Martin Newman

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity, particularly in the fast-paced world of fashion retail. I'm witnessing a seismic shift as retailers reimagine fashion through the lens of environmental responsibility. It's about more than just swapping materials for eco-friendly alternatives; it's a complete overhaul of the ethos driving the industry. I'm particularly intrigued by the rise of 'slow fashion', a trend prioritising quality and longevity over the fleeting appeal of 'fast fashion'. Retailers are now crafting pieces to last, reducing the need for constant consumption. The increasing use of recycled materials is another stride towards sustainability. It's inspiring to see iconic brands repurpose fabrics, turning what was once waste into high fashion. Technology, too, plays a vital role. From 3D design software that reduces the need for physical samples to AI that predicts trends and optimizes inventory, retailers are cutting waste in creative and innovative ways. The growth of the second-hand market also speaks volumes. Luxury consignment is no longer niche—it's mainstream, providing an upscale experience while promoting the reuse of garments. Moreover, it's not just about what we sell but how we sell it. Reducing packaging, enhancing recycling programs, and even educating consumers on garment care to extend the life cycle of clothes are now part of the job. Retailers who aren't riding this green wave will struggle to stay afloat. This is a challenge, but one well worth facing as we move to balance consumer desires with the health of our planet. #SustainableFashion #EcoFashion #RetailTrends

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A couple of weeks ago I spoke at the British Fashion Council IPF Forum exploring the future of the fashion industry in the UK. We discussed the skills required and the collaboration needed between brands, suppliers, and government. Something that I think is missing from the conversation on the future of work is about work culture and structures. It is about future-fit skills and how can we leverage AI, but it is also about how we want to work and what we need to do to enable that. The objective of our current work infrastructure is to achieve the maximum efficiency with the resources available with humans being one of those resources to extract value from. I would say the work culture has achieved its objective, but of course has caused a host of other problems along the way. If we were to set a new objective for work, what would it be given the world we’re in now and the future we hope to create? To create the conditions that enable individuals to thrive and contribute their gifts and skills? To solve the problems that are blocking people from having a good quality of life? To design solutions that heal and regenerate the target users in a way that is also healing and regenerative for those building the solution? What you would set as a new objective for the world of work?

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They ARE very influential!!! Michael Murray Frasers Group power is colossal and Retail Week have seen this and awarded them most influential leaders. My open questions to them as most influential leaders with loads of power to have open conversation around progression in retail remain open following Frasers Group Frasersfest (and the amount of DM's I'm still getting here and Positive Retail instagram) As a leadership team can you ask yourselves the following... 1. Is this 2024 leadership? Do we care? Why did partners send those leaders? Do we care? What are our policies here, what are partners policies? Do we care? 2. As a leadership team lets read Aja Barber’s Consumed: The need for collective change; colonialism, climate change & consumerism and discuss it internally. Then lets buy it for all employees and discuss it openly as an organisation. Then lets buy it for brand partners and discuss it. We are powerful and have the power to change things here. 3. On reflection are the optics here a bit Henry VIII/ Bullingdon club?

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The news that John Lewis & Partners is re-introducing it’s ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ price promise after a two-year hiatus, and at a time when they are investing in a significant brand campaign is an interesting development. Brand marketing historically has always steered clear of price and promotions instead focusing on leveraging the brand name, making the product the hero, and establishing an emotional connection with the customer. However, in today’s digital world where a competitor with an equally as good product could be just one click away with a lower price or deal cannot be ignored. Having had first hand experience in brand development, promotional planning and e-commerce, it’s important to aim for a balanced approach and most importantly remain relevant to the customer. I await to see how John Lewis & Partners are going to, (in Peter Ruis words) ‘kick-start their brand for the next 100 years’ What do you think? https://lnkd.in/ebEfB_Pw #brand #brandexperience #marketing

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This morning I joined Abbie Morris Compare Ethics at Salesforce Tower to discuss the impact of upcoming legislation on fashion brands and retailers in the UK and EU. Speaking alongside David Leigh-Pemberton from the British Fashion Council and Rob Don from the Competition and Markets Authority, we discussed: ✅ Sustainability compliance doesn't have to be a burden - it should be seen as a competitive advantage 💭 Educating key stakeholders, getting buy in and influencing the C-Suite will be crucial when it comes to accelerating sustainability initiatives 🛑 Don't wait for compliance to come into force, get prepared now and embed product transparency as a key strategic priority 👟 Be proactive, identify gaps and develop a roadmap 💶 Make sustainability pay - develop initiatives that provide an ROI whether that be through improving efficiencies, reducing waste or establishing better connections with consumers through new retail models like repair services, re-sell and recycling - sustainability can be a triple win for business, compliance and the planet 🤝 Collaboration is key - the industry needs to work together to drive systemic change that will tick the compliance box while advancing sustainability and circularity long into the future #DPP #compliance #fashion #retail

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Thrilled to have participated as part of the British Fashion Council Growth Forum's panel on Commercialising Creativity last week! It was inspiring to see the event received so warmly by fashion businesses and emerging designers - proving just how crucial practical guidance is in today's market. Our discussion explored critical challenges including scaling sales channels, accessing growth financing, and navigating the transition from creative leadership to building sustainable business models. Key takeaway?  There's a clear need for sustained support beyond the startup phase, especially for founders navigating growth decisions. The conversations didn't end with the panel - they're still going strong, showing just how timely this initiative from the British Fashion Council is. If these challenges resonate with your journey in the consumer/consumer tech space, I'd love to hear your perspective. As these discussions continue to evolve, I'm setting aside time to share insights with founders navigating similar challenges. Connect for a conversation: 🤝 https://lnkd.in/ecFnz9ut 

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Research Report: Fashion & Technology in 2025 💡

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Attending the Vogue Business Fashion Futures event last week in NYC and hearing H&M’s Chief Sustainability Officer Leyla Ertur say ‘reducing overproduction’ is the 1st thing to tackle in a brand’s sustainability efforts. Of course I agree and have always seen overproduction as a data problem. Fashion retail is notorious for poor data quality and operating their buying activities on spreadsheets. Today we have the intelligence to accurately quantify HOW MUCH TO BUY by product, by store and by size, so using spreadsheets to quantify orders and sizes is just reckless at this point. I commend the brands who have fully embraced being data driven and using algorithms and AI to guide their buying. 🙌 HYPE DC Pty Limited THE ICONIC General Pants Co. White Fox Boutique Lorna Jane Glue Store Cue Clothing Co. Princess Polly and so many more 🙌

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The CMA’s new anti-greenwash guidance in the UK is a welcome step to help drive greater compliance across fashion brands and retailers and root out misleading green claims. It’s indicative of the broader shift we’re seeing in the fashion industry, with sustainability becoming an operational imperative, rather than the voluntary, passion-driven cause of previous years. The fast-changing regulatory landscape that brands, retailers and manufacturers are having to navigate is complex – so guidance such as this, and support from organizations like Cascale, is vital to help companies comply with this new dawn of regulation. However, while we should applaud progress, this isn’t a moment to pause and pat ourselves on the back. The reality is the fashion industry isn’t doing enough to combat climate change, and compliance is the bare minimum. We must anticipate change and be proactive in improving our businesses for the better of people and the planet – right now. I challenge everyone to do better than the minimum. https://lnkd.in/e4VEB-m7

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Many British retailers and brands are focusing or refocusing their efforts on the US market - fascinating reading....From ceramics to timepiece accessories to socks, niche British businesses are tapping into the high-end market across the Pond. Manhattan is a long way from the pottery kilns of Stoke-on-Trent, but the high-end China cups and saucers made by Richard Brendon look at home in New York’s famous Saks Fifth Avenue department store. The United States is now the eponymous tableware brand’s fastest-growing and largest retail market, with the entrepreneur, who received the 2024 King’s Award for Enterprise, broadly unfazed by the rumblings of a recession amid America’s slowing economy, with soaring unemployment and interest rates. “In the UK we’re at the top end of the luxury market,” Brendon said of a range that also includes crystal glassware that is stocked in Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, and Liberty. London. “In the US there’s more independent tableware retailers with a much higher average customer spend, so we have more options. It may not be the time for investment, but it still feels like the US is open for business, with the customer willing to pay.” #sellingintotheUS #britishcraftsmanship #britishbrands #usmarket

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Lately, RetailX has issued its yearly issue on Fashion Sector and came up with a certain number of insights. I summarised them for your convenience. The 2024 issue highlights significant growth in the global fashion market, revealing a vibrant recovery to $673 billion in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Here are some of the critical findings and insights from the report: 1. Market Growth and Regional Dominance:   - The fashion market experienced an 8% annual growth with apparel being the largest segment, followed by footwear and accessories.   - Asia emerged as the leading market, generating nearly 50% of global fashion sales, significantly outpacing the Americas and Europe. 2. Consumer Spending Trends:   - Despite high volumes, average spending per consumer in Asia remains lower compared to the more affluent regions like Europe and the Americas. In contrast, Australasian consumers spend the most on fashion annually. 3. E-commerce and Physical Retail Dynamics:   - E-commerce has seen robust growth, particularly in India and China where more than two-thirds of consumers shopped online. However, physical stores remain preferred globally, underscoring the importance of a hybrid retail model. 4. Sustainability and Second-hand Fashion:   - Sustainability is increasingly driving consumer choices, though regions like the UK lag behind with only a third of consumers purchasing sustainably. Meanwhile, the second-hand fashion market is expanding, with a significant portion of global consumers engaging in this more sustainable practice. 5. Technological Adaptations and Innovations:   - The report underscores the critical role of technology in shaping future market trends, including the adoption of digital wallets, contactless payments, and advanced e-commerce platforms. 6. Challenges and Opportunities:   - The sector faces challenges such as geopolitical impacts on supply chains and the need for sustainable practices. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and market expansion, especially in developing regions and through sustainable fashion initiatives. The report suggests that as the global economy stabilizes, fashion will continue to thrive with increased consumer spending, especially in emerging markets. However, adapting to the hybrid nature of modern retail and enhancing sustainability practices will be crucial for future success. #trend #fashionindustry #strategy #sustainability

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🚀 Retail Winners & Losers: The Changing Landscape Of The UK High Street Retail has been undergoing major shifts, and it's clear there are winners and losers emerging. I shared my insights with Anne Ashworth for the DailyMail.com 🔹 M&S is leading a successful turnaround, balancing design and digital innovation, while attracting both core and younger audiences. 🔹 Primark finally stepped into click & collect – but is it too late to compete with digital-first players like Shein? 🔹 John Lewis has struggled with cost-cutting measures impacting customer experience, raising questions about its ability to recover. 🔹 Next continues to thrive with a seamless online and in-store presence, supported by strong logistics and third-party brand partnerships. 🔹 Shein is continuing to disrupt fast fashion, overshadowing brands like H&M with its affordability and rapid product turnover, but raising sustainability concerns. Who are the big winners? Who’s lagging behind? 👇Sign up for my email list in the comments where I will be sharing more detailed insights. https://lnkd.in/eB4dcpv7

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WE WON!  Positive Retail are Drapers 'DISRUPTORS' 👊🏽✊🏾 I’m truly proud because it’s about doing things differently. It’s an honour to create something new, and it’s incredible how quickly the industry, our customers, community, and brand partners have resonated with our mission. Having ideas that will change the retail world and delivering on those ideas takes energy, so it’s fabulous to be recognised. It also takes a brilliant team who are passionate about the mission. Thank you, team you are the best. 🫶🏽🫶🏽❤️❤️ Mark Shayler, in his TheDOLectures USA ‘Do Disrupt’ says, “Large organisations are not able to disrupt, or rather, they don’t dare to. They have too much to lose. When you have nothing, you have nothing to lose—hence smaller and younger businesses are much better places to disrupt.” Positive Retail began as an idea four years ago when I was feeling quite wrung out. I had been frustrated in my last job a long time—bristling against the company —and I was likely disrupting in a negative way. Compromising constantly made me unhappy. When that chapter ended, I realised I had the freedom to think about retail in a more positive way. It’s important to do the right thing in the world, but Positive Retail isn’t just a fanciful approach. We are reflecting wider societal and cultural shifts, and this is only the beginning. We are calling for change, conversation, and thought. The world needs people and brands that care more than ever. I'm grateful to Thanet and to the people who have inspired us here. There’s so much creativity and goodwill, which has allowed us to build and grow a community with love and care. HAECKELS LIMITED dom bridges you massively inspired our journey. You showed us that global, purpose-driven B Corp companies can be developed in Thanet, and so we set off on that mission. We are truly inspired by our community, the local business community, the wonderfully Disruptive Dame @traceyeminstudio and the sea 🌊 xx 

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Elton Ollerhead, Director at ASOS Media Group, and Katie Streeter Hurle, Chief Strategy Officer at SMG, share insights with Paul Skeldon on ASOS's retail media journey. They discuss the 'fashion lens' perspective of retail media, emphasizing the importance of creativity in campaigns. Key points include the evolution of ASOS's retail media offering, the unique aspects of retail media in the fashion industry, and the significance of managing relationships with brands. They also highlight the need for creative collaboration and agility across the value chain, shedding light on the future direction of fashion retail media. #retail #retailmedia #retailmedianetworks #podcast #fashionindustry

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Livestream shopping, once a novelty, has become a cornerstone of modern retail. Since its inception in 2016 by Alibaba during Single's Day, this interactive shopping experience has the potential to reshape the industry. With its immersive and efficient approach, livestream shopping offers a personalized and instant shopping experience akin to televised shopping networks. The livestream shopping market has seen exponential growth, reaching $38.87 billion in 2022. According to Custom Market Insights, this market is projected to soar by 28% annually until 2032. The numbers speak volumes about the influence and potential of this innovative retail format. Zara is set to expand its live shopping broadcasts to the UK, following a successful trial in China. This move by Zara signifies the growing importance and popularity of livestream shopping on a global scale. Learn more about Zara's live shopping expansion in the UK here: [Link to the article](https://lnkd.in/eHAPqVX8) #LivestreamShopping #RetailInnovation #Zara #UKRetail #ECommerceGrowth

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📢 Enjoyed sharing thoughts with Madeleine Schulz at Vogue Business for the article “Here's what our clothes would look like if more women designed them.”📢 In our recent discussion, we explored the transformative impact of having more women, particularly from diverse backgrounds, in creative director roles within the fashion industry. The conversation highlighted how inclusivity in fit and sizing, practical design elements, and a balance of comfort and style would become the norm. Designs would celebrate diverse cultural backgrounds, empowering women and reflecting a broad spectrum of identities. Diverse leadership is crucial for fostering innovative and relevant designs that resonate with varied consumer needs. Promoting equitable opportunities, mentorship, and addressing systemic barriers are essential steps towards achieving this change. Brands must actively celebrate and support the contributions of diverse women, creating a culture of inclusivity and innovation that enriches the fashion industry. Dive into the full discussion to discover how the future of fashion is being shaped by the unique perspectives and talents of diverse, talented women. 🌟✨ https://lnkd.in/eNiUq5Vx #Voguebusiness #FashionInnovation #DiversityInFashion #WomenInLeadership #InclusiveDesign #Empowerment #FutureOfFashion

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Navigating the trade-off between profit and growth in fashion retail is no easy task, with so much to juggle—stock age, sizing strategies, market value, and more. This guide from the Style Arcade team offers valuable insights on why profit should be the focus in 2025, along with lessons from brands that have scaled successfully. Worth a read: https://lnkd.in/eGvZrNDG Small changes can drive big results.

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Young consumers are increasingly using social media shopping platforms, such as TikTok Shop to buy their fashion goods, but what does this mean for the traditional fashion retail landscape? In my view, which I shared with Just Style, there are two main points of disruption: discovery and buying. Discovery is more established and is about people finding fashion and brands and deciding what to buy. Social media does a great job of this both through direct advertising by brands and by influencers showcasing things they’ve bought or that they like. However, social media sites like TikTok and Instagram have now commercialized this by allowing consumers to buy directly from the site or app. They are now sales channels for an increasing number of brands and retailers. I shared more of my thoughts with Just Style in the article linked in the comments. #retail #retailnews #socialmedia #socialselling #commerce #online  just-style.com | The apparel industry news & information site

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