The Intersection of Trend, Tech, and Trade
Digest #5 The Omni-Channel Era: Shein's Moves, Platform Commerce, and The Vintage Resurgence.
Fashion
An Elephant in the room. Shein goes omnichannel by acquiring roughly a third of Sparc Group, partnering to offer Forever 21 clothing and accessories on the platform. From the US to Africa, Shein is the most downloaded shopping app on ZAF.
Facebook, Instagram and TikTok want On-Platform commerce. Tiktok to remove it’s integration with Shopify and on track to lose more than $500M$ for it’s online shopping expansion in the U.S.
Zara is the only Spanish brand to be featured in Kantar BrandZ Global 2023, ranked #94 and seeing a 28% value drop. The Inditex company has been named the UK's top clothing brand, while UK retail performance is expected to dip in Q3.
In case you are traveling, Spain remains the most affordable EU country for fashion, being 13% cheaper than the European average. Denmark's +30% vs. EU.
U.S. retailers face a $740B inventory challenge according to McKinsey. Intensified by the pandemic and supply chain disruptions. As costs rise and warehouses max out, it's time for a strategic rethink on inventory management.
Fashion's pulse has shifted. Vintage is the new luxury, as sustainability becomes paramount while 'Quiet Luxury' might sound cliché but it dominates the resale market, with Gen Z investing fervently in resold status symbols.
Secondhand luxury holds promise, but there are several key challenges to overcome.
Meanwhile, the emergence of 'super fakes' poses a challenge; these impeccable designer imitations blur the lines of authenticity, enticing Gen Z with a taste of luxury at a fraction of the price.
Better returns than traditional investments. The Knight Frank Index has included the Luxury handbags class for the first time. The report is worth reading.
Meanwhile…
Early 2000s fashion is still on the rise today. Y2K-style runner by Bottega Veneta and New Balance sues Golden Goose for copying ‘dad shoes’.
Nike's longest stock slide since it was listed 43 years ago and the biggest indicator of weakness comes from a key supplier in Taiwan.
Rolex acquires Bucherer. Despite the merger, Bucherer will retain its name and operate independently.
Versace has wiped its social media slate clean, suggesting an announcement or change may be imminent. What’s next after its acquisition?
Between two worlds. Why pixels are popping up in fashion and the increasing integration of digital elements in fashion.
Store associates are the new influencers. This approach has proven effective in engaging customers and building community.
Fashion Tech
Generative AI is revolutionizing the UK's retail sector, with a whopping 93% of retailers amplifying their AI investments.
Ralph Lauren unveils a virtual concept store, the ‘888 House’.
The Fabricant Unveils ‘Primal Rave’ Collection at NYFW
Claire’s builds on Roblox investment with new the partnership.
Until next time.Thanks for reading.
