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Retail

Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.

Tackling Fashion’s Excess Inventory Problem

To combat the high costs of overstock and stock-outs, winning brands are improving their end-to-end planning with tech tools and operating models that allow for greater supply-chain agility, according to the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025.

Tackling Fashion’s Excess Inventory Problem

To combat the high costs of overstock and stock-outs, winning brands are improving their end-to-end planning with tech tools and operating models that allow for greater supply-chain agility, according to the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025.


Why Brick-and-Mortar Resale Is Flourishing

Brick-and-mortar shops selling secondhand fashion are thriving in the US, even amid the boom in online players that’s grabbed much of the industry’s attention and investment.

Why Brick-and-Mortar Resale Is Flourishing

Brick-and-mortar shops selling secondhand fashion are thriving in the US, even amid the boom in online players that’s grabbed much of the industry’s attention and investment.


Nordstrom Goes Private in $6.25 Billion Deal

Upon closing, the Nordstrom family will own just over 50 percent of the company, while Mexican retailer Liverpool will own the rest.

Nordstrom Goes Private in $6.25 Billion Deal

Upon closing, the Nordstrom family will own just over 50 percent of the company, while Mexican retailer Liverpool will own the rest.


The Best of BoF 2024: Fashion Adapts to a Tough Reality

Facing depressed consumer sentiment and a slew of other macroeconomic headwinds this year, the industry was forced to revisit a timeless retail playbook: compelling product, prudent spending and a revival of brick and mortar.

The Best of BoF 2024: Fashion Adapts to a Tough Reality

Facing depressed consumer sentiment and a slew of other macroeconomic headwinds this year, the industry was forced to revisit a timeless retail playbook: compelling product, prudent spending and a revival of brick and mortar.


The Best of BoF 2024: Fashion’s Obsession Reaches Fever Pitch

In 2024, the sneaker world was rocked by missteps and management change at Nike, which now faces a difficult turnaround as challengers like On and Hoka continue their assault. Meanwhile, fashion’s fixation on sport reached a new pitch at the Paris Olympics and shows no signs of letting up.

The Best of BoF 2024: Fashion’s Obsession Reaches Fever Pitch

In 2024, the sneaker world was rocked by missteps and management change at Nike, which now faces a difficult turnaround as challengers like On and Hoka continue their assault. Meanwhile, fashion’s fixation on sport reached a new pitch at the Paris Olympics and shows no signs of letting up.


Will Shein’s IPO Make it in 2025?

The ultra-fast-fashion giant could be the biggest listing in London for years, but controversies around the company’s business practices and links to China are dragging on the process.

Will Shein’s IPO Make it in 2025?

The ultra-fast-fashion giant could be the biggest listing in London for years, but controversies around the company’s business practices and links to China are dragging on the process.


Nike Told to Compensate Workers in High-Profile Labour Controversy

An independent investigation commissioned by The Fair Labour Association — a human rights monitoring organisation that counts Nike as a member — identified several “significant issues” in a long-standing case of alleged wage theft.

Nike Told to Compensate Workers in High-Profile Labour Controversy

An independent investigation commissioned by The Fair Labour Association — a human rights monitoring organisation that counts Nike as a member — identified several “significant issues” in a long-standing case of alleged wage theft.


Fashion Wakes Up to the ‘Silver Generation’ Opportunity

The fashion industry has typically focused on youth. But with shoppers over 50 representing a growing share of global spend, smart brands are showcasing their inter-generational appeal, according to the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025.

Fashion Wakes Up to the ‘Silver Generation’ Opportunity

The fashion industry has typically focused on youth. But with shoppers over 50 representing a growing share of global spend, smart brands are showcasing their inter-generational appeal, according to the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025.


5 Takeaways from Nike’s Earnings

New CEO Elliott Hill outlined his plan to turn Nike around as the company battled through another challenging quarter. There are signs of progress, but it’s going to be a long road back.

5 Takeaways from Nike’s Earnings

New CEO Elliott Hill outlined his plan to turn Nike around as the company battled through another challenging quarter. There are signs of progress, but it’s going to be a long road back.


Why Are Sneaker Collaborations So Boring?

Sneaker giants often have a ‘cheat code’ for tie-ups with indie designers, insiders say, reflecting a lack of innovation among legacy players in the industry.

Why Are Sneaker Collaborations So Boring?

Sneaker giants often have a ‘cheat code’ for tie-ups with indie designers, insiders say, reflecting a lack of innovation among legacy players in the industry.


BoF’s Top Stories of 2024 | The Debrief

Executive editor Brian Baskin and senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young take a look back at some of BoF’s top stories of the year, spanning topics including Nike’s struggles, Black beauty brands, affiliate marketing and luxury labour practices.

BoF’s Top Stories of 2024 | The Debrief

Executive editor Brian Baskin and senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young take a look back at some of BoF’s top stories of the year, spanning topics including Nike’s struggles, Black beauty brands, affiliate marketing and luxury labour practices.


This Week: Nike’s Elliott Hill Takes the Stage

The company’s third-quarter earnings call will provide one of the first opportunities for CEO Elliott Hill to lay out his turnaround plan.

This Week: Nike’s Elliott Hill Takes the Stage

The company’s third-quarter earnings call will provide one of the first opportunities for CEO Elliott Hill to lay out his turnaround plan.