Wholesale

Informa Markets Fashion has transitioned to Mmgnet Group and launched Mmgnet, its new parent brand, as the company innovates and expands its business model. Building on its heritage as a fashion industry connector, Mmgnet is an insights and inspiration resource for executives and stakeholders. BoF learns more from president Kelly Helfman and vice president of marketing, Teodora Nicolae.

At least not in the traditional sense. A soon-to-launch Berlin flagship will sell stuff, but it’s brand partnerships that are expected to make the company’s latest retail experiment work.

The slew of blockbuster deals from LVMH, Kering and Prada are proving to be a bright spot in an otherwise tough commercial property market.

The trend marks a break from the past, when Nike retailers enjoyed the ability to sell through their Nike inventory at full price.

More than a handful of brands confirmed reports of chronic late payments that sparked some vendors to halt shipments to the US department store. Owner Hudson’s Bay Company said it raised $340 million to help fund its retail operations.

With specialist stores like Shen Beauty shuttering, and Farfetch selling off Violet Grey, a cloudy future looms for cult retailers.

The big-box retailer is revamping its apparel offering in a bid to become a style destination, a goal it’s tried — and failed — to hit multiple times before. But between a squeezed consumer and the rise of Gen-Z, this time is different, the company says.

One start-up is trying to shake up the lucrative and entrenched off-price ecosystem by building an online marketplace to more efficiently connect sellers and buyers of retail’s excess inventory.

Amazon just closed most of its in-house clothing brands and Macy’s is rethinking its approach. But when done right, store lines can take on a life of their own.

Farfetch reported disappointing sales and lowered its outlook for the rest of the year. Its own brands, including Off-White and a Reebok license, were hardest hit.

As the climate around diversity initiatives shifts, the nonprofit is adapting its messaging to emphasise the need for long-term, structural changes over quick fixes.

Brands struggle to adapt to wholesale partners like Ssense because of their rampant discounting, which some say threatens the entire livelihood of independent fashion. But individual brands and retailers may have their own tricks up the sleeve.