This weeks news
Week 20 - 2025
Burberry to Cut 1,700 Jobs
Burberry Group said it plans to cut around 1,700 jobs globally as the British trench-coat maker seeks to become more agile to stave off the weak spending that continues to plague the luxury-goods sector.
The company said the organizational changes, aimed at boosting efficiency and profitability, are expected to unlock 60 million pounds ($79.8 million) in savings by the fiscal year starting April 2027. Those savings add to the group’s previously announced cost-cutting program of 40 million pounds. (Source)
The US-China trade agreement brings relief and whiplash for brands
Brands that produce in China can breathe a sigh of relief for the next 90 days, at least.
On 12 May, in a joint statement, the US and China agreed to de-escalate their ongoing trade war: the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs on China will decrease from 145 per cent to 30 per cent; and China’s retaliatory tariffs on the US will fall from 125 to 10 per cent. These new percentages will remain in place until the end of the 90-day pause period, which is 10 August. The news follows a weekend of talks in Geneva, and, according to the statement, recognises “the importance of a sustainable, long-term and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship” between the US and China. US stocks shot up on Monday morning following the announcement. (Source)
Pinterest leverages AI to streamline fashion e-commerce
Pinterest is making a calculated play to shift how consumers discover and shop for fashion online, leaning into its visual-first heritage with an upgraded suite of image-based search tools. The platform’s latest product update, now live in key markets including the US, UK and Canada, positions it less as a social media outlet and more as a personalised discovery engine for fashion commerce. (Source)
NEXT faces shareholder rebellion over pay transparency
NEXT faced significant shareholder dissent at its annual general meeting (AGM), with more than a fifth of investors supporting proposals calling for increased transparency regarding executive pay.
Fashion and technology sectors join forces for traceability in fashion
More and more fashion brands are joining forces with technology companies for the arrival of the Digital Product Passport (DPP). This digital passport should give consumers and producers insight into where a product comes from, how it is made and what the circular options are (how it can be reused or repaired). According to the latest information from the knowledge platform GS1 Netherlands, the DPP will become mandatory for new products in the EU in 2027. (Source)