Fashion industry news outlet Drapers has unveiled Ask Drapers, an AI‑powered intelligence tool that answers user queries using its own editorial archive. The platform taps more than 68,000 fact‑checked articles covering retail trends, data, and analysis, delivering instant, summarized insights. By limiting sources to Drapers’ verified content, the tool promises higher accuracy than generic search engines. It is now live via a searchable web bar for retailers and analysts.
Marks & Spencer’s women’s wear spring/summer 26 line leans heavily on bomber jackets and straight‑leg denim, with barrel‑leg jeans still the top seller. The retailer reports growth among under‑35 and under‑55 shoppers while maintaining dominance with customers over 55. A new mid‑month...
Crocs opened its first full‑price UK mainline store on 20 March at Westfield Stratford City, a 1,496 sq ft space showcasing the brand’s complete adult and kids range, Jibbitz charms, and a Lego partnership. The launch is a cornerstone of Crocs’ 2026 retail...
Baukjen founder Baukjen de Swaan Arons details the premium womenswear label’s push into the United States and Europe while maintaining a sustainable growth model. She outlines the operational hurdles of scaling production, supply‑chain transparency, and brand positioning in new markets. The diary...
Nadine Merabi has appointed former Jigsaw CEO Hash Ladha and ex‑Matches chief Nick Beighton as part‑time advisers to help reshape its organisational structure. Ladha will work two days a week and Beighton three days a month, both serving as non‑executive directors...

Drapers has published a Conscious Fashion Manifesto urging the UK government to provide clearer sustainability regulations, financial incentives and stronger recycling infrastructure for the fashion retail sector. The manifesto highlights the industry’s £62 bn annual contribution to the economy, 1.3 million jobs...

Matalan has secured a £25 million investment from core investors including Invesco, Tresidor, Man Group and Napier Park. The capital will fund store‑estate modernisation, digital capability upgrades and seasonal product expansion, with 40 additional stores slated for refresh by the first half...
Paul Smith reported a pre‑tax loss of £16.7 m for the year to 30 June 2025, widening from a £5.4 m loss the previous year. Turnover fell 8% to £181 m as wholesale revenue slumped 16%, while ecommerce sales rose 14%. Gross profit declined 7%...

Matalan announced a £25 million investment from core investors Invesco, Tresidor, Man Group and Napier Park to fund store modernisation, expansion and digital growth. The funding will support product development, seasonal inventory and accelerate the retailer’s transformation programme.

Brands and retailers are confronting intensified regulatory scrutiny and potential sanctions over sustainability claims, prompting many to adopt “greenhushing” – the practice of keeping environmental initiatives hidden. While this approach reduces the risk of violating emerging green‑claim laws, it also...
Albaray marks its fifth anniversary with fresh collaborations and expanded retail partnerships while reaffirming its sustainable ethos. Drapers has released a Conscious Fashion Manifesto urging government support for Made‑in‑UK production, recycling infrastructure, compliance financing, and clear sustainability guidance. The CMA’s...