Fashion Startup Founder Pleads Guilty in $300 Million Fraud
Christine Hunsicker admitted she falsified financial statements to promote CaaStle Inc. as a valuable, growing business when in reality it was struggling.
consumer-psychology
Latest News & Analysis
Marketing
Case Study | Gen-Z Shopping: Separating Myth from Reality
A new generation of consumers is coming of age during a critical, sink-or-swim period for brands and retailers. In our latest case study, BoF puts some of the widely accepted attributes of Gen-Z under the microscope, and interrogates how five industry players — Nike, Brandy Melville, Morphe, Depop and Louis Vuitton — have successfully capitalised on the Gen-Z opportunity.
Case Study | Gen-Z Shopping: Separating Myth from Reality
A new generation of consumers is coming of age during a critical, sink-or-swim period for brands and retailers. In our latest case study, BoF puts some of the widely accepted attributes of Gen-Z under the microscope, and interrogates how five industry players — Nike, Brandy Melville, Morphe, Depop and Louis Vuitton — have successfully capitalised on the Gen-Z opportunity.
Sustainability
Op-Ed | What Consumers Really Think About Sustainability
Consumers’ mixed signals on sustainability pose tough but surmountable obstacles for fashion brands, argue Sarah Willersdorf and Robbin Mitchell.
Op-Ed | What Consumers Really Think About Sustainability
Consumers’ mixed signals on sustainability pose tough but surmountable obstacles for fashion brands, argue Sarah Willersdorf and Robbin Mitchell.
Retail
Pre-Orders Are Becoming a Popular Tool for Fashion Brands. But Are They a Good Idea?
Independent designers like Telfar are bringing pre-orders directly to their customers — online and outside of the traditional seasonal delivery schedule. BoF explores the pros and cons of the strategy, and how to talk to customers about waiting in a fast-fashion world.
Pre-Orders Are Becoming a Popular Tool for Fashion Brands. But Are They a Good Idea?
Independent designers like Telfar are bringing pre-orders directly to their customers — online and outside of the traditional seasonal delivery schedule. BoF explores the pros and cons of the strategy, and how to talk to customers about waiting in a fast-fashion world.
Retail
Op-Ed | In a Crisis, Looking Good Really Can Help Us Feel Good
Fashion doesn’t just reflect our inner selves; it can also have psychological effects that actually change how we think, feel and act, argues Carolyn Mair.
Op-Ed | In a Crisis, Looking Good Really Can Help Us Feel Good
Fashion doesn’t just reflect our inner selves; it can also have psychological effects that actually change how we think, feel and act, argues Carolyn Mair.
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News & Analysis
As Inflation Eases, What Will Make Chinese Consumers Spend More?
"While it’s not in luxury brands’ best interests to give away vouchers, they need to start considering their own versions of stimulus packages to
As Inflation Eases, What Will Make Chinese Consumers Spend More?
"While it’s not in luxury brands’ best interests to give away vouchers, they need to start considering their own versions of stimulus packages to
Luxury
What Shoppers Are Thinking Right Now
Consumers are feeling denial, anxiety, dread and hope. But even if they aren’t in the buying mood, brands can use this time to build deeper relationships.
What Shoppers Are Thinking Right Now
Consumers are feeling denial, anxiety, dread and hope. But even if they aren’t in the buying mood, brands can use this time to build deeper relationships.
Luxury
Don’t Believe the Hype: Exclusivity Still Matters
Demand for luxury fashion is deeply rooted in exclusivity. The rise of millennials and the industry’s recent use of inclusivity in its marketing narratives does not change this, argues Luca Solca.
Don’t Believe the Hype: Exclusivity Still Matters
Demand for luxury fashion is deeply rooted in exclusivity. The rise of millennials and the industry’s recent use of inclusivity in its marketing narratives does not change this, argues Luca Solca.
Retail
Millennial Loyalty Isn’t Enough: These Brands Want Their Love
With the shifting landscape comes a new generation of brands that want consumers to feel that kinship — even love — takes precedence over selling product.
Millennial Loyalty Isn’t Enough: These Brands Want Their Love
With the shifting landscape comes a new generation of brands that want consumers to feel that kinship — even love — takes precedence over selling product.
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Retail
New Asian Shoppers Drive Japan’s Travel Retail Boom
Big spenders from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam are making their mark on Japan’s travel retail market during peak tourist seasons like ‘hanami’ and ‘koyo’.
New Asian Shoppers Drive Japan’s Travel Retail Boom
Big spenders from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam are making their mark on Japan’s travel retail market during peak tourist seasons like ‘hanami’ and ‘koyo’.
Sustainability
Social Goods | The Case Against Underage Models, Criticisms Over Nike's Balaclava
This week, the codes of the modelling industry are changing in the #MeToo world, while Nike receives criticism over selling a balaclava that customers said looks 'menacing.'
Social Goods | The Case Against Underage Models, Criticisms Over Nike's Balaclava
This week, the codes of the modelling industry are changing in the #MeToo world, while Nike receives criticism over selling a balaclava that customers said looks 'menacing.'
Technology
Bits & Bytes | WeChat's Mini-Programmes, Is AI the Future of Sustainable Fashion?
This week, WeChat's advanced-feature offering experiences rapid growth, while artificial intelligence is helping advance the sustainable fashion movement.
Bits & Bytes | WeChat's Mini-Programmes, Is AI the Future of Sustainable Fashion?
This week, WeChat's advanced-feature offering experiences rapid growth, while artificial intelligence is helping advance the sustainable fashion movement.
Retail
Is Inclusivity the New Exclusivity? Gucci Certainly Thinks So
The Italian luxury megabrand attributes its phenomenal success to a bold paradigm shift from exclusivity to inclusivity, but Gucci is much less sticky than inclusive brands like Apple.
Is Inclusivity the New Exclusivity? Gucci Certainly Thinks So
The Italian luxury megabrand attributes its phenomenal success to a bold paradigm shift from exclusivity to inclusivity, but Gucci is much less sticky than inclusive brands like Apple.
The News in Brief
Victoria’s Secret Forecasts Its Best Year Since L Brands Split
The underwear company is anticipating net sales of at least $6.85 billion in the current fiscal year, exceeding analyst estimates and marking the highest revenue since its split from L Brands Inc in 2021.
Uniqlo Aims to Grow Tenfold in India With Summer-Centric Clothes
The Japanese brand is accelerating its expansion in India to capture a greater share of the rapidly growing apparel market and affluent consumer base.
Oasis Pressures Kao in Latest Japan Activist Investor Push
Activist fund Oasis Management Co. is calling on the Japanese personal care company to convene an extraordinary general meeting, seeking a probe into its supply-chain risk management and internal control.
American Eagle Forecasts Sales Growth Above Estimates on Demand From Wealthy Shoppers
The retailer surpassed annual sales forecasts but expects a $60 million drag from import tariffs in the first half of 2026.
Missoni Family Exits Namesake Brand
The transaction gives FSI, a Milan-based private equity fund, a controlling share in the Italian luxury house, as more founder-owned brands turn to investors to fund growth and weather a tough global market.
Ross Stores Forecasts Annual Sales Above Estimates on Resilient Demand for Discounted Apparel
Spend growth at off-price chains is among the strongest in retail, with gains across all income segments.
Abercrombie & Fitch Forecasts Muted Annual Sales Amid Tariff Uncertainty
The retailer said it was accounting for the 15 percent tariff announced by US president Donald Trump after the Supreme Court struck down most of his earlier tariffs.