Whatsapp to provide in-app purchases

Facebook Inc. has said its WhatsApp messaging app will begin to provide in-app purchases and hosting services. Whatsapp will now permit businesses to sell products on the Whatsapp app via Facebook shops, an online store launched in May. Users will be able to browse through a store’s catalogue in a chat, add items to their cart and place orders. The company said it also plans to invest in the expansion of ways for consumers to check available products and to expand partnerships with business solution providers to manage customer communications. A new option for businesses to manage their WhatsApp messages via hosting services will also be offered by Facebook. The company’s research reports that consumers prefer to message a business to get help and are more likely to make a purchase when they do sp. However, business customers will be charged for some of the services offered. WhatsApp’s chief operating officer, Matt Idema, said in a statement that WhatsApp would offer the hosting service for free and the enterprise tools would cost 0.5 cents to 9 cents per message delivered. Idema stated the shopping tool would become available in 2020, while message hosting would become available in 2021. The app currently has a customer base of tens of thousands of businesses. Photo credit: Facebook Newsroom
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Nude sweaters wholesale marketplace

The FashionUnited nude sweaters wholesale marketplace gives an overview of the hundreds of international brands and collections which enables fashion buyers to find the perfect mix of labels for their stores. Consumers are looking for unique brands more and more so they can find an assortment of selection for their wardrobe. The B2B Marketplace provides a private space for fashion buyers to browse a unique directory, in which they can be sure it only includes brands that actually sell to stores in wholesale. As an online marketplace, FashionUnited understands the competitive nature of fashion buying and ensures importance is put on trend spotting and being constantly on the lookout for new brands and designers. The nude sweaters wholesale marketplace has every style from basic round necks to turtle necks and fabrics from cashmere to knitted cotton. They are simple to style and work for any occasion. In the colder winter and autumn months sweaters are perfect for layering, and for those sunny summer and spring days an oversized pullover can be paired with a skirt and some boots. For whatever your consumer desires, FashionUnited’s nude sweaters wholesale marketplace will have something for them. Through the directory, buyers can efficiently search through exclusive brands and products to purchase in demand items for their stores. Accredited buyers get exclusive access to the most in-demand products on the Marketplace for free. Check out the nude sweaters wholesale marketplace here. Photo credit: Unsplash
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Video: The Fashion Institute of Technology presents 'Your Vote Matters!'

The Fashion Institute of Technology’s advertising and digital design student, Charlie Shelton, put together the film ‘Your Vote Matters!’ to inspire the community to vote in the upcoming election. Image and video: Fashion Institue of Technology via YouTube
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Adidas reportedly mulling sale of Reebok as early as March

German sportswear giant Adidas is reportedly mulling a sale of Reebok and could be looking to offload it as early as March 2021. Chinese sportswear giant Anta Sports and VF Corp, the US company behind brands Vans, The North Face and Timberland, could be among interested bidders, according to German business publication Manager-Magazine, though it didn’t provide a source. Neither Adidas or Reebok have yet commented on the report. Adidas looks to offload Reebok The publication also said Adidas has written down the book value of Reebok by almost half to 842 million euros in the past two years. If it were to go ahead, the deal would put an end to a relationship that hasn’t been as fruitful as Adidas had hoped when it snapped up the smaller US sportswear brand in 2006 for 3.8 billion dollars - a move the brand hoped would better position it to take on rival Nike in its home territory. Adidas CEO Kasper Rorsted has long refused to sell Reebok, despite repeated calls from shareholders to do so. As Covid-19 and store closures continue to impact the industry, Adidas’ group sales for the second quarter of the year were down 35 percent, while Reebok’s were down 42 percent. Photo credit: Reebok
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Podcast: CEO Jess Weiner addresses the need for change within the business world on Where Brains Meets Beauty

In the latest episode of ‘Where Brains Meets Beauty’ the CEO and founder of ‘Talk to Jess’, Jess Weiner, is brought on to discuss the change happening within the business world and the corporate responsibility of companies to stand for something they believe in to engage and understand the consumer's needs. Listen to the 30 minute podcast below. Source: Where Brains Meet Beauty via Listen Notes
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CEO Marcelo Camberos discusses Ipsy’s pandemic-proofing strategy

CEO of Ipsy, Marcelo Camberos, said he hoped the Covid-19 pandemic would allow Ipsy to become “a bigger part of members’ lives.” In the Glossy Beauty Podcast, Camberos discusses how to create added value in a business, the future of Ipsy, the development of Ipsy’s beauty brands and what the new influencer looks like. Listen to the 30 minute podcast below. Source: Glossy Beauty Podcast via Megaphone
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TM Lewin owner Torque Brands mulls Jaeger takeover

The owner of British men’s formalwear retailer TM Lewin is reportedly in talks for a potential takeover of Jaeger. According to Sky News, Torque Brands is one of a small number of bidders for the company. Torque Brands, which is a vehicle set up by private equity house SCP, acquired TM Lewin in June in a move that resulted in the retailer’s then-CEO Sven Gaede stepping down. Jaeger is currently part of British retail tycoon Philip Day’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) Group. The group earlier this month announced it is to close 50 stores - putting around 600 jobs at risk - as it teeters on the edge of administration. The group, whose portfolio also includes brands Peacocks and Bonmarché, earlier this month filed a notice to appoint FRP Advisory as administrators in a bid to save the company amid “brutal” trading conditions. Photo credit: Jaeger, Facebook
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Hermès reports positive sales momentum in Q3

After a second quarter marked by the health and economic crisis, Hermès said, sales in the third quarter increased 7 percent at constant exchange and 4 percent at current exchange rates driven by positive activity in the group’s stores, up 12 percent at constant exchange, momentum in Asia and an improvement in all other geographical areas. At the end of September 2020, the group’s consolidated revenue amounted to 4,288 million euros, down 14 percent at current and constant exchange rates. Commenting on the trading results, Axel Dumas, Executive Chairman of Hermès, said in a statement: “In 2020, we are seeing the affirmation of major strategic commitments with social and environmental responsibility, the digitalisation of uses and lifestyles, as well as positive market dynamics in Asia. Our good performance enables us to continue to invest and to create jobs.” Hermès witnesses positive Q3 sales results across geographies At the end of September 2020, the company added, sales in the group’s stores were down 11 percent at constant exchange, with a third quarter up 12 percent. Wholesale activities were down 35 percent over nine months, penalised by travel retail. The company reported 4 percent sales growth in Asia excluding Japan, driven by an 29 percent rise in the third quarter benefitting from the the company’s performance of Mainland China, Korea, Australia and Thailand, while the activity in Hong Kong and Singapore improved. Sales in Japan dropped 11 percent for nine months but were up 11 percent in the third quarter. Sales in America declined by 29 percent with sales slightly down in the third quarter due to the store closures in Hawaii since August. The Denver store in Colorado reopened in August at a new location. Europe excluding France posted 27 percent sales decline and France was down 33 percent, still suffering from the drop in tourist flows, partly offset by local customers. At the end of September, the Leather Goods and Saddlery business line reported decline of 13 percent, but saw 8 percent improvement in the third quarter, while Ready-to-Wear and Accessories, which saw 16 percent drop, showed a strong turnaround in the third quarter at 7 percent growth. Silk and Textiles business was down 32 percent penalised by a high comparison basis in the third quarter and by the lower sales in travel retail. Perfumes, also penalized by the impact of travel retail activity, were down 22 percent. Sales of Watches declined 8 percent but achieved a very good third quarter, up 13 percent. The Other Hermès business lines rose 12 percent and are highly growing with a 42 percent increase in the 3rd quarter, thanks to Jewellery and Home universe. Picture:Facebook/Hermès
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JCPenney one step closer to exiting chapter 11 anticipating holiday season

JCPenney said it is near to exiting Chapter 11 ahead of the busy December 2020 holiday season. The a beleaguered retailer filed a draft asset purchase agreement towards finalization of the acquisition by Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. and Simon Property Group, Inc. They are expected to buy substantially all of J.C. Penney's retail and operating assets in a combination of cash and debt. Once the agreement is reached, it will be subject to Court approval and other closing conditions. A hearing to seek Court approval for the transaction is expected to be scheduled for early November. The sale is expected to close in advance of the December 2020 holiday season if Court approves and the closing conditions in the agreement are met. J.C. Penney's operating assets will then conduct business outside of the Chapter 11 process under the J.C. Penney banner with Simon and Brookfield as its owners. Like majority of retailers across the country, J.C. Penney has been forced to close stores for months due to the lockdown restrictions amidst the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that hurt their sales. Even before the pandemic outbreak, slowing foot traffic amid the ever-increasing online competition from industry majors and the changing consumer habits had led to many retailers shuttering stores and seeking bankruptcy protection. J.C. Penney finally filed for bankruptcy protection in mid-May, citing the impact of unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic on its business. It entered into a restructuring support agreement with lenders of its first lien debt to reduce its outstanding debts and strengthen its financial position. In the same month, Neiman Marcus Group Inc., J.Crew Group Inc. and Stage Stores Inc. also filed for bankruptcy protection. Others who followed suit include America's oldest apparel retailer Brooks Brothers and the oldest US department store Lord & Taylor. Ascena retail group, Inc., which owns Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, Stein Mart and Justice brands, also had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.(DPA) Photo: JCPenney Facebook
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Government questions fashion giants in forced labour enquiry

The UK’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee has written to leading companies in sectors including fashion, retail and information technology, seeking answers in relation to its inquiry into forced labour of Uyghur in the Xinjiang region of China. Those companies are Adidas, Amazon, Boohoo Group, Gap, H&M Group, Ikea, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Puma, Stella McCartney, The North Face, Victoria’s Secret, Zara, TikTok, and The Walt Disney Company. The letters include questions concerning supply-chain transparency and request evidence of compliance with labour, procurement and anti-slavery laws. The committee’s request for information includes an invitation to give evidence at the BEIS Committee’s public hearing on Thursday 5 November. Government minister Paul Scully will also be giving evidence at the session. Nusrat Ghani, MP and lead BEIS committee member for the Forced labour in UK value chains inquiry, said: “The Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s ‘Uyghur’s for Sale’ report names 82 foreign and Chinese companies directly or indirectly benefiting from the exploitation of Uyghur workers in Xinjiang. The companies listed in the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s report span industries including the fashion, retail and information technology sectors. “On the BEIS Committee, we are determined to ask prominent businesses operating in Britain in these sectors what they are doing to ensure their profits are not on the back of forced labour in China. These businesses are trusted by many British consumers and I hope they will repay this faith by coming forward to answer these questions and also take up the opportunity to give evidence to the Business Committee in public. “There have been a series of accounts of products being sold in the UK which can be traced back to forced labour at camps in China. On the BEIS Committee, we want to get a clearer sense of the extent of this problem, how seriously businesses ask questions of their own supply and value-chains, and to also examine the steps both Government and business could take to ensure that businesses and consumers in the UK do not perpetuate the forced labour of Uyghur.” Photo credit: Alex Andrews, Pexels
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Despite ample celebrity and financial backing, Rihanna's Fenty is yet to take off

Back in January 2019 when rumours circulated of a partnership between luxury conglomerate LVMH and Rihanna’s Fenty brand it was enough for the New York Times to quip “is Rihanna the new Coco Chanel?” “The combination of Fenty and LVMH will be the clearest expression yet of how celebrity, social media and influencers have redefined the power balance between culture and consumption, changing the way brands of all kinds relate to their audience,” the article read. Underperforming Nearly two years later and Rihanna’s brand seems to be underwhelming in its fashion offer and underperforming as a business. While LVMH has to date not shared figures for the brand, WWD reports the the group’s Chief Financial Officer, Jean-Jacques Guiony told analysts Fenty is still fine-tuning its operations. “On Fenty fashion, we are obviously still in a launching phase and we have to figure out exactly what is the right offer. It’s not something that is easy. We were starting entirely from scratch…Obviously, we have the great help from Rihanna on this, but I would say it’s still a work in progress when it comes to really defining what the offer will be,” Guiony stated. Fenty currently operates a see-now-buy-now model focused on direct to consumer sales. On Fenty.com there have been no new product releases since high summer in July, when it dropped footwear, including strappy summer sandals and boots. Some garments that debuted as far back as Winter 2019 are still available for purchase, albeit at full price. Availability of stock dating back three seasons, even if categorised as non-seasonal drops, means demand is likely to be mediocre. Fenty has yet to define its fashion niche, such as a hero product that will be associated with the brand. While in the beauty space Fenty has captured eyes and wallets, in fashion there is much room for the brand to grow. Describing Fenty’s product offer Guiony said: “We have successes, we have things that have worked less well, so we have to sort in between the two and really decide what should be the core strengths of the offer in the years to come.” In September Fenty appointed Nike veteran Bastien Renard as the brand’s new Managing Director. Renard, who also held a stint as vice president of Converse, will report to LVMH chief strategy officer Jean Baptiste Voisin. Images via Fenty website and Fenty Facebook
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Report: Employees believe companies must do more to tackle sustainability

A new report by sustainability expert, Dr Leyla Acaroglu, and next generation experience platform Unily have launched the Future of Workplace Sustainability Report, which explores how sustainability, climate change and COVID-19 are shaping the future of the workplace. In the fashion industry, global demand for apparel and footwear is expected to grow to 102 million tonnes in volume and USD3.3 trillion in value. Earlier this year findings from the Global Fashion Agenda, Boston Consulting Group, and Sustainable Apparel Coalition demonstrate that fashion companies are not implementing sustainable solutions fast enough to counterbalance negative environmental and social impacts of the rapidly growing fashion industry. Their employees would seem to agree. As part of Dr Acarogly’s report a survey was conducted with Censuswide to establish and highlight how these global trends are affecting how employees feel about sustainability within the workplace. The result underscored the need for change with 83 per cent of respondents believing that their company is not doing enough to tackle these big issues. Jo Skilton, Chief Customer Officer at Unily, commented, “COVID-19 has been a real catalyst for change, and transformation globally. We have spoken to many companies over the years, keen to change how they work, but they have never “had to” change before, so COVID-19 has accelerated that “need to” change. Dr Leyla Acaroglu, explained, “Ways of working have changed dramatically over the last 100 years. From farming to factories to technology and now services, we live in an age of rapidly evolving disruptions to where, how and why we do work. We wanted to create this report with Unily in order to provide answers for the changes and challenges that this decade will bring for business. Every organisation will be at a different stage, as this report highlights the ways to engage with sustainability and multiple opportunities to lead through these complex times. The most important thing is getting started, and this report will support you in gaining the insights and advantages of establishing a journey towards a sustainable workplace.” As part of the report, 2,000 UK based office workers, from graduate entry level jobs through to Senior Manager level, were surveyed by Censuswide in August 2020. Respondents were asked their views on sustainability trends within their workplace. Some of the key findings were: 65 per cent of respondents are more likely to work for a company with a strong environmental policy. 72 per cent of office workers are concerned about environmental ethics. When asked to what extent they feel their company is fighting climate change, 83 per cent of respondents felt their company is not doing enough or could do more. 63 per cent of those surveyed would like to learn more green skills to become more valuable in the workplace. 80 per cent of office workers said their company’s environmental values are either not aligned or only partially aligned with their own. Megatrends These are the massive cultural shifts that unfold in real time creating identifiable patterns that can be observed and interacted with as they emerge and evolve to affect society at large. There are several societal level megatrends that are affecting the ways we work and the types of business models that will be successful in the future. These include elements such as climate change adaptation, transition to the circular economy, resource scarcity and worker and supply chain equity and the zero waste movement. Forces for Change The COVID-19 crisis is emerging entirely new ways of working, living and doing business. Before this, the foundations for massive disruption were already being laid out for businesses, with several forces of change playing out including Climate change, 2030 Global Goals, The Green Recovery, the 4th industrial revolution towards tech and the global health crisis. To view the full report, please visit Unily.com. Photo by Markus Spiske via Pexels
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Non-essential stores in Wales to close during two-week lockdown

All non-essential retailers in Wales are to close for two weeks as part of a new “firebreak” initiative to “regain control of coronavirus”, first minister Mark Drakeford has announced. The Welsh government said the “short, sharp” action is “needed to save lives and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed” and comes as Covid-19 cases continue to rise sharply in the country. The firebreak will start on Friday 23 October and end on Monday 9 November. It will see all non-essential retailers closing for two weeks, as well as hospitality businesses, hairdressers, beauticians, and hotels. Face coverings are mandatory in indoor public spaces, which remain open, and on public transport and in taxis. Wales to launch 'firebreak' lockdown The Welsh government said it will also provide a package of almost 300 million pounds to support businesses, which will complement wage-support schemes available from the UK government. Every business covered by the small business rates relief will receive a 1,000 pound payment, while small and medium-sized retail, leisure and hospitality businesses which have to close will receive a one-off payment of up to 5,000 pounds. “It is with a heavy heart that I once again ask everyone to stay at home and businesses to shut,” Drakeford said. “This fire-break is our best chance of regaining control of the virus and avoiding a much longer - and damaging - national lockdown. We have a small window of opportunity to act. “To be successful, we need everyone’s help. Wales has shown throughout this pandemic that we can come together and take the actions to keep our families and our communities safe.” Between 9-15 October, there were 4,127 new confirmed cases of coronavirus recorded by Public Health Wales, though the real level of infections is likely to be much higher. The R number, which identifies the rate at which the coronavirus is spreading and which the government aims to keep below 1, is currently between 1.1 and 1.4. Photo credit: Pexels
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De Fursac opens boutique in London

Contemporary French menswear label De Fursac has opened its first boutique outside of France in London. The 860 square foot boutique in Chelsea, London will be home to the label’s tailoring, urban casual and eveningwear collections. Commenting on the opening, Alix Le Naour, artistic director of De Fursac, said in a statement: “I’ve always been drawn to the effervescence of London. I’ve been visiting regularly for years. From the second-hand clothes at Camden and Portobello markets to the legendary tailors of Saville Row: this city is bursting with inspiration and energy that nourish me when it comes to creating my collections. London and Paris are so close yet so different in style, and that has always fascinated me.” Located at 11-13 Duke of York Square, the boutique has been designed with what the brand describes as a new architectural concept designed to highlight the brand’s contemporary tailoring. De Fursac executive director Elina Kousourna, added: “We are delighted and very proud to open our first free-standing store outside France in London. I’m convinced of the appeal and potential of the French wardrobe proposed by De Fursac in the English market. This opening represents the first chapter in our international expansion which should see others in the coming months.” Founded in Paris in 1973, De Fursac offers tailored suits, casualwear and eveningwear for men. In 2019 the brand was acquired by the SMCP Group with the aim of developing its presence abroad. Images: courtesy of De Fursac
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Video: Fashion Institute of Technology hosts upcycling workshop

Sustainably-driven fashion designer and activist, Isabel Varela joins the Fashion Institute of Technology for a workshop on how to sew, upcycle and reimagine an old unworn piece from your closet into something new. In this short 12-minute film, viewers will learn materials they need, and how to reuse old clothing, instead of throwing it away. Image and video: FIT via YouTube
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BRC 'deeply concerned' by Boris Johnson's no-deal Brexit comments

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said it is “deeply concerned” about a statement made by prime minister Boris Johnson that the country should prepare for a no-deal Brexit in January. Johnson said Friday that unless the EU demonstrates a “fundamental change of approach”, UK businesses and consumers should plan for a no-deal Brexit - something the retail industry has long been fearing. “It is deeply concerning that the Prime Minister is now telling businesses to prepare for no deal with the EU,” said BRC CEO Helen Dickinson in a statement “There is nothing retailers can do to insulate consumers from the impact of 3 billion of new tariffs on food in our supermarkets. Moreover, new checks and red tape that will apply from 1 January will create additional disruption in the supply of many goods that come from or through the EU. “Government must do what is necessary to agree a zero-tariff agreement, or else it will be the public that pay the price.” Following Johnson’s comments on Friday, European commission president Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: “The EU continues to work for a deal, but not at any price. As planned, our negotiation team will go to London next week to intensify these negotiations.” Photo credit: Pexels, Dominika Gregušová
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The 35th Hyères festival: message of creative freedom and hope

Hyères - The year 2020 will be remembered in our collective memory as a year marked by turbulence and disruption. Since the beginning of the pandemic back in February-March the entire world came to a stillstand followed by complete lockdown in over 100 countries across continents. The fashion industry was greatly affected by the lockdown and its aftermath. Many designers and brands could not finalize their collections due to the disruption of the supply chain. The large fashion events such as trade shows and fashion weeks had to be canceled or postponed. Villa Noailles, the cultural and art center of Hyères Hyères festival of fashion and photography, well known among industry professionals and very much anticipated, was affected as well. Traditionally, it takes place in the end of April/the beginning of May in the picturesque surroundings in the South of France. Due to the lockdown it was rescheduled for the 15th to the 18th of October and took place under strict hygienic measures: social distancing, face masks, hand sanitizer stations, check-in at the entrance and mandatory reservations for all events related to the festival. Villa Noailles, the cultural and art center of Hyères and an important monument of modernist architecture, was as usual the main venue. Unlike the previous years, it was divided in two designated areas: one private area for selected press and jury members where all live performances, concerts, and speeches happened and the second area for other members of press, professionals, and guests where they could watch the live events on a large screen. Even though most events happened in one place technically, you couldn’t help but feel the physical separation that ultimately affected the atmosphere and the energy. And even though the technological tools were used in order to bring people together virtually, yet they could not replace real physical presence and real-life social experiences. Several members of the jury could not physically attend the festival, both the president of the fashion jury Jonathan Anderson and the president of the photography jury Paolo Roversi as well as Tim Blanks, Amanda Harlech, Tyler Mitchell to name but a few. They joined the panel via zoom. Jury members attended via Zoom „I will never leave this room ever again, I think…“ said Tim Blanks jokingly to other jury members on the zoom call from his home in London. Those who could physically attend the festival were happy to be there and felt like being part of something very special. This 35th edition of the Hyères festival was indeed significant in many ways. First of all, it highlighted the uncertain future of physical fashion events. Can they exist in times of major health crises? Or will they be eventually replaced by digital only events? Those are important questions for an industry that strongly relies on networking and social connections. Secondly, the festival made clear that we need to find ways to continue to foster creativity and creative freedom especially in times when our basic human freedoms are at stake. It was an important and courageous gesture on the part of organizers to ensure that the festival still takes place in such unprecedented times. It was a message of support for creative freedom and a message of hope. „Of all the years this one is the most important as the world is changing…“ said J.W. Anderson in the recorded conversation with Loic Prigent. The participating designers shared the same mindset. They talked about the struggles and difficulties that they and the organizers faced in order to make the festival happen. They talked about fighting for it. And they were grateful to be there and to be able to present collections they worked on for years. There was a common concern about the planet and climate change. The designers talked about finding ways to produce quality garments in a sustainable way. Most of them used recycled, dead stock or donated fabrics. They used paper, ropes, plastic cable ties, pillows, found or donated, and converted them into wearable pieces that blurred the line between fashion and art. There was a common emphasis on handmade and hand crafted. Less is more and quality over quantity were concepts they embraced and pushed for. Their energy and the drive to make the industry and the world at large a better place was palpable and incredibly inspiring. The work of the competing designers was each very unique and diverse and rooted in their individual experiences and inspirations: from refugee crisis (Timur Desdemoustier, Belgium) to reimagining life and the wardrobe of Jeanne Baret, the first woman ever to sail around the world (Katarzyna Cichy, Poland) to the power of music (Maximilian Rittler, Austria)… Tom van der Borght wins Hyères The main fashion prize was announced by Jonathan Anderson via video message on Sunday afternoon the 18th of October and awarded to Tom van der Borght from Belgium for his menswear collection of complex and colorful garments slash performative art objects. Van Borght used fabrics, ropes, plastic cable ties and Swarovski crystals for his looks which he called a new kind of haute couture. Van Borght will receive a grant of 20 thousand euros, produce a collection with Chanels Métier d'art worth up to 20 thousand euros and will present his current collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Berlin in 2021. Van Borght won the hearts of both the jury and general public as he also took home the public prize of the city Hyères. Emma Bruschi The French designer Emma Bruschi also received two awards: the new 19M Chanel Prize for outstanding craftsmanship for pieces she produced in collaboration with the house of Lemarié and the Mercedes-Benz grant for her sustainability approach and will receive a grant of 20 thousand euros to produce a collection that will be showcased next year and will receive further showcasing support by Mercedes-Benz in 2021. For her menswear collection Emma worked with straw, linen and raffia and used traditional techniques like crochet. The Chloé prize went to the French designer Marvin M`Toumo who will receive a grant of 20 tousand euros for a trio consisting of pleated trousers, a bra and a jacket. This article was written by Veronika Dorosheva Images: Étienne Tordoir / CatwalkPictures via 2e Bureau
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Shoppers Stop names Venugopal Nair as MD & CEO

Shoppers Stop Ltd has announced the appointment of Venugopal Nair as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective November 6, 2020 to lead the next phase of expansion. Commenting on Nair’s appointment, BS Nagesh, Chairman of the company said in a statement: “Venu has an exceptional leadership track record, strong international exposure, deep strategic expertise, and proven experience of driving transformation and managing technological disruption, which is the need of the hour. We believe that Venu is the right person to lead Shoppers in this critical phase and its next phase of growth.” Nair, the company said, is a retail leader with 27 years of varied experience in the retail & apparel Industry across South Asia & Europe. He is currently CEO of Westside at Trent Limited. Prior to Westside, Nair was the MD of Marks & Spencer Reliance Pvt. Ltd. In his earlier tenures, he has held leadership roles with various corporates like Marks & Spencer Plc, Madura Garments and Arvind Mills. Picture:Facebook/Shoppers Stop
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Watches of Switzerland appoints non-executive chairman

Watches of Switzerland has appointed Ian Carter as non-executive chairman of the board, effective 1 November 2020. Carter has over 30 years of international and retail experience and has for the past 15 years been CEO of multinational hospitality company Hilton International. He has also worked on the board of Burberry, a position he held between 2007 and 2019. Senior independent director Tea Colaiannihas has taken over as interim chair and will continue in this role until Carter joins the board. “Ian's wealth of commercial, business and board experience and knowledge of the consumer, retail and luxury sectors in particular in the US and the UK will be a valuable asset for the Group as it enters the next phase of strategic growth," Colaianni commented. Carter added: “I could not be more excited about joining the team at this time. After a very successful IPO the opportunities for further growth are outstanding and most importantly, the team led by Brian is clearly energized and focused on delivering world class luxury retail experiences. “I look forward to working with the Board and Management to further build upon this success.” Photo credit: Rolex via Watches of Switzerland website
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Video: How companies can contribute to social movements

In this 50-minute panel discussion hosted by Traackr, marketing professionals discuss how brands and retailers can best contribute to social movements. Hosts Jennifer Johnson and Erin Williams share how to implement it in the marketing strategy, but also the use of influencers. Watch the entire video below. How Can Brands Contribute to the Social Justice Movements of Today? from Traackr on Vimeo. Image and video: Traackr, via Venmo
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Superdry CFO Nick Gresham exits

Superdry chief financial officer Nick Gresham has stepped down with immediate effect. The retail veteran joined the British retailer in June 2019, in the midst of its radical transformation strategy kicked off with the contentious return of co-founder Julian Dunkerton to the helm of the company after leaving years earlier. Gresham was brought in to replace previous CFO Ed Barker who resigned, along with most of the company’s board, following the successful return of Dunkerton. “Nick joined Superdry at a time of significant change and challenge in the business. He has played an important role in putting the company in a stronger position than it was before he joined and helped to steer Superdry through the impact of the Covid pandemic,” CEO Julian Dunkerton said in a statement. “I would like to personally thank Nick for all his efforts in supporting me, the Company and all our stakeholders. I wish him all the best for the future.” Group revenue at Superdry for the year ended 27 April fell 19.2 percent year-on-year to 704.4 million pounds, while pre-tax loss expanded to 166.9 million pounds from 89.3 million pounds a year earlier. The company cited a heavy impact from Covid-19 and ongoing costs related to its turnaround plan. Photo courtesy of Superdry, St David’s
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