Cathaleen Chen

Spending data shows millions of consumers are shopping on the Chinese app after seeing its ubiquitous marketing. Worryingly for competitors, customers appear to like what they’re seeing.

The sportswear giant posted flat sales in its latest quarterly report, beating Wall Street expectations. To fully recover, the business must demonstrate greater product innovation, analysts say.

In an era of austerity on Wall Street, apparel businesses are more likely to be valued on their profits rather than sales, which usually means lower payouts for founders and investors. That is, if they can find a buyer in the first place.

Mid-market American department stores like Macy’s, Kohl’s and Nordstrom need more than new owners and retail formats to win back customers; they must reinvent their entire value proposition with a selection that can compete with online fast fashion and off-price players. Time is running out.

Manhattanites had little love for the $25 billion megaproject when it opened five years ago (the pandemic lockdowns didn’t help, either). But a constantly shifting mix of stores, restaurants and experiences is now drawing large numbers of both locals and tourists.

The company is in talks with potential investors after filing for insolvency in Europe and closing its US stores. Insiders say efforts to restore the brand to its 1980s heyday clashed with its owners’ desire to quickly juice sales in order to attract a buyer.

Nordstrom, Tod’s and L’Occitane are all pushing for privatisation. Ultimately, their fate will not be determined by whether they are under the scrutiny of public investors.

The rental platform saw its stock soar last week after predicting it would hit a key profitability metric this year. A new marketing push and more robust inventory are the key to unlocking elusive growth, CEO Jenn Hyman tells BoF.

Blocking the deal would set a new precedent for fashion M&A in the US and leave Capri Holdings in a precarious position as it attempts to turn around its Michael Kors brand.

Retailers like Zara and Uniqlo are rolling out improved versions of the technology, but not everyone in the industry is sold. Some brands worry about the lack of customer interaction, while others see as theft a serious concern.