De Beers Makes Sweeping Cuts to Its Elite Diamond-Buying Club
The diamond company produced less than 22 million carats last year, down from almost 35 million in 2022.
e-commerce
Direct-to-Consumer
DTC Brands See a Long-Delayed Path to Exit in 2024
While the DTC landscape’s turbulence isn’t completely over for brands, the prospect of a better economy in 2024 is encouraging profitable brands that shied away from M&A last year to start preparing for an exit.
DTC Brands See a Long-Delayed Path to Exit in 2024
While the DTC landscape’s turbulence isn’t completely over for brands, the prospect of a better economy in 2024 is encouraging profitable brands that shied away from M&A last year to start preparing for an exit.
Technology
Bots Aren’t to Blame for Everything
There’s a reason aside from technological competition that shoppers can’t always get the sneakers or other products they want during drops. Brands want it that way.
Bots Aren’t to Blame for Everything
There’s a reason aside from technological competition that shoppers can’t always get the sneakers or other products they want during drops. Brands want it that way.
Technology
The New Way Brands Are Battling, and Sometimes Even Beating, Bots
Rather than limit who can put in orders for limited-edition sneakers, watches and collectibles, retailers are throwing open their drops — and then using data analytics to quietly kick bad actors to the back of the line.
The New Way Brands Are Battling, and Sometimes Even Beating, Bots
Rather than limit who can put in orders for limited-edition sneakers, watches and collectibles, retailers are throwing open their drops — and then using data analytics to quietly kick bad actors to the back of the line.
Technology
The Best of BoF 2023: The AI Revolution
In the year since it exploded onto the market, generative AI is already promising to reshape how brands create products and interact with customers. But it’s not the only technology that had an impact in 2023.
The Best of BoF 2023: The AI Revolution
In the year since it exploded onto the market, generative AI is already promising to reshape how brands create products and interact with customers. But it’s not the only technology that had an impact in 2023.
China
How TikTok, Shein and Temu Are Changing the Look of E-Commerce
All three companies have embraced a busy, garish design that’s popular in China and ideally calibrated to sell plenty of low-cost products. Will the same be true as these companies attempt to move upmarket?
How TikTok, Shein and Temu Are Changing the Look of E-Commerce
All three companies have embraced a busy, garish design that’s popular in China and ideally calibrated to sell plenty of low-cost products. Will the same be true as these companies attempt to move upmarket?
Retail
Farfetch Found Its White Knight. What’s Next?
The South Korean e-commerce firm Coupang has saved Farfetch from potential bankruptcy, and could use its logistical and marketing might to solve some of the luxury e-tailer’s seemingly intractable problems. But “everything stores” have a spotty track record when it comes to high-end retail.
Farfetch Found Its White Knight. What’s Next?
The South Korean e-commerce firm Coupang has saved Farfetch from potential bankruptcy, and could use its logistical and marketing might to solve some of the luxury e-tailer’s seemingly intractable problems. But “everything stores” have a spotty track record when it comes to high-end retail.
Retail
Are Brands Ready for a Holiday Returns Surge?
Return rates are set to soar this holiday, despite slower sales growth, putting brands’ returns management playbooks to the ultimate test.
Are Brands Ready for a Holiday Returns Surge?
Return rates are set to soar this holiday, despite slower sales growth, putting brands’ returns management playbooks to the ultimate test.
Luxury
What Happens When the Travel Boom Ends?
Discounted airfare and lower hotel occupancies in recent months signal weakening demand in the vacation economy. For brands that thrived on “revenge travel,” this means pivoting to more versatile products and offering cheaper options.
What Happens When the Travel Boom Ends?
Discounted airfare and lower hotel occupancies in recent months signal weakening demand in the vacation economy. For brands that thrived on “revenge travel,” this means pivoting to more versatile products and offering cheaper options.
Luxury
Farfetch Seeks Last-Minute Bailout to Avoid Insolvency
Farfetch is in discussions with a liquidity provider to secure $500 million in emergency funding, in a deal that would also take the company private and wipe out shareholders, according to a report from The Sunday Times.
Farfetch Seeks Last-Minute Bailout to Avoid Insolvency
Farfetch is in discussions with a liquidity provider to secure $500 million in emergency funding, in a deal that would also take the company private and wipe out shareholders, according to a report from The Sunday Times.
Retail
Musinsa: The K-Fashion Ecosystem Goes Global
The expanding popularity of K-culture is helping South Korean brands and retailers like Musinsa gain global recognition, explains CEO in an interview for The State of Fashion 2024.
Musinsa: The K-Fashion Ecosystem Goes Global
The expanding popularity of K-culture is helping South Korean brands and retailers like Musinsa gain global recognition, explains CEO in an interview for The State of Fashion 2024.
Luxury
Why Online Luxury Is Broken
Reports of financial strain at Farfetch amid a stalled deal with YNAP has driven confidence in multi-brand e-commerce to all-time lows. With value propositions eroding and investment drying up, a way forward remains unclear.
Why Online Luxury Is Broken
Reports of financial strain at Farfetch amid a stalled deal with YNAP has driven confidence in multi-brand e-commerce to all-time lows. With value propositions eroding and investment drying up, a way forward remains unclear.
Direct-to-Consumer
Stòffa’s 30-Year Plan to Build a Legacy Brand
Stòffa’s made-to-measure menswear has cultivated a devoted, influential following. Now, the brand is betting that its forthcoming flagship retail store is its next step on the long path to building a legacy luxury label.
Stòffa’s 30-Year Plan to Build a Legacy Brand
Stòffa’s made-to-measure menswear has cultivated a devoted, influential following. Now, the brand is betting that its forthcoming flagship retail store is its next step on the long path to building a legacy luxury label.
The News in Brief
L’Oréal India in Talks to Acquire Beauty Company Innovist
L’Oréal is in advanced talks to acquire a majority stake in Bare Anatomy parent Innovist sources told The Economic Times India.
Zegna Chairman Says War Has Clouded Visibility of Demand in Middle East
The Italian fashion house cautioned the war is reducing visibility on demand in the Middle East, which accounts for 7 percent of its sales, though all stores are currently open in the region.
Glossier Appoints New CMO
Nicole Solorzano, who joins from Ouai, is the Millennial beauty brand’s latest hire.
Macy’s CEO Points to E-Shaped Economy, Signalling Consumer Shift
The mention of a forked economy by the head of America’s largest department store signals a heightened wariness that middle-income Americans will continue to spend at the same pace.
France’s Bid to Suspend Shein’s Marketplace Rejected by Appeals Court
The decision from Paris’ Court of Appeal marked a win for the fast-fashion giant after a scandal over sex dolls resembling children for sale on its site.
Coty Announces Board Revamp
The embattled Covergirl owner has appointed five new independent directors amidst a wider leadership and company shakeup.
Zimmermann Names Roberto Eggs CEO
The Moncler Group executive will succeed longtime CEO Chris Olliver, who is staying on as executive chairman.