H&M will open its new brand & Other Stories in Europe by Spring 2013 — but the retailer's renewed focus on existing and emerging markets means that American customers will have to wait at least until next Summer to shop H&M online.
The & Other Stories brand caters to "women with an interest in fashion who want to create their own personal style, and focuses on the total look," according to the company's recent nine-month report. While not a luxury brand as initially speculated, & Other Stories will offer a full complement of clothing and accessories designed by in-house design teams in Paris and Stockholm at a higher price point than the H&M offerings. The brand, which has been compared to H&M's other higher-priced line, COS, will be available in stores and online in "select European markets."
Mulberry Issues Profit Warning
MULBERRY has issued its second profit warning in six months. The British brand announced yesterday that profits for the fiscal year ending March 31 would be lower than expected.
A spokesperson for the company confirmed that while Christmas sales were on target, trading since January had been "disappointing" - claiming that tourists are spending less in the London stores. Shares were down 17 per cent following the unscheduled update, reports WWD. Retail growth for the year is expected to be around 6 per cent, while wholesale figures are expected to be down 15 per cent in comparison to last year.
"After three years of rapid growth, Mulberry has experienced a year of consolidation whilst we build the foundations for future growth," said CEO Bruno Guillon in a statement. "We are focused upon optimising the distribution network and adapting our tactical marketing strategy to drive international brand awareness. We continue to reinforce Mulberry's luxury positioning through an enhanced focus on creativity, craftsmanship and quality."
Mulberry first issued a profit warning back in October, causing shares in the group to fall more than 25 per cent. However, a spokesperson confirmed that pre-orders for autumn/winter 2013-14 were growing "satisfactorily".
Back at H&M, the Swedish retailer will have opened some 300 new stores by the end of the year, many of which are in China and the United States. Thailand will have its first H&M store by the end of September, and Mexico will get its first store by the end of the year.
In addition to physical store growth, "we have intensified preparations for the rollout of H&M shop online to other markets in the Group," said H&M CEO Karl Persson. "These investments — and as we need more time for the launch of our online shop for the US — mean that the launch of H&M shop online in the US has been moved to Summer 2013."
Mulberry Issues Profit Warning
MULBERRY has issued its second profit warning in six months. The British brand announced yesterday that profits for the fiscal year ending March 31 would be lower than expected.
A spokesperson for the company confirmed that while Christmas sales were on target, trading since January had been "disappointing" - claiming that tourists are spending less in the London stores. Shares were down 17 per cent following the unscheduled update, reports WWD. Retail growth for the year is expected to be around 6 per cent, while wholesale figures are expected to be down 15 per cent in comparison to last year.
"After three years of rapid growth, Mulberry has experienced a year of consolidation whilst we build the foundations for future growth," said CEO Bruno Guillon in a statement. "We are focused upon optimising the distribution network and adapting our tactical marketing strategy to drive international brand awareness. We continue to reinforce Mulberry's luxury positioning through an enhanced focus on creativity, craftsmanship and quality."
Mulberry first issued a profit warning back in October, causing shares in the group to fall more than 25 per cent. However, a spokesperson confirmed that pre-orders for autumn/winter 2013-14 were growing "satisfactorily".
Back at H&M, the Swedish retailer will have opened some 300 new stores by the end of the year, many of which are in China and the United States. Thailand will have its first H&M store by the end of September, and Mexico will get its first store by the end of the year.
In addition to physical store growth, "we have intensified preparations for the rollout of H&M shop online to other markets in the Group," said H&M CEO Karl Persson. "These investments — and as we need more time for the launch of our online shop for the US — mean that the launch of H&M shop online in the US has been moved to Summer 2013."
H&M’s New Model-Inspired Collection
The New Icons range was created based on the street style of Joan Smalls, Daphne Groeneveld, Lindsey Wixson and Liu Wen.
The foursome also star in the campaign for the pre-summer collection, which is due to land in stores in April. The range comprises a mixture of influences - taken from the individual styles of each girl - allowing shoppers to create their own model-off-duty look.
"The New Icon collection from H&M is very flattering and suits all of your needs. It's super cool and for your everyday girl who wants to look great and feel comfortable at the same time," said Smalls. "I loved the look I was wearing because it's something I would see in the store and would want to wear."
The range includes fashion staples, such as a black leather jacket, lace mini skirt or frayed denim cut-offs, combined with a heavy focus on urban streetwear accessories. Embellished vests and simple T-shirts can be paired with low-heeled ankle boots, a leather necklace, wide-brimmed hat or fringed bag - perfect attire for summer festivals.
"These days I feel that every girl needs a perfect leather jacket to give themselves a cool factor," said Wen. "The jacket in this collection is amazing - [the whole collection] really fits into my personal style and it's something that I will definitely wear on a daily basis."
Groeneveld added: "I'm so happy and proud to be a face of H&M New Icon Collection together with these amazing other girls. The collection has so many great additions to any wardrobe and it's so easy to mix it up and always look great."
The foursome also star in the campaign for the pre-summer collection, which is due to land in stores in April. The range comprises a mixture of influences - taken from the individual styles of each girl - allowing shoppers to create their own model-off-duty look.
"The New Icon collection from H&M is very flattering and suits all of your needs. It's super cool and for your everyday girl who wants to look great and feel comfortable at the same time," said Smalls. "I loved the look I was wearing because it's something I would see in the store and would want to wear."
The range includes fashion staples, such as a black leather jacket, lace mini skirt or frayed denim cut-offs, combined with a heavy focus on urban streetwear accessories. Embellished vests and simple T-shirts can be paired with low-heeled ankle boots, a leather necklace, wide-brimmed hat or fringed bag - perfect attire for summer festivals.
"These days I feel that every girl needs a perfect leather jacket to give themselves a cool factor," said Wen. "The jacket in this collection is amazing - [the whole collection] really fits into my personal style and it's something that I will definitely wear on a daily basis."
Groeneveld added: "I'm so happy and proud to be a face of H&M New Icon Collection together with these amazing other girls. The collection has so many great additions to any wardrobe and it's so easy to mix it up and always look great."
0 comments → H&M Model Inspired dress Collection
Post a Comment