Patrick Zahn

FREITAG stands for thinking and acting in cycles – a philosophy that has nothing in common with mindless Black Friday discounts. So, once again, the company reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable economy and wants to offer alternatives to mass consumption. That's why all FREITAG Stores and the Online Store are closed today. Instead, there's the Big Bag Swap: In many FREITAG Stores across Europe and Asia, you can bring your pre-loved FREITAG bag and swap it with someone else's. Can't make it to a store? No problem – swap your bag anytime on the digital platform S.W.A.P. and find a new, old love – all year long. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/eKxBbVYY #frtg #noblackfriday #dontshopjustswap #circularfuture

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++ Fabian: Konstantin, you've built The Source into a renowned name in fashion sourcing and manufacturing. What inspired you? The inspiration came from my 20 years in the industry, where I observed a significant gap in how sourcing and manufacturing were being handled. I saw the potential for a more dynamic, customer-focused approach. To build a company that not only supports fashion brands in a conventional way but truly partners with them. I’m grateful that some of the world’s top brands have joined us on this journey, affirming that the path we chose is one that resonates with the market. ++ Fabian: What is The Source’s mission? Our mission is simple but ambitious: to turn your product visions into reality within 30 days. We want to break down the traditional barriers by making processes faster, more flexible, and transparent. This agility helps our partners stay competitive in a fast-paced industry. ++ Sinan: That sounds incredibly impactful. How does The Source differentiate itself in the competitive sourcing landscape? Konstantin: We’ve positioned ourselves uniquely by embedding our operations directly in the key global fashion hubs—this includes offices and teams in China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, and Pakistan. Plus, we maintain a strong presence in fashion capitals like Milan and Paris for our R&D efforts. This setup not only ensures quality and speed but also provides a holistic service. We are not just a provider; we are a partner who invests in the success of each brand we work with. ++ Sinan: How do you ensure that you remain aligned with the needs of the brands you work with? Konstantin: Being deeply integrated with our clients' teams is crucial. We have large 'troops on the ground' as we like to say, ensuring that we are close to the action and can react swiftly. Our digital-first operations are set up to optimize communication and workflow. We’re very hands-on and make it a point to understand and anticipate the needs of our clients deeply. ++ Fabianr: Konstantin, you’ve lived in several sourcing countries. How has that shaped your approach? Konstantin Kirchfeld: Absolutely, my time living in Hong Kong for five years, Bangladesh for two years, and Turkey for a year has been invaluable. Understanding the local conditions and cultures firsthand has enabled me to build The Source into a robust and empathetic team. Additionally, my years working for Peek & Cloppenburg, where I was responsible for the global sourcing of private labels and also served as a buyer, have given me a deep insight into the sourcing business from both sides of the table. ++ Fabian What would you say to brands considering working with The Source? Konstantin: I’d invite them to connect with us, see the facilities, meet the team, and just talk about their visions and challenges. We’re here to offer a personalized consultation, understand their unique needs, and demonstrate how we can help transform their sourcing and production processes.

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Managing inventory across multiple locations presents challenges for fashion brands in Europe. Stock splitting–the practice of dividing inventory into smaller quantities across multiple pools–can lead to both overstock and stockouts, complicating logistics and increasing costs. Learn how ZEOS' One Stock Pool Solution simplifies logistics, increasing efficiency and profitability:

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The Wind of Change 🌱 Great news from C&A: the brand has decided to remove leather and new feathers from their product lines! This is a monumental step forward in the #FashionIndustry, proving that #Ethical and #Sustainable choices are no longer optional—they’re becoming the norm. Having been committed to #CrueltyFree, #AnimalFree materials since day one, it’s truly inspiring to see major brands like C&A embracing this movement. It’s a powerful signal that the future of fashion can be kind to both #Animals and the #Planet. We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the industry. Here’s to more brands making compassionate choices and shaping a better future for all! 💚 #SustainableFashion #CrueltyFree #AnimalWelfare #EthicalFashion #PositiveChange #Miomojo #PETA #BCorp #PETAGermany PETA PETA Deutschland e.V. C&A https://lnkd.in/dxNXkwuD

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CHECK IT OUT NOW! brand new jobs on our hhff® - page headhuntingforfashion.de #success #story #brandnew #jobs #hhff #headhunting #directsearch #fashion #lifestyle #fmcg #buying #retail #wholesale #ecommerce #supplychain #merchandising #hr #humanresources #marketing #planning #design

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What Retailers and Brands Need to Do to Address Challenges in the Footwear Market Interesting read ..

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We're happy to share that AIT Magazine invited us to contribute an expert article on the importance and future of pop-up stores. In the article by LIGANOVA Group Co-CEO Torsten Dietz, we examine how pop-ups have become a vital part of modern retail strategy—enhancing emotional engagement and driving revenue. Get your copy of this beautiful magazine via the link in the comments – featuring both German and English text. #LIGANOVA #PopUpStores #BrandAwareness #RetailTrends #CustomerEngagement #BrandExperience

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📸Pandemic Reflections & the Future of Fashion: Join the Conversation! The book AUGENBLICK.BERLIN released by Trentinaglia made by the photographer Julie Schoen which I had the pleasure to be part of, captures the resilience and hope of Berlin women during the pandemic. Their stories, ranging from artists and dancers to entrepreneurs and educators, offer diverse experiences and perspectives. The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably reshaped our lives. As we navigate this new normal, it’s essential to reflect on our experiences and share insights with our community. Inspired by questions posed by a photographer Julie Schoen I'd love to hear your stories: - What changed for you during the lockdown? - How did you adapt? - What makes you feel hopeful about the future? 👉🏽Here's my story: During the pandemic, our business faced unprecedented challenges. The fashion industry saw a dramatic shift, and we quickly embraced digital transformation and social media to stay connected with our audience. It was a period of intense learning, adaptation, growth, and resilience. 📍Now, I want to hear from you! How did the pandemic impact your life and career? What changes did you make to adapt? And looking ahead, what gives you hope for the future, especially in the evolving fashion industry and the boom of social media? 👉🏽Share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s create a space for mutual learning and support as we navigate these transformative times together. #PandemicReflections #FutureOfFashion #DigitalTransformation #Resilience #Community Video credits: Trentinaglia instagram account.

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Shoe snack: MATTHIAS WINKLER x MAX FOUCAUT 📌 Follow our page here on Linkedin and tiktok - @justshoesinfo - to see loads more shoe inspo! J / S #justshoes #footwear #matthiaswinkler #maxfoucaut Matthias Winkler , Max Foucaut

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LEADERSHIP = TEAM SPORT 🧩🏆 Last week’s Omnichannel Management Offsite in Metzingen reminded us that leadership success at HUGO BOSS is a joined effort. It is not a solo act, it’s a team sport. When we come together, we amplify our impact by: 🔹 Diverse Perspectives Solving challenges through multiple lenses leads to stronger, innovative solutions. 🔹 Unified Vision Our aligned leadership team drives clarity and purpose across Hugo Boss. 🔹 Mutual Growth Supporting each other fosters accountability, resilience, and collective growth. True leadership is about uniting strengths to build a brighter, more resilient future. Here’s to building momentum, as one team‼️ #HugoBoss #Leadership #Teamwork #Omnichannel #BusinessGrowth

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Are you aware of the five "danger" zones for retailers where theft is most likely to happen? The Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) defines these zones: 💡 Surroundings of the shop 💡 Car parks 💡 Shop entrances and exits 💡 Sales areas 💡 Areas with a high potential for theft Read more in the (German) article in stores and shops of the EHI Retail Institute about the power of connected security solutions. https://lnkd.in/dvCFmN2a

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How can fashion brands stand out in 2025 and beyond? Google, Insights by Kantar, and Handelsverband Deutschland e.V. (HDE) released fresh insights on differentiation in German fashion retail. Why listen? → Only 28% of fashion retailers are perceived as distinct in Germany. → Shoppers know ~25 fashion retailers but regularly buy from just 7. ❗Differentiation is crucial in this crowded market. Here are 6 strategic moves to do it right: → Chic: lead with fresh, exclusive trends and frequent range updates. → Unique: anticipate and cater to your shopper’s personal style with personalized services and predictive AI. → Community: foster a sense of connection through events and influencer collaborations, encouraging loyal followers. → Responsible: go beyond just sustainability claims; focus on transparency and ethical practices. → Techy: create a seamless digital journey with innovative online tools, smart search functions, an intuitive app, or AR applications. → Fulfillment: make delivery and returns hassle-free, focusing on quality and flexibility in product choices. Interesting Findings: → DTC brands lead in differentiation (40% perceived as differentiated vs. 14% of multi-brand retailers) → While “Chic” is powerful, it’s also a crowded space. Personalization (“Unique”) remains underused, offering big potential. How can mixNmatch help brands stand out? → Conversational search that lets customers discover entire looks within your product selection. → An ultra-personalized shopping journey, adapted to each shopper’s size and taste. What's your take on these findings? How is your brand planning to stand out in 2025? #FashionRetail #BrandStrategy #DTCBrands #RetailInnovation #Fashion2025

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Fashion brand Esprit filed for #insolvency under self-administration yesterday for its European business. This is the fashion brand's second insolvency in four years. The operation with 1,500 employees will continue until further notice. The aim for the insolvency under self-administration is to restructure Esprit's European business, which is largely managed from Germany, and to reposition it for the future. To this end, all options for viable future solutions will be explored quickly. Before the insolvency application was submitted, Esprit reported that negotiations were held with an investor, allegedly that would be the British financial investor Alteri, which also owns the CBR Group with the labels Street One and Cecil. This investor had expressed interest in significant parts of the assets of the Esprit companies as part of a continuation concept. Negotiations regarding the acquisition of the trademark rights for Europe by this investor would already be at an advanced stage. As a supplier, it is extremely important to properly claim your rights and to determine your legal position, especially regarding a retention of title. A number of creditors have already contacted us and are being serviced by our own legal department and lawyers in #Germany. #insolvency #bankruptcy #fashion #creditmanagement #retentionoftitle #tradecreditinsurance IAF: International Apparel Federation | TGSD Türkiye Giyim Sanayicileri Derneği | Danish Fashion & Textile | Creamoda Belgian Fashion | MODINT | GermanFashion Modeverband Deutschland | Gesamtverband der deutschen Textil- und Modeindustrie e.V.

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