The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Debenhams Plc said it’s preparing for close its doors for good after failing to find a buyer, in another severe blow for British retail just a day after Philip Green’s Arcadia Group began insolvency proceedings.
Debenhams, a 232-year-old UK department-store chain that employs 12,000 people, had been in talks to sell the business to JD Sports Fashion Plc, but the sportswear retailer said Tuesday that it was pulling out of negotiations. JD Sports’ decision came after Arcadia, the biggest concession partner of Debenhams, filed for administration Monday.
The news means that within 24 hours two of the biggest retailers in Britain, which collectively employ 25,000 people, have failed, adding to the heavy toll of job losses that have already taken place this year. Debenhams has 124 stores across the UK.
In a statement, Debenhams said that without a sale and in the current business environment and “the likely prolonged effects of Covid-19” it had no choice but to “commence a wind-down of Debenhams, whilst continuing to seek offers for all or parts of the business.”
Antitrust enforcers said Tapestry’s acquisition of Capri would raise prices on handbags and accessories in the affordable luxury sector, harming consumers.
As a push to maximise sales of its popular Samba model starts to weigh on its desirability, the German sportswear giant is betting on other retro sneaker styles to tap surging demand for the 1980s ‘Terrace’ look. But fashion cycles come and go, cautions Andrea Felsted.
The rental platform saw its stock soar last week after predicting it would hit a key profitability metric this year. A new marketing push and more robust inventory are the key to unlocking elusive growth, CEO Jenn Hyman tells BoF.
Nordstrom, Tod’s and L’Occitane are all pushing for privatisation. Ultimately, their fate will not be determined by whether they are under the scrutiny of public investors.