Etsy.com has always been among the leaders when it comes to attracting a community of online artisanal handmade crafters and vintage collectors. But last month, their new policy shifts have raised questions about what exactly, qualifies for being “handmade”—a pre-requisite to host a storefront on their site—and pissed-off the hardcore artists that felt Esty was […]
Teen retailer Abercrombie & Fitch continues with their new plans at streamlining strategies and getting back to a core brand focus by announcing the closure of their Gilly Hicks stores by Q1 of 2014. Gilly Hicks as a brand however, will be relocated online and in their Hollister stores. At the announcement on November 6, […]
Billabong continues to struggle along, this time by selling 92 West 49 retail stores across Canada to YM Inc., owners of Sirens, Stitches, Urban Planet, and Bluenotes for approximately C$9 million-C$11 million or between USD $8.6-$10.5 million. In a statement Neil Fiske, CEO of Billabong, said, “The sale of West 49 is part of our […]
Bread & Butter in Berlin has launched their next campaign for their upcoming show, January 14-16, 2014 at the Airport Berlin Tempelhof called “Ich Bin Ein Berliner” meaning I am a Berliner. The idea, according to the trade show is to bring the feeling of Berlin to everyone around the world interested in the industry […]
As we reported last week in our Sustainability Round-up story, H&M Conscious Foundation launched a program to gather information from employees and customers as to which 3 top global issues the Foundation should address in the coming year. The results are in with the top issue being Water: defined as “safe access to clean water […]
While Nike tends to still hold fast to the notion that sneakers are not fashion, but are first and foremost about high-tech function, niche brands with a nod towards fashion have plowed their way into the cool aesthetics of a new culture of sneaker-heads. Not that Nike’s not on the leading-edge of sneaker style, because […]
Sustainable solutions are key business strategies for many of the top global leading brands targeting youth culture these days. As we’ve noted in our various Sustainability and the State of the Future Youth Culture Studies, sustainability issues are vitally important to a new generation of young people who have grown-up with recycling as a part […]
Once again, VF Corp’s Outdoor and Action Sports divisions are leading the charge for the mega-conglomerate with revenues up 5% to $3.3 billion and Vans up 16% in North America. The Q3 financials released Monday, October 21, 2013 indicate a strong quarter and changes including a 4-to-1 stock split. “VF is at its best when […]
Fast-fashion giant Uniqlo based in Japan has released their latest financials. The brand which is catching on quickly across youth culture markets in the United States (see also our Fall Youth Culture Study 2013), has also just released their puffy jacket campaign that showcases how these cushy, soft winter outerwear can fit into the size […]
While the popular streetwear and denim trade show in Berlin, Bread & Butter, is known for exceeding expectations when it comes to attracting the top brands in streetwear, denim, and urbanwear, the one missing element was relaying it’s message to the end consumers. Like all industry-only trade shows, the public is not invited, however like […]