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Selfridges gets through 2020 in good shape, pre-pandemic sales rose
Selfridges weathered the 2020 storm, despite enduring the toughest retail year in decades. That’s according to company chief Anne Pitcher who admitted that it was the “most difficult” period in its 113 years.
Luxury
Richemont sales edge up, but fashion struggles while jewellery surges
Richemont’s third quarter — the all-important three months to the end of December — saw sales rising only 1%, although currency-neutral, they were up a healthier 5%, despite the “continuously volatile environment”.
Fashion
Burberry sales fall again due to Covid but full-price and Asia are strong
Burberry saw another round of retail sales falls in Q3, with Europe and the Americas still being hit hard. But it said China, Korea, leathergoods, outerwear and full-price sales all headed in the right direction.
Fashion
Kering sponsors renovation of Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio courtyard
Kering is sponsoring a key element of the renovation of the famed Michelozzo courtyard of Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio, the city hall of the Renaissance capital.
Luxury
Harvey Nichols COO steps up to chief executive role
Harvey Nichols has promoted its COO to its top job with Manju Malhotra becoming CEO. She now runs the UK and international stores, plus the online business, at the toughest time for luxury retail in decades.
Luxury
Liberty performance improved pre-pandemic, but 2020 has been tough
Liberty's sales rose and its losses narrowed in the year to February, it said this week. But since then, lockdowns have put it under heavy pressure and while its owners are supportive, times are tough for the flagship.
Luxury
Heathrow could lose 2,000 jobs as tax-free shopping changes
The world’s (usually) busiest airport, Heathrow, could lose up to 2,000 jobs if the UK’s decision to change the rules around tax-free shopping for tourists goes ahead, the airport’s CEO claims.
Luxury
Via Outlets has strong year with 100+ lockdown leasing deals
The outlets sector remains one of the most resilient retail channels at present and Europe-based Via Outlets has completed more than 117 new leasing deals since the start of the pandemic.
Fashion
High court dismisses attempt to salvage tax-free shopping
The end of tax-free shopping for tourists in its current form is a step closer. The High Court has dismissed a claim that the government didn't consider the “devastating impact” of the rule change on retail and travel.
Luxury
Harvey Nichols owner Dickson Concepts in profit, despite tough H1
The six months to the end of September may have been a devastating time for retailers, but Dickson Concepts managed to turn a profit in the first half of its financial year, despite lower sales.
Luxury
Alexander McQueen introduces seamless omnichannel strategy
Alexander McQueen has embarked on a new omnichannel strategy having spent the last two years (and especially the last few months) preparing its stores for the new seamless physical-to-digital world.
Luxury
Luxury giants increase their grip on sector, growth continues but landscape shifts
The luxury goods industry was expanding healthily before the pandemic hit, but while sales were strong, a select group of luxury giants dominated the sector overall.
Luxury
Rimowa launching new line named Never Still
Rimowa has decided to soften things up. The baggage brand known for its signature hard-wearing aluminium cases is launching a new collection of bags, targeted at a younger and more restless consumer.
Luxury
Selfridges names Lane Crawford's Andrew Keith as new MD
During one of the most challenging periods in its history, luxury UK department stores retailer Selfridges & Co has named Andrew Keith as its new Managing Director.
Luxury
Harrods sales, profits rose last year but retailer faces huge challenges today
2020 has proved to be “a significant challenge” for luxury store Harrods, but before the unprecedented events that began in March, the business posted rises in both sales and profits.
Luxury
As UK duty-free regime to end, France targets unhappy shoppers
With the UK set to axe the duty-free shopping for tourists regime in December, there are already signs that rival locations will step up their efforts to attract shoppers who might have previously visited Britain.
Fashion