Zoe Hu

London

News Reporter at Drapers

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

Articles

First look: Asda unveils George concept store with Mel B

3 days ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

The new store, opened on 10 May, stocks George's clothing, home and general merchandise ranges in a standalone space. It is part of the retailer's trial of the new store format, which it hopes to replace its current Asda Living stores across the UK.
Next shareholders to vote on living wage resolution

3 days ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

Axa Investment Managers, Scottish Widows, Trust for London, the Greater Manchester Pension Fund and the Cardano Group are among the investors that tabled the resolution with campaign group ShareAction, which aims "to address the issue of low wages in its workforce". Next's Annual General Meetings (AGM) is held at 9am on 15 May in Leicester, where shareholders will be voting on 26 resolutions in total. A similar resolution on living wage is also filed at JD Sports and Marks and Spencer.
First look: Farm Rio lands on Carnaby Street

3 days ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

The new store opened on 6 May and spans 2,040 sq ft. It features more than 140 pieces from the brand's summer 25 collection including signature maxi dresses, graphic T-shirts, and holiday matching sets. The store's design, by Brazilian architect Renata Gaia, begins with a shade of green on the façade, framed by large windows and plants above. In the summer, the façade will be refreshed with floral textures designed by the brand.
Primark embarks on Middle East expansion

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

Primark will open its first store in the region at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait this October, followed by three Dubai shops in early 2026 at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif. The announcement came after Primark signed a strategic partnership with UAE retail group Alshaya in September 2024. Primark and Alshaya said they will continue to explore future stores in other markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Easter holiday and warm weather boost footfall

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

Month on month, footfall rose for the third consecutive month by 3.8% in all UK retail destinations, the latest MRI Software data shows. Compared with the previous year, the 4.3% boost was largely driven by a 5.1% increase in activity at retail parks, amid a late Easter holiday and a spell of warm weather. High streets and shopping centres recorded footfall increases of 4.1% and 3.9% respectively.
Autry opens first UK store

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

US trainer brand Autry has opened its first UK store at 61-63 Beak Street in Soho, London, joining Tala, Pangaia and Salomon in the district. Established in 1982, Autry is known for its vintage unisex trainers with a contemporary and performance-focused twist. The new 2,600 sq ft Soho store features the brand's American aesthetics, with an Italian twist. Autry joins a series of brands which have debuted in the neighbourhood in the last year.
Next ups profit guidance

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

During the first quarter, Next full-price sales rose 11.4% year on year. This was £55m ahead of its forecast for the period, which was to be up 6.5%. The company said the over-performance was led by the warmer weather, which drove strong sales of summer clothing. In the UK, full-price sales increased 7.3% year on year in the first quarter. Online revenue was up 8.9% and retail up 5.2%. Online international sales jumped 29.6%.
Tesco relaunches F&F online

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

F&F clothing is now available on Tesco.com and its grocery and Clubcard app. The collection includes exclusive collaborations and seasonal items such as school uniforms. Tesco said it will continue to "listen to customer feedback will be expanding the range available online further" over the coming months. The relaunch created 44 new roles in its online, F&F and technology teams. A delivery fee of £3.99 applies on all orders.
Tributes to menswear veteran David Moss

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

The menswear veteran previously worked as buying director of Moss Bros, which was founded by his great great-grandfather Moses Moss in 1851. When he left the business in 2001 he was the last member of the founding family to hold a senior position. Moss Bros has been owned by Brigadier Acquisition Company since 2020, which also controls Crew Clothing. More recently, David Moss owned menswear independent Richard Gelding on Mayfair's North Audley Street.
UK secures trade deal with India

1 week ago | drapersonline.com | Zoe Hu

The UK government said the "landmark" deal will generate an additional £4.8bn to the British economy and £2.2bn in wages every year in the long run. It will cut Indian tariffs on key British products such as whisky, cosmetics and medical devices.