Retail 19.01.26
From political uncertainty and US wholesale risk to leadership reshuffles, international expansion and big digital relaunches, here’s what’s been shaping retail this week.
Global Politics, Trade & Market Uncertainty
Donald Trump has threatened punitive new tariffs for the UK and seven other European nations unless the US is allowed to purchase Danish territory Greenland. The comments are already fuelling fresh concern around international trade stability and the potential knock-on impact for retail supply chains.
US Department Store Fallout & Wholesale Risk
A number of British brands stocked by Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus have reportedly said they “doubt” they will be repaid for stock following the bankruptcy of parent Saks Global, leaving the future of wholesale partnerships and collaborations in question.
Saks Global, the holding company behind Saks Fifth Avenue, has officially filed for bankruptcy just a year after acquiring rival chains Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, putting renewed focus on the fragility of the US department store model.
Leadership Moves & Appointments
Secret Sales has appointed former Debenhams Group head of finance Nikki McEvoy as chief financial officer, following what it described as a “stand-out” peak trading period.
Liberty has promoted Lydia King (group buying and merchandising director) to retail managing director, succeeding Sarah Coonan.
N Brown Group has appointed Natalie Rogers to the newly created role of chief operating officer.
Diesel has appointed Andrea Rigogliosi as CEO, ending a two-year vacancy in the role. Rigogliosi joins from Miu Miu, where he was global head of retail and commercial.
Roksanda has named Patricia Sancho as its new CEO, effective immediately.
William Costelloe will take over from his late father as creative director of the Paul Costelloe brand.
Store Openings, Expansion & Logistics
Free People will open its first Scottish store in Edinburgh on 23rd January, marking another notable expansion into the Scottish market.
First Down has launched in the UK via Pace Partnership London, reintroducing the US outerwear brand that first rose to prominence in the 1990s.
Adanola has opened a new distribution centre in the US, supporting its international growth plans.
Digital, Ecommerce & Market Expansion
Topshop has launched a dedicated European website on 15th January, spanning 23 countries — a clear signal that its relaunch strategy is moving firmly beyond the UK market.
Retail Policy & Scotland
Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has said the Scottish Budget has “fallen short” of ambitions to grow the retail industry, signalling continued concern around whether the sector is being meaningfully supported through policy and investment.
Brand & Culture
Josh O’Connor has been named as Dior’s latest brand ambassador.
Adidas Originals has partnered with Molly-Mae Hague (founder of Maebe) on a limited footwear collection launching SS26.