Michael Murray

What’s been happening in retail this week? ·      JD Sports Fashion secured a deal to purchase US sportswear brand Hibbett for £899m. The retailer announced plans to finance the acquisition and refinance Hibbett’s debt using its US cash reserves of $300m (£243.1m) and a $1bn (£810m) extension to its American banking facility. ·      JD Sports Fashion also expanded its flagship store in London's Westfield Stratford City, adding 4,000 sq ft and enhancing its digital features, with immersive shopping experience from brands such as Nike and adidas. ·      Poundland & Dealz closed nine former wilko stores shortly after reopening them, as part of an ongoing review of its estate. Workers were offered positions in nearby shops. This followed Pepco Group's last-minute agreement in September to acquire up to 71 Wilko leases from PwC administrators. ·      TikTok Shop UK expanded into preowned luxury fashion, joining existing offerings such as flowers and wellness, partnering with Luxe Collective Fashion, Sellier Knightsbridge, Sign of the Times, and Break. Archive. ·      Marks and Spencer is trialling a free postal donation service with Oxfam. Shoppers can recycle clothing by ordering a pre-paid postal bag from Oxfam's website. ·      The Cotswold Company announced the expansion of its online presence in Northern Ireland. Following a small-scale trial last year, the retailer is rolling out a specialised delivery service offering the delivery of furniture to designated rooms in shoppers’ homes, with packaging removed and recycled. ·      Getir is seeking a cash injection of "tens of millions" as it exits the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands to refocus on Turkey. Investors Mubadala, Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global Management reportedly support the move. Valued at £10bn previously, the etailer plans to invest in Turkish operations and withdraw from European markets due to rapid expansion.   ·      Sainsbury's’s reported group sales rose 3.4% to £36.3bn in the year to 31 March, with retail sales (excluding fuel) up 6.8% to £30.6bn. Retail operating profit increased 4.3% to £966m, driven by grocery profit growth. Despite this, group pre-tax profit fell 15.8% to £277m due to financial services restructuring. Grocery sales surged 9.4%, while general merchandise rose 1.2% and clothing dropped 6.4%. ·      Asda recorded a profit in the full year ending 31 December. Underlying profit exceeded £1bn, with like-for-like sales up 5.4%. Excluding fuel, sales rose 7.1% to £21.8bn. Adjusted EBITDA after rent surged 24% to £1.07bn. The grocer attributed sales growth to ongoing investment in value during the cost-of-living crisis. George clothing brand sales increased by 3.4% to £1.5bn.   This is just a selection of news this week. Sign up below for more insight ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/d-z25aM

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"JD Sports Fashion has proposed to buy American athletic fashion retailer Hibbett Inc for about $1.08 billion, the companies said on Tuesday, as Britain's biggest sportswear retailer looks to expand across the southeastern U.S. The deal comes as shares in athletic clothing retailers come under pressure globally after weak outlooks from sports apparel makers such as Nike and Puma. Last month JD's U.S. rival Foot Locker also warned on 2024 profits, though Adidas last week hiked its 2024 forecast on strong demand for the German sportswear giant's sneakers. JD Sports, which sells Nike, adidas, HOKA and other sports brands, said last month it expects the Euro soccer championships, Paris Olympics and new styles of trainers and track suits would spark life into the lacklustre market." #JDSports #hibbett #retail #finance #mergersandacquisitions #financialservices #corporatefinance #equipmentfinance #equipmentleasing https://lnkd.in/e2ZGCKrH

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Nike's ongoing $2bn cost savings plan is reaching Converse, with job cuts and restructuring. It's not surprising really, as Converse has been severely underperforming and has seen sales decline very sharply in recent quarters. The brand is losing out to products like Adidas’ Samba and other sneaker brands and there is a sense that Converse just hasn’t innovated enough and isn’t doing many interesting things to stimulate consumer demand. As such, Nike is cutting jobs as part of a wider package of cost savings. Converse isn’t the only part of the business impacted, but Nike clearly expects it to play a role in the wider streamlining process. However, where cutting is a reaction to a problem, most retailers and brands, including Nike and Converse, cannot cut their way to success. Ultimately, the main issue at Converse is on the sales line – cuts do not automatically fix that. Thanks to Just Style for including more of my views in the article linked in the comments... #retail #retailnews #sneakers #fashion #footwear

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📢 **Harnessing the Power of Experiential Events for UK Retailers** 🇬🇧 In today's competitive retail landscape, it's no longer enough to simply offer great products. UK retailers must create memorable experiences that resonate with customers on a deeper level. This is where experiential events come into play. 🔹 **Why Experiential Events?** 1. **Engagement:** They provide unique, immersive experiences that captivate customers, making them more likely to engage with your brand. 2. **Brand Loyalty:** Creating a memorable event fosters an emotional connection, translating to long-term customer loyalty. 3. **Word-of-Mouth:** Positive experiences are often shared, both online and offline, amplifying your reach organically. 4. **Differentiation:** In a crowded market, an experiential event can set your brand apart from the competition. 🔹 **Successful Examples:** - Pop-up shops that offer exclusive, limited-time products. - Interactive workshops that teach customers how to use products. - In-store events featuring local artists or influencers. As we look towards the future of retail, it's clear that those who innovate and invest in creating unique customer experiences will thrive. Let’s continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to shop in the UK. I’d love to help add value to your brand experience. #RetailInnovation #ExperientialMarketing #CustomerExperience #UKRetail #BrandLoyalty #RetailTrends #retailhost #brandambassador #eventhost #styleexpert #colourexpert

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Livestream shopping, once a novelty, has become a cornerstone of modern retail. Since its inception in 2016 by Alibaba during Single's Day, this interactive shopping experience has the potential to reshape the industry. With its immersive and efficient approach, livestream shopping offers a personalized and instant shopping experience akin to televised shopping networks. The livestream shopping market has seen exponential growth, reaching $38.87 billion in 2022. According to Custom Market Insights, this market is projected to soar by 28% annually until 2032. The numbers speak volumes about the influence and potential of this innovative retail format. Zara is set to expand its live shopping broadcasts to the UK, following a successful trial in China. This move by Zara signifies the growing importance and popularity of livestream shopping on a global scale. Learn more about Zara's live shopping expansion in the UK here: [Link to the article](https://lnkd.in/eHAPqVX8) #LivestreamShopping #RetailInnovation #Zara #UKRetail #ECommerceGrowth

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Everything you need to know from this week’s fashion retail news, in numbers, featuring Albaray, Marks and Spencer and New Look. Subscribe below to find out more. #subscribenow #retailnews #fashionnews #fashion

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DECISION MADE? REPORT CLAIMS E-TAILER SHEIN IS A STEP CLOSER TO LONDON IPO Fashion Network: After months of speculation, it’s reported that budget fashion e-tail giant SHEIN has just-about-decided the location for its IPO and London is almost certainly the chosen stock exchange. Not that Shein has confirmed anything. As it has done during the whole period that has seen speculation buzzing around its IPO intentions, the company has kept its cards close to its chest. Instead, the news was reported by Sky, which does have a strong track record when it comes to breaking stories about stock exchange-listed fashion firms. Sky said Shein is “preparing to file a prospectus with the Financial Conduct Authority for approval ahead of its potential float”. Admittedly, that’s still a few steps away from it actually happening, but it’s still closer than it’s been so far. much closer… If it does opt for a London listing (which observers are now saying is “highly likely”), Shein is expected to be targeting a raise of more than £1 billion from the sale of new shares. But that wouldn’t materially disrupt its current ownership as the business is seen as being worth about £50 billion in total. The company, which was founded in China and still manufactures there, is now headquartered in Singapore, but its Chinese links meant it would likely have run into difficulties had it pursed what was widely reported to be its original choice — an IPO in New York where the political environment wouldn't be very welcoming. City sources told Sky on Sunday that the prospectus filing could now take place as soon as this week, although it could be later this month. There has also been speculation that the IPO itself could happen later this summer or early in the autumn. If the float does happen in London, it would be the biggest there in over a decade. For a London Stock Exchange that has lost much of its dominance in recent years (as well as losing a number of listed fashion firms such as Ted Baker, Seraphine and, probably, Superdry), it would be a vote of confidence. For that reason, the British government has been working hard to convince Shein that London is the place to be. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt recently met Shein executive chairman Donald Tang as part of London’s charm offensive. Former Chancellor Sajid Javid has also reportedly held talks with Shein over possibly joining its board or becoming an advisor to the business. And Tang is believed to have held discussions with a number of senior Labour politicians too. Given that the polls suggest the UK will have a Labour government by the time of the float, that makes a lot of sense. https://lnkd.in/gq4aV6KS #ai #investment #metaverse #ecommerce #fashion

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What’s been happening in retail this week? · JD Sports Fashion secured a deal to purchase US sportswear brand Hibbett for £899m. The retailer announced plans to finance the acquisition and refinance Hibbett’s debt using its US cash reserves of $300m (£243.1m) and a $1bn (£810m) extension to its American banking facility. · JD Sports Fashion also expanded its flagship store in London's Westfield Stratford City, adding 4,000 sq ft and enhancing its digital features, with immersive shopping experiences from brands such as Nike and adidas. · Poundland & Dealz closed nine former wilko stores shortly after reopening them, as part of an ongoing review of its estate. Workers were offered positions in nearby shops. This followed Pepco Group's last-minute agreement in September to acquire up to 71 Wilko leases from PwC administrators. · TikTok Shop UK expanded into preowned luxury fashion, joining existing offerings such as flowers and wellness, partnering with Luxe Collective Fashion, Sellier Knightsbridge, Sign of the Times, and Break. Archive. · Marks and Spencer is trialling a free postal donation service with Oxfam. Shoppers can recycle clothing by ordering a pre-paid postal bag from Oxfam's website. · The Cotswold Company announced the expansion of its online presence in Northern Ireland. Following a small-scale trial last year, the retailer is rolling out a specialised delivery service offering the delivery of furniture to designated rooms in shoppers’ homes, with packaging removed and recycled. · Getir is seeking a cash injection of "tens of millions" as it exits the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands to refocus on Turkey. Investors Mubadala, Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global Management reportedly support the move to restructure the company and exit key markets following rapid expansion during the pandemic. Valued at £10bn previously, the etailer plans to invest in Turkish operations. · Sainsbury's reported group sales rose 3.4% to £36.3bn in the year to 31 March, with retail sales (excluding fuel) up 6.8% to £30.6bn. Retail operating profit increased 4.3% to £966m, driven by grocery profit growth. Despite this, group pre-tax profit fell 15.8% to £277m due to financial services restructuring. Grocery sales surged 9.4%, while general merchandise rose 1.2% and clothing dropped 6.4%. · Asda recorded a profit in the full year ending 31 December. Underlying profit exceeded £1bn, with like-for-like sales up 5.4%. Excluding fuel, sales rose 7.1% to £21.8bn. Adjusted EBITDA after rent surged 24% to £1.07bn. The grocer attributed sales growth to ongoing investment in value during the cost-of-living crisis. George clothing brand sales increased by 3.4% to £1.5bn. This is just a selection of news this week. Sign up below for more insight ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/d-z25aM

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Delighted to see one of our partner brand's here at SmartMark Limited, Charles Tyrwhitt , taking a bold step by offering rentals through John Lewis! This is a brilliant move that I believe will be incredibly successful, especially as the demand for men's rental fashion surges in the wake of the global recession. The rental market is booming, and for good reason. In 2020, the global online clothing rental market was valued at around $1.26 billion, and it’s projected to skyrocket to $1.96 billion by 2026, with a robust annual growth rate of 8.7%. This trend reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards renting high-quality clothing for special occasions or short-term use rather than committing to full purchases. But it’s not just about the numbers—sustainability is at the heart of this movement. The fashion industry notoriously contributes to about 10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater. By embracing rental options, brands like Charles Tyrwhitt are pioneering efforts to tackle these environmental challenges. Renting clothing can dramatically reduce waste and cut down on the fast fashion frenzy, promoting a more sustainable, circular economy. Moreover, rentals provide a fantastic way for consumers to access premium apparel without breaking the bank. This model is particularly attractive during tough economic times, offering both affordability and flexibility. Kudos to Charles Tyrwhitt for leading the charge in this space! I’m excited to see the positive ripple effects this will have on both the market and our planet.

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Bricks and Mortar in recovery mode in the UK ?!? Interesting to read on the weekend Retail Sales rebounding with Sales Volumes increasing 2.9%in May against a contraction in April of 1.8%. Well above City analysts expectations NewRiver Reit - a leading shopping centre landlord said it now had 98% of it's shop units occupied seeing there share price rise +2%. It does feel consumers still want to be out, socializing, seeing and and feeling products and with a great experience in stores (especially when the weathers great!) This also then got me thinking on an article shared with me by Ian Scott on "The Rise of the Phygital Trends x 7 ways Brick and Mortar is Changing in retail. The one point in particular which really resonates with my role right now is the use of personalization at scale to significantly improve the overall customer experience at stores and further increase Sales. As quoted - "Macy’s for instance has its very own ‘Personalization Funnel’ that takes advantage of the way customers feel when presented with tailored experiences to boost sales. It is made up of four parts": Awareness: Captivate and inspire through personalized communications. Consideration: Engage through curated omnichannel content. Decision: Drive conversion through personalized offers. Retention: Win back customers by redefining the post-purchase journey". Have a read - it's very good and oh if FootBalance System Ltd. can aid any Retailers with enhancing Footwear Sales across multiple channels , customer experience and insights then let me know! Have a good day..... #customerexperience #Retailinsights #consumers #Salesconversion #Bricksandmortar

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What to remember from the new “Beyond Growth” report 🚀 🛍️ Operational excellence is the new gold standard in fashion ⚖️ Balancing automation and human touch is key 🤝 Leveraging B2B partnerships to foster growth is more than even on DTC brands agenda 🤖 AI revolutionises the customer journey with personalization and automation ♻️ Sustainability and profitability go hand in hand 💡 A circular economy approach increases sales in the long run Download here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eTCzBQNP

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This week, the retail industry has seen a tale of two retailers, B&M and ASOS. While B&M reported a revenue of £5.5bn, up over 10% on last year, and plans to open more stores, ASOS group sales are -18% on last year over the half year. They are struggling to change their operating model to be more agile and rediscover their identity against a backdrop of changes in customer behaviour. The difference in their performance updates couldn't be starker! Check out the link below for more details on ASOS's interim results. #RetailIndustryUpdates #PerformanceUpdates #BusinessNews ASOS: https://lnkd.in/eRZwCcYa

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Sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity, particularly in the fast-paced world of fashion retail. I'm witnessing a seismic shift as retailers reimagine fashion through the lens of environmental responsibility. It's about more than just swapping materials for eco-friendly alternatives; it's a complete overhaul of the ethos driving the industry. I'm particularly intrigued by the rise of 'slow fashion', a trend prioritising quality and longevity over the fleeting appeal of 'fast fashion'. Retailers are now crafting pieces to last, reducing the need for constant consumption. The increasing use of recycled materials is another stride towards sustainability. It's inspiring to see iconic brands repurpose fabrics, turning what was once waste into high fashion. Technology, too, plays a vital role. From 3D design software that reduces the need for physical samples to AI that predicts trends and optimizes inventory, retailers are cutting waste in creative and innovative ways. The growth of the second-hand market also speaks volumes. Luxury consignment is no longer niche—it's mainstream, providing an upscale experience while promoting the reuse of garments. Moreover, it's not just about what we sell but how we sell it. Reducing packaging, enhancing recycling programs, and even educating consumers on garment care to extend the life cycle of clothes are now part of the job. Retailers who aren't riding this green wave will struggle to stay afloat. This is a challenge, but one well worth facing as we move to balance consumer desires with the health of our planet. #SustainableFashion #EcoFashion #RetailTrends

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Superdry is preparing to become the next to leave a listed fashion retail sector that has shrunk drastically as companies go private or succumb to takeover by larger rivals. Drapers explores why flotations are out of favour and what the future is for publicly traded fashion companies. Subscribe to Drapers to read more. #floatations #superdry #listedcompany #publictrading #fashionretail #fashionnews

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John Lewis & Partners has today (23 May) launched a menswear rental platform featuring HUGO BOSS and Charles Tyrwhitt after making its first foray into rental with womenswear in 2022. "As a category, menswear is very much undiscovered in rental and this is a unique opportunity." Read the full story below. #JohnLewis #JLP #HugoBoss #menswear #rental #fashionnews

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#HotTake: Retail stores aren’t a shortcut to success. Retail offers bigger POs, visibility, and cash flow Yet, it doesn’t ensure brand sustainability Case in point: JLo Beauty Despite celeb status and prime placement at Sephora, She faced challenges resulting in a US exit Retail alone doesn’t secure loyalty or repeat sales Placement isn’t guaranteed forever For lasting success, think beyond the retail PO Some markers of a sustainable brand include: Authenticity, community, differentiated formulas, and true fans Building a lasting brand legacy requires more than a retail presence – 👋🏾 Hi, I’m Monique, a former retail buyer turned beauty industry advisor who helps emerging brands ready to scale at big retail. If you are ready to scale and invest, book a discovery call, and let’s see if we can work together.

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How to get into retail in 12 weeks 🚀 As a Retail Growth agency, our mission is to empower brands to thrive in European Omnichannel Retail. Teaming up with Life360 and Tile in January for the UK market entry, lead to the launch at the first UK retailer in beginning of April - and more to come shortly. Here's how we made it happen: ✔ Brand Kick-Off: Our UK team dove deep into product knowledge and SKUs, aligning closely with the Brand team to strategize next steps and market dynamics. Ensuring every essential detail was in place for retailers and distributors was key. ✔ Distribution Setup: Leveraging our extensive network of trusted distributors, we streamlined access to the market while prioritizing brand integrity. ✔ Retailer Selection: Identifying the right verticals for optimal brand fit and leveraging our established relationships with key retailers acted as a powerful accelerator for market entry. Quick disclaimer, unfortunately this not the usual timeline. This success story underscores the collective effort of the Life 360 team and our dedicated workforce at nonplusultra. There are several key factors that paved the way for the swift entry: ✔ Full Commitment: The brand's unwavering dedication and resource allocation were instrumental in this success. Further, we have a common understanding of requirements and tasks at all stakeholder levels.  ✔ Product Readiness: Meeting all UK and European standards, from certifications to packaging, ensured a seamless transition into the market.  ✔ Product Quality and Brand Awareness: Building on Tile's previous presence in UK retail, coupled with strong product quality and existing customer demand, facilitated a warm reception from retailers. We're very grateful for the opportunity to partner with such an exceptional brand and look forward to crushing the next milestones. Big shoutout to the joint effort of all people involved, especially: Paul Chattaway, Giovanna Coelho, Joi Wang, Hana Horavova and Dominic Moore 🙌 Let's discuss how your tech-brand can thrive in European retail: https://lnkd.in/g5bbM4rK #retailgrowth #newbusiness #marketentry #europeanretail #consumerelectronics 

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Great news for those high streets. Adapting store formats to suit smaller local markets is definitely the way forward. We all know that the more touch points customers have with a brand, the more they’re likely to spend overall. A curated range in a small store format on a demographically aligned high street is a win win and a great strategy for growth. It’s also a great strategy for the town - you can bet that once a small format The White Company store opens, other brands with a similar aspirational niche will join them. From a personal point of view, I’d love to see Knaresborough Hight Street following a similar trend. #localisation #evolvinghighstreet #curatedproductrange #thewhitecompany #propertymarket

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