Meta Platforms will allow rival classified ads service providers to list ads on Facebook Marketplace, the company said on Thursday, three months after it was hit with a €797-million- ($828 million) EU antitrust fine for giving its own service an unfair advantage.
The European Commission in its decision in November said the U.S. tech giant had imposed unfair trading conditions on its rivals and had also tied Facebook Marketplace to its social network Facebook in breach of EU antitrust rules.
Calling it the Facebook Marketplace Partner Progam, Meta said the scheme is a response to the EU competition watchdog even as it challenged the fine in court.
It echoed recent comments by Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, saying that the EU decision “serves as another example of the EU directly targeting U.S. companies in a manner that is tantamount to a tariff regime”.
Meta said it tested the partner scheme in Germany, France and the United States with eBay last month.
“This new program will mean that third-party partners (specifically, online classified ad service providers as defined in the European Commission’s decision) will be able to list their consumer-to-consumer inventory on Facebook Marketplace,” Meta said in a blogpost.
“That inventory will appear side by side with other third-party inventory and Facebook user listings.”
The Commission said it was currently assessing whether Meta has fully complied with the November ruling.
Fossil Group announced on Thursday an extension of its long-standing licensing agreement with luxury fashion brand Michael Kors, securing their partnership through 2027.
Fossil Group extends licensing agreement with Michael Kors through 2027. – Michael Kors
The agreement ensures that Fossil Group will continue designing, manufacturing, and distributing Michael Kors watches and jewelry worldwide.
“We’re delighted to announce the continuation of our long partnership with the Fossil Group. They’ve been a valued partner of the Michael Kors brand for many years,” said John D. Idol, chairman and CEO of Capri Holdings Limited and CEO of Michael Kors.
The renewed deal builds upon a relationship spanning more than two decades, reinforcing Fossil Group’s position as a leader in the fashion accessories market.
“Our relationship with Michael Kors remains among our most valued licensed partnerships,” said Franco Fogliato, CEO of Fossil Group.
“We are honored to have been entrusted with their brand for over 20 years and look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in our partnership.”
Earlier this month, Fossil Group announced the appointment of Joe Martin as chief commercial officer and Antonio Carriero as chief digital information officer and general manager for the EMEA region.
Sephora continues to build its UK store portfolio with Manchester seen as a strategic part of its plans, warranting a second city store.
The French beauty giant said following “the immense success” of its Northern debut last spring with the opening of its first store outside of London at Manchester’s Trafford Centre, a second in is now scheduled for Manchester Arndale, the largest inner-city shopping destination.
The opening will become Sephora’s 10th UK store and follows other 2025 debuts at Liverpool One and Sheffield’s Meadowhall Shopping Centre.
Sarah Boyd, managing director, Sephora UK, said: “Manchester showed us phenomenal support when we opened our first store in the region, which blew away all our expectations. We are thrilled bringing a second beauty playground to our customers in this vibrant and culturally rich city, allowing us to reach even more shoppers with a city centre location at Arndale.
“We already know there is strong appetite from beauty enthusiasts in Manchester as we saw over 2,000 eager customers queue on our opening day last year, and we look forward to recreating the same energy at Arndale and to continue providing an unparalleled beauty experience like no other.”
Steve Gray, head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, joint asset managers alongside M&G Real Estate, added: “Sephora is an excellent addition to the Manchester Arndale line up as it cements our position as the go-to destination for beauty and fashion brands. The arrival of Sephora continues the strong momentum of international brands selecting Manchester Arndale as they expand their UK retail footprint. This highlights the confidence these retailers have in Manchester Arndale’s continued strong performance and how we continue to attract shoppers from across the North West and beyond.”
Moncler SpA released annual results “above market expectations” on Thursday afternoon as it detailed ongoing sales increases and a rise in profits, with the Moncler brand strong for much of the year and Stone Island improving in the final quarter.
Moncler
Consolidated revenues increased 7% at constant exchange rates (CER) and 4% on a reported basis, hitting just under €3.109 billion.
The Moncler brand saw its revenues rising 8% CER and 5% reported to €2.707 billion. It enjoyed a “solid performance” in the fourth quarter (up 8% CER) “mostly driven by the acceleration of the Direct-To-Consumer channel”, which was up 9% CER, “despite a tough comparable base and still volatile market trends”. Growth improved in all regions compared with the previous quarter.
Stone Island was less buoyant for the year as a whole but much stronger in Q4. For the full year, revenues actually fell 1% CER and 2% reported to €401.6 million. But in Q4, they rose 10% CER with all regions accelerating. The DTC channel was up a healthy 15% CER in the quarter and although the wholesale channel still dipped 1%, that was a better performance than the rest of the year.
So what did that all mean for profits? Group EBIT rose to €916.3 million from €893.8 million, and while the EBIT margin was down very slightly (at 29.5% compare to 30% a year earlier) it was still “resilient”, especially given the tough environment.
Group net profit rose 5% to €639.6 million and the group had a healthy cash position.
Chairman and CEO Remo Ruffini was understandably upbeat: “In 2024 our group achieved remarkable results and showed strong resilience in a complex and volatile environment… underscoring the strength of our business model and operational discipline.
Ph: Benoit Florencon
“Over the past year, we have doubled down on what makes our brands truly distinctive. The events of Moncler Grenoble in St. Moritz and Moncler Genius in Shanghai — the most impactful one in the brand’s history — brought our disruptive creativity to life, redefining the concept of brand experience. Meanwhile, Stone Island continued to reinforce its unique identity through a series of powerful brand initiatives, deepening connections with both new and loyal communities.
“As we move into 2025, while the global macroeconomic context remains uncertain, we are confident in our ability to navigate evolving market dynamics. Inspired by our heritage, our passion for innovation, and our ambition to push boundaries beyond conventions, we are shaping the future of our brands to drive sustainable growth and create long-term value.”