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

How Retailers Are Investing in Their Sales Associates

Differentiating the in-store experience is key to reigniting demand for in-person shopping, according to the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025. Brands can achieve that by empowering their store associates to reach their full potential.
Human Side Lead
Sales staff have a valuable role to play in connecting with customers. (Shutterstock)

Now that the post-pandemic flurry of customers returning to stores has begun to cool, in-store sales growth is forecast to be around 1 to 2 percent on average across key markets in 2025, compared to the last few years of high single-digit to double-digit growth.

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Further Reading

The State of Fashion 2025: Challenges at Every Turn

The ninth annual State of Fashion report by McKinsey & Company and BoF Insights, The Business of Fashion’s data and advisory team, reveals that economic and geopolitical challenges, combined with shifts in customer values, will define a turbulent year ahead. Download the full report to understand the 10 themes that will shape the industry and the opportunities for growth in 2025.

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