Editors' Top Reads: News from John Lewis, Clarks, Jules B and more...
Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.fashion team.
In My View by Eric Musgrave: The invisible industry
Our contributor Eric Musgrave never disappoints with his monthly offering, and this week is no exception. In this column, Eric discusses why retail is all but forgotten by the Government and it seems that JD Sports Chairman Andy Higginson agrees, as Eric notes in his column.
Like Eric and Andy, I’m beginning to wonder what on earth retail has to do to get the Government to reform business rates and reinstate VAT-free shopping. Both seem like urgent issues that could stimulate growth and safeguard jobs, but maybe they aren’t a vote winner for the public with a much-needed General Election on the horizon (though what the excuse has been for ignoring these pressing matters for years is, I don’t know).
If Labour gets in, will it be better? We can but hope! Though, like Eric, I’m pessimistic.
Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.
Jules B to bounce back following "major cyber attack"
In what must have sent shudders down the spines of many an online retailer, Jules B suffered an outrageous cyber attack in September 2023, which subsequently derailed the business – usually such a smooth operation led by husband and wife team Julian and Rhona Blades.
Not only did it come at probably the worst time of the year (as retailers gear up for the all-important Christmas trading period), but it had been a tough trading year as it was. The decision was made to apply for a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in December, and this week we revealed that it has now been successfully completed – thanks to a note from Julian Blades himself.
He said Jules B had received an "overwhelming endorsement from 90% of creditors" and that the business, which also operates bricks-and-mortar stores in Jesmond (the original), Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Cumbria, and employs 45 staff, can now "embrace a promising future". With so many retail casualties in the last three years, this news is a ray of light.
Tom Bottomley, Contributing Editor.
The Interview: How Clarks is finding the sweet spot between innovation and timelessness
I was lucky enough to speak with not one but two C-suite members of Clarks. My first pair of shoes - a pair of patent black Mary Janes - were from Clarks, so it was a full circle moment to interview Tara McRae, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer of Clarks, and Olivier Motteau, Managing Director of Clarks.
Clarks was founded in 1825. Now, the footwear retailer sells nearly 40 million pairs of shoes in 90 countries. In recent years, it has broadened its horizons, branching out to attract "style makers and style seekers" with exciting collaborative collections while retaining its appeal to its "timeless consumers".
In this interview, the pair revealed why they decided to showcase at Paris Fashion Week this season and how Clarks continues to grow its customer base.
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
John Lewis Partnership returns to profit as fashion and beauty sales improve
The John Lewis Partnership finally revealed a return to annual profit this week. Staff, however, continued to miss out on their annual bonus. On the John Lewis side of the business, the company reported improved sales in both fashion and beauty. However, home and technology were down, which led to a drop in overall sales at the department store to £4.8 billion.
Looking ahead, some 80 new brands are expected to be added to the department store line-up to improve desirability. It also plans to focus on modernising technology, refreshing its stores and simplifying the group, which could still mean further job cuts to its workforce as part of its aim to save £900 million by 2027-28.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
