The Irish arm of retail giant Marks and Spencer (M&S) last year returned to profit to record pre-tax profits of €18.72m.New accounts filed by Marks & Spencer (Ireland) Ltd show that the business returned to pre-tax profit as revenues increased by 0.16% from €371.66m to €372.26m in the 12 months to the end of March 2025.The pre-tax profit of €18.7m followed a pre-tax loss of €8.8m in the prior year - a positive swing of €27.5m.The business returned to profit after its exceptional charges reduced from €42.32m ...

Group 1 - The Swiss group, which includes luxury brands such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, reported a sales growth of 11% [1]

Core Viewpoint - Guangdong's manufacturing industry is evolving, with a strong emphasis on quality and innovation, positioning itself as a global leader in various sectors, including smart home appliances, food production, and beauty products [12][16][20]. Industry Overview - Guangdong accounts for approximately 30% of the global smart home appliance market, with significant contributions from companies like Gree and Skyworth [12][20]. - The province's cross-border e-commerce has expanded 66 times over the past nine years, holding over one-third of the national market share [13]. - By 2027, Guangdong aims for its food industry output to exceed 1.5 trillion yuan, with mooncake production leading the nation [14]. Ecosystem and Collaboration - Guangdong's manufacturing ecosystem includes 31 major manufacturing categories, with 15 being the largest in the country, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances efficiency and innovation [15][16]. - The textile and apparel sector has developed micro-ecosystems that allow for rapid production cycles, exemplified by a one-day turnaround from design to delivery [15]. - In consumer electronics, the "one-hour industrial circle" around Dongguan enables quick assembly of mobile phone components, supporting brands like Huawei and OPPO [15]. Technological Innovation - The integration of AI into manufacturing processes is transforming user experiences, with companies focusing on personalized solutions rather than just standardized products [17][19]. - Gree's smart factories and Skyworth's AI-driven product recommendations illustrate the shift towards technology that enhances daily life [18]. Global Expansion Initiatives - The "Guangdong Goods Going Global" initiative aims to strengthen market presence and brand recognition, particularly for small and medium enterprises [20][21]. - Experts suggest that enhancing brand image and leveraging high-tech innovations are crucial for Guangdong's global competitiveness [21]. Future Outlook - Guangdong's manufacturers are encouraged to harness traditional cultural elements alongside technological advancements to create unique products that resonate globally [21]. - The combination of a robust industrial ecosystem, innovative technologies, and rich cultural heritage positions Guangdong to redefine its global market presence [21].

Core Viewpoint - Macy's Inc. is experiencing significant challenges ahead of the holiday season, with a notable decline in stock performance and a weak outlook for consumer spending [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - In the third quarter, Macy's net income fell by 60.7% to $11 million from $28 million year-over-year [4]. - Net sales remained flat at $4.7 billion, while total revenues also held steady at $4.9 billion, exceeding previous guidance of $4.5 billion to $4.6 billion [4][5]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Market Strategy - The company anticipates selective spending among consumers during the holiday period due to ongoing cost pressures from higher tariffs [2]. - Macy's plans to implement a $9.99 shipping fee for returns, unless customers are loyalty members, in an effort to minimize returns [3]. Group 3: Store Closures and Future Plans - Macy's has announced plans to close 150 underperforming stores by the end of 2026, with 50 closures expected this year [5].

Core Insights - Target has opened a new concept store in SoHo, New York City, as part of its strategy for a "design-driven future" [2][5] - The store features unique areas such as "Curated By," "The Drop," "Broadway Beauty Bar," and "Gifting Gondola," aimed at enhancing customer experience [3][4] - Target plans to expand the concept store's offerings by 2026, introducing new experiential zones and seasonal activations [4] Company Strategy - The new store reflects Target's commitment to style and design, aligning with the vision of incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke [5] - Fiddelke aims to reaffirm Target's reputation for stylish and unique items, indicating a shift towards a more upscale market positioning [5][6] - The company acknowledges the need to build momentum and return to profitable growth, as stated by Fiddelke during an earnings call [6] Market Position - Target has made modest gains among financially secure shoppers during Black Friday, positioning itself as a more upscale alternative to Walmart [6]

Core Insights - Walmart's executives are enthusiastic about the growth of its fashion business, which has shown over 5% growth in the last quarter, contributing positively to the company's overall performance [2] - The company is transitioning to a more tech-oriented profile, moving to the Nasdaq stock exchange, which reflects its competitive stance against Amazon [3] - Following the positive financial results, Walmart's stock price increased by 6.5%, raising its market capitalization by over $50 billion to $855 billion, nearing its all-time high [4] Company Strategy - Walmart is focusing on building significant fashion brands rather than just item-driven sales, indicating a shift in its retail strategy [5][6] - The hiring of experienced professionals from high-end retail backgrounds, such as Denise Incandela and Brandon Maxwell, highlights Walmart's commitment to enhancing its fashion offerings [5] - The online marketplace is being leveraged to connect third-party sellers with customers, providing a new avenue for fashion sales [6]

Core Insights - Marks & Spencer (M&S) is revamping its supply chain to enhance efficiency and aims to double its annual online non-food sales to nearly £3 billion ($4 billion) [1][6] - The company has seen a 9% increase in fashion, home, and beauty (FH&B) sales over three years, with market share rising to 10.5% in 2024/25 from 9.1% in 2021/22 [2] - M&S is focusing on creating long-term partnerships with suppliers to mitigate supply risks and improve cost efficiency [4] Supply Chain Revamp - The supply chain overhaul will encompass all aspects from production to delivery, aiming to simplify operations and reduce costs [3] - The company is looking to modernize its clothing supply chain, which is seen as a significant investment opportunity [6] Cyberattack Impact - A cyberattack in April caused significant disruptions, resulting in an estimated £300 million in lost profit, but M&S has since regained its footing [1][5] - Despite the setback, M&S reported its highest profit in over 15 years for 2024/25, with stock prices nearing decade highs [5] Future Outlook - The clothing customer base stands at 21 million, and the company believes that supply chain improvements can lead to a doubling of online sales from approximately £1.4 billion in 2024/25 [6]

Core Insights - CBL Properties has opened a new Primark store at CoolSprings Galleria in Nashville, Tennessee, marking the second Primark location in the state and the first in CBL's portfolio [1][2] Company Overview - CBL Properties is headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, and manages a national portfolio of 88 properties totaling 53.9 million square feet across 22 states, including 55 enclosed malls and various retail centers [4] Retail Expansion - The new Primark store spans 35,000 square feet and offers a variety of products including fashion, homeware, and beauty items [2] - CBL has recently added several new retailers to CoolSprings Galleria, including LEGO, LoveSac, and Miss A, with Vans expected to open this winter [3] Community Engagement - The opening weekend of Primark included live music, giveaways, and a special appearance from the character Bluey, indicating a strong community engagement strategy [2]

Core Viewpoint - Tokyo Lifestyle Co., Ltd. has opened its first directly-operated store in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, marking a significant step in its Southeast Asia expansion strategy [1][9]. Group 1: Store Opening Details - The new store, branded "Reiwatakiya," opened on October 28, 2025, in a prime location on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, which is known for high foot traffic and accessibility to affluent consumers [1][2]. - The store aims to attract both local and international customers, enhancing brand visibility and driving sales momentum [2]. Group 2: Market Strategy - The store is tailored to meet the preferences of Vietnamese consumers, particularly younger demographics who seek stylish and high-quality products [3]. - Tokyo Lifestyle plans to deepen its market penetration through live streaming, collaborations with local KOLs and influencers, and community engagement activities [3][8]. Group 3: Product Offering and Customer Experience - The store features a wide selection of products, including cosmetics, skincare, personal care, and home goods, positioning itself as a "one-stop lifestyle destination" [4]. - To enhance customer satisfaction, the store incorporates a digital management system and a customer-centric layout [5]. Group 4: Market Potential - Vietnam's population exceeds 100 million, with approximately 70% aged between 15 and 64, indicating a strong consumer base [6]. - The middle class in Vietnam is projected to account for 26% of the population by 2026, driving consumption upgrades [6]. Group 5: Strategic Importance - The favorable macroeconomic and demographic factors in Vietnam support Tokyo Lifestyle's entry into the market, aligning with its strategy to capture growing consumer demand [7]. - The new store is expected to serve as a strategic hub for operations in Vietnam, integrating online platforms with localized marketing channels [8]. Group 6: Future Plans - The company plans to continue expanding its investment in Vietnam and adopt a hybrid online-and-offline retail model [10]. - Tokyo Lifestyle aims to build a Japanese lifestyle brand that resonates with Vietnamese consumers and expand into other major Southeast Asian cities [10][11].

[Applause] What would you wear to talk about fashion. I'm just asking for a friend. Actually, the answer to that is very kind and very easy when relational fashion psychology is on our side.Let me explain. Picture this. I'm in a national park, Colorado's Garden of the Gods.The mountains are glowing in the background and all of the hikers are walking by in the same Patagonia vest and I'm sitting there writing about fashion psychology and a full business suit. The whole corporate package, my blazer, my slacks ...