Zoe Hu

London

News Reporter at Drapers

News Reporter @Drapers | BA Journalism @sheffielduni Get in touch: [email protected]

Articles

Jobs at risk as River Island plans store closures

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

The retailer is planning to close 33 of its 230 shops in a formal restructuring plan. A further 71 stores are also at risk as the retailer proposes to reduce rent payments. It is re-negotiating the lease terms with the landlords of these sites. The restructuring plan will be put to creditors in August and needs to be sanctioned by the High Court. If approved, River Island will receive new funding to support its turnaround plan.
Jobs at risk as River Island plans store closures

1 week ago | buff.ly | Zoe Hu

The retailer is planning to close 33 of its 230 shops in a formal restructuring plan. A further 71 stores are also at risk as the retailer proposes to reduce rent payments. It is re-negotiating the lease terms with the landlords of these sites. The restructuring plan will be put to creditors in August and needs to be sanctioned by the High Court. If approved, River Island will receive new funding to support its turnaround plan.
First look: Manière De Voir opens in New York

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

The store spans 5,000 sq ft and opened at 521 Broadway, SoHo on Wednesday (8 June). The flagship showcases the brand’s womenswear and menswear collections in a clean, minimalist environment. It marked the brand's second store after its UK flagship at 354 Oxford Street, which opened in December 2023. Manière De Voir was founded in 2013 by Reece Wabara, ex-Manchester city footballer and Drapers 30 under 30 alum.
M&S freezes school uniform prices for a fifth year

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

The retailer has held prices of its school uniform since 2021. Prices start from £4.50 for a two-pack unisex polo shirts for two to 18-year-olds. Across the range, M&S has incorporated design features that grow with children, from growth proof hems to adjustable waistbands. In January, the retailer reduced prices by up to 20% on more than 100 kidswear products as part of its commitment to delivering value for customers.
M&S freezes school uniform prices for a fifth year

1 week ago | buff.ly | Zoe Hu

The retailer has held prices of its school uniform since 2021. Prices start from £4.50 for a two-pack unisex polo shirts for two to 18-year-olds. Across the range, M&S has incorporated design features that grow with children, from growth proof hems to adjustable waistbands. In January, the retailer reduced prices by up to 20% on more than 100 kidswear products as part of its commitment to delivering value for customers.
John Lewis orders staff back to office three days a week

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

Employees in its commercial team, such as those in buying and merchandising roles, have been told to work either in the office, in stores or with brands and suppliers three days a week from the start of July. The decision is understood to be aimed at improving collaboration and creating an environment where staff members can learn and develop, especially for new recruits.
Inflation falls to 3.4%

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

The largest downward contribution came from transport, partially offsetting upward contributions from food, and furniture and household goods. Clothing and footwear prices continued to fall, down 0.3% in the year to the end of May 2025. ONS acting chief economist Richard Heys said: "A variety of counteracting price movements meant inflation was little changed in May.
Authentic reintroduces Sperry to UK and Ireland

1 week ago | buff.ly | Zoe Hu

It comes after Authentic Brands Group announced its acquisition of American footwear brand Sperry in January 2024. The US brand house, which owns more than 50 global brands including Ted Baker, Hunter, Reebok and Forever 21, said the partnership reintroduces the brand to the UK market "where it holds strong awareness and affinity, supporting Sperry’s ongoing global expansion".
First look: JD Sports unveils Las Vegas flagship

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

The new 29,000 sq ft JD Sports store opened on Saturday (14 June) on the Las Vegas Strip. It marked the retailer's third flagship in the US after New York and Chicago. There were 339 JD stores across North America as of 3 May 2025. The store stocks sportswear giants such as Nike, Jordan, New Balance, Adidas, On and Asics, alongside Las Vegas-inspired clothing collections from Supply & Demand, New Era, Von Dutch and Hoodrich.
The White Company launches cotton recycling partnership

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

The lifestyle retailer, known for its cotton-rich products, has recycled an initial 35kg of unwearable cotton, enough to make six roll mats – to be donated to people at risk of homelessness as part of an essentials pack when moving to a hostel or new home once they have a more permanent place of residence. The partnership was launched during The White Company’s first Sustainability Week on 3-5 June as part of its efforts to reduce cotton waste.