What You May Have Missed This Week

LONDON, United Kingdom — Coach, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors all offered less-than-rosy forecasts this week, as decreased tourism to the US and dwindling spending hits sales. US department stores, too, are feeling the heat. After six quarters of falling sales, Macy's is shutting 100 stores, while Saks, Nordstorm, Neiman Marcus and others are gearing up for a battle for Manhattan. And if fast fashion giants like H&M and Zara weren't competition enough, now, a wave of indie, low-cost fashion players — armed with e-commerce — are seeking a slice of the pie... The outlook isn't much better amongst fashion's legacy print media players. In the face of falling ad sales and circulation figures, publishers are experimenting with new ways to cut costs, including pooling staff and sharing content. But can cost cutting save fashion magazines?

1. Can Cost-Cutting Save Fashion Magazines?

Photo Illustration: Costanza Milano for BoF

In the face of falling print ad sales and circulation figures, publishers are experimenting with new ways to cut cost, including pooling staff and sharing content.

2. The Rise of Indie Fast Fashion

Finery Autumn/Winter 2016 | Source: Courtesy

How low-priced, trend-driven fashion start-ups armed with e-commerce are carving out a niche in the market.

3. Burberry and Kering Best Positioned to Tap South Koreat

Seoul, South Korea | Source: Shutterstock

South Korea’s large domestic luxury market, steady influx of Chinese tourists and strong department store distribution model represents a unique opportunity, according to Exane BNP Paribas.

4. How PETA Won the Angora Debate and What It Means for Fashion

An angora rabbit sits in a cage | Source: Shutterstock

Though some argue angora rabbit fur can be shorn for wool without harming animals, PETA’s 2013 campaign compelled hundreds of major brands to stop using the fibre, radically reducing the trade.

5. American Luxury Companies Remain Cautious as Weak Traffic Weighs on Sales

Michael Kors Autumn/Winter 2016 | Source: Indigital

Despite posting earnings that topped analysts’ estimates for their most recent quarters, Coach, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors have all offered less-than-rosy forecasts.

6. Macy's to Shut 100 Stores and Invest Online

Macy's department store | Source: Shutterstock

Macy's said it would close about 100 stores and boost investment in its online operations as it seeks to turn around its business after six quarters of falling sales.

7. Ralph Lauren Losing Battle for America's Preppies