Shopper unaware for full online potential

Many consumers are unaware that their preferred retailers offer an online sales channel, confirms recent research by Zendor. Despite the recent explosion in online shopping sales, retailers are still missing out on opportunities by failing to promote their websites effectively. In some sectors, more than three-quarters of consumers questioned were unaware that their ‘favourite’ retailer…

JJB suffers poor performance

Sporting goods retailer JJB Sports has posted disappointing first-half sales. The group reported sales were still down 3.1 percent for the 10 weeks to 9 October, although they had improved since the first half. The group, 39 percent-owned by founder and former chairman David Whelan and his family, said that underlying sales had dropped 4.3…

Strong H1 for ASOS

Asos has recorded a strong first half, as sales soared a whopping 94 percent to £15.6 million. This was the result of investments made in the buying and merchandising teams last year, which led to a broader product offering. The British fashion and beauty etailer said it was on track to meet full-year expectations, adding…

Scottish Fashion Awards

The nominations for the first Scottish Fashion Awards have been announced this week. There are nine awards categories honouring designers, retailers, models, textile manufacturers and fashion stylists. The finalists will be judged by a panel and announced at a star-studded ceremony hosted by TV personality Jenni Falconer at Stirling Castle on 7 May. Nominees include…

PPR refuses to raise Puma bid

PPR has ruled out the possibility of raising its €5.3 billion bid for Puma. Speaking at a joint press conference of the two companies, PPR chief executive Francois-Henri Pinault said that he would not be offering more, although Puma’s share price had risen from €330 that PPR is paying per share to €343.36 last week…

Sports World acquires Kangol

Sports World owner Mike Ashley has acquired hat brand Kangol for a reputed £12 million. The mysterious entrepreneur owns an increasing number of brands, including Karrimor and tennis brand Dunlop Slazenger. He is also believed to be planning an offer for outdoor retailer Blacks Leisure, in which he already holds a 30 percent stake. Meanwhile,…

Fashion goes plaid

This season, plaid is everywhere. Not just from the old faithfuls, such as Pringle of Scotland or Ralph Lauren, no, also Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Alberta Feretti found inspiration in the Hebrides. So is what is the ‘kilt trip’ all about? Plaid, for fall, is about being bold, bright and understatedly sexy. Alexander McQueen drew…

Jeremy Scott for Longchamp

French luxurious luggage label Longchamp announces the collaboration with enfant terrible Jeremy Scott. Having worked with Karl Lagerfeld, the American fashion designer comes with a limited edition collection called ‘This Is Not Your Bag’. For the AW07 collection, Jeremy Scott recreated the design of the Pilage bag into a ‘Poodle Pilage’. A pink poodle is…