Fashion
3 luxury brands fined for anti-competitive pricing practices in EU
The Commission’s investigation revealed that the three companies restricted the ability of independent third-party retailers they work with to set their own online and offline retail prices for products designed and sold by them under their respective brand names. This kind of anticompetitive behaviour increases prices and reduces choice for consumers, a Commission release said.
The European Commission has fined three luxury fashion brands for fixing resale prices.
A probe revealed the three brands restricted the ability of independent third-party partner retailers to set their own online and offline retail prices for products designed and sold by them under their respective brand names.
They interfered with their retailers’ commercial strategies by imposing restrictions on them.
The fines, which were reduced in all three cases due to the companies’ cooperation with the Commission, amounted to over €157 million in total.
Gucci, Chloe and Loewe are fashion companies headquartered in Italy, France and Spain respectively. They design, produce and distribute high-end fashion products, including apparel, leather goods and various accessories.
The Commission’s investigation revealed that these three fashion companies engaged in a practice called resale price maintenance (RPM).
They restricted the ability of both their online and brick-and-mortar retailers, which are independent resellers, to set their own retail prices for almost the entire range of products designed and sold by them under their respective brand names. The infringements covered the whole territory of the European Economic Area (EEA).
In particular, the three fashion companies interfered with their retailers’ commercial strategies by imposing restrictions on them, such as requiring them to not deviate from recommended retail prices; maximum discounts rates; and specific periods for sales.
In certain cases, and at least temporarily, they also prohibited retailers from offering any discounts. They strived to have their retailers apply the same prices and sales conditions they applied in their own direct sales channels.
To ensure compliance with their pricing policies, the three companies monitored the retailers’ prices and followed up with deviating retailers. The retailers in general adhered to the companies’ pricing policies, either from the start or after being requested to do so.
“These anti-competitive practices by Gucci, Chloe and Loewe deprived the retailers of their pricing independence and reduced competition between them. At the same time, Gucci, Chloe and Loewe aimed to protect their own sales from competition from their retailers,” the Commission noted.
In addition, Gucci imposed online sales restrictions for a specific product line by asking its retailers to stop selling the product online.
The practices ended for all the three companies in April 2023, when the Commission carried out unannounced inspections at their premises.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
EBITDA rose 7 per cent YoY to ₹259 crore (~$29.37 million), maintaining a margin of 13.9 per cent. This was achieved despite a deliberate increase in advertising expenditure—a strategic investment aimed at strengthening long-term brand equity and enhancing consumer engagement.
Raymond Lifestyle Limited has reported an increase of 8 per cent YoY in Q2 FY26 revenue to ₹1,865 crore (~$211.52 million), driven by robust domestic demand.
EBITDA grew 7 per cent to ₹259 crore (~$29.37 million) with a 13.9 per cent margin.
Branded Textile revenue rose 10 per cent, while Branded Apparel grew 11 per cent.
Strong home market demand offset export challenges from US tariffs.
This growth in EBITDA reflects not only the higher sales volume generated by the resilient Indian consumer but also the benefit of an improved product mix, scale benefit and better operating leverage combined with selective pruning of under-performing stores. The company effectively capitalised on buoyant domestic sentiment, Raymond said in a press release.
The profit before tax (PBT) stood at ₹108 crore compared to ₹112 crore in Q2 FY25, while the company’s total income for H1 FY26 reached ₹3,340 crore, up 12 per cent YoY. The company’s net debt was ₹246 crore as of September 2025, attributed to inventory build-up for the festive and wedding seasons.
However, the growth in domestic consumption and its sales was partly offset, as its international business, particularly the garmenting and B2B export segments, faced considerable headwinds. The imposition of steep US tariffs significantly impacted the company’s global competitiveness, leading to order deferrals and margin pressure from key overseas buyers. Despite this external challenge, the powerful rebound in domestic consumption fully cushioned the impact, allowing it to post positive overall growth.
Branded Textile segment revenue grew by 10 per cent to ₹937 crore in Q2 FY26 vs ₹854 crore in Q2 FY25 mainly on account of robust volume growth, higher wedding dates and increased consumer awareness as compared to the previous year. EBITDA grew by 16 per cent to ₹188 crore in Q2 FY26 as compared to ₹161 crore in Q2FY25, with EBITDA margin of 20 per cent in Q2 FY26 vs 18.9 per cent in Q2 FY25 on account of improved product mix and strong volume growth.
Branded Apparel segment revenue stood at ₹491 crore in Q2 FY26 as compared to ₹441 crore in the same quarter last year, reflecting a growth of 11 per cent YoY. The growth was witnessed across all brands and key channels such as Large Format Stores (LFS), Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBO), Multi-Brand Outlets (MBO) and online. The segment reported an EBITDA of ₹25 crore in Q2 FY26 as compared to ₹57 crore in Q2 FY25 with an EBITDA margin of 5.2 per cent in Q2 FY26 vs 13 per cent in Q2 FY25.
As of September 30, 2025, the company’s store count stood at 1,663, compared to 1,592 a year earlier. The newly opened stores were expected to take additional time to reach full maturity.
Garmenting segment reported revenue at ₹269 crore in Q2 FY26 as compared to ₹260 crore in the same quarter previous year, reflecting a growth of 4 per cent YoY. EBITDA margin for the quarter was 5.4 per cent in Q2 FY26 vs 9.6 per cent in Q2 FY25.
The High Value Cotton Shirting segment recorded revenue of ₹212 crore in Q2 FY26, down 7 per cent YoY from ₹228 crore in Q2 FY25 due to subdued demand. EBITDA rose to ₹25 crore from ₹22 crore in the same period last year, with margins improving to 11.8 per cent from 9.7 per cent, primarily driven by a better product mix, added the release.
“Our quarterly performance reflects encouraging momentum driven by a strong domestic demand across core lifestyle categories. Even as we navigate global macroeconomic headwinds, we remain focused on agility and strategic foresight—closely tracking opportunities from the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and potential risks from US tariff changes. This disciplined approach ensures we continue creating enduring value for all stakeholders,” said Gautam Hari Singhania, executive chairman of Raymond Lifestyle Limited.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Published
October 31, 2025
Urban Outfitters has unveiled a new store concept and retail environment that reimagines its in-store experience with a brighter, more modern, and flexible approach.
Following its debut in Houston, Texas, and a subsequent opening in Glendale, California, the refreshed format reflects the brand’s customer-first philosophy through curated assortments, localized design, and a strong focus on Gen-Z’s favorite styles and brands.
Urban Outfitters plans to open three of its redesigned stores by the end of 2025, with seven additional locations set to follow across the United States in 2026. Each store is tailored to its market, incorporating community nuances and shopping behaviors.
“Our goal is to be the go-to brand and destination for the categories and brands that define our customer’s style, and a source of inspiration through our creativity,” said Shea Jensen, president of Urban Outfitters.
“This new format gives us the freedom to shape our stores around our customers, their lifestyle, and the moments that matter most to them.”
The rollout also reflects Urban Outfitters’ evolving retail strategy, which blends street-level locations like Houston with key mall destinations such as Glendale, noting that 72% of Gen Z consumers still shop in malls.
Each store’s layout and assortment are guided by customer data and local preferences. In Houston, the merchandise mix emphasizes dresses, denim, and accessories that tap into Gen Z’s love of personalization, including handbags, scarves, charms, and bangles. In Glendale, a refreshed men’s strategy takes center stage, expanding into a more complete wardrobe of graphic tees, hoodies, pants, and signature brands, paired with improved wayfinding and in-store navigation.
“Our approach to men’s is about delivering a complete, modern wardrobe that balances trend essentials with the best of brands,” added Bijon Javadzadeh, general manager of merchandising at Urban Outfitters. “We’re evolving with our customer to offer pieces inspired by the culture, communities and moments shaping their style.”
The new store format also introduces elevated beauty sections, expanded footprints for best-selling in-house labels such as BDG Denim, Out From Under, and Standard Cloth, as well as modular fixtures that allow rapid adaptation to seasonal shifts and emerging trends. Fitting rooms have been redesigned with brighter lighting and more space, while warm materials, rich textures, and immersive visual displays enhance the overall shopping experience.
Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
A study in presence and character, this season, athletic codes are retold through elegant tailoring as Wales Bonner reconceptualizes adidas’ signature DNA. From blousons and jackets to tracksuits and jerseys, each apparel piece is both considered and expressive. Turning to accessories, and drawing on adidas’ timeless codes, a duo of leather bowling bags take center stage – transforming historical sporting aesthetics into sculptural forms.
Adidas Originals and Wales Bonner’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection blends sporting heritage with cultural craftsmanship through refined tailoring and expressive design.
The line features elegant apparel, sculptural leather bags, and reimagined classics like the WB Karintha Lo in satin.
The campaign, shot by Chris Rhodes, captures authentic, individual character and creative spirit.
Continuing to advance the collaboration’s established design language, the instantly iconic WB Karintha Lo returns for its third iteration in satin further stretching the possibilities of what an adidas shoe can be and do. Essential in suede, exquisite in sequin, and now shining in satin, the journey of the Karintha continues to unfold.
The Fall/Winter 2025 footwear support cast also plays host to a number of reimagined Trefoil classics – including the WB Japan presented in a lavender tone. A leftfield choice, until you consider that the calming soft purple hue has historically been associated with serenity and purity. The WB Superstar grounds the collaboration back into iconic sports heritage through a crafted perspective, while the WB Adilette is elevated by a considered human touch.
A study in presence and character, the collection is accompanied by a campaign shot by Chris Rhodes and starring an eclectic ensemble of characters. Championing a new wave of counter-cultural energy, the portraits deftly weave together personal narratives from Gene Gallagher, Alva Claire, Shim Mheuka, and Bebe Parnell. Authentic, raw, and undeniably individual, every image brings new meaning into each piece in the collection.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (MS)
India’s Raymond Lifestyle Ltd’s Q2 FY26 revenue rises 8% to $211.5 mn
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces new disturbing allegation involving Biggie Smalls
2025 World Series: We’re going to Game 7! Takeaways as Dodgers save their season
-
Politics7 days agoTrump slams ‘dirty’ Canada despite withdrawal of Reagan ad
-
Tech1 week agoDefect passivation strategy sets new performance benchmark for Sb₂S₃ solar cells
-
Business1 week agoJLR shutdown after cyber hack drives slump in UK car production
-
Tech1 week agoTurning pollution into clean fuel with stable methane production from carbon dioxide
-
Sports1 week agoAlleged mob ties in NBA scandal recall La Cosa Nostra’s long shadow over sports
-
Business1 week agoAssaults on rail network more than triple in 10 years
-
Business1 week ago47.7% of Mutual Fund Assets Now Invested Directly, ICRA Analytics Says
-
Sports1 week agoNBA legend Chauncey Billups, Heat’s Terry Rozier arrested as part of FBI gambling probe