Editors' Top Reads: News from JD Sports, Harvey Nichols, Dior and more...
Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.fashion team.
'Landmark moment' as JD Sports opens biggest store globally in Manchester
This new 41,000 sq ft JD Sports store isn't just a landmark opening for the sports retail giant (it's the largest JD Sports store in the world to date), but it's a landmark opening for British retail more generally. It's a huge vote of confidence in Manchester, in British shoppers appetite for apparel, and in the future of physical retail.
That physical retail is back on the up – after the bashing it took during the pandemic – is no longer just a sense but a reality. London has seen a spate of new openings of late from international brands entering the UK for the first time, from home-grown brands looking to expand and from international brands already here but looking to grow their presence. Lettings on Oxford Street, for instance, are up on pre-pandemic levels.
It's particularly pleasing, however, to see this positive store-opening activity making its way to other major destinations outside of the capital. It's fitting that Manchester has been chosen for this statement store, since JD's roots are there. Furthermore, it has a huge population of young, sports-mad and fashion-loving shoppers who will no doubt flood through the doors. Indeed the store is expected to attract some four million shoppers annually, which is great news for the Trafford Centre and all of its other occupants.
JD says this store will act as a blueprint for its international retail expansion. I can't wait to see where it opens next!
Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.
From struggle to strategy: Experts unpack Harvey Nichols’ retail revival
Once a shining star of British luxury retail, Harvey Nichols has faced mounting challenges in recent years, grappling with shifting consumer habits, a fiercely competitive market, and a broader slowdown in the luxury sector. Now, the department store seeks to reclaim its former glory with plans to "transform" the business through a renewed focus on fashion, beauty, and hospitality.
As part of this strategic overhaul, management has proposed a restructuring that may see the discontinuation of several "non-core" areas, including its own-brand food products, hampers, corporate food services, and its online food marketplace. This ambitious three-year plan is designed to restore the retailer's status as a "British icon" and reaffirm its position at the forefront of luxury retail.
I took a deep dive into Harvey Nichols’ current landscape, gathering expert insights on the challenges it faces and the potential paths to revitalisation. A interesting read - if I do say so myself!
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
In Depth: How Jonathan Anderson will balance Dior's history with innovation
Jonathan Anderson, widely considered one of the most talented and prolific designers of his generation, was appointed as the new Creative Director of Dior this week. In a historic move, he will oversee not only the house’s womenswear but also couture and menswear. All eyes are not just on what Anderson will create, but how he’ll sustain it.
As the Irish designer redefines a new era for Dior, we await to see how he juggles his eponymous label, his collaborative collections with Uniqlo, along with the pressures of helming not only Dior womenswear but also haute couture and menswear. Imagine doing 18 collections a year!
Simon Whitehouse, former CEO at JW Anderson (2014 to 2018), told TheIndustry.fashion: "He's been doing tons of collections every year, and he copes because he can truly direct a team."
Anderson's appointment marks a bold new chapter for Dior and its legacy, which is interlaced with the couturiers who have shaped it since its founding in 1946. In this feature, I not only spoke with industry experts to get their take on Anderson's appointment, but also looked back at the history of Dior’s couturiers - from Christian Dior’s revolutionary ‘New Look’ to the theatrical grandeur of John Galliano. Read the full feature here.
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
80s Casual Classics to make southern debut at Liberty Romford
It was interesting to see this week that 80s Casual Classics, the retailer that manages to keep the football casual styles of the 1980s relevant with modern updates and exclusives, is making its debut in the South with a store at The Liberty shopping centre in Romford.
At 2,340 sq ft, it’s a flagship too, the store will carry its full array of apparel and trainers from the likes of Sergio Tacchini, Adidas Originals, Fila Vintage, Diadora, Lacoste, Ellesse, Gabicci Vintage, Benetton and many more cult footie casual labels – selling to what must be a very loyal fanbase, both old and new.
It also follows swiftly after 80s Casual Classics took over the Elements menswear store in Norwich in March, a retailer that had been established in the East Anglia city for some 26 years. That’s quite some boots to fill.
With stores also in Derby, Barnsley and Glasgow, it’s quite a turnaround for 80s CC’s founder and owner, Neil Primett, who managed to acquire the business back from JD Sports in 2023 - after selling it to the high street giant in 2021, although I believe he was still very much running the show during the JD tenure.
It’s a rare story of the little guy fighting back as we came out of the ashes of the pandemic, but judging by the passion Primett exudes on Instagram when he talks through the latest delivery he’s had in, he lives and breathes it – and clearly so do his customers. Fair play indeed.
Tom Bottomley, Contributing Editor.
