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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

How Matches’ Collapse Could Impact Independent Fashion

The luxury retailer’s closure has far-reaching knock-on effects for independent brands. Unpaid bills for inventory have pushed some labels into dire financial straits, while confidence in other stockists like Farfetch-backed Browns has sunk to a nadir.
Matchesfashion's Carlos Place townhouse in Mayfair, London
Frasers Group placed Matchesfashion into administration just months after acquiring the struggling luxury retailer. (Shutterstock)

LONDON —

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Further Reading

Why Frasers Group Shuttered Matchesfashion

In the latest blow to the luxury e-commerce sector, the embattled Matches is closing down just over two months after being acquired by Frasers Group as relationships with brands have reportedly soured.

For Luxury E-Commerce, It’s Even Worse Than It Looks

US consumer spending across online luxury sellers like Farfetch, Matches and Net-a-Porter suffered sustained declines throughout 2023. The question is whether the downturn is simply temporary or the luxury e-commerce model itself is broken.

How to Recession-Proof Independent Retail

Small stores can remain competitive by scaling their private labels, testing new store concepts, and offering brands consumers can’t find on Farfetch or in Selfridges.

About the author
Daniel-Yaw Miller

Daniel-Yaw Miller is a contributing writer at The Business of Fashion. Miller is a New York based journalist, editor and advisor who specialises in sports, fashion and business.

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