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In Numbers: the Week in Fashion in Figures

Lauretta Roberts
24 July 2020

This week got off to a depressing start for fashion with news of redundancies at both Marks & Spencer and Ted Baker with the latter half of the week dominated by the news that face masks were to be made mandatory in stores from today.

While footfall has picked up on the high street and overall retail sales have bounced back, fashion sales remain depressed. We closed the week out with news that French Connection has secured sufficient cash to see it through the next two years, hopefully avoiding another retail casualty.

Here are the stats that matter from another eventful week for UK fashion.

950

The number of redundancies Marks & Spencer is making across store management and as its HQ as part of its transformation programme.

Marks & Spencer confirms 950 jobs are at risk

40

The number of retailers, along with 50 MPs and Peers, who wrote to Home Secretary Priti Patel this week to call for Fit to Trade licenses for UK garment manufacturers.

MPs and retailers write to Home Secretary calling for greater protection for garment workers

75

The number of UK stores operated by Jigsaw which this week called in advisers to investigate its future options, including a potential sale.

Jigsaw appoints advisers and considers sale

10,500

The number of new jobs being created by delivery giant Hermes as e-commerce continues to boom post-lockdown.

Hermes to create 10,500 new jobs as online shopping booms

55%

The slump in revenue at Ted Baker in the past 11 weeks; the retailer has nontheless said its trading has been resilient.

Ted Baker revenues slide but board hails “good progress”

72%

Percentage drop in sales in the past 13 weeks at value retailer Matalan, which demonstrates the severity of the COVID impact on trading.

Matalan impacted by “Severity of Covid-19” as revenue drops by 72%

510%

The increase in searches for "face masks" since May, according to fashion search engine Lyst.

Face masks: from safety to style, the new must-have accessory

2002

The year Jan Marchant joined Tesco. She was this week promoted to CEO of its clothing arm, F&F.

Tesco appoints new F&F CEO

32

The number of pieces in the new Richard James London sportswear line, which is stocked at a new standalone store in Soho.

Richard James opens first standalone store for new sports line in Soho

2015

The year former John Lewis MD Andy Street, now West Midlands Mayor, opened its Birmingham store. Current boss Dame Sharon White intends to close it, much to his dismay.

John Lewis chair set for battle with ex-MD over fate of Birmingham store

200

The number of new jobs set to be created at PrettyLittleThing's expanded HQ in Manchester, for which it is seeking planning permission.

PrettyLittleThing submits planning application to expand its Manchester HQ

14%

The amount by which retail sales jumped in May, but it remains bad news for fashion which is still under pressure.

Retail sales jump nearly 14% but clothing still under pressure

December 2020

The date the new Jack Wills childrenswear line is set to launch. It is being created under license by BMG.

Jack Wills signs kidswear license deal with BMG

£15m

The amount of funding French Connection has received from retail investment and turnaround experts Hilco.

French Connection receives £15m in funding from Hilco

 

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