Author: Sam Allcock

Belstaff, celebrating its 100th anniversary, reveals ambitious store expansion plans.The flagship store in London underwent a significant revamp, inspiring other locations.New store designs focus on a minimalist aesthetic to highlight products.Expansions are planned across key European locations, including Germany and Spain.The brand aims to strengthen its retail growth over the next three years.Celebrating its centenary, Belstaff unveils its ambitious plans to expand its retail presence amidst a strategic drive to revamp existing stores and open new ones. In its recent efforts, the heritage brand has transformed its flagship store on London’s Regent Street, adopting a ‘future garage’ design with clay…

At the Drapers Future of Fashion conference, Paul Hornby shared insights on AI’s transformative potential in fashion retail.Hornby highlighted both opportunities and challenges presented by AI technologies.He emphasised AI’s role in enhancing customer experience and personalisation.The discussion pointed out risks involved with implementing new technology.Hornby suggested strategies to harness AI effectively in the retail sector.At the recent Drapers Future of Fashion conference, Paul Hornby, digital customer experience director at The Very Group, addressed the revolutionary potential of artificial intelligence in the fashion retail industry. By leveraging AI technologies, businesses can significantly transform how they interact with customers, creating more personalised…

At the recent Drapers Future of Fashion conference, a spotlight was cast on the transformative role of AI in the fashion industry.Jonny Longden from Boohoo unveiled innovative strategies to leverage AI tools for trend analysis.AI’s capability in predicting fashion trends was highlighted as a game-changer for retailers like Boohoo.The conference explored the potential of emerging platforms in delivering cutting-edge fashion solutions.Attendees gained insights into the future of fashion retail through technological advancements.The Drapers Future of Fashion conference served as an illuminating stage for industry leaders, particularly when Boohoo Group’s digital director, Jonny Longden, shared insights into the deployment of AI-powered…

Primark is expanding its presence in Portugal by investing €40m, enhancing its retail space in Lisbon and opening four new stores across the country.This expansion coincides with the brand’s 15-year anniversary in Portugal, marking significant growth.The retailer’s plans will increase its Portuguese store total to 14, boosting selling space by over 30%.The new outlets will feature self-service checkouts, a first for Primark in Portugal.An extended store in Lisbon will offer an updated look and more product variety.Primark is set to invest €40m to enhance its presence in Portugal by expanding its selling space in Lisbon and launching four new stores…

Asos, a prominent e-tailer, is urging employees to adhere to its return-to-work policy, highlighting potential consequences for non-compliance.The company states that crucial meetings, such as brainstorms and pre-production discussions, necessitate face-to-face interaction rather than virtual setups.Departments have tailored measures, with creative, production, and marketing sectors required to hold most meetings in person.Asos emphasises the importance of physical presence to facilitate the tactile examination of products, which cannot be replicated virtually.This move parallels JD Sports’ similar initiative to enhance collaboration and personal development by increasing office attendance.In a decisive move, Asos has communicated to its staff the necessity of following its…

At the Drapers Future of Fashion Conference, major players stressed the need for enhanced data skills and diversity.During the event, panellists from Asos, Fashion Retail Academy, and The (Fashion) Minority Report collaborated to discuss vital industry topics.There was a strong focus on improving social mobility through strategic apprenticeships to attract varied talent.The creation of a desirable company culture emerged as a key factor in nurturing a skilled workforce.Diversity and inclusion in data roles are seen as essential for future-proofing the fashion industry.At the Drapers Future of Fashion Conference held on 19 June 2024, leading industry representatives from Asos, Fashion Retail…

Martin Newman reveals a game-changing prospect for modern retailers in a £350bn tech-driven opportunity that most are missing.At the Drapers Future of Fashion conference, Newman underscored the critical role of tech in solving customer issues.Retailers are urged to rethink strategies and embrace technology for competitive advantage.Newman boasts significant experience from high-profile roles with Burberry, Ted Baker, and Harrods.His insights call for prompt action in adopting innovative solutions to keep retailers thriving.Martin Newman, a respected figure in the retail sector, shed light on a substantial opportunity that retailers are overlooking, estimated at £350 billion. His insights, shared at the Drapers Future…

LCF Law has strengthened its team by appointing three new partners.Rebecca Ridley joins LCF Law’s corporate team, bringing 14 years of experience from Leeds firms.Liam O’Neill enhances the personal law team in Ilkley with over 26 years of legal expertise.Ellie Foster, a seasoned family law expert, transitions from Raworths to LCF Law’s family team.The managing partner highlights the new partners’ dedication and client relationships.LCF Law, based in Yorkshire, has announced the addition of three new partners, enhancing its legal expertise and service offering. This development aims to fortify the firm’s position in various legal domains, leveraging the substantial experience of…

Despite increasing concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI), shareholders at top US tech firms are not heeding pension savers’ calls for action.Shareholders of major tech giants—part of the Magnificent Seven—have dismissed resolutions aimed at addressing AI risks.Research indicates 10% of UK-defined contribution pension funds are vested in these tech companies, highlighting savers’ exposure to AI impacts.A PensionBee survey reveals nearly 72% of pension savers believe shareholders should use their power to influence AI use.Despite significant support from pension savers, resolutions at Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet failed to pass with low voting percentages.Despite growing concerns over AI, shareholders of three major US…

New data reveals alarming financial vulnerability for UK working parents facing child illness.22% of working parents could only manage a week without pay if taking time off for a sick child.Self-employed parents estimate over three months of financial self-sufficiency, contrasting starkly with employed parents.A significant portion of parents lack emergency childcare support from family or friends.Financial protection plans like ChildShield aim to alleviate income loss concerns for parents.New research highlights the precarious financial situation of working parents in the UK when taking unpaid leave due to a child’s illness or injury. According to the study by MetLife UK, 22% of…