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3 luxury brands fined for anti-competitive pricing practices in EU

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3 luxury brands fined for anti-competitive pricing practices in EU



The European Commission has fined luxury fashion companies Gucci, Chloe and Loewe for fixing resale prices, in breach of European Union (EU) competition rules.

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)



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France’s LVMH posts $96.96 bn 2025 revenue as currency headwinds weigh

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France’s LVMH posts .96 bn 2025 revenue as currency headwinds weigh



French luxury group LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton has reported revenue of €80.8 billion (~$96.96 billion) in 2025, marking a 5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline on a reported basis and a 1 per cent decrease on an organic basis, reflecting currency headwinds and a challenging global environment.

Profit from recurring operations stood at €17.8 billion, translating into an operating margin of 22 per cent, which was affected by unfavourable currency movements. Net profit attributable to the group declined 13 per cent to €10.9 billion, while operating free cash flow rose 8 per cent to €11.3 billion. Net financial debt fell sharply by 26 per cent to €6.9 billion, underscoring strong cash discipline.

French luxury group LVMH has reported €80.8 billion (~$96.96 billion) revenue in 2025, down 5 per cent reported and 1 per cent organically, amid currency headwinds.
Profit from recurring operations reached €17.8 billion, while net profit fell 13 per cent.
Performance stabilised in H2 and Q4, supported by US demand and strong cash generation, reinforcing confidence for 2026.

Region-wise, sales in Europe declined in the second half of the year, while the United States recorded growth, supported by solid local demand. Japan saw a decline compared with 2024, when tourist spending had been boosted by a much weaker yen. In contrast, Asia excluding Japan showed a ‘noticeable improvement’ compared with 2024, returning to growth in the second half, LVMH said in a press release.

Despite the full-year decline, performance improved in the second half, with organic revenue growth of 1 per cent, reflecting better trends across business groups after the slowdown seen since 2023. Fourth-quarter organic revenue growth also came in at 1 per cent, in line with the third quarter, signalling stabilisation towards year-end.

In Fashion & Leather Goods, revenue declined YoY in 2025, although LVMH reported an improvement in the second half, supported by local customers after 2024 had benefited from tourist-led demand, particularly in Japan. Profit from recurring operations fell 13 per cent, largely due to currency effects, while the division maintained a very high operating margin of 35 per cent. The group highlighted Louis Vuitton’s product and experiential strength, including The Louis in Shanghai, alongside strong brand momentum driven by fashion shows, and new store concepts. Dior’s creative reset, major store openings, and renewed creative leadership at Celine, Loewe, Givenchy and Fendi were also cited as contributing to fresh energy across the portfolio.

“Once again in 2025, LVMH demonstrated its solidity and effective strategy upheld by its highly engaged teams. The Group was buoyed by the loyalty and growing demand shown by our local customers. This momentum was once again underpinned by the powerful desirability of our brands, which embody creative passion and the pursuit of the utmost quality, and by our ambition of offering our customers extraordinary stores and cultural experiences, as demonstrated by The Louis in Shanghai, and our House of Dior stores in a number of cities around the world,” said Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH.

“In 2026, in an environment that remains uncertain, our Maisons’ ability to inspire dreams—coupled with the highest levels of vigilance with regard to cost management, and our environmental and social commitments—will once again be a decisive asset underscoring our leadership position in the luxury goods market. We will remain true to our entrepreneurial tradition as a forward-looking family group focused on sustainable creativity in high-quality products, exceptional spaces and the long-term future of our outstanding craftsmanship,” added Arnault.

Selective Retailing delivered 4 per cent organic revenue growth and a 28 per cent rise in profit from recurring operations, lifting operating margin by 2 percentage points to 9.7 per cent. DFS showed stabilisation, with streamlining measures improving profitability despite weak international conditions. In January 2026, LVMH signed an agreement with China Tourism Group Duty Free to acquire DFS’ business in Greater China, including the Gallerias in Hong Kong and Macao.

LVMH also reported progress under its Life 360 environmental programme, accelerating circular design initiatives. Forty-one per cent of materials used for products and packaging were sourced through recycling processes, up 8 per cent versus 2024. The proportion of certified raw materials increased further, with cotton at 84 per cent and wool at 76 per cent.

Looking ahead, LVMH said it remains confident for 2026, despite continued geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty. The group will continue to focus on brand development, innovation, disciplined cost management and long-term sustainability, aiming to further strengthen its global leadership position in luxury goods.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)



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Japan imports $4.2 bn trousers in Jan-Nov; China tops with low prices

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Japan imports .2 bn trousers in Jan-Nov; China tops with low prices



China remained Japan’s largest supplier, accounting for imports valued at $*.*** billion and ***.*** million units during the period. This represented more than two-fifths of total import volumes, underscoring China’s continued dominance in mass-market sourcing. However, the average unit price of Chinese trousers and shorts stood at $*.**, well below Japan’s overall average, highlighting China’s strong cost competitiveness. Compared with earlier years, China’s unit prices have steadily softened from $*.** in **** and $*.** in ****, indicating sustained pricing pressure amid intense competition and a buyer focus on affordability, according to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>sourcing intelligence tool TexPro.

Imports from Bangladesh were worth $***.*** million during January–November ****. Shipments totalled **.*** million units, with an average price of $*.** per unit, the lowest among the three leading Asian suppliers. Bangladesh’s pricing has declined notably from $*.** per unit in **** and $*.** in ****, suggesting aggressive pricing strategies to defend and expand market share in Japan’s highly competitive import landscape.



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Renewable energy uptake grows, but textile decarbonisation lags

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Renewable energy uptake grows, but textile decarbonisation lags




Despite rising renewable installations, global textile decarbonisation remains slow and uneven.
Coal-heavy thermal processes, especially in large tier-2 facilities, continue to dominate emissions, while renewables still form a small share of total energy use.
Progress hinges on accelerating coal exit, electrification, and targeted action in high-impact facilities.



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