Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.fashion team. Burberry to cut up to 1,700 jobs as it targets return to profitable growth It’s tempting to wonder why Burberry had 1,700 staff on board that it didn’t technically need, but I realise that the business is being reshaped by new CEO Joshua Schulman into a leaner, more focused machine – so maybe these people were crucial to the previous strategy. It’s a depressing number of job cuts but the process will take place over two years, so one would hope much will be achieved through natural attrition. Those that remain can then be assured they are working for a business, which genuinely does look to be back on track. The financial numbers clearly won’t reflect this yet, but there is an energy and a clear sense of purpose at Burberry now. Inside Burberry (and outside in the City) Schulman is seen as a saviour rather than an axe wielder, given that his cost-cutting comes alongside a clear, logical and refreshing vision for the brand. For the first time in many years, it feels like Burberry has stopped trying to be something it is not. It is a brand whose heritage lies in outerwear and accessories and whose house check is as recognisable as Chanel’s interlocked Cs to global fashion shoppers. It is as quintessentially British as Chanel is French and Schulman is celebrating all that is good about it, rather than chasing something that it isn’t (in my view it should not be trying to be high fashion). The renewed marketing campaign is great. It’s cool, attractive, distinctive, witty. There’s a lot of check and a lot of humour. Also it shows that Burberry knows what sells (trench coats, bikinis, bucket hats, scarves) and instead of shunning them, is making them highly desirable. I’m sad for the staff that will be lost, but hopeful that this brand has been saved. Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief SKIMS to open first UK store on London’s Regent Street Well, it’s about time. Six long after Kim Kardashian launched SKIMS, the cult-favourite shapewear and loungewear brand is finally landing in the UK with its very own standalone store right in the heart of London, on Regent Street. Until now, fans on this side of the pond have had to make do with limited offerings at Harrods and Selfridges. Let’s be honest, they never carry the full range and anything remotely popular is usually sold out. But fret not, the Kardashian empire has heard London calling, and they’re finally answering. Co-founder Jens Grede, who launched the brand alongside wife Emma Grede and Kim Kardashian herself, called the move a “pivotal step” in SKIMS’ global expansion. This isn’t just a pop-up; the brand has signed a ten-year lease on a 12,000 sq ft space, previously empty since last summer, with landlord The Crown Estate. The store is expected to open in summer 2026, giving the West End yet another boost in what’s shaping up to be a full-blown retail renaissance. Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer. Gymshark founder fourth richest under 35 in The Sunday Times Rich List It’s fascinating to see the amount of fashion and sportswear folk to make it into The Sunday Times 35 Under 35 Rich List this time, and it’s clear that the boom in activewear and athleisure is going nowhere fast. Gymshark’s co-founder and CEO Ben Francis comes in at number four on the list, with a wealth valued at £900 million, while Reiss and Kristian Edgerton, co-founders and joint CEO’s of activewear and athleisure brand ABYL sit at number 24 – amassing £60 million. Interesting too that Lewis Morgan, who co-founded Gymshark with Ben Francis in 2012 but exited the company in 2020 after selling his shares to concentrate on other business ventures, is number 11 on the list with a £160 million fortune. He happens to be Executive Chairman of AYBL, and he also co-founded fashion brand Manière De Voir in 2013 with former professional footballer turned fashion entrepreneur, Reece Wabara, who himself sits at number 19 with £83 million (Morgan left that business in October last year). It’s fair to say, you might want Morgan in your corner should you be looking to rise up the rich list rankings! Also on the list, just after Morgan at number 12 with £151 million, are Lounge Underwear co-founders Daniel and Melanie Marsden. They seem to have a much expanded clothing offer these days too, competitively priced and, of course, including athleisure pieces. Could it be they rise in the rankings once again next time? Time will tell. Tom Bottomley, Contributing Editor. Highlights from TheIndustry.fashion LIVE: The Omnichannel Opportunity During TheIndustry.fashion LIVE: The Omnichannel Opportunity, brands and retailers such as French Connection, Neem London, Osprey, Albaray, Represent, Thomas Sabo, Malone Souliers, and Toast, amongst others, gained valuable insights into the technologies and services essential for delivering a consistent, elevated customer experience and driving business success. Hosted in partnership with ILG, the event invited professionals to learn from brands, retailers and industry experts from the likes of Scamp & Dude, Nudea, Collagerie, Coco de Mer, Tilly Sveaas and Future Snoops, on how to boost growth across multiple channels. As part of this, the second session featured Sam Taylor, Director of Client Services at ILG, in conversation with Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder and CEO of Scamp & Dude – a client of ILG – to discuss how to successfully scale an omnichannel business through a strategic partnership with a third-party logistics provider (3PL). Perfectly poised to address this topic, ILG is a fulfilment, 3PL and global logistics service provider, supporting ambitious brands in scaling their operations. With 12 fulfilment centres across the UK and EU, ILG specialises in e-commerce and retail logistics for fast-growing fashion and beauty brands. Its mission is simple: to help clients succeed – something Scamp & Dude knows firsthand. Here are some key takeaways from the event, including insights from this session with
