German retail sales in February exceeded expectations but a rise in import prices indicated a looming inflation surge, potentially dampening consumer spending, according to data published on Monday.
Reuters
Retail sales rose by 0.8% compared with the previous month, data showed on Monday. Analysts polled by Reuters had predicted a 0.2% increase.
However, economists do not expect a consumption spree.
“The bad mood among consumers is a dent in further spending enthusiasm,” said Alexander Krueger, chief economist at Hauck Aufhaeuser Lampe Privatbank. “Worries about one’s own job are currently increasing as a brake on consumption.”
The number of unemployed increased by 26,000 in March to 2.92 million, approaching the 3 million mark for the first time in 10 years.
February data showed import prices up 3.6% year-on-year, marking the highest increase in more than two years due to higher food prices.
Since the German economy purchases many primary products and raw materials from abroad, higher import prices are reflected in inflation data with a time lag.
Germany will publish inflation data for March on Monday, with the inflation rate expected to drop to 2.4% from 2.6% the previous month.
Spring is finally here, and fashion collabs are popping up like fresh blooms. Kicking off April, brands are teaming up with nods to postal style, boxing heritage, and the nostalgic world of Bratz dolls.
Following its recent collaboration with Bape, Crocs is back—this time with British heritage label Barbour. United by their maritime roots, the two brands have unveiled their first-ever limited-edition collection. The range includes an outerwear piece, clogs, rubber boots, and nine custom Jibbitz charms to personalize the footwear styles.
Crocs x Barbour – Barbour
The boots and clogs feature a tartan print selected to match the signature lining of Barbour jackets. “With practicality and a love for the outdoors at the heart of both our brands, this playful collaboration is a great way to celebrate our shared values,” said Ian Bergin, menswear director at Barbour. The collection is now available online.
For the first time, Eastpak has collaborated with Craig Green to launch a collection of quilted bags. The designs reimagine Eastpak’s most iconic shapes through Green’s utilitarian, workwear-inspired aesthetic. The collection pays tribute to Craig Green’s signature “Quilted Worker Jacket” and Eastpak’s military heritage.
Eastpak x Craig Green – Eastpak
Debuted during Craig Green’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway show, the capsule features three silhouettes distinguished by quilted exteriors, rope handles, nylon and rubber buckles, and multiple compartments. Available in monochrome shades of black, khaki, and navy, the pieces are already on sale.
Dr. Martens and Bratz have teamed up for the first time on a collection that blends nostalgia with a playful edge. Breaking away from its usual palette, Dr. Martens introduces Bratz-inspired pink and purple hues across three footwear styles and a crossbody bag. The designs are rich in detail, with glitter soles, mixed textures, and studded accents.
Dr. Martens x Bratz – Dr. Martens
The standout: a bold pair of 14-eyelet boots crafted in glossy Arcadia leather, finished with star details, flat velvet laces, a lace charm, a Bratz-branded tag—and a glitter sole (€250). The drop also includes glitter-trimmed sandals with faux pink fur and star-shaped buckles (€170). Launching on April 10, 2025, the collection will be available online and in all Dr. Martens stores.
Converse and Daily Paper come together for a boxing-inspired collection celebrating resilience and determination. Blending both brands’ identities with an athletic twist, the launch features exclusive Star Player 76 styles and limited-edition apparel designed to embody strength and style.
The high-top sneaker arrives in a neutral “White Sand” colorway with suede and canvas textures. The low-top version comes in black with Daily Paper detailing in red, yellow, and green, including a multicolored Star Chevron logo.
Converse x Daily Paper – Converse
The retro athletic style continues through five apparel pieces: a varsity jacket, two hoodies, wide-leg pants, and a thermal tee. Patches, satin embroidery, and Pan-African colors underscore the Daily Paper aesthetic. The collection drops on April 4, 2025, at Daily Paper flagship stores in Amsterdam and London, as well as on the Daily Paper, Converse, and SNKRS websites and through select global retailers.
To mark the opening of its second Paris store at 19 Rue de Richelieu, Merci has reunited with Carhartt WIP. The collaboration pays tribute to the location’s former life as a post office. Together, the two brands created a print featuring stamp-inspired graphic elements applied in varying compositions across the collection.
Carhartt WIP x Merci – Carhartt WIP
The line includes a Wesley jacket modeled after Carhartt WIP’s classic chore coat, an apron that nods to Merci’s core identity, and a tote bag offered in two sizes—each with an external patch pocket, an interior pocket, and a snap-button closure. Made from cotton gabardine, all pieces feature dual-branded labels. Merci’s special edition label for the new store draws on postage stamp motifs and its iconic heart-clover symbol, while Carhartt WIP signs the collection with its signature logo. The line is already available online and at the new Paris store.
In November, P&C Düsseldorf announced plans to restructure its buying strategy. Since then, Chief Product Officer Jason Morgan has been shaping a new leadership team within the buying and procurement division with a broader scope of responsibilities. As part of this transformation, Thomas Barlok has been appointed the new buying manager.
Peek & Cloppenburg
Returning to Düsseldorf, Thomas Barlok steps into the role of head of menswear, bringing experience from previous positions at Lacoste and Hugo Boss. He began his career as a floor manager at Anson’s, the menswear subsidiary of P&C. He then held senior positions at Hugo Boss and Lacoste. Most recently, he served as director at Lacoste Germany, overseeing wholesale operations across Northern and Central Europe.
Barlok will assume his new role at Peek & Cloppenburg B.V. & Co. KG on June 2. In his new capacity, he will develop and lead a comprehensive growth strategy for the menswear segment. He will report directly to CPO Jason Morgan, who also serves as managing director of buying.
Barlok replaces Stefan Jakobs, who left the company at the end of last year, along with womenswear director Kai Stolte.
Whether CPO Jason Morgan has fully assembled his new “buying and procurement leadership” team remains unclear. Earlier this year, former Sportscheck chief merchandise officer Anna Rusche joined as buying director overseeing young fashion, sportswear, and sneakers—for the first time, across both men’s and women’s categories and the entire European market. Jason Morgan is currently managing the womenswear buying division on an interim basis.
Fashion and homewares brand La Redoute has launched its latest UK collaboration with the brand’s newest ambassador, author, podcaster and columnist Louise Thompson.
The reality show star (she originally appeared in Made In Chelsea) has become a popular lifestyle influencer in recent years.
The range brings together Thompson’s “unique aesthetic to life through an exclusive edit, blending effortless elegance with her distinct personal touch”.
And for an edit, it’s extensive, featuring 100 pieces across fashion and interiors offering both wardrobe essentials and homewares pieces.
Of the spring/summer fashion edit, there are 26 curated pieces “that transition through the seasons”. From pastel knit jumpers to blazers and ballet-style flats, and we’re told “each item reflects Louise’s effortless yet refined approach to dressing”.
The interiors edit comprises of over 70 homewares pieces, with staple wooden furniture, soft furnishings and decorative accents.
Sarah Link, marketing director at La Redoute, said: “Louise’s passion for style and clean-cut aesthetic is something which aligns perfectly with La Redoute’s ethos, which makes this collaboration such an idealistic one.”
The La Redoute x Louise Thompson edit is available online, with prices starting from £14.99.