Fashion
August continued the positive discretionary retail sales story, fashion led the way says BDO
Published
September 5, 2025
On Friday, the UK’s official statistics body released figures for July total retail sales. But on the same day, the latest High Street Sales Tracker from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO gave us some more up to date clues with its August discretionary retail sales report.
And what did it say? Total like-for-like discretionary retail sales (in-store and online combined) grew by 3.9% last month. That was above inflation for the very first time this year, indicating that volumes have also increased. And high street stores alone recorded strong sales growth of 5.2%. That was the highest growth on the high street since August 2023.
The discretionary categories BDO tracks include fashion, homewares and lifestyle, and their 3.9% jump compared strongly to the 0.7% dip this time last year.
Total like-for-like retail sales in fashion led the way and grew by 4.4%, with in-store sales growing in the fashion sector by 5.8%.
As well as physical stores doing well this time, online retail continued the strong performance it has recorded throughout this year, with sales increasing by 6.6% compared to the same month last year.
Sophie Michael, head of retail and wholesale at BDO, said: “Retailers have been under huge pressure this year, particularly on the high street, so these results will make very welcome reading for the sector. Given the disappointing performance of bricks-and-mortar stores this year, the strong growth of in-store sales during August is a very encouraging sign for retailers as we head into the crucial pre-Christmas trading period. However, it is likely that some of this growth was driven by heavy discounting and promotions, as retailers focused on clearing their stock ahead of the autumn season.”
She added that while the approach may well have boosted sales in the short term, it inevitably impacts profits “and will certainly not be sustainable when we hit the ‘Golden Quarter’ in the run-up to Christmas. With retailers’ cost bases higher than ever, thanks in part to changes to National Insurance contributions, maintaining margins is vital”.
Michael thinks that for many retailers, continuing discounting to drive revenue “simply won’t be an option. The good weather for much of August undoubtedly helped get more shoppers out onto the high street. However, as we get into autumn and the weather worsens, retailers may struggle to attract the same level of footfall”.
Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
Published
September 7, 2025
Two different companies, one shared theme — the tough state of retail in the UK. News has emerged that there are two buyers vying to take on failed accessories chain Claire’s, while the struggling Bodycare chain is shutting 32 of its 147 stores.
Sky News reported that acquisition-hungry Modella Capital, and Canadian billionaire Doug Putman (another enthusiastic bidder for distressed businesses) “have both expressed interest in taking over” the Claire’s UK stores.
Modella is the new owner of WH Smith’s high street stores (to be renamed TG Jones) while Putman in the man who bought and is turning around HMV and who also tried to buy Wilko. Both are interested in Claire’s, which went into administration last month.
They’re both reported to have tabled bids but it’s unclear which of the two is ahead in the battle to buy the business or whether they have any rivals for the chain, the sale of which is being handled by Interpath.
The 278 UK shops and 28 Irish stores continue to trade while bids are assessed. But it’s believed that a number of stores will eventually close, putting jobs at risk among the 2,150 people working for the chain. There have been suggestions that a core of around 100 stores would remain.
Meanwhile Bodycare, the beauty chain with 147 stores, is closing 32 of them with 450 jobs being cut.
Sky had reported recently that it was on the brink of administration without a rescue deal. Such a deal hasn’t been forthcoming.
The stores being closed stretch from Scotland to Southern England and include those in Edinburgh, Scunthorpe, Maidstone, Croydon, Morecambe, Wood Green, Newport, Port Talbot, Rhyl, and Wrexham.
The previously profitable company has faced a tsunami of problems in recent years including cash-strapped customers, higher costs, the delayed transition from its online retail platform, an aborted stock market listing and funding issues.
Interpath is also handling Bodycare and is seeking to sell the remaining business with 115 of the stores continuing to operate.
Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
During the first seven months of ****, textile exports eased by *.* per cent to $***.* million. Over the same period, exports of other manufactured textile articles increased by ** per cent, totalling $** million, as reported in the Central Bank**;s publication External Sector Performance – July ****.
Combined exports of textiles, garments, and other manufactured textile articles accounted for **.** per cent of all industrial exports from Sri Lanka during the seven-month period. Total textile product exports amounted to $*,***.* million between January and July ****, while the country’s overall industrial exports were valued at $*,***.* million for the same period.
The net profit surged 16 per cent to €76.7 million (~$89.7 million), representing 11.2 per cent of sales, and the operating income amounted to €113.8 million (~$133.1 million), with a margin of 16.6 per cent.
Brunello Cucinelli has closed H1 2025 with revenues up 10.2 per cent to €684.1 million (~$800.4 million).
EBIT was up 8.8 per cent to €113.8 million (~$133.1 million), and net profit rose 16 per cent to €76.7 million (~$89.7 million).
Growth was broad-based across regions and channels.
The company expects revenue growth of around 10 per cent in both 2025 and 2026.
Region-wise, Europe saw an increase of 10 per cent YoY to €243.2 million, Americas sales went up 8.7 per cent to €245.3 million, and Asia led the revenue with a 12.5 per cent rise to €195.7 million. Retail revenues advanced 10.3 per cent to €435.8 million, while wholesale sales gained 10.1 per cent to €248.3 million.
The company accelerated its 2024–2026 investment plan, completing key projects a year ahead of schedule, including the doubling of its Solomeo factory. Total investments reached €63.5 million versus €44.8 million last year, Brunello Cucinelli said in a press release.
Payroll costs rose 11 per cent to €125.6 million as the workforce expanded to 3,283 employees, driven by increased artisanal and boutique staff. Despite higher lease and depreciation costs, the company maintained a solid financial structure, with net debt at €197.2 million, reflecting both investments and €68.8 million in dividends paid.
“We have closed the first half of 2025 with excellent results both in terms of revenue and profit, achieving the sound and gracious growth that we greatly value. Our aim has been to dignify manual work, conducting business with full respect for the moral and economic dignity of the human being,” said Brunello Cucinelli, executive chairman and creative director of the company.
“The Fall–Winter sales season has indeed begun very well, as has the order intake for Men’s and Women’s collections for the forthcoming Spring–Summer 2026. All of this, together with the pleasant atmosphere surrounding our brand, enables us to work with peace of mind and to envisage closing 2025 with healthy growth in revenue of around 10 per cent, accompanied by sound profits, and to look ahead to 2026 with the expectation of similarly balanced growth, again in the region of 10 per cent,” added Cucinelli.
The brand also highlighted its global presence with boutique expansions, including new locations on Sloane Street in London and in Vienna, and exclusive events at Harrods and Gstaad, reinforcing its premium positioning, added the release.
Brunello Cucinelli expects to close 2025 with revenue growth of around 10 per cent, supported by strong sales trends in July and August and a successful Fall–Winter 2025 launch. Upcoming showcases in Japan and Korea are set to further consolidate global reach. The Spring–Summer 2026 campaign has been well received—men’s collections completed with strong orders, while women’s are still being collected but with highly favourable feedback. Management anticipates similar balanced growth of around 10 per cent in 2026, with healthy profitability.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Undersea cables cut in the Red Sea, disrupting internet access in Asia and the Mideast
Ex-NFL star suggests Giants should see what they have in Jaxson Dart sooner than later
Eminem reveals near death experience post drug overdose: Report
-
Tech1 week agoSSA Whistleblower’s Resignation Email Mysteriously Disappeared From Inboxes
-
Tech1 week agoGear News of the Week: Apple’s iPhone Event Gets a Date, and Plaud Upgrades Its AI Note-Taker
-
Fashion1 week agoUS’ Guess Q2 profit hits $6.2 mn, but margins shrink on costs
-
Tech6 days agoLatam-GPT: The Free, Open Source, and Collaborative AI of Latin America
-
Tech1 week ago3D-printed smart materials boost tactile sensor performance in wearable devices
-
Tech5 days agoThe 50 Best Shows on HBO Max Right Now
-
Tech7 days agoThe Best Labor Day Mattress Sales on Our Favorite Models
-
Fashion7 days agoIndian exporters look to expand in Africa to dodge 50% US tariff