Doug Stephens

Harry Rosen is a prime example of a brand that has evolved with time while remaining true to its core identity. As one of Canada’s leading men’s fashion retailers, Harry Rosen has consistently adapted to changing consumer preferences, from the rise of e-commerce to shifts in fashion trends. However, what has remained constant is its unwavering commitment to providing premium, personalized service and curating high-quality menswear. While the retail landscape has become increasingly digital, Harry Rosen continues to emphasize its deep-rooted values of craftsmanship, expertise, and a tailored shopping experience. In the end, it’s all about putting the customer first, and Harry Rosen does a fantastic job of that. The brand consistently demonstrates its commitment to understanding and anticipating the needs of its clients, delivering personalized service that goes beyond just selling clothes. This level of dedication is no easy feat, especially in today’s fast-paced retail environment, but it’s a commitment they proudly uphold. By always prioritizing the customer experience and fostering long-term relationships, Harry Rosen solidifies its reputation as a trusted brand that truly values its clients. It's the modern and consistent view that all began with Harry. It's so inspiring to see that some still see and invest in the value of retail. #RetailExcellence #CustomerFirst

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With far more demand than supply, Hermès #Birkin bags flip economics on its head by having a resale value of ~2x the original sales price. Of course, that’s only if you can get one. Demand is so high that when a shipment of Birkins arrive to a store, they are “assigned to individual sales associates,” who must make a case for why their client “deserves a Birkin and get the store manager’s approval.” Yet another reason why I love the #fashion industry. https://lnkd.in/emtwPUnt

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🌍 Embracing Inclusion and Longevity in Today’s Market! I recently checked out Mintel’s latest report on global consumer trends, and two themes really caught my attention: inclusion and longevity. As someone who’s passionate about DEI and brand strategy at Fushi, I see how crucial it is for brands to truly embrace diversity and create a sense of belonging. Consumers want to see themselves reflected in the brands they support, and this genuine connection can drive real loyalty and innovation. The report also highlights a growing focus on longevity, pointing to a shift towards sustainability and mindful consumption. I firmly believe that brands have a responsibility to promote health and well-being while also being kind to our planet. At Fushi we’re committed to making choices that align with these values. As we navigate these important trends, I’m excited to connect with others who are equally passionate about shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. How is your organisation responding to these changing expectations? #Inclusion #Sustainability #ConsumerTrends #Longevity #DEI #BrandStrategy #FushiWellbeing https://lnkd.in/eFR-yynM

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April is perhaps the most important month of the year in the sustainable fashion community—and it should be all of us. Beyond Earth Day and Arbour Day, this month we remember the tragedy of Rana Plaza, a garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh that collapsed on 24 April 2013. 1,134 people were killed and 2,500 were injured. It’s one of the worst industrial disasters in history. This tragedy continues to inspire industry activists and business leaders alike to hold the fashion industry accountable for their disregard for the very makers of our clothes. What happened at Rana Plaza shaped us too, motivating me and Gordon Renouf to start Good On You to help consumers know the impact of brands and buy better. Accountability is crucial and, while progress has been made, there is so much more to do. So join me to take action this month—and beyond! This week especially is #FashionRevolutionWeek, a yearly initiative to galvanise and organise community efforts. And this year marks the organisation’s tenth anniversary: Fashion Revolution is an invaluable ally in progress, known for creating an international movement that is influencing policy and efforts like the renewed International Accord for health and safety and the Fashion Transparency Index. To take part, share how you are a fashion revolutionary using #WeAreFashionRevolution. For me, joining the revolution means pressing for greater transparency in fashion, so businesses and consumers can play their part to ensure the wellbeing of people, the planet, and animals. We can create industry-wide change today with our choices, and apply this to so many more consumer industries in the future. Here’s to doing the work! Learn more about Fashion Revolution Week and how you can get involved here → https://lnkd.in/gyBM73zc

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In June, Shopify powered A$AP Rocky’s first-ever fashion show in Paris. Twenty years ago, this wasn’t possible. Artists needed to rely on global brands and retailers who were gatekeepers to distribution and customers. Today, Rocky can own his creative work, take control of his brand and tell his story on his terms, thanks to tools like Shopify. This event marked a major cultural moment merging the launch of his fashion line American Sabotage and A$AP Rocky’s music. We live streamed the entire show to fans worldwide and enabled pre-orders for his new album and clothing line to go live while the show was happening - and it was all powered by Shopify technology. The rise of DTC and the lower barriers to starting a business is not only helping more people become entrepreneurs, it’s helping creatives and the best artists in the world like A$AP Rocky control and own their creative output. To power the livestream and pre-order, we used Single, the only Shopify App that reports sales directly to Billboard. Gone are the days of relying on behemoth brands who gatekeep and leverage artists for their own creative success. Here are the days of creatives becoming successful entrepreneurs on their own terms. The technology to connect directly with customers is available and accessible to anyone that has the will to create. Entrepreneurship is for everyone.

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The Hidden Risk for Execs: Misunderstanding the Resale Surge In a candid conversation with the CEO of a well-known fashion brand, we were, of course, discussing resale and its implications. He wasn’t convinced it was a threat to his brand. His teenagers thrift all the time, yet he saw no danger. Why? He believed it was just a phase, like Gen X’s flirtation with sustainability in the late 90's and early 2000's. It hit me—this mindset is common among today’s executives. They remember Gen X talking about sustainability but shifting back to conventional shopping once they had money. They see today’s thrifting trend as similar, destined to fade. But in my work at Trove, I’ve seen firsthand that this is not the case. Here’s the twist: Millennials and Gen Z aren’t thrifting out of necessity. They’re digital natives who have found a smarter way to shop, almost like they know a secret that older generations don’t understand. They grew up with everything at their fingertips, and thrifting fits perfectly into their lives. It’s not just about saving money or sustainability; it’s about the thrill of the hunt, finding aspirational brands at a fraction of the cost. It’s a way to upscale their wardrobes without breaking the bank. This isn’t a temporary phase; it’s a fundamental shift. These younger generations have discovered a "hack": buying better items used and selling them back reduces the cost per use or wear. Instead of focusing solely on the initial purchase price, they see the bigger picture. They mix used fashion, fast fashion, and premium new pieces seamlessly. It’s perfectly consistent to buy some resale, some fast fashion, and some high-end new items. They’re making a statement, curating unique styles, and being part of a community that values access over accumulation. Thrifting and resale are growing at five times the rate of fashion retail because it’s not just about sustainability or finances, though those are great bonuses but they are no longer the primary drivers. It’s about being smarter shoppers. It’s a desire for more, smarter, better. Not being aware of shifts in shopping is dangerous, but even more risky is seeing the change and thinking it’s the same as what you’ve seen before. Dismissing it as something already understood overlooks the fundamental shifts in consumer behavior. Thrifting today is a smarter, more aspirational way to shop in the digital age, and recognizing this can make all the difference. Adam Werbach Ken Pucker Cynthia Power James Reinhart Terry Boyle Trove Chris Riley Andy Murray Wayne Kulkin Joel Makower Joe Macleod Adam Rome Roy Notowitz Sasha Radovich Brook Porter Shelley Bransten J.R. Siegel Dara O'Rourke Gayle Tait Shaun Ellis Gam Dias Kerry Whorton Cooper Cathy Halligan Peter WhitcombShalini Unnikrishnan Zach First Molly Wood Ellen Weinreb Steve Hoffman Cyrus Wadia Nellie Cohen Wilson Griffin Matthew Nichols Paul Straub Adam Siegel

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Navigating the Fine Line: Sustainability in Business   In the corporate world, transparency in sustainability practices isn't just encouraged; it's expected. Recently, Lululemon has come under scrutiny by Canada's Competition Bureau for potentially making misleading environmental claims. This situation underscores the fine balance companies must strike between marketing and genuine environmental stewardship. As we await the outcomes, it's a crucial reminder for all brands to focus on demonstrable progress rather than perfect representations.   Our benchmarking study reveals Tencent is an example of a company that commits to transparency by openly reporting both their successes and areas needing improvement. This approach fosters authentic engagement with stakeholders, who value a clear understanding of the real challenges faced on sustainability journeys.    Learn more about how Tencent and other global leaders are redefining sustainability in commerce in our latest blog article below. This analysis provides insights into integrating sustainability with business strategies to enhance stakeholder engagement. #sustainability #sustainabilitymarketing The Next Practice https://lnkd.in/eYExmKJh

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This deal happened a little under 2 months ago, and I'm excited to share that OffChance has made its first acquisition: Supercrush, a Canadian-based ecommerce brand in the beauty and hair care/accessories space! This journey has been a whirlwind, and I wanted to share some insights on the acquisition process: Legal complexities: With a six-figure deal, we had to balance thorough due diligence with keeping legal costs reasonable. Initially, we aimed for perfection, which pushed legal fees into the five-figure range—a cost that didn't make sense for this deal. We shifted our focus to essentials in the contract and handled most of the due diligence ourselves, which kept costs in check and allowed us to move forward efficiently. Inventory transfer: Moving inventory across borders was more challenging than expected. Customs clearance delays and coordinating shipping schedules added complexity. This taught us to build in more flexibility and have stronger contingency plans. Next time, tighter coordination with logistics partners will be key. Canadian customer base: With 80% of Supercrush's customers in Canada, we prioritized maintaining their experience but underestimated the costs. Shipping, duties, and broker fees were more than expected. We learned the importance of understanding local logistics and negotiating better rates upfront. External factors: The Canada Post strike and potential tariffs hit us harder than expected, causing shipping delays and increased costs. The ongoing strike has impacted our holiday sales, with Canadian customers unable to receive their packages. This affects not just us but businesses across Canada during this crucial season. Our products are manufactured in Canada, and while we planned to continue R&D there, potential tariffs have us considering a move to US production for sustainability. Timing: We aimed to close by September to capitalize on the holiday season. Delays set us back, and we had to scramble to get things in place just as the holidays began. The intensity made it harder to solidify team roles, but we learned a lot and feel confident in our path forward. Despite the lessons and challenges, we'd do this deal 10 out of 10 times. We're excited to grow Supercrush further and take it to the next level. The previous owners built a great foundation, and we're ready to build on that. I'll be sharing more about this journey here! If you're in the US (Sorry Canada! It's not our fault!) and need some Christmas gifts, check out supercrush.com and make bad hair days a thing of the past!

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The shopping experience in Canada sucks. As a self-proclaimed "super consumer" with a keen eye for luxury, I've been continuously disappointed by the Canadian retail landscape. While recent reports suggest growth in retail apparel sales, particularly in the luxury segment, the shopping experience itself often falls short. The number of retail store closures recently – most notably Nordstrom, has served a major blow to the already struggling retail environment. Oddly, Trendex North America claimed that retail apparel sales were growing at a faster rate than overall retail sales. The women’s apparel category grew faster than men’s and standout growth was seen in luxury apparel sales, up +10% in 2023. Two key reasons for this growth appears to be driven by a rebound in tourism and an increase in luxury stores opening across key fashion destinations such as Yorkdale and the Bloor/Yorkville stretch. The strength of the USD makes shopping Canada-side more attractive, but what about us native Torontonians looking for an exclusive shopping experience? It simply doesn’t exist. Now transparently, I am not like most consumers. I thrive on the thrill of the hunt. Finding hidden gems and luxury items at off-price retailers has become my personal shopping superpower. In fact, my passion for this niche even led me to build a thriving Instagram community in 2019, where I share my adventures with like-minded individuals (will share my secret handle if asked) 😉 The reality is that the retail environment in Canada has become extremely consolidated. Holt Renfrew, Saks 5th Avenue and to an extent, Simons are the only true destinations for luxury goods in Canada. This is not good for the consumer as it limits competition thereby reducing pricing pressure which means less enticing promotions for the end consumer. Retailers are also making safer bets when buying resulting in an experience devoid of imagination and passion that we crave. The upcoming opening of Simons at Yorkdale mall is reassuring. Their strong online curation of diverse designers and styles has me eager to see how it will translate to a physical retail experience. Perhaps this will be a catalyst for a more dynamic and exciting luxury retail environment in Canada. ******** What are your thoughts on the current state of luxury retail in Canada? Are you a fellow "treasure hunter," or do you prefer a curated shopping experience? #retail #shopping #luxury

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Is the climate-conscious shopper the new norm? 🌍 Sustainability and the fashion/retail industry haven't always been the best bedfellows, but younger shoppers (hello Gen-Z) seem to be shifting the attitudes of the big retailers. Bracket-buying, long supply-chains and excessive sales - they're all at odds with sustainable fashion. But what about the studio? I'm increasingly seeing brands favouring local to fly-in models, to be more sustainable. And what about multiple sample sets? Are you actively doing anything in your studios to decrease the impact of content production on the climate? #Sustainability #FashionIndustry #SustainableContentProduction

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Since the publication of Silent Spring in 1962 and the DDT controversy, consumers have sought alternatives to over-industrialized food and personal care products. Later, as the internet democratized access to information, terms like “Green Beauty” and “Clean Beauty” gained traction, reshaping consumer expectations around product safety and transparency. But there was a catch: while these products promised to be free from harmful chemicals, many fell short on performance—whether in shelf life, color consistency, texture, or efficacy. Fast forward to today, and we’re witnessing the rise of “Green Science”: a new wave of products defined not just by what’s NOT in them (parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes, etc.) but equally by what IS—scientifically proven ingredients that deliver high-performance results and meet clean beauty standards. I speak with three leading brands pushing the boundaries of this efficacy-driven “Green Science” movement: First up, Nicole Rechelbacher & Kiran Stordalen of Intelligent Nutrients, LLC. Carrying on the legacy of the late Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda, Nicole and Kiran are redefining beauty through plant-powered innovation rooted in sustainability and performance. Next, Sarina Godin, Chief Product Officer at True Botanicals. Sarina Godin is a master of product innovation. Think of her as the MacGyver of Beauty NPD—a creative force consistently transforming cutting-edge science into clean, effective products with serious shelf-appeal. Finally, serial entrepreneur Jennifer Yen brings supernova energy to beauty innovation. With YENSA Cosmetics and Beacon Award-winning JooY, she harnesses the power of fermented superfoods to create products that are clean, fun, and effective. We’ll explore how “Green Science” is shaping the next generation of beauty—and how these pioneers are making clean products that deliver real results. Interested to join the conversation? Of course you are. Register here for free and join us on Wednesday, December 18th at 1pm EST: https://rb.gy/gdzu47 Want to see these panelists and experience these brands in person? Then grab a ticket to Beauty Independent's BITE event in LA here: https://rb.gy/e18y59 With special thanks to our generous sponsor Merit Manufacturing. When you need it made right, you need it #MeritMade. #weareindiebeauty #hereforthefierce #beauty #beautybusiness #beautyindustry #beautybrands #beautyretail #beautyentrepeneur #cosmetics #skincare #haircare #retail #cleanbeauty #greenbeauty

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I have really enjoyed Christopher-Jacques Morency thoughts in the 'Luxury is for the Elite' article. It's true that 'superbrands' have seen a decline—is it due to consumer fatigue, pricing issues, or a lack of engagement? One thing is for sure: discussing this with my good friend Beatriz Carranza the other day, she pointed out that five distinct consumer generations are simultaneously active in the luxury market today. So, it's not surprising that our industry is finding it challenging to decide who to bring under their umbrella to maximise sales. It is beautiful when a brand can identify their 'crew' and know how to communicate with and serve them. One opportunity many brands have missed is recognising that many Boomers and Gen Xers are now using personal shoppers as brokers. This approach not only helps them navigate the sea of options but also provides personalised service from someone they trust. I see personal shoppers as the new super VIPs, and it's great to see that brands and retailers are starting to understand the incredible influence these professionals have on their clients and recognise them as a very important part of our industry. Whatever the cause, I am looking forward to the transformation luxury will/needs to undergo once again. Whoever believes that brands set the trends and consumers simply follow, in my opinion, is mistaken—we have a lot of catching up to do! #Luxury #Fashion #ConsumerTrends #BrandStrategy #MarketInsight #CustomerEngagement #PersonalShoppers #THEFLOORR

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Important read if one does not understand the composition and impact of fossil fuel textiles. Importnt to act on if one does know!

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Remember the dreaded beauty counter experience? Harsh lighting, a sea of unfamiliar products, and the pressure to find the "perfect" shade – it was enough to make anyone break a sweat (and maybe a few makeup testers). Thankfully, Sephora, the beauty industry's tech-savvy leader, has brought the revolution we've all been waiting for: the Virtual Artist app. The Secret Weapon: Augmented Reality Makes Makeup Magical Sephora's Virtual Artist app isn't your average shopping tool. It leverages the power of augmented reality (AR) to transform your beauty shopping experience: Try Before You Buy (Virtually): Ditch the testers and messy samples! This innovative app lets you virtually try on makeup products in real-time. Like a lipstick shade? See how it looks on your skin tone instantly. Eyeing a new eyeshadow palette? Apply it virtually to see if it complements your eye color. It's like having your own personal makeup artist, helping you find the perfect look without the guesswork. Personalized Picks for Your Perfect Palette: The app goes beyond just virtual try-on. It analyzes your preferences and past purchases to offer personalized product recommendations. No more wandering aisles, wondering if a product will suit your style. Sephora's Virtual Artist tailors suggestions to your unique needs, making the shopping experience a breeze. The Results: A Beauty Tech Boom Sephora's innovative approach is a beauty game-changer, and the stats prove it: Sales Soar Online: By offering a more personalized and interactive shopping experience, Sephora has seen a 15% increase in online sales. Customers feel more confident in their purchases, leading to happier shoppers (and fuller shopping carts!). Engagement on Fleek: AR technology creates a fun and interactive experience, boosting customer engagement and brand loyalty. Who wouldn't love virtually trying on makeup before buying? A Leader in Digital Beauty: Sephora's integration of AR technology demonstrates their commitment to digital innovation. They're not just a beauty brand; they're pioneers, shaping the future of the beauty industry. Inspired by Sephora's Virtual Makeover Magic? Sephora's story showcases the power of combining personalization and interactive tools to enhance customer experience and drive sales. But how can you translate this success to your own business? The key is to embrace innovative technologies, personalize the customer journey, and prioritize interactivity. Ready to Transform Your Brand's Customer Experience? Head over to our YouTube channel, Digital Insights Nexus [https://lnkd.in/gkF7NiWT]. We explore case studies like Sephora's and share actionable tips to develop a digital strategy that will make your brand a leader in customer engagement. So, subscribe today and join our community of marketing innovators! Let's turn your brand into the future of customer experience.

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The more I talk to retailers and brands the more I see their challenges with the old, traditional advertising and acquisition methods. Companies not realizing this and making changes in their approach will face continuing headwinds in 2025 and beyond. Who is helping retailers adjust to the new realities in customer acquisition, #loyalty and #LTV?

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DTC sales requires a reorientation of the supply chain. Large legacy brands are deeply entrenched and dependent on existing suppliers who cannot cater to demands of the DTC business model. That is why newcomers and smaller business units are succeeding. They are redefining business models and pushing the boundaries by reinventing how product can be designed, made, and delivered under new norms.

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Nike's recent stock plunge really caught my attention, and it's a clear sign of the shifting consumer market. Economic pressures mean that disposable income is tighter, making consumers more price-sensitive. Plus, we're seeing younger generations, especially Gen-Z, showing less brand loyalty and gravitating towards brands that genuinely speak to their needs and values. I think Nike has a real opportunity to leverage digital strategies to win back its audience. They need to lean into creative storytelling and target niche consumer segments to rebuild those emotional connections and loyalty. With new, affordable sneakers on the horizon, it's crucial for Nike to focus on authentic, targeted narratives that resonate with today's consumers. This approach can drive growth and help Nike secure its position in an increasingly competitive market. https://lnkd.in/e765mNSi

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Bobbi Brown has brilliantly built the perfect Queenager brand, tapping into the vastly underserved Gen X and Boomer market. What truly stands out is how her brand captures the Zeitgeist, celebrating these women as they are—confident, vibrant, and unapologetically themselves—without trying to turn back the clock. Bobbi is also a master of digital communication, engaging directly with her audience in a way that feels authentic and impactful. Her success is a powerful reminder of the immense potential within midlife entrepreneurship. 🚀 It's time to invest more in midlife entrepreneurs who have the vision, experience, and connection to create brands that truly resonate. Let’s champion and support the next wave of game-changers! #MidlifeEntrepreneurs #InvestmentOpportunities #femaleentrepreneurship

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Did you know, VC firms that actively engage in marketing are 3x more likely to attract top-tier LPs [SonicBoom]. With over 230 active VC firms in Canada alone, leveraging marketing to build on visibility and amplify credibility is essential in a competitive market. Here are four VC firms I think shine in content and marketing strategies: - First Round Capital's The Review newsletter offers valuable insights to founders and LPs, setting them apart in the industry with 100k subscribers. - Version One Ventures excels in valuable content on their blog and sparks meaningful discussions on LinkedIn. It’s a perfect example of how great content drives real engagement with a target audience. - Inovia Conversations by Inovia Capital  focuses on sharing tactical advice and firsthand experiences, solidifying their positioning as 'company builders with an operator-led mindset'. - Pangaea Ventures, a Kollectively client, recently launched their new website that not only looks great but also aligns their brand messaging with their positioning as a leader in the #hardtech space. To enhance your fund's growth, ensure these 4 marketing musts are on your checklist: - Crystal clear value proposition - Investment in Thought Leadership - Strong Brand Presence - Regular Engagement in industry conversations Amidst the hustle of due diligence and fundraising, remember not to sideline marketing—it's a critical factor in expanding your fund's reach. #VentureCapital #MarketingStrategy #ThoughtLeadership #BrandPresence

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