January 17, 2022

How fast fashion players like Zara and H&M are staying relevant in 2022

Fast fashion has had a bumpy few years, but recent earnings shine a more positive light.

While some apparel retailers have reported less-than-stellar financial results (often citing supply chain woes), other big fast fashion names like H&M, Zara and Uniqlo are beginning to grow beyond pre-pandemic levels. This is happening while digital disruptors like Shein continued to gain steam throughout the past year.

January 14, 2022

Stitch Fix is leaning on celebrities like Venus Williams as it tries to expand its customer base

Styling service Stitch Fix is tapping new celebrities and influencers to convince people to use its business for more occasions.

Most recently, Stitch Fix launched a marketing campaign this week featuring tennis star Venus Williams. As part of the campaign, Williams is sharing tips on “conquering intimidation at the gym” on Stitch Fix’s various social media channels. According to a Stitch Fix spokesperson, the company will also make products from Williams’ activewear brand, EleVen, available for purchase through Freestyle, its á la carte shopping service, in the spring.

January 13, 2022

Activist investors are coming for Kohl's

News of note for fans of D-list celebrity clothing brands: Changes might be coming to the department store Kohl’s, at least if activist investors get their way. In a December letter sent to the retailer’s board of directors, activist investor Engine Capital urged management to consider either selling the retailer to a private equity firm “who can pay a meaningful premium” or spinning off the e-commerce division, “given Kohl’s unacceptable long-term stagnation.”