ICYMI: What We’ve Been Reading
Retail News Roundup
ICYMI: At RetailOasis, we recognise the importance of staying ahead in the ever-changing retail environment. To support your growth, we've compiled a selection of insightful articles that we consider essential for industry leaders. These articles highlight innovative and emerging trends, providing valuable perspectives to enhance your strategic decisions.
Photograph: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
BRAT SUMMER TO GOTH WINTER: BEETLEJUICE REVIVAL PROMPTS SARTORIAL SPOOKINESS
As Charli xcx declared last week, brat summer is officially over, making way for a darker trend this autumn. The revival of Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is driving this gothic shift, with stars like Jenna Ortega and Catherine O’Hara showcasing spooky styles on the red carpet. High street stores like Primark and M&S are jumping on board with their own gothic-inspired collections. Fashion expert Tish Weinstock notes that this move towards a more somber aesthetic reflects both current global moods and the natural progression of the autumn season.
CASH-STRAPPED CONSUMERS ARE GIVING AUSTRALIA'S LIQUOR MAKERS A HEADACHE
Australia’s liquor industry is feeling the pinch as consumers cut back on spending amid a cost-of-living crisis. With people drinking less and seeking healthier alternatives, sales growth has slowed to a crawl, and even major players like Coles and Treasury Wine have reported profit declines. The downturn follows a period of increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic, but inflation and rising living costs have led drinkers to tighten their belts. As a result, the market for alcoholic beverages is shrinking, with a notable rise in non-drinkers and a growing interest in non-alcoholic
Source: Country Road
COUNTRY ROAD SHIFTS HERITAGE SWEATS INTO HOMIE CAPSULE
Article Link: https://www.ragtrader.com.au/news/country-road-shifts-heritage-sweats-into-homie-capsule
Country Road has teamed up with Melbourne-based streetwear label and social enterprise HoMie to launch a limited-edition collection of upcycled garments. Featuring 230 units made from past-season Country Road items, including their Heritage Sweats, the collection was reworked at Melbourne’s ABMT facility. By repurposing existing garments, this collaboration addresses fashion's waste problem and promotes sustainability. The collection will be available in select Country Road stores, highlighting a shared commitment to circular fashion and social impact.
Photograph: © Studio Saar, Landstory, Stories, BAS, Megaphone Creative
CAN BRITAIN’S EMPTY DEPARTMENT STORES BE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE?
The demise of many department stores in Britain has been a long time coming. And now the challenge is what can be done with these empty department store spaces, many of which are in prime high-street locations and consist of grand heritage designs. But just as warehouses and workshops were turned into homes and studios when industry retreated 50 years ago, so too might the department store. Developers in the UK are finding ways to reimagine and activate into viable new spaces.
Source: Ikea
HOW IKEA PLANS TO TAKE ON EBAY AND FACEBOOK WITH ITS RESALE MARKETPLACE
Article Link: https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/09/ikea-marketplace-interview/
Ikea is testing a new peer-to-peer marketplace in Madrid and Oslo, aimed at competing with platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. The platform will allow users to sell their unwanted Ikea furniture and includes features like product data, repair kits, and assembly instructions to enhance the resale experience. Currently available only to Ikea Family members, the platform is free but might introduce a small fee later to maintain quality. This initiative not only provides Ikea with valuable data to improve its products but also aligns with broader trends in retail towards more sustainable practices. If successful, it could set a new standard in the furniture resale market.
Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images
TOUTS OFFERING OASIS TICKETS FOR THOUSANDS ON RESALE SITES
Article Link: https://www.theguardian.com/money/article/2024/sep/07/oasis-ticket-touts-named-resale-sites
The article reveals the widespread exploitation of Oasis fans by ticket touts, who are reselling tickets for the band’s reunion tour at inflated prices on secondary platforms like Viagogo, StubHub, and Gigsberg. Despite rules against such practices, over 4,500 tickets are listed, some for thousands of pounds. Touts, ranging from seasoned traders to younger "sneaker kids," use bots and false identities to bypass purchase limits. The UK government is considering measures to outlaw ticket resale for profit. Resale platforms claim compliance with the law, but concerns over speculative selling and incomplete trader details persist.
Source: Google
GOOGLE SHOPPING LAUNCHES VIRTUAL DRESS TRY-ONS IN THE US
Article Link: https://www.retaildive.com/news/google-shopping-ai-virtual-tryon-dresses-simkhai/726335/
Google Shopping has introduced a virtual dress try-on feature in the US, powered by generative AI, just in time for New York Fashion Week. Shoppers can now see how dresses look on real models of various sizes, ranging from XXS to XXXL, helping them choose pieces that suit their body type. This feature follows the platform’s earlier virtual try-on tools for tops and aims to make online shopping more inclusive. Brands like Simkhai, Anthropologie, and H&M are already participating, and the technology is showing positive results, with increased engagement and more site visits. Google hopes this AI-driven innovation will continue to enhance the online shopping experience.
Source: Kikki.K
KIKKI.K STEPS INTO APPAREL WITH A NEW LIMITED RANGE
Article Link: https://www.ragtrader.com.au/news/kikki-k-steps-into-apparel-with-a-new-limited-range
Kikki.K, known for its stationery, has ventured into fashion with a limited range of apparel. The collection includes seven cotton jersey t-shirts and matching caps, all part of the wider "The Secret Society of Gardeners" range, which also features a tote bag, apron, and lifestyle accessories. Designed by Kikki.K's in-house team, the range celebrates different plant varieties and is now available in stores and online. This is the brand's first step into the apparel world, expanding beyond its usual stationery and accessories—but will gardeners pay $56 for a hat?
Source: Reuters
AUREA COMPLETES DEAL TO BUY BODY SHOP, UK STORES TO STAY OPEN
Article Link: https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Aurea-completes-deal-to-buy-body-shop-uk-stores-to-stay-open,1661652.html
Aurea, led by Mike Jatania, has completed the purchase of The Body Shop, ensuring that the remaining 100 stores in the UK will stay open. Jatania, known as the "Cosmetics King," will work with ex-Molton Brown CEO Charles Denton to revive the iconic ethical beauty brand. The Body Shop has changed ownership several times, and Aurea’s acquisition is their biggest deal yet, though no purchase price was revealed. As the brand approaches its 50th anniversary, the focus will be on product innovation, improving customer experiences, and honouring its activist roots.
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