In Review, September 2025: Headline highlights from Mango, Gucci, H&M and more...

Chloe Burney

30 September 2025

September was dominated by fashion month, but it wasn’t just the runways keeping UK retail in focus.

Topshop revealed plans to join John Lewis with an exclusive retail partnership, marking another milestone in its high-profile comeback. Across the pond, SKIMS finally confirmed the launch date of its hotly anticipated collaboration with Nike, setting social media alight. Back home, Influencer Perrie Sian and In The Style Founder launched Reasn. Meanwhile, Claire’s UK continued to attract bids for parts of its UK business, it was finally saved by Modella Capital.

As the industry leans into the busiest stretch of the year, TheIndustry.fashion reflects on another headline-grabbing month in British retail and beyond, from openings to big-name appointments and London Fashion Week highlights

New openings

Mango brought its ‘New Med’ retail concept to Cardiff

Mango opened a new 5,300 sq ft ‘New Med’ concept store at St David’s Dewi Sant Shopping Centre in Cardiff, marking its second location in Wales.

The new store is showcasing Mango’s latest womenswear collection of “timeless and versatile” staples as well as more contemporary pieces, including footwear and accessories.

Arket

Arket heads for King’s Road opening – marking fourth store in London

Swedish fashion brand Arket, part of the H&M Group, opened a new 5,608 sq ft store at 196-222 King’s Road in the redeveloped Gaumont Theatre building in Chelsea. It is Arket’s fourth retail location in London, having previously opened stores at 224 Regent Street, 27-29 Long Acre in Covent Garden and a shop-in-shop in Selfridges at 400 Oxford Street.

TALA stretched retail reach to Westfield London for second store

Digitally-native British activewear brand TALA is set to open a new UK store at Westfield London (White City) this autumn, hot on the heels of opening its first-ever store on London’s Carnaby Street in May. The new 1,900 sq ft single-level store marks another major milestone in TALA’s transformation from a “leading e-commerce disruptor into a global omnichannel brand”.

Odd Muse to open five-storey townhouse within New Bond Street's luxury hub

Odd Muse, the womenswear label known for its quiet-luxury aesthetic, is set to open its second London store - a five-storey townhouse on the prestigious New Bond Street. Opening on 4 October, the Odd Muse Townhouse is described by the brand as its "most elevated retail experience to date", marking a milestone moment just five years after its launch.

Arne brought its sell-out drops to debut store at Liverpool ONE

Digital-native brand Arne opened its first permanent bricks-and-mortar store at Liverpool ONE, marking a major milestone for the contemporary clothing and footwear label. The 6,750 sq ft flagship on Peter’s Lane carries Arne’s pared-back menswear and womenswear collections, along with footwear, all set against the brand’s minimalist aesthetic of steel, mirrors and marble.

Pockets

In Pictures: Pockets unveils new 'Townhouse’ flagship concept in Bath

Pockets, the independent menswear and womenswear boutique known for its curated selection of international designer brands, launched a new store concept in Bath on 10 September. The flagship space marks the Midlands-based brand’s first expansion into the South, and the only location to introduce a womenswear collection from launch.

Big name appointments

Kering confirmed Francesca Bellettini as new Gucci CEO

Kering announced the appointment of Francesca Bellettini as the new President and CEO of Gucci, replacing Stefano Cantino, who steps down after less than a year in the role. As part of this leadership change, Bellettini's current role as Kering's Deputy CEO will be eliminated. She will report directly to Luca de Meo, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Kering.

ASOS created new EVP Customer & Commercial role to drive growth

ASOS appointed Ben Blake as its new Executive Vice President, Customer & Commercial. This is a newly created role that consolidates the retailer’s customer and commercial functions into one team.

The move was designed to sharpen ASOS’s focus on delivering a seamless and engaging customer journey while aligning commercial performance with its strategy for sustainable, profitable growth.

Stella McCartney appointed ex-Ralph Lauren exec as CEO to drive 'next chapter'

Stella McCartney appointed Tom Mendenhall as its new Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a new era for the British luxury house. He took over from Amandine Ohayon, who stepped down after nearly two years in the role. Mendenhall is a seasoned industry figure with a CV that spans Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford and Gucci.

H&M appointed new MD for UK & Ireland who started on shop floor

H&M announced the appointment of Karen O’Rourke as its new Managing Director for H&M in the UK & Ireland, succeeding Henrik Nordvall. With over 25 years of experience at H&M, O’Rourke brings a wealth of retail expertise and leadership to her new role, having begun her career at H&M on the shop floor.

Marks & Spencer named former ASOS MD as Transformation Director

Marks & Spencer confirmed the appointment of Jag Weatherley as its new Transformation Director for Fashion, Home & Beauty. She will join the business in January. The appointment signals the British retailer’s continued focus on accelerating its transformation strategy. Weatherley brings significant experience in retail transformation, having held a number of senior leadership roles at ASOS.

Casablanca appointed former Adidas exec as Chief Marketing Officer

Luxury fashion brand Casablanca Paris appointed Priya de Souza as Chief Marketing Officer, reporting to CEO Frederick Lukoff. Working closely with Casablanca founder and Creative Director, Charaf Tajer, and the communications team, in her new role de Souza will “shape, design, lead and deliver a world-class communications and marketing strategy for the brand”.

French Connection named former LK Bennett digital boss as Head of E-commerce

French Connection appointed Amy Booth as its new Head of E-commerce, as the British brand continues to reestablish itself as a key player in high street fashion. Booth joined the brand from LK Bennett, where she most recently served as Head of Digital. Prior to that, she held the role of E-commerce Manager for four years.