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Retail

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

This Week: One Last Push for Holiday Sales

Retailers are hoping to make the most of surprisingly strong consumer spending as the crucial end-of-year shopping season draws to a close.

This Week: One Last Push for Holiday Sales

Retailers are hoping to make the most of surprisingly strong consumer spending as the crucial end-of-year shopping season draws to a close.


Can the Multibrand Fiasco Be Salvaged in 2026?

Matches is plotting yet another reboot, Ssense has a restructuring lifeline and an interest payment looms for Saks. Together, they signal an industry in crisis, but hope springs eternal.

Can the Multibrand Fiasco Be Salvaged in 2026?

Matches is plotting yet another reboot, Ssense has a restructuring lifeline and an interest payment looms for Saks. Together, they signal an industry in crisis, but hope springs eternal.


US Consumer Prices Increase Less Than Expected in November

The consumer price index rose 2.7 percent year on year in November, the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Thursday.

US Consumer Prices Increase Less Than Expected in November

The consumer price index rose 2.7 percent year on year in November, the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Thursday.


Pop Mart’s 40% Stock Rout Shows Growing Labubu Crash Worry

A disappointing US Black Friday and cooling resale demand have revived comparisons to the 1990s’ Beanie Babies bust.

Pop Mart’s 40% Stock Rout Shows Growing Labubu Crash Worry

A disappointing US Black Friday and cooling resale demand have revived comparisons to the 1990s’ Beanie Babies bust.


Fashion Needs a New Growth Playbook

Companies will need to unlock new efficiencies to drive growth, as levers brands long relied on such as scale and low-cost sourcing are no longer sufficient, says the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.

Fashion Needs a New Growth Playbook

Companies will need to unlock new efficiencies to drive growth, as levers brands long relied on such as scale and low-cost sourcing are no longer sufficient, says the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.


Executive Memo | How to Cut Costs While Investing for the Future

Fashion is facing a crunch as consumers grow more cautious and the full impact of tariffs comes into view. Brands and retailers need to cut their expenses, but they can’t stop investing towards the future if they want to win in the long-term.

Executive Memo | How to Cut Costs While Investing for the Future

Fashion is facing a crunch as consumers grow more cautious and the full impact of tariffs comes into view. Brands and retailers need to cut their expenses, but they can’t stop investing towards the future if they want to win in the long-term.


Why Lululemon’s CEO Is Stepping Down

Slowing growth, rising costs and a loud campaign from its outspoken founder set the stage for Calvin McDonald’s exit. It may be the athleisure giant’s best hope to regain its cultural momentum.

Why Lululemon’s CEO Is Stepping Down

Slowing growth, rising costs and a loud campaign from its outspoken founder set the stage for Calvin McDonald’s exit. It may be the athleisure giant’s best hope to regain its cultural momentum.


Swarovski’s Strategy for Maintaining Its Shine

Lab-grown diamonds and embracing culture and design trends will be key to the brand maintaining its momentum as jewellery continues to outshine fashion, CEO Alexis Nasard says in the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.

Swarovski’s Strategy for Maintaining Its Shine

Lab-grown diamonds and embracing culture and design trends will be key to the brand maintaining its momentum as jewellery continues to outshine fashion, CEO Alexis Nasard says in the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.


How Brands Stand Out in AI Search

To ensure their products are surfaced on platforms like ChatGPT, brands are turning to startups such as Profound, whose CEO James Cadwallader offers his view on what brands need to know in the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.

How Brands Stand Out in AI Search

To ensure their products are surfaced on platforms like ChatGPT, brands are turning to startups such as Profound, whose CEO James Cadwallader offers his view on what brands need to know in the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.


How to Launch a Fashion Brand in 2026

A new generation of startups is launching amid a lack of investor funding, a weaker multi-brand retail landscape and a broken supply chain. To beat the odds, they’re going even more niche to attract and retain overstimulated consumers.

How to Launch a Fashion Brand in 2026

A new generation of startups is launching amid a lack of investor funding, a weaker multi-brand retail landscape and a broken supply chain. To beat the odds, they’re going even more niche to attract and retain overstimulated consumers.


What Happens When Heritage Craft Meets Global Ambition

From handmade beadwork to woven bags, small labels that create products via ancestral methods must constantly weigh how to scale without sacrificing integrity.

What Happens When Heritage Craft Meets Global Ambition

From handmade beadwork to woven bags, small labels that create products via ancestral methods must constantly weigh how to scale without sacrificing integrity.


How Community Became Fashion and Beauty’s Strongest Currency

Today’s most resonant brands don’t just sell — they listen, co-create and connect with their consumers. In partnership with GGP, BoF examines how authentic community building is redefining loyalty in fashion and beauty retail.

How Community Became Fashion and Beauty’s Strongest Currency

Today’s most resonant brands don’t just sell — they listen, co-create and connect with their consumers. In partnership with GGP, BoF examines how authentic community building is redefining loyalty in fashion and beauty retail.