August brought us Brits some well-needed vitamin D, the Paris Olympics and what is arguably the biggest event of all – Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
The sun shone over London as Swifties from across the globe came bustling through the streets of city centres to attend the final leg of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour from 16-20 August. Boosting the UK economy by £1 billion, the concerts also generated footfall in the capital city as fans clamoured to get their sequin-encrusted looks ready for Wembley Arena.
As the prelude of fashion month, August has welcomed a slew of openings, prepped and ready for September. In addition, the industry breathed a collective sigh of relief when Authentic announced that Ted Baker’s future had been secured. Here are some of the news highlights from an action-packed four weeks.
New Openings
Lucy & Yak to open first-ever outlet as it continues UK expansion
With a range of exclusive Yaks, hidden gems, discounted one-off samples, and more, the new store will boast the brand’s signature colour palette, creating a “vibrant and inviting” atmosphere.
As previously reported, Alo Yoga will also so on be opening a further two London stores, a 6,070 sq ft space at 75 Brompton Road in late August, followed by a 5,000 sq ft store in Covent Garden’s Seven Dials this autumn.
Moss opened its first outlet store in Scotland
British menswear brand Moss opened a 2,984 sq ft store at Caledonia Park in Gretna, its first outlet store in Scotland.
The new store follows the retailer’s theme from its rebrand from Moss Bros to Moss in 2022 and is carrying its full ready-to-wear collection of tailoring and casualwear. It is also offering its hire and custom-made service, where customers can create one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to their preferences and personal taste – ready in just 28 days from ordering.
Scamp & Dude to open sixth UK retail location in Manchester
British womenswear brand Scamp & Dude is opening a 1,938 sq ft store at 1-5 St Ann’s Square in Manchester on 14 September 2024, marking its sixth UK location and largest retail space to date.
It comes off the back of a pop-up store the brand opened at Manchester’s Trafford Centre on 19 June, which was originally scheduled to run for three months but could now be six months and beyond due to its success.
Nobody’s Child opened its third permanent London store in Covent Garden
Womenswear brand Nobody’s Child opened a new 2,044 sq ft flagship storeat 3 Neal Street in Covent Garden on 10 August 2024.
It is the fashion brand’s third permanent London store, adding to its existing locations at 46 Carnaby Street and 63 Brushfield Street in Spitalfields. Nobody’s Child also currently has a pop-up store at Westfield Stratford City.
Missoma opened a second UK store in Leeds
Jewellery brand Missoma has opened a 2,250 sq ft flagship store in Victoria Quarter’s County Arcade in Leeds, adding to the London store it opened at 46 Monmouth Street in Covent Garden in November 2023.
The new store adds to Victoria Leeds’ existing portfolio of jewellers, including Boodles, Monica Vinader, Berry’s and Astrid & Miyu, and includes Missoma’s “most playful Piercing Studio to date” with exclusive piercing studs that visitors won’t find anywhere else.
Marks & Spencer to open boutique-style fashion and beauty stores
Marks & Spencer is to trial the opening of boutique-style fashion and beauty stores, starting with a new opening at Battersea Power Station this autumn. The new store at Battersea will focus on showcasing the best of the high street giant’s fashion range for men and women (with an emphasis on its premium lines) as well as an edit of its beauty officer.
CEO Stuart Machin said the trial store would “showcase the best of M&S clothing and beauty at outstanding value” and, if successful, further similar formats would open across the country, according to The Times.
Ben Sherman returned to where it all started in Brighton and Soho
Ben Sherman, which is owned by US-based Marquee Brands followed up from its one-year pop-up at Coal Drops Yard in London’s King’s Cross – which opened at the end of March 2024 – with two permanent stores in Brighton and Soho.
The new 1,300 sq ft Brighton store is located at 19-20 Dukes Lane, a stone’s throw from Ben Sherman’s first-ever store back in 1963 – the year the brand was founded – called Millions of Shirts Inc. on Duke Street.
Meanwhile, the new 677 sq ft Soho store, which opened on 29 August, is at 97 Berwick Street, around the corner from its previous store at 50 Carnaby Street which closed in June 2020.
Veronica Beard opened a second London store in Chelsea
US womenswear brand Veronica Beard opened its second London store at 2 Symons Street – just off Sloane Square in Chelsea – adding to its Mayfair store at 27 Bruton Street, which opened in 2022, and its 34 stores across America.
Joining Sloane Square’s array of premier luxury retail stores, the new 3,732 sq ft Veronica Beard boutique will carry a full product offering including the brand’s “cult classics”, such as the ‘Dickey’ jacket, scuba suiting and denim, as well as outerwear, dresses, tops, skirts, footwear and handbags.
Store Closures
The stores began to initiate clearance sales.
Ted Baker’s remaining UK stores closed
Ted Baker’s remaining 31 stores in the UK closed on 20 August, putting more than 500 jobs at risk.
The business behind the fashion brand’s UK shops, No Ordinary Designer Label Limited (NODL), fell into administration in March. It has since shut 15 shops in the UK, resulting in about 245 staff being made redundant.
Big Name Moves
Adidas Exec Martin Shankland stepped down after 27 years
Adidas has announced that Martin Shankland, Executive Board member for Global Operations, will exit the company after 27 years. In mutual agreement with Martin Shankland, the Supervisory Board approved the termination of his appointment as an Executive Board member as of 10 August.
Thomas Rabe, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adidas AG, said: “On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I would like to congratulate Martin on his career at our company and thank him for his passion, commitment, and leadership throughout the past 27 years. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”
Ex-Anthropologie CEO headed for Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret & Co. has appointed Hillary Super as Chief Executive Officerand a member of the Board, effective 9 September. Super succeeds Martin Waters in both roles, who will remain an advisor to the company until 31 August to support a smooth transition.
Retail veteran Hillary Super brings nearly three decades of retail merchant expertise and a successful track record leading brands at the highest level. Her leadership experience spans intimates, apparel, accessories, beauty and home, where she demonstrated an ability to anticipate consumer needs and drive profitable growth.
Former M&S CEO Lord Rose appointed Fashion Retail Academy’s first patron
The London-based college, Fashion Retail Academy, has announced Former M&S CEO Lord Stuart Rose as its first patron, ahead of its new campus opening. Lord Rose is a respected figure in the UK retail landscape who will bring a wealth of experience to the role.
The FRA was founded in 2005 by industry giants including Marks & Spencer, Next, Tesco’s F&F, Arcadia and Experian. Its role is to prepare students for various roles within the fashion and retail sectors.
Regatta added to board of directors with appointment of Chief Digital and Technology Officer
Manchester-based Regatta Group, which owns the Regatta, Craghoppers and Dare2b outdoor brands, has announced the appointment of Tom Goodman to the board of directors as Chief Digital and Technology Officer.
Goodman has been at Regatta since 2020 as Group Digital Director. In his new role, he will lead digital, customer experience, tech and date and AI across the group. That includes launching new initiatives such as a membership scheme to both online and store channels – due to be rolled out this month “to drive loyalty and retention” and further improve the omnichannel experience.
Frasers Group announces retirement of Non-Executive Director
Frasers Group has announced the retirement of Non-Executive Director David Brayshaw after almost eight years of service for the group, effective from today, 12 August. Brayshaw first joined Frasers Group as Non-Executive Director in December 2016, bringing experience from Barclays, where he previously served as Director of Debt Finance Origination.
Commenting on Brayshaw’s retirement, David Daly, Chair of Frasers Group, said: “With over thirty years of experience as a senior investment and commercial banker, David has made an invaluable contribution to the business. On behalf of the board, I would like to sincerely thank him for his efforts.”
Frasers Continues to Grow
Frasers has earned its very own section as there is never a dull moment when it comes to the British retail supergroup. Though August was certainly quieter for Frasers than last month, it couldn’t help itself but make a major investment before September hit.
During Fiscal 2024, Accent delivered £821.9 million (AUD$1.6 billion) in sales from nearly 900 stores and websites. Its portfolio consists of multi-brand sports fashion stores, vertical-owned brands, and global exclusively distributed brands such as Skechers, Hoka, UGG and Vans.
With this investment, Frasers aims to grow its presence in Australia and New Zealand, a key player in the Group’s “ambition to become a leading global sports retailer”.
