Articles by Rachel Douglass
Rachel has been with FashionUnited since mid-2021. Descending from the UK, she moved to the Netherlands in 2014 to attend Amsterdam Fashion Institute, where she studied a BA in International Fashion and Branding with a specialisation in Journalism.
At FashionUnited, Rachel covers daily news, from store openings to acquisitions, alongside which she focuses on research-based stories, interviews and on-the-ground event reporting. Her topics of interest include digital fashion, independent retail and current trends.
Head acquires scuba company Aqualung Group
US-Austrian Head Group has rescued scuba diving firm Aqualung Group from receivership. The sports equipment company said it is planning a 50 million euro restructuring of the Aqualung business to ensure the continuation and long-term sustainability of the group. Next to this, Head noted that it is looking to carry out a comprehensive integration...
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Macron extends partnership with Crystal Palace Football Club
Italian sportswear manufacturer Macron has expanded its partnership with Crystal Palace Football Club. The multi-year extension builds on the duo’s ongoing relationship, first established in 2022. Macron and Palace have since worked together on creating kits that celebrate the club’s identity, including the FA Cup-winning shirt. Through the...
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Swarovski appoints new UK and Ireland general manager
Swarovski has named Samantha Jeffries as its new UK and Ireland general manager. Her appointment comes as the jewellery specialist looks to move forward with strategic goals in the regions, where it plans to expand its ‘Pop Luxury’ positioning and deepen customer connection. Jeffries has already been a part of the Swarovski team for over 10...
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H&M accelerates share buy-back sparking privatisation rumours
Swedish retail giant H&M Group is amping up its share buy-back programme as the billionaire Persson family strengthens its control over the company. The move has sparked speculation over potential plans to take the retailer private. According to a regulatory filing with the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority, Persson-owned Ramsbury Invest...
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US Senate garners industry praise for passing bill that could end de minimis loophole
Textile industry leaders have praised the US Senate’s decision to pass a budget reconciliation package that could potentially see the permanent end of de minimis for commercial shipments from all countries. The provision, which would end de minimis treatment by July 1, 2027, comes as part of a broader budget bill addressing tax code provisions...
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Fossil Group establishes chief supply chain officer role
Watch specialist Fossil Group has appointed Laks Lakshmanan to the newly created role of chief supply chain officer. Lakshmanan stepped into the position on June 16, with the company only just confirming the appointment in a press release. In this role, Lakshmanan has been tasked with overseeing Fossil’s global end-to-end supply chain, from...
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Asos launches loyalty programme for UK customers
E-commerce retailer Asos has launched a new loyalty programme for UK customers offering benefits and experiences to those who sign up. Dubbed ‘Asos.World’, the programme’s official launch follows what the company said was a “successful trial” that began in March. Customers can sign up to four tiers: Stylist, which is free to join; Curator, for...
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Cascale names Harsh Saini as interim CEO
Consumer goods nonprofit Cascale – formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition – has appointed Harsh Saini as interim chief executive officer. Saini, who currently serves on the organisation’s board of directors, will take up the role from August 1 as Colin Browne steps down. In taking on the position, Saini has been tasked with leading Cascale...
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CLO Virtual Fashion acquires digital materials provider Swatchbook
CLO Virtual Fashion, the parent company of 3D fashion design software CLO, has acquired Swatchbook, a digital materials solutions provider. Through the takeover, CLO said it is now positioned “as the largest digital fabric database company in the world”. The deal between the two companies builds on an existing relationship that the duo first...
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Golden Goose continues US roll out of ‘Forward’ stores with new Dallas location
Footwear label Golden Goose is continuing the US roll out of its ‘Forward’ store concept, this time bringing the responsibly-minded idea to Dallas. Following the launch of the concept in New York and Miami, Golden Goose has debuted its third US Forward store at luxury shopping destination NorthPark Centre. At the store itself, the brand provides...
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