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.
UK government lays out plan to tackle PFAS
The UK government is joining a broader effort towards addressing the use of PFAS in consumer products. A PFAS Plan has now been outlined, setting out what the government said is an “evidence-based approach to tackling these persistent chemicals”. The decision to address PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, comes amid growing concern over...
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Spring Fair: Morleys’ new CEO talks the reopening of Jolly’s Bath store
Ahead of the reopening of Jolly’s store in Bath, the new chief executive of Morleys took to the stage of Spring Fair to discuss his vision for the future of the department store. Ray Clacher, who took up the helm of the group on January 5, spoke on the evolving role of these retail formats and how he intends to channel this into a transformed...
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Spring Fair: Tesco eyes continued expansion for F&F via online-only models
Supermarket giant Tesco has enjoyed increased momentum of its clothing line F&F over recent years, driving an expansion of the offering online and enhancing its assortment. Now, as the British retailer continues to invest heavily in the range, it is upping its game through further digital expansion and a potential rollout of online-only styles....
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Next generation of B2B events: How trade fairs are evolving into experiential hubs
The wholesale market is under pressure, and trade shows are feeling the impact. Traditional models are struggling to deliver consistent results, and brands are rethinking how they approach the season while maintaining visibility. As a result, B2B events are evolving across the industry. Alongside mergers, downsizing, or full market withdrawals,...
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Blumarine management to be taken over by Exelite
The management of Blumarine is swapping hands. Italian firm Exelite has secured a master licensing agreement for the designer label, taking over responsibility for production, promotion, and distribution of all product categories. As of January 1, 2026, Exelite, formerly Eccellenze Italiane Holding, has further agreed with Blumarine’s parent...
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Anta to open first US store, doubling down on American market
Anta is doubling down on the US market with the opening of its first flagship store in the region. Days after the Chinese sportswear giant snapped up a majority stake in Puma, the company is now set to embark on a new journey; tackling the North American retail market. Located in Beverly Hills, the store will serve as Anta’s US brand hub and a...
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Nike reestablishes momentum in Lyst’s Q4 index, product focus drives renewed demand
Nike returned to the top 20 of the Lyst Index in Q4 2025, marking its first appearance in two years and signaling a shift in the brand’s demand. Ranked at 19, the re-entry reflects consumer response to a clearer product strategy and targeted collaborations during the peak holiday period. For this quarter, the Q4 2025 Lyst Index pointed to a...
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Spring Fair: Anthropologie buying director outlines relevance, restraint and customer connection
At this year’s ongoing Spring Fair in Birmingham, UK, visitors gathered at The Style Atelier to hear how one of fashion retail’s most distinctive chains defines relevance in the current landscape. In conversation with fashion commentator Caryn Franklin, Gill McCulloch, buying director at Anthropologie Europe, set out how the brand balances...
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Saks Global unsecured creditors form committee
In a new phase of Saks Global's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, the US Trustee's Office has formed an Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, giving the retail group's partners a voice in the process. A total of 10 members were appointed to the committee last week, including major fashion houses such as Chanel, LVMH, Kering and Ermenegildo...
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Nike relaunches All Conditions Gear brand, plots Beijing store
Nike is continuing its specialised sports-centric transformation with the latest relaunch of its All Conditions Gear (ACG) brand. The sportswear giant hailed the revival as a “renewed commitment to outdoor performance”, zoning in on trail running, hiking and exploration. Alongside a revitalised marketing strategy, ACG is due to open its first...
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