The Sneaker Resale Market Is Broken
Oversupply of once-hyped sneakers like Jordans has caused resale prices to plummet, pushing smaller platforms out of the market and sending the bigger players scrambling to adapt.
Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.
Highlights
How to Reach Shoppers When They’re Not in the Mood to Shop
As savings dwindle and credit card debt soars, the American consumer’s famed resilience is starting to show some cracks. Brands and retailers would be wise to take a more sensitive approach to courting them.
How Nike Ran Off Course
Nike is experiencing its worst slump in a decade, even as its competitors thrive. Insiders, athletes and fans pin the blame on changes made over the last few years that led to stalling innovation, disruptive restructurings and uninspired marketing.
Case Studies & Reports
Latest News & Analysis
For Struggling Public Companies, Going Private Is No Panacea
Nordstrom, Tod’s and L’Occitane are all pushing for privatisation. Ultimately, their fate will not be determined by whether they are under the scrutiny of public investors.
Why Esprit’s Ambitious Rebrand Fell Short
The company is in talks with potential investors after filing for insolvency in Europe and closing its US stores. Insiders say efforts to restore the brand to its 1980s heyday clashed with its owners’ desire to quickly juice sales in order to attract a buyer.
Why Esprit’s Ambitious Rebrand Fell Short
The company is in talks with potential investors after filing for insolvency in Europe and closing its US stores. Insiders say efforts to restore the brand to its 1980s heyday clashed with its owners’ desire to quickly juice sales in order to attract a buyer.
How Adidas Sambas Took Over the World
The humble trainer, once the reserve of football fans, Britpop kids and the odd skateboarder, has become as ubiquitous as battered Converse All Stars in the 00s indie sleaze years.
How Hudson Yards Defied Its Haters and Became New York’s Top Mall
Manhattanites had little love for the $25 billion megaproject when it opened five years ago (the pandemic lockdowns didn't help, either). But a constantly shifting mix of stores, restaurants and experiences is now drawing large numbers of both locals and tourists.
How Hudson Yards Defied Its Haters and Became New York’s Top Mall
Manhattanites had little love for the $25 billion megaproject when it opened five years ago (the pandemic lockdowns didn't help, either). But a constantly shifting mix of stores, restaurants and experiences is now drawing large numbers of both locals and tourists.
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What Fashion Retail Professionals Need to Know Today
BoF Careers provides essential sector insights for fashion professionals in retail this month, to help you decode fashion’s retail landscape.
Innovation Won’t Save Department Stores. The Right Products Will.
To survive in the long run, the likes of Macy’s and Nordstrom need more than new ownership structures or retail formats; they must reinvent their entire value proposition with a selection that can compete with online fast fashion and off-price players.
Innovation Won’t Save Department Stores. The Right Products Will.
To survive in the long run, the likes of Macy’s and Nordstrom need more than new ownership structures or retail formats; they must reinvent their entire value proposition with a selection that can compete with online fast fashion and off-price players.
The Best Athletic Shoes for Women Were Designed for Men. Until Now.
Fast-growing start-ups like Hettas, Saysh and Moolah Kicks created sneakers designed specifically for active women. The sportswear giants are watching closely.
Visa, Mastercard Reach $30 Billion Deal With US Retailers
The companies agreed to cap credit-card swipe fees in one of the most significant antitrust settlements ever, following a legal fight that spanned almost two decades.
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What a Fashion Company Is Worth Today
In an era of austerity on Wall Street, apparel businesses are more likely to be valued on their profits rather than sales, which usually means lower payouts for founders and investors. That is, if they can find a buyer in the first place.
What’s the Plan at H&M?
The fast fashion giant occupies a shrinking middle ground between Shein and Zara. New CEO Daniel Ervér can lay out the path forward when the company reports quarterly results this week.
The BoF Podcast | Owen Eastwood and Tim Brown on Building High Performing Teams
The performance coach and Allbirds’ co-founder discuss the transformative power of togetherness in fostering a culture of excellence.
Pressure Eases on Nike, But Problems Remain
The sportswear giant posted flat sales in its latest quarterly report, beating Wall Street expectations. To fully recover, the business must demonstrate greater product innovation, analysts say.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Asos Says It Will Take ‘Necessary Actions’ After 18% Drop in Sales
Asos has said it will take “necessary actions” to transform its fortunes after the fast fashion retailer’s first-half losses widened and sales fell by nearly a fifth.
Adidas Is Seeing Hot Demand for Sambas and Yeezys
The German sportswear company now expects to generate operating profit of around €700 million ($743 million), an increase from the previous target of €500 million.
Dr Martens Shares Plunge as Tough Outlook Sets Challenge for New CEO
The company, which named chief brand officer Ije Nwokorie as its next CEO, said it was anticipating a double-digit percentage decline in US wholesale revenues, which would dent overall profits.