The Sneaker Resale Market Is Broken
Oversupply of once-hyped sneakers like Jordans has caused resale prices to plummet, pushing smaller platforms out of the market and sending the bigger players scrambling to adapt.
Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.
Highlights
How to Reach Shoppers When They’re Not in the Mood to Shop
As savings dwindle and credit card debt soars, the American consumer’s famed resilience is starting to show some cracks. Brands and retailers would be wise to take a more sensitive approach to courting them.
How Nike Ran Off Course
Nike is experiencing its worst slump in a decade, even as its competitors thrive. Insiders, athletes and fans pin the blame on changes made over the last few years that led to stalling innovation, disruptive restructurings and uninspired marketing.
Case Studies & Reports
Latest News & Analysis
Nordstrom Goes Private in $6.25 Billion Deal
Upon closing, the Nordstrom family will own just over 50 percent of the company, while Mexican retailer Liverpool will own the rest.
The Best of BoF 2024: Fashion Adapts to a Tough Reality
Facing depressed consumer sentiment and a slew of other macroeconomic headwinds this year, the industry was forced to revisit a timeless retail playbook: compelling product, prudent spending and a revival of brick and mortar.
The Best of BoF 2024: Fashion’s Obsession Reaches Fever Pitch
In 2024, the sneaker world was rocked by missteps and management change at Nike, which now faces a difficult turnaround as challengers like On and Hoka continue their assault. Meanwhile, fashion’s fixation on sport reached a new pitch at the Paris Olympics and shows no signs of letting up.
The Best of BoF 2024: Fashion’s Obsession Reaches Fever Pitch
In 2024, the sneaker world was rocked by missteps and management change at Nike, which now faces a difficult turnaround as challengers like On and Hoka continue their assault. Meanwhile, fashion’s fixation on sport reached a new pitch at the Paris Olympics and shows no signs of letting up.
Will Shein’s IPO Make it in 2025?
The ultra-fast-fashion giant could be the biggest listing in London for years, but controversies around the company’s business practices and links to China are dragging on the process.
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Fashion Wakes Up to the ‘Silver Generation’ Opportunity
The fashion industry has typically focused on youth. But with shoppers over 50 representing a growing share of global spend, smart brands are showcasing their inter-generational appeal, according to the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025.
Nike Told to Compensate Workers in High-Profile Labour Controversy
An independent investigation commissioned by The Fair Labour Association — a human rights monitoring organisation that counts Nike as a member — identified several “significant issues” in a long-standing case of alleged wage theft.
5 Takeaways from Nike’s Earnings
New CEO Elliott Hill outlined his plan to turn Nike around as the company battled through another challenging quarter. There are signs of progress, but it’s going to be a long road back.
Why Are Sneaker Collaborations So Boring?
Sneaker giants often have a ‘cheat code’ for tie-ups with indie designers, insiders say, reflecting a lack of innovation among legacy players in the industry.
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The Debrief | BoF’s Top Stories of 2024
Executive editor Brian Baskin and senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young take a look back at some of BoF’s top stories of the year, spanning topics including Nike’s struggles, Black beauty brands, affiliate marketing and luxury labour practices.
This Week: Nike’s Elliott Hill Takes the Stage
The company’s third-quarter earnings call will provide one of the first opportunities for CEO Elliott Hill to lay out his turnaround plan.
The BoF Podcast | How Independent Brands Can Thrive in a Fashion World Ruled by Giants
At BoF VOICES 2024, 1 Granary founder Olya Kuryshchuk hosted a panel on independent fashion with designer Roksanda Ilincic, consultant Bohan Qiu, and Antwerp Royal Academy director Brandon Wen.
Real Estate Can’t Save Department Stores
Their struggling, often bloated businesses and valuable properties make them tempting targets for investors. Selling off these assets can be lucrative, but rarely produces retail success stories.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Saks Finalises Acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group
The $2.7 billion merger counts Amazon, G-III Apparel Group and Authentic Brands Group as investors.
Boohoo Shareholders Vote to Block Mike Ashley From Joining Board
Investors representing 64% of Boohoo’s stock voted against appointing Ashley and Mike Lennon at a special meeting on Friday morning called by Ashley’s Frasers Group.
Walmart Says to Miss Climate Targets as Green Challenges Mount
Previous pledges to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030 and 35% by 2025 are probably not achievable, and the company will consider reviewing its climate targets next year.