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.
British sporting goods billionaire Mike Ashley swooped on another failing retailer, snapping up online brand Missguided after it entered UK insolvency proceedings.
Ashley’s Frasers Group Plc agreed to pay £20 million ($25 million) for the intellectual property of Missguided and related companies, according to a statement Wednesday.
Missguided was founded in 2009 and sells clothes online to young women, targeting them via its 9.2 million Instagram followers. The retailer ran into difficulties as costs soared amid rising inflation and global supply chain snarl-ups. Surging energy and food bills mean consumer sentiment is also weakening as shoppers become increasingly selective about spending any disposable income.
The Times of London reported at the weekend that Boohoo Group Plc was in talks about a rescue deal.
Frasers was formed after Ashley’s Sports Direct chain bought the department store group House of Fraser in 2018. Ashley has garnered a reputation for taking over failing retailers and building up stakes in rivals.
Other Ashley investments have included video game retailer Game Digital and Jack Wills, an apparel supplier. He currently has a holding in Hugo Boss.
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The brand’s quirky running sneakers are no longer a novelty as rivals like Nike, Adidas and On launch similar styles. Yet sales continue to soar as consumers embrace its winning formula of comfort, versatility and unconventional looks.
As digital advertising costs climb, fashion brands are embracing events like in-store happy hours, trunk shows and parties in various formats to generate brand awareness and drive sales.
The activewear brand’s revenue rose 24 percent year-over-year to $2 billion, reflecting growth driven by China, a successful loyalty programme and new categories