Editor’s Comment: Are Fashion Retail CEOs Paid Too Much?
Drapers editor Jill Geoghegan questions the justification of soaring CEO pay after Next’s chief executive, Lord Wolfson, received a £7.4 million package (about $9.3 million). The commentary highlights that fashion‑retail leaders are earning well above the UK average for top executives. It also notes that shrinking profit margins and heightened shareholder scrutiny are intensifying the debate over compensation fairness. The piece calls for a reassessment of how pay aligns with company performance and industry challenges.
Rodd & Gunn Opens Bristol Store
Rodd & Gunn, the New Zealand‑origin retailer, opened a 2,562 sq ft flagship store in Bristol on April 17, 2026. The new location follows a well‑received concession at John Lewis in Cribbs Mall and adds to the brand’s ten standalone UK stores after four openings last year....
In Pictures: Susie Cave Launches New Demi-Couture Brand
Susie Cave is launching a new demi‑couture label with a boutique on Kensington Church Walk, slated to open in mid‑to‑late May. The collection features 25 black‑and‑white designs that blend theatrical costume elements with a ceremonial, ritualistic aesthetic. Each piece can...
Primark Owner to Update on Spin-Off Plan
ABF will provide an update on its strategic review of a possible Primark demerger on Tuesday, 21 April, alongside its latest financial results. The review, first hinted at in November, is being conducted with input from the Weston family’s Wittington Investments...
Legal Advice for Mitigating Cyber-Risks
Partner Mark Chapman of Herrington Carmichael outlines practical legal steps for firms to reduce cyber‑attack exposure. He stresses the need for systematic risk assessments, robust incident‑response frameworks, and appropriate cyber‑insurance coverage. The advice also highlights employee training and vendor due‑diligence...
Anthropologie to Open Store in London’s Coal Drops Yard
Anthropologie, the Urbn‑owned lifestyle retailer, is set to open its 21st UK store in London’s Coal Drops Yard. The 2,300 sq ft shop will replace the former Beyond Retro space and will feature the brand’s own lines alongside third‑party labels such as...
Next CEO Pay Tops £7.4m
Next reported that chief executive Simon Wolfson’s total remuneration jumped to £7.4 million (≈$9.5 million) for the 2025/26 year, driven mainly by a £6.19 million variable component tied to performance. The retailer posted a 13.4% rise in operating profit to £1.24 billion (≈$1.6 billion) and...
Hyper-Personal Shopping: The Rise of AI Shopper Bots
Retailers like John Lewis and Frasers are deploying AI‑powered shopper bots to deliver hyper‑personalized shopping experiences. These bots analyze real‑time browsing data and engage customers via chat or voice, offering curated product selections instantly. Early pilots have shown higher conversion...
Uniqlo Snaps up Former Ted Baker Store
Uniqlo is opening three new UK stores—in Cambridge, Manchester’s Trafford Centre, and Bristol’s Cabot Circus—bringing its UK footprint to 27 locations. Manchester becomes the first city outside London with two Uniqlo outlets, while the Bristol store, a 14,640 sq ft two‑storey space,...
Meet the Team: Anthropologie’s Marketing and PR Ensemble
Anthropologie’s European Union marketing and PR unit comprises 12 professionals who manage brand marketing, social media, and events from its Brick Lane office in east London. The team offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at daily workflows, from campaign planning to influencer outreach....
In Pictures: Asos Takes over Adidas Store for New Collection
Asos is staging a five‑day pop‑up at Adidas' London flagship from April 16‑21, showcasing the third Adidas Originals × Asos collection. The 27‑piece line, already live on the Asos app and website, blends classic tracksuit silhouettes with playful details like polka dots...
Inditex Signs Third Lefties Store in UK
Inditex has signed a lease for its third Lefties store in the UK, locating the 50,000‑sq‑ft unit in Town Square’s North East district between Red and Green Mall. The move follows earlier agreements for stores in Liverpool One and Lakeside,...
Founder’s Diary: Batch Ldn’s Julian Osborne
Julian Osborne and Sam Matanle launched Batch Ldn in 2021 as a men’s casual‑suiting label. Within three years the brand generated roughly £3 million (about $3.8 million) in revenue and secured a 2,000‑sq‑ft flagship on Covent Garden. Osborne’s diary entry details the...
FTCT Expands Grant Access for Fashion Industry Families
The Fashion Textiles Children’s Trust (FTCT) has reduced the minimum trade‑connection period for current UK fashion and textile employees from 12 months to six months, effective April 2026. The adjustment reflects the rise of short‑term contracts and aims to deliver grant...
Alohas Branches Into Bags
Alohas has introduced the Hilma bag, a new accessory line featuring ten variations across maxi, midi and mini sizes. Priced between £245 and £395 (approximately $313‑$506), the bag emphasizes personalization with a transparent front pocket and metal charm rings. It...
Next Sets Sights on Radley for Latest Acquisition
Next is negotiating to acquire the Radley brand and its intellectual property from Freshstream, the private‑equity owner that bought the label in 2016. The deal may be executed via a pre‑pack administration, while US restructuring specialist Gordon Brothers also shows...
M&S to Open New Retail Park Store, Creating 75 Jobs
Marks & Spencer is launching an 18,000 sq ft retail‑park store in Abingdon, repurposing a former Homebase site. The outlet will feature the full M&S food range, an in‑store bakery, coffee and hot‑chicken counters, and a dedicated click‑and‑collect hub for fashion, home...
Fashion Sales Fall at LVMH Amid Middle East ‘Vigilance’
LVMH reported a 2% decline in its fashion and leather goods division, bringing revenue to €9.2 bn (about $9.9 bn), with a 9% drop on a reported basis, attributing the dip to the ongoing Middle East conflict. In contrast, its watches and...
First Look: Boss Returns with David Beckham’s SS26 Collection
Boss by Beckham unveiled its Spring‑Summer 2026 line, emphasizing versatile, airy pieces that blend classic tailoring with relaxed casualwear. The collection features double‑breasted linen and silk‑blend suits priced around $680‑$805, drawstring‑waist trousers from $250 to $375, and premium outerwear such...
Suppliers Warn of Textile Price Hikes Amid Middle East Conflict
Textile suppliers report 10‑15% price hikes since the US‑Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28, with polyester—accounting for about 60% of global fibre production—hit hardest. The surge mirrors oil prices, which climbed over 7% to roughly $100 per barrel and...
Victoria Beckham Chair Departs
John Toledano stepped down as chair of Victoria Beckham on 31 March 2026, ending an eight‑year tenure that began in 2018. The brand reported a 26% revenue jump to £112.7 m (≈$143 m) and a 22% EBITDA rise to £2.2 m (≈$2.8 m) for the full...
Founder’s Diary: Florere’s Michelle Evatt and Heidi Fielding
Michelle Evatt and Heidi Fielding have launched Florere, a new premium womenswear label built on four decades of combined design experience. The brand secured a successful Series A funding round last year, providing the capital needed to develop its first...
Frasers Group Launches AI Shopping Assistant
Frasers Group has introduced Ask Frasers, an AI‑powered shopping assistant on its e‑commerce site. The tool, built on Algolia’s Agentic Experience technology, lets shoppers ask natural‑language questions, refine preferences and receive real‑time product recommendations. By leveraging live product data, availability...
Zig + Star Launching in US
British fashion label Zig + Star, founded in 2021 by former Topshop buyer Ali McAleavy, announced its U.S. entry in the second half of 2026. The brand will launch through dropship partnerships with four of the country’s largest department stores, followed by a...
Why Toast Is Taking on the West Coast
Toast, the British fashion label founded in 1994, is marking its 30th anniversary by expanding onto the U.S. west coast. Creative director Laura Shippey discussed her daily rituals and the design inspirations that drive the brand’s aesthetic. The rollout includes...
LK Bennett Website to Shutter Within Days
LK Bennett announced that its e‑commerce site will cease operations within days, offering deep discounts of 80%‑90% on remaining inventory. The brand is also running a store‑wide clearance with at least 70% off as its physical locations prepare to close...
M&S Hires AllSaints Exec to Lead Merchandising Transformation
Marks & Spencer has hired Anjali Nakarja, a former AllSaints and Primark executive, to spearhead a sweeping merchandising transformation across its fashion, home and beauty divisions. Nakarja will focus on embedding data‑led decision making and modernizing planning processes, drawing on...
In Pictures: Selfridges Unveils New Members’ Club in Loyalty Push
Selfridges has opened 40 Duke, a members‑only club that blends personal shopping, hospitality and cultural programming for its Unlocked loyalty members. The venue features 24 private suites, a club lounge, a private dining room, a terrace restaurant and flexible exhibition spaces,...
M&S Bets Big on Comfort with Largest Lingerie Range to Date
Marks & Spencer has launched "Body," its largest ever lingerie range, featuring 300 pieces across four collections—Invisibles, Sculpt, Soft and Lace. Prices start at £14 (≈$18) for a three‑pack of thongs and run between £18‑£24 (≈$23‑$31) for bras. The line...
Max Mara-Owned Marella to Open London Store
Italian label Marella, owned by Max Mara Fashion Group, opened its first United Kingdom boutique at 8 Marylebone High Street, a 1,410 sq ft flagship featuring the brand’s complete womenswear, footwear and accessories range. The store incorporates digital touchpoints and a minimalist lighting...
Russell & Bromley Ramps up Clearance Sale
Russell & Bromley has lifted its clearance discounts to 60% at stores not included in the recent pre‑pack deal with Next. The escalation follows earlier reductions of 20%, 30% and 50% as administrators aim to liquidate inventory before expected closures around...
Jaded London Founders: ‘Our Stores Are Not Just Retail – They Are a Gen Z Experience’
Jaded London founders Grant Goulden and Jade Camber explain that their stores are built as immersive, community‑focused "Gen Z experiences" rather than conventional retail spaces. They credit culturally resonant collaborations, a digital‑first marketing approach, and a strong community ethos for...
Middle East Conflict Clouds Easter Trading Forecast
UK fashion retailers are entering the Easter trading window with a mixed outlook. Unpredictable spring weather, aggressive discounting and lingering cost‑of‑living pressures already weigh on sales expectations. Adding to the uncertainty, the ongoing Middle East conflict is dampening consumer confidence...
AllSaints Implements AI Across Buying and Merchandising
AllSaints announced a partnership with Impact Analytics to embed artificial intelligence across its buying and merchandising functions. The retailer will replace spreadsheet‑heavy, manual workflows with AI‑native planning tools designed to streamline processes and boost forecast accuracy. A key goal is...
First Look: Peachy Den Opens Second London Store in Soho
Peachy Den has opened its second London boutique at 10 Brewer Street in Soho, occupying an 805 sq ft former Marc Jacobs youth space. Designed by architect Kat Milne, the store will showcase core collections, new releases, and host events to drive foot...
Green Shoots: How Conscious Kidswear Brands Are Growing Up
Conscious kidswear brands such as Little Green Radicals and Zig + Star are gaining traction despite broader apparel industry headwinds. These start‑ups emphasize organic fabrics, low‑impact dyes, and transparent supply chains to meet rising parental demand for ethical clothing. The...
Retailers Brace for £3.4bn Business Rates Hike Amid April Cost Pressures
UK retailers are confronting a £3.4 bn (≈$4.3 bn) business‑rates increase that lifts the sector’s tax burden to £37.1 bn (≈$47 bn) in 2026/27, a 10.1% rise. The hike compounds inflation‑driven cost pressures, higher utilities and supply‑chain strain from the Middle‑East conflict. Chains such...
Slow Living: The Fashion Brands Taking a Seasonless Approach
Drapers spotlights three slow‑fashion labels—Asket, With Nothing Underneath, and Atelier Ninety Five—who have abandoned the traditional fashion calendar in favor of seasonless collections. These brands emphasize timeless design, transparent pricing and sustainable sourcing to persuade shoppers to buy fewer, higher‑quality...
First Look: Adidas Unveils Second Drop with Molly-Mae Hague
Adidas has launched the second drop of its Molly‑Mae Hague collaboration, featuring a match‑green Samba sneaker with pink‑white laces and an iced‑latte beige Superstar II with chocolate‑brown stripes. Both models include two sets of laces for interchangeable styling and retail for...
Garage CEO: ‘Wholesale Slows Us Down’
Canadian womenswear label Garage opened its second United Kingdom store on London’s iconic Oxford Street, marking a rapid push into the European market. CEO Andry Lutfy told Drapers that the brand’s growth engine relies on urgency, agility, and a granular...
Dr Martens Promotes Internally for UK General Manager Role
Dr. Martens appointed Nick Duff as its new UK General Manager in June 2024, after stints at Gant and Converse. The hire comes as the bootmaker restructures its EMEA operations, targeting a consumer‑first model and cutting costs. Dr. Martens reported...
Superdry CEO on Transforming Its Core Consumer and Bringing Back Bench
Superdry CEO Julian Dunkerton announced the relaunch of the Bench label, partnering with his teenage daughter to co‑design the new collection. The move is aimed at revitalizing Bench’s streetwear heritage while appealing to Gen Z consumers. Dunkerton said the strategy...
PO.P at 50: ‘Childrenswear’s Future Lies in Longevity, Not Trends’
Swedish childrenswear label PO.P marks its 50th anniversary by reaffirming a longevity‑first strategy rather than chasing fashion trends. The brand highlights that 66% of its outerwear is now worn by three children or more, underscoring a shift toward circularity and...
Myprotein Partners with Champion as It Ramps up Apparel Growth
Myprotein has teamed up with Champion to launch an 11‑piece unisex activewear line, priced between $57 and $121, debuting online on April 8. The partnership blends Myprotein's digitally engaged customer base with Champion's heritage in performance and lifestyle apparel. Activewear...
Fairfax & Favor Co-Founder: ‘Authenticity Is Key’
Fairfax & Favor, a British luxury label for men and women, has built a cult following among race‑goers and countryside residents. Co‑founder Marcus Fairfax Fountaine says the brand’s success hinges on authentic storytelling that reflects rural heritage. By marrying high‑quality...
Sainsbury’s Tu Launches First 100% Linen Collection
Sainsbury’s Tu brand launched its first 100% linen collection for summer 2026 on March 26, offering more than 20 styles including trousers, shirts, waistcoats, co‑ords, culottes and dresses. Prices range from £14 to £36 (approximately $18‑$46), making the line affordable...
Garage Continues UK Expansion with Manchester Stores
Canadian fast‑fashion label Garage is opening two new stores in Manchester’s Arndale and Trafford centres in 2026, extending its recent UK rollout that began with a flagship on London’s Oxford Street and a Bluewater store in Kent. The brand, which...
Inflation Holds Firm at 3% in February
The UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) held steady at a 3% year‑over‑year increase in February, unchanged from January. Monthly inflation also remained at 0.4%, mirroring the same pace recorded a year earlier. Clothing prices were the primary upward force, while...
Asos Profits up as It Reaffirms Full-Year Guidance
Asos reported a roughly 50% jump in adjusted EBITDA for the half‑year to March 1, driven by tighter cost control, higher gross margins and a lower returns rate, even after accounting for US tariff impacts. Gross margin rose 330 basis points...
How Are Weight-Loss Drugs Impacting Fashion Retailers?
GLP‑1 weight‑loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are driving a measurable shift in consumer body sizes, prompting fashion retailers to reevaluate their sizing strategies. Brands are seeing heightened demand for smaller‑size inventory while larger sizes risk overstock, leading to...