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.
Apple CEO Tim Cook secures three million dollars in Nike shares
Tim Cook, the chief executive officer of tech firm Apple, has snapped up shares in Nike valued at around three billion dollars, nearly doubling his stake in the US sportswear giant. An SEC filing showed that Cook, who has served on Nike’s board since 2005, secured 50,000 shares at 58.97 dollars each, bringing his number of shares to 105,000, as...
BusinessMemberloading...
Gentle Monster accuses eyewear brand of copying, takes legal action
South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster and its parent company IiCombined Co., Ltd. is pursuing legal action against a fellow Korean label for allegedly copying its designs. The brand in question was cited in a press release from IiCombined as ‘Company B’, however, Korean media has since reported the identity to be Blue Elephant, another South...
Fashion Memberloading...
Saks Global CEO reportedly due to step down
Marc Metrick, the chief executive officer of luxury retail group Saks Global, is believed to be preparing to exit the company. This is according to multiple sources for Puck News, which noted that Metrick had declined to comment on the matter. A source close to Saks Global told Puck that Metrick currently remains employed by the company. If...
Peopleloading...
Skims expands into UAE with Dubai store
Kim Kardashian’s Skims has entered the Middle East with the opening of its first store in Dubai. The launch was enacted alongside the brand’s regional partner, luxury retail group Al Tayer Insignia. For Skims, the opening marks a milestone in the brand’s global expansion. The company has set out to strengthen its presence in select regions, to...
Retailloading...
Hanky Panky finds new home with Crown Brands Group
Intimates brand Hanky Panky has been snapped up in a joint acquisition by Crown Brands Group and Rafar Group, with each to collaborate on marketing strategy and execution. Under the agreement, Crown will oversee brand strategy and global licensing while Rafar, the parent company of Gelmart International, will serve as the core operating partner,...
BusinessMemberloading...
Employment, IP, and sustainability: UK regulatory reforms for fashion and retail
The UK regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly, and 2025 has seen a series of changes that will shape how fashion and retail businesses operate in 2026. From employment and apprenticeship reforms to intellectual property, sustainability and cyber security, these updates impact staffing, supply chains, product claims, and compliance obligations....
BusinessMemberloading...
Navigating change: A look at the UK fashion industry's defining year in 2025
Between a Boohoo to Debenhams rebrand; the creation of new specialised fashion groups; and turnarounds that have seen some high street darlings get back on track, 2025 has been a definitive year for the UK fashion industry. Major shifts are underway, and so for many this year is just the start. Here are some of the most notable chop and changes,...
BusinessFeaturedMemberloading...
Navigating UK trade shows: Key events for apparel and textile professionals in Jan/Feb 2026
As we approach the new year, buyers, manufacturers and brands alike will be battening down the hatches in preparation for the upcoming buying period. With the event season in constant flux, it can be hard to keep track of which fairs will be rolling through in the UK. With this in mind, FashionUnited has highlighted some of the fastest growing...
Fairsloading...
Boardriders and Volcom to make Hawaii retail return under new partnerships
Boardriders is set to make its return to Hawaii through new partnerships under the group’s current parent company, Authentic Brands Group. The Levy Group has stepped up to reopen Volcom’s store in Haleiwa, while BR Japan will oversee the reopening of Boardriders’ Waikīkī location. Speaking on the plans, David Brooks, EVP of action and outdoor...
Retailloading...
Save The Duck scales new heights with mountain expedition as it preps store expansion
Innovation has long defined the outerwear sector, where performance, protection and material experimentation drive the market forward. For Save The Duck, which sits at a crossroads between technical outerwear and city fashion, this innovative mindset is embedded in its DNA. Built on an ethical and sustainable vision, the brand continues to seek...
Business|CEO Interview FeaturedMemberloading...