Editor's Choice
Fashion: Navigating Change in the Face of Tariffs and Uncertainty
17 Jun 25The new US tariffs will have a far-reaching impact on the globalised fashion industry. The US market faces higher prices, supply shortages, and shifts in consumer behaviour; while Chinese companies will need new export markets for their surpluses, redesigning the global trade landscape. Moreover, brands in the US and beyond will explore sourcing diversification strategies to mitigate future risks. This article looks at trade dependencies to understand the multiple implications of the tariffs on the fashion industry, from pricing to sourcing strategies and discusses how fashion players can build resilience in times of uncertainty.
Marguerite LeRolland
Levi Strauss & Co. and the Shifting Landscape of Denim in Times of Uncertainty
9 Jun 25In recent years, Levi Strauss & Co has experienced an uneven performance, with flat sales in 2023 and continued stagnation across most markets in 2024, including declines in key markets like the US and France. In response, the company discontinued its footwear line in 2024 to refocus on its core apparel business. This strategic shift is aimed at revitalising growth and improving profit margins, which have been under pressure.
Suzi Gardner
Nike Inc Navigating Supply Chain Tensions and Challenger Brands
12 May 252024 was a challenging year for Nike Inc, with global sales declining in both apparel and footwear. The decline in its primary product category, coupled with shifting industry and macroeconomic factors, highlighted the need for a strategic re-evaluation across the business. Nike Inc is already taking active steps to address these challenges.
Suzi Gardner
Fast Fashion Under Fire: Shein’s Trump Strategy
7 May 25Since 2019, Shein has grown explosively to rank as the world’s fourth largest apparel brand by 2024, generating USD21 billion in sales (fixed 2024 exchange rates), with 35% from the US. Amid evolving US trade policies and intensifying competition from both Chinese rivals and Western giants, Shein is pivoting strategically: strengthening its footprint beyond the US, diversifying its supply chain, and refining its pricing model to adapt to the elimination of de minimis trade exemptions.
Jitong Li
Lab-Grown Diamonds: Opportunity Ahead or Roadblocks Rising?
28 Apr 25Lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) have emerged as a significant player in the jewellery market, with global sales reaching nearly USD9 billion in 2024. This rapid expansion has prompted both opportunities and challenges for jewellery brands. As the market evolves, understanding the dynamics of LGDs is crucial for stakeholders to navigate this transformative period effectively.
Fatima Linares
Fashion Circular E-Commerce from Germany’s Perspective
25 Mar 25Global consumers have been trying to live sustainably in recent years, but modern life presents significant challenges. The fast fashion boom, driven by e-commerce, has been highly successful but at significant costs to the environment. This creates a paradox: consumers are increasingly concerned about the environment but continue purchasing fast fashion products that they know are highly polluting and wasteful.
Ana Tique