Lazada partners with Alibaba’s Taobao to launch a new Taobao Fashion channel in Singapore and Malaysia. With over 6M items available and discounts of up to 70% every Saturday, Lazada aims to offer affordable style. Promotions like “Buy 3, Get 20% Off,” free returns, and fast air shipping in as little as 5 days enhance the shopping experience. Lazada’s Chief Business Officer, Jason Chen, highlights this partnership as an opportunity to deliver variety and value. The dedicated channel will showcase top Taobao merchants, with plans to expand into lifestyle products soon.

Deichmann has acquired rights to Esprit for US and Europe. This move will return Esprit to retail through shoe stores like VanHaren, while clothing rights go to Theia Brands. Esprit’s owners sought buyers after bankruptcy issues in April, but no acquisition price was disclosed.

Estée Lauder is now on Amazon's Premium Beauty Store, allowing customers to shop its skincare and makeup products with added features like an exclusive Shade Finder for "Double Wear" foundation. The launch includes a sports-themed campaign, “Game Day, Your Way,” promoting the products to female sports fans via Prime Video. Holiday Beauty Haul discounts will be available through November 3rd.

GU’s new flagship store in New York blends digital and physical retail, using its app to let customers scan items, check inventory, and get personalized sizing through the “MySize CAMERA.” This approach supports the "Click-and-Mortar" trend, which has grown 38% since 2020 across major markets, per a PYMNTS report. With affordable, curated collections, GU’s "MINI edit MAX" strategy is a unique take on trend-driven fashion, combining style and affordability to differentiate itself from sister brand Uniqlo. GU aims to create a tech-forward, eco-friendly U.S. shopping experience.

Unilever’s investment in AI for beauty is paying off, creating immersive experiences for users while boosting sales. In the U.S., Dove’s AI-powered Scalp and Hair Therapist, launched in March, gives scalp-care advice with scientifically-backed responses. BeautyHub Pro, available in Asia, has attracted 3M+ users with selfie-based recommendations. Customers getting AI-driven suggestions are 43% more likely to buy, with basket values up 39%. Despite success, Unilever faces challenges in AI accuracy and reliability, plus layoffs of 3.2K roles by 2025 amid shareholder pressure.

Luxury retailer Harrods has launched an e-commerce platform with Scayle, aiming to provide seamless luxury shopping across the globe. With custom landing pages, product management tools, and integrated ERP, Harrods targets the US and Middle East. Caitlin Innes, Harrods' digital chief, praises Scayle's ability to manage categories globally and their quick, successful migration. Upcoming upgrades include a mobile app and a multi-channel, global rollout.

British retailer Next launches Seasons, a new e-commerce platform offering premium brands like Marc Jacobs and A.P.C. to capitalize on the demand for luxury in the UK. Following recent acquisitions and industry changes, Seasons will focus on high-quality service and curated selections aimed at discerning customers. International expansion is set for 2026, and discussions with luxury groups Kering and Richemont are underway.

Shein, the fast-fashion giant, reported a 70% drop in profits for the first half of 2024, with earnings falling below $400M on $18B revenue. Rising competition from Temu has challenged Shein's market share, dampening growth. Revenue growth slowed to 23%, down from 40% in 2023. These setbacks complicate Shein’s plans for a London IPO, which aims to raise funds amidst investor frustration over stalled growth. Valued at $66B in 2023, Shein is now under pressure to reassure stakeholders, including major investors like Jafco Asia and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company, as regulatory scrutiny mounts in the UK and other major markets.

Several Polish universities, including those in Krakow and Poznan, cut ties with Shein following student protests over ethical concerns. Shein’s plan to open showrooms in 5 cities, part of a promotional tour, faces strong backlash. The decision impacts Shein's presence in Poland, where its app has over 6M users.

Walmart will offer prescription delivery in the U.S. by early 2025. Available in 49 states, the service promises delivery in 30 minutes, reaching over 86% of households. Walmart+ members get it for free; others pay $9.95 per order.

ABOUT YOU and Netflix launch the "NETFLIX COLLECTION" on Oct 28, 2024, exclusively on ABOUT YOU. Inspired by popular Netflix series, the first drop offers two limited pieces priced between $42-$73. A larger collection is planned for December.

Poshmark reverses a fee structure change after sellers reported a sales drop. The new fee plan had a 5.99% fee for both buyers and sellers, but sellers saw a decline in purchases. Original fees return on October 24, with rebates offered.

Shein debuts its first credit card in partnership with Stori. Backed by Mastercard, it targets Mexico's market, offering 250 welcome points and double points on Shein purchases. The card aims for financial inclusion with a 99% approval rate.

Mike Jeffries, ex-CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, and partner Matthew Smith face charges of sex-trafficking. They allegedly coerced men into sexual acts using wealth and influence. A New York court granted Jeffries a $10M bond, while Smith remains detained.

Shein launched 'Shein Exchange' in Germany, following its earlier launches in France and UK. The platform allows consumers to buy and sell used Shein items. More than 4.2M new US customers joined in 2023.

Vinted, a second-hand marketplace, raised €340M through a secondary share sale, now valued at €5B. Led by TPG, other investors include Hedosophia, Invus, and more. Founded in 2008, Vinted expanded into electronics and aims for global growth.

DocMorris' dmr Advertising teams up with LiveRamp to enhance its retail media network. The partnership focuses on using first-party data to boost targeted ad campaigns. New tools will improve ad measurement across social media and ensure data privacy.

eBay is investing $1.2M into its Circular Fashion Fund to support startups that promote sustainability. The fund provides financing, mentorship, and networking. Launched in 2022, it now covers the U.S., Germany, Australia, and the U.K.

Zalando launches ‘Cultural Ties,’ a streetwear map for Amsterdam, Antwerp, Berlin, Paris, Stockholm, and Warsaw. With exclusive interviews, hotspots, and a December adidas Originals drop, it's streetwear's new frontier in Europe.

Vestiaire Collective, celebrating 15 years in resale, hosted a luxury item treasure hunt with 250 high-end pieces priced at $19.48. Brands like Gucci and Dior were part of the event. The platform grew 25% in 2023 and is expanding in the US.

Shein enlists Barclays and UBS for its $61B IPO planned in London. The fashion giant, already working with Goldman Sachs and others, faces scrutiny over labor and tax practices as the listing nears in early 2025.

Zalando enhances its virtual fitting room with 3D avatars, allowing customers to try on Levi’s clothes with accurate body measurements. Available in 14 countries, this tech promises a 40% drop in return rates.

Snapchat launches Snap Street, an AR-powered shopping experience on 19 and 20 October in London. Partnering with Boots and Depop, they aim to blend digital and physical retail. Visitors can test makeup, play games, and win prizes.

Fast Retailing, owner of Uniqlo, saw a 27% profit rise to $3.5B as sales jumped 12% to $19.5B. Global demand, especially in the US and Europe, drove growth, despite China underperforming. Uniqlo's viral products fueled its success.

Luxury resale platform Vestiaire Collective has introduced AI-powered search tools to improve shopping experiences. The company also hired Stacia Carr as CTO and added Jim Freeman, formerly of Amazon, to its board. AI tools like image search and price recommendations are set to roll out by the end of 2024. The secondhand luxury market remains strong despite a slowdown in luxury sales.

Vinted introduces a new feature allowing buyers to verify electronics like smartphones for just 20 PLN. Items, such as Apple products, can be sent for authentication in Lithuania. If it's a counterfeit, buyers get a refund.

ASOS has sold 75% of Topshop and Topman to Heartland for $176M. ASOS retains 25% and design/distribution rights. The deal may lower ASOS' profits this year but promises long-term growth, including a relaunch soon.

A student in the UK was shocked to find a live scorpion inside her Shein parcel. With the help of her flatmates, the scorpion was safely captured and taken by animal experts. Shein conducted an investigation, confirming processes were followed.

Zalando raised its full-year profit forecast as sales surged 5% in Q3, bringing adjusted EBIT to $95M. Customer base grew to 50M, and gross merchandise volume jumped to $3.5B. The new strategy is paying off.

Yves Rocher’s marketplace launched on Sept 23, expanding its e-commerce with 12+ partner brands. With the aim of growing to 50 brands soon, this move could double online sales in the next 3 years.

Shein-branded outlets have appeared in several cities in Spain and the Netherlands, but they are unauthorized. Shein warns these stores aren't affiliated with the company. The situation is growing, with Shein confirming it sells products only via its official online platforms.

Nike’s sales fell 10% to $11.6B this summer, its biggest drop in 4 years. Gross margin rose, but earnings fell. With new competition and weak China sales, CEO Elliott Hill needs to rebuild key partnerships.

Showroomprivé has launched its marketplace in Belgium. After seeing 85% growth in France in 2023, the company is testing international expansion. Spain and Portugal are next in line, with launches expected by the end of 2024.

Vinted Pro has launched in the UK, allowing businesses to sell on the platform. Key features include free listings, mandatory 14-day returns, and access to an API for larger-scale sellers. Professional sellers must display their business info.

Ceva Logistics announces 350 layoffs as Zalando lets its contract with the company expire. The Neuendorf site will close, impacting 212 permanent and 138 temporary workers. The Unia union is demanding job security and negotiations to prevent mass layoffs.

Poshmark lowers seller fees from 20% to 5.99%, adding a fixed fee from $1 to $3. This helps sellers earn more and provides buyers with clear price transparency while continuing buyer protection.

Chinese workers at Shein's fulfillment centers are sharing their difficult working conditions online. Videos show long hours, low wages, and physical strain. These gig workers reveal the price behind Shein's fast-fashion success, raising concerns about labor practices.

SportsShoes.com achieved a 22% increase in international sales and a 17% rise in European customers. The e-tailer plans to expand into new markets like Poland, Belgium, and Switzerland.

UK fashion giant Boohoo is reportedly considering divesting brands such as Debenhams and Karen Millen to boost value, as its stock has plunged 85% in five years. With declining market share and competition from Shein, a business split might help refocus.

Zalando rolls out its AI-powered assistant to 25 markets, offering local language support. Trend Spotter adds Amsterdam, London, Warsaw, and Zurich to help customers discover emerging styles in 10 European fashion capitals.

Mytheresa is boosting its Chinese presence with a new brand name '美遴世' and a WeChat Mini Program, aiming to strengthen its position in the luxury market. This move comes as other Western retailers are exiting the region.

Tesco is preparing to relaunch its F&F clothing range online, marking its return since 2018. The new digital offering will complement Tesco’s marketplace, which launched in June. This move follows F&F’s exit from Next’s site earlier this year.

Nike CEO John Donahoe will step down on Oct. 13, to be succeeded by company veteran Elliott Hill. Hill, who retired in 2020, brings 32 years of Nike experience back to the role. Nike’s shares surged 8% in after-hours trading following the announcement.

Reliance's AJIO partners with H&M to enhance its online presence and expand its international brand portfolio. H&M offers over 10,000 styles, starting at ₹399, across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, and home décor, including the A/W 2024 collection.

eBay teams up with Luxe Collective to launch a consignment service for luxury handbags, starting with top brands like Chanel and Hermès. The service promises a potential 45% increase in sales price.

Fast Retailing's GU launched its first USA store in New York's SoHo, marking its expansion beyond Asia. The 950 sqm store offers trendy, affordable items. GU also unveiled a collaboration with Japanese brand Undercover & launched online shop + app for the US market.

Asos is cutting over 200 head office roles as part of a major restructuring effort. This comes after the retailer reported a $120M loss in the first half of 2024. The tech team is most affected, but new roles are being created.

Zalando has unveiled a new unified platform called "Zalando Partner" to centralize its partner services, including wholesale, marketing, and logistics. This move aims to enhance the usability of its offerings and foster a leading European fashion ecosystem.

Shein's Swiss platform now offers products from major brands like Adidas, Nike, and Tissot. This move follows a trend of increasing brand availability on Shein's platforms, sparking concerns among the brands themselves. Prices on Shein are significantly lower, drawing comparisons to Amazon's past controversies. While Germany lags, the Swiss site stands out for its high-quality presentation and broader range, raising questions about Shein's growing influence in the online fashion market.

Mytheresa saw a 9.8% increase in net sales in 2024, reaching €840.9M. However, the gross profit margin fell to 45.7%, down from 49.6% in 2023, leading to a 6% drop in share prices. The luxury retailer expects further growth of 7-13% in 2025 but continues to face challenges in balancing supply and demand in the market.