▪️Retail net revenue saw an impressive rise of 17.6%, driven by the outstanding performance of new and repositioned boutiques. ▪️Net revenue increased by 15.3% to $615.7 million, with a total gross profit margin of 40.2%, up by 520 basis points, thanks to strategic markdown optimizations and cost-saving initiatives. Aritzia continues to build momentum with #strategic investments, positioning itself for sustainable growth and heightened brand recognition. "We also have a number of initiatives underway to help fuel further acceleration in our eCommerce business, including the upcoming launch of our enhanced website. Along with our growing brand awareness, the momentum we're seeing in both channels keeps us on track to deliver on our long-term goals, while the strategic investments we're making today will position us to generate profitable growth well into the future," concluded Ms. Wong. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on retailboss.co! #Aritzia #FinancialGrowth #USMarket #eCommerce #RetailStrategy #FashionForward #RetailNews #FashionNews #Fashion #Retail #Fashion #News #Trends

Go Global Retail, in alliance with Janie and Jack Holdings, has successfully acquired the Hatch Collection, a premier #maternity brand. Hatch Collection, founded in 2011 by Ariane Goldman, caters to maternity and #postpartum needs with stylish apparel, skincare, and educational content through its platform, Babe. "By bringing HATCH into the Janie and Jack family, we are extending our reach to the earliest stages of parenthood, cultivating deeper customer loyalty and lifetime value. This acquisition strengthens our position to capture the growing demand in this segment while elevating both brands," said Mo Beig, President and CFO of Janie and Jack. Integrating Hatch with Janie and Jack––a luxury children's apparel brand #acquired from Gap Inc. in 2021––Go Global aims to extend its reach to early #parenthood stages, enriching customer loyalty and boosting market traction. "This is an exciting moment for HATCH as we embark on this next chapter. Our mission and values align seamlessly with Janie and Jack; together, we are better positioned to support women on their journey through parenthood," said Rosie Rothrock, Chief Marketing Officer of HATCH. Janie and Jack, renowned for its classic children’s fashion, operates 120 U.S. stores and maintains an active digital presence, poised for omnichannel growth. Meanwhile, Hatch will retain its New York base and strategic #wholesale partnerships across 200 retailers. #RetailNews #GoGlobalRetail #HatchCollection #RetailPartnerships #FashionNews #FashionBlog