Selfridges continues to be the key destination in London’s West End for high-profile events, takeovers, pop-ups, installations and more and the latest development is further evidence of that — Levi’s has unveiled a unique storefront takeover there, the largest of its kind in Europe.
Levi’s
It’s in celebration of the campaign launch of REIIMAGINE Chapter II, featuring another big name, Beyoncé.
The new collaboration on Oxford Street — London’s and Europe’s busiest shopping thoroughfare — “sees Levi’s reaffirming its place at the centre of culture and its continued commitment to creating elevated experiences through wholesale partnerships”, we’re told.
With windows featuring Beyoncé clad in allover denim superimposed on a red neon light outline of the superstar on horseback, it’s an unmissable takeover.
The brand also plans to open a shop-in-shop in the department store in May, but this is about more than just a campaign and a pop-up. Instead it’s a more permanent plank in the label’s strategy with the company saying the Selfridges deal affirms “that wholesale remains a key pillar of Levi’s DTC-first strategy”.
Lucia Marcuzzo, MD of Europe at Levi Strauss & Co, said of all this: “At Levi’s, DTC-first doesn’t mean DTC-only. This collaboration with Selfridges is a perfect example of how we’re elevating wholesale partnerships. We’re meeting our consumers wherever they are with curated product storytelling and an exceptional retail experience at the heart of London’s fashion scene. With the Levi’s ‘shop-in-shop’ opening in Selfridges in May, this is just the beginning — there’s much more to come as we continue to deepen our relationships with key wholesale partners.”
Skechers announced on Thursday the opening of a new concept store on Milan’s Corso Buenos Aires, expanding its presence in the European market.
Skechers expands European presence with new concept store in Milan. – Skechers
Spanning 294 square meters, the store is a re-imagination of mid-century design. Featuring LED lighting constructed from sustainable EU-manufactured biopolymer materials, the store houses Skechers’ extensive lifestyle footwear collections alongside dedicated sections for Skechers performance, apparel, and accessories. The store offers styles for every occasion, from fashion and sport to casual, work, and children’s collections.
“As the comfort technology company, Skechers has been a strategic retail player—establishing brick-and-mortar locations across a network of cities where we can interact with consumers around the world and convert millions into enthusiasts,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.
“Italy has played a key role in our growth across Europe. We look forward to further building our business in this important market with this high-profile destination, one whose fashion trends, signature collections and innovative hands-free designs can connect with the tourists and locals who appreciate Milan’s reputation for style.”
The brand boasts over 40 retail locations in the country, including three additional stores in Milan. It is also supported by brand ambassadors such as football legend Fabio Cannavaro and celebrity chef Benedetta Parodi, strengthening its foothold in the country.
“Milan has long been known as one of Italy’s top destinations for tourism, fashion and culture—and our new store places us among the world’s most prominent brands in this vibrant city—right in the heart of Corso Buenos Aires, one of Europe’s longest shopping streets,” added Sergio Esposito, country manager of Skechers Italia. “Our close proximity to Milan Centrale and Lima metro stations will make our retail location a heavily-trafficked conduit for the tens of thousands who come to shop daily.”
New York beauty brand Elizabeth Arden has tapped French supermodel Ines de La Fressange as a brand ambassador.
Elizabeth Arden taps Ines de La Fressange as brand ambassador. – Elizabeth Arden
The collaboration will debut with a new advertising campaign highlighting the brand’s Eight Hour Cream, starring Ines and directed by Rodolphe Bricard, set to be unveiled on March 13.
A true symbol of French chic, Ines brings her effortless grace and modern sensibility to the partnership. Known for her natural style and lasting influence in fashion and beauty, Ines is the perfect muse for Elizabeth Arden as the brand continues to honour iconic women who inspire.
“Collaborating with Ines de la Fressange is an extraordinary moment for Elizabeth Arden,” said Aurélie Kaskosz, marketing director France for the brand.
“Ines perfectly embodies the iconic French woman, a model of natural grace and sophistication. Her influence on current and past generations, her ability to transcend trends while remaining true to her own essence, make her the perfect partner for this French campaign.”
Target Corp. is teaming up with Warby Parker Inc. to add the trendy eyeglasses shop inside a handful of stores this year in a bid to boost the chain’s flagging store traffic.
Reuters
The retailer will add five “shop-in-shops” in 2025, with the “opportunity for more in the coming years,” the companies said. The stores will offer vision tests and eye exams in addition to the sale of glasses, sunglasses and contacts.
Until now, Warby Parker has relied on its own stores — about 275 of them — to keep up its robust sales growth. But that can only take the brand so far and now, like many direct-to-consumer brands, it’s branching out into larger retailers.
Warby Parker also posted a solid fourth quarter and forecast 2025 sales above Wall Street expectations.
Shares of the eyeglass chain rose about 5% in trading before US markets opened. The stock had declined about 2% this year through Wednesday’s close. Target’s shares were little changed on Thursday.
Target, which operates nearly 2,000 stores, has been trying to reignite sales for more than a year as consumers spend less on home goods and clothes, two of its core categories.
The discount chain has also been dragged into politics. Earlier this year, Target rolled back its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, joining other companies to reverse course amid pressure from conservative activists and President Donald Trump.