Articles by Rachel Douglass
Mamas & Papas completes refinancing after record year
British retailer Mamas & Papas has completed a refinancing that it says will strengthen its financial position and support the next stage of its growth strategy, following a record year for the nursery retailer. Existing investor Bluegem Capital Partners has reinvested in the business alongside new investors including alternative investment...
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Beyond vague claims: Oeko-Tex CEO on the importance of evidence-based sustainability
Fashion has spent years promoting sustainability through collections, labels and broad claims, but growing regulatory scrutiny and high-profile greenwashing accusations are now making brands more reluctant to talk publicly about their environmental progress. This phenomenon has been dubbed ‘greenhushing’, a concept that isn’t new, but is...
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CaaStle founder sentenced to five years for securities fraud
Christine Hunsicker, founder and former CEO of fashion-tech company CaaStle, has been sentenced to five years in prison for securities fraud after admitting to a scheme that defrauded hundreds of investors of nearly 300 million dollars. Hunsicker pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of securities fraud. According to the US Attorney’s...
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Shein reportedly delays IPO debut
Chinese fast fashion giant Shein has reportedly delayed its market float following concerns over the listing from investors. According to the South China Morning Post, Shein is now expected to make its Hong Kong debut on September 1, with a lower valuation between 26 to 27 billion dollars. The media outlet said Shein is planning to introduce...
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Consumers want fashion retailers to offer more guidance, Asos research finds
Fashion consumers may have more access to trends and products than ever, but new research commissioned by Asos suggests retailers are facing a different challenge of how to help shoppers understand what to do with all that choice. A survey of 1,952 UK consumers found that 67 percent turn to social media for fashion inspiration, yet 68 percent...
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Autumn Fair: Live commerce is coming to the trade show floor
As live commerce increasingly moves beyond social media and into the physical retail landscape, Autumn Fair is responding to the shift in a new partnership with live commerce platform Whatnot to give retailers and brands a closer look at the format. The partnership will see Whatnot take over part of the buyer-focused Clubhouse in Hall 9...
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Frasers Group to cover fees owed to Harvey Nichols stylists
British retail giant Frasers Group has said it intends to pay personal shoppers and stylists owed money by Harvey Nichols under its former owner, with most payments expected to be made in full within 72 hours. The payments will be made on an ex gratia basis, meaning Frasers is not legally responsible for the outstanding fees following its...
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Marquee Brands snaps up Roots, taking outerwear label private
Roots has found a new home. The Canadian outdoor and lifestyle brand has been snapped up by Marquee Brands in a deal intended to both preserve Roots’ heritage and grow its global presence. The change of hands follows a strategic review of the business, which involved a sale process that attracted a number of interested parties. Marquee, however,...
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Retail sales decline 0.5 percent in July amid prolonged heatwave
Summer 2026 has been one of flux. The World Cup helped to lift sentiments, albeit a prolonged heatwave has started to dissuade consumers instead of motivate them, and the aftermath is now showing in the data. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retail sales volumes fell 0.5 percent in July 2026, down from an increase of 0.7...
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Authentic expands European marketplace access with Luzern partnership
US brand management firm Authentic Brands Group has expanded its strategic partnership with Luzern eCommerce, giving the group’s brand portfolio access to marketplace and retail media services across Europe. The agreement builds on Luzern’s work with the operating partners of Authentic-owned Reebok over the past year and will extend its...
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