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Boohoo has recently launched a collaboration with Jordyn Woods

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My initial INP idea is a pop up shop with a brand, possibly a collaboration. I want to combine the process of researching a trend and creating a range as well as figuring out the store layout (pop up in this case) to best showcase a range.
I find AI very interesting, especially incorporated in retail. Seeing as many high street and luxury brands are investing in AI I want to incorporate it in my pop up shop.
My plan is to include virtual mirrors in my pop up shop.

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I looked at previous Boohoo campaigns and they included a party range, alternative to prom, wedding guest range and others.

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Your next shopping experience could be powered by Augmented Reality (AR) as fashion brands gear up for a digital makeover.

In a comprehensive 2018 study, 'The State of Fashion' by McKinsey & Company and The Business of Fashion (BoF), leading innovators will reveal the possibilities of artificial intelligence across all parts of the fashion value chain, exploring new ways of creating value for those employed in the fashion industry. The study shows that more than 75% of fashion retailers plan to invest in AI in 2018/2019.

Recently, Zara's parent company Inditex SA announced that it is shifting its focus to online businesses. The technology required to run its "global store and online platform" has already attracted a record investment of roughly $2.2 billion.

Considered as one of the largest industries in the global economy, fashion sector is a ~$2.4 trillion industry. Hence the need for continuous innovation is crucial for the fashion businesses. Other than moving businesses online, fashion brands are constantly introducing creative and engaging ways to gain traction. From deploying predictive analytics for style trends to employing robots that sew and cut fabric, AI enhancements in the fashion industry is going beyond traditional automated tasks. The latest is Augmented Reality (AR) which is deployed both in-stores and online.

Recently, Gucci revealed its scannable ads, VR and AR for its spring 2018 campaign, ' The Gucci Hallucination '.

At 52 selected Gucci stores, after purchases, customers receive Spanish artist Ignasi Monreal's artwork in the form of tickets for access to VR devices. This showcases a 360-degree panorama of Monreal's campaign artwork. The scannable ads via the Gucci app are also available in 15 out of the 20 campaign illustrations in print and allow consumers to discover the campaign in AR.

To lure the millennial crowd, Zara is using AR displays in 120 stores worldwide from April 18, 2018. The AR feature allows customers to hold their mobile phones in front of a sensor on the displayed models within the stores or designated shop windows. Through a single click, the shoppers can instantly buy the selective looks.

To be fair, the AR introduction in the fashion industry has become easier through Apple's ARKit, and Google's ARcore, which allows for smartphone integration.

Apple's developer platform for AR has paved the way for fashion brands to draw the audience using iPhones and iPads. Some of the leading brands relying on Apple's ARKit are Burberry and Vogue. The London-based luxury brand, Burberryturned to ARKit in September 2017 to 'digitally influence' purchases. The feature allows for greater customer interaction through camera feeds. Using these, the surrounding is digitally recreated with Burberry-inspired paintings by artist Danny Sangra. The users can also create graffiti like doodles and share and export on social media platforms using a Burberry frame.

Through Apple's ARKit, Condé Nast's Vogue AR experienceallows users to create a layered image like the " 21st-century spin on disco glamour " on current surroundings. The front-facing camera's Face ID creates a multi-dimensional filter which is an iMessage extension, known as "The Vogue Effect". The created AR images are downloadable and can be sent as a message.

Bringing AR- experience to Android users is Google with users like Pottery Barn and Gap.

In 2017, Gap revealed its plans to build augmented reality " dressing rooms," for users to try on clothes from home. Built in collaboration with Google and startup Avametric, the app lets the user add information like weight and height to the Dressing Room, after which a 3D model appears in front of the user. The user can see and try different looks to decide on what garments to pick before making purchases through the app. In 2013, Japanese based retailer, Uniqlo introduced AR-enabled changing rooms, allowing clients to try different colors by swiping their phone's touchscreen to see how they look in a Magic Mirror.
But interestingly, the AR experience in the fashion is not limited to only clothes.
Shoes, jewelry, and cosmetic brands are increasingly investing in AR. In 2017, MAC installed AR with virtual try-on mirrors. Powered by Modiface, the mirror relies on facial recognition and maps face via live video for accurate appearance. Users then superimpose makeup products on their face for making a decision. Introduced in 2017, Sephora's AR experience, 'Sephora's Virtual Artist' is also created by Modiface. Through face scans, the app figures out the lips and eyes and allows the user to try on different lip colors, eyeshadows, and false lash styles.

Bottom line

For a successful tech-adoption, fashion brands need to design an effective marketing strategy and collaborate with online platforms like Google, Facebook, Apple, and Instagram to respond to ever-changing consumer demands.
In short, the quicker the fashion brands understand the need and importance of tech innovations, the easier it will be for them to make the digital shift.

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Augmented Reality (AR) - Fashion Brands Gear up for a 'Digital Makeover'

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Your next shopping experience could be powered by Augmented Reality (AR) as fashion brands gear up for a digital makeover. In a comprehensive 2018 study, 'The State of Fashion ' by McKinsey & Company and The Business of Fashion (BoF), leading innovators will reveal the possibilities of artificial intelligence across all parts of the fashion value chain, exploring new ways of creating value for those employed in the fashion industry.

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Boohoo's website shows limited insight on their sourcing policy. They say they take their supply chain operations extremely seriously and they have a demanding set of procedures and policies to which all suppliers must adhere and they show some examples of those polocies

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At boohoo group plc, we are guided by our values of passion, agility, creativity and teamwork. We pride ourselves on our inclusive culture and team spirit and we believe in operating in a fair and sustainable manner. It is important for us to run our business in a way that benefits all of our stakeholders and we seek to engage with them on a regular basis. We have a proactive programme for delivering our CSR policy which is regularly reviewed and reported upon to the Audit Committee.

As a fast-growing responsible group, we recognise our duty of care to the people involved in the creation of our products. We therefore take our supply chain operations extremely seriously and have a demanding set of procedures and policies to which all suppliers must adhere. We are dedicated to working with our suppliers to help promote better working standards for the future and we hope to lead the way in encouraging an open and transparent supply chain.

The group is a member of SEDEX (the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange), a not-for-profit organisation that provides access to independent and comprehensive third-party audit reports on suppliers and their factories.

Our suppliers are required to undertake a SMETA (SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit) to assess the quality of their operations.

SMETA audits are supplemented by regular unannounced audits from our in-house Sourcing and Compliance team who help suppliers ensure they are compliant with law and regulations.

We have an in-house Quality Assurance Team whose remit is to ensure our products are compliant with consumer protection and product safety legislation, including REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & Restriction of Chemicals) regulations, and are consistent in size.

We require our suppliers to periodically sign compliance letters acknowledging their adherence to our standards and code of conduct. This document also asks for suppliers to ensure sub-contractors meet these requirements. This is periodically reviewed and updated as and when required and is part of Boohoo group's ongoing commitment to improving its supply chain for both 1st and 2nd tier suppliers.

We hold an annual supplier conference and all of our suppliers have access to our supplier manual via a portal to ensure they are aware of boohoo group's standards, policies and procedures.

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As a fast-growing responsible group, we recognise our duty of care to the people involved in the creation of our products. We therefore take our supply chain operations extremely seriously and have a demanding set of procedures and policies to which all suppliers must adhere.

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BooHoo say they've located a lot of production back to the UK, which gives them a lot of speed and it gives the customers a lot of newness.

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Pre-tax profits almost doubled last year at Boohoo as the online fashion retailer aimed at millennials continued its rapid international expansion.

The company said on Wednesday revenues rose 51 per cent to £295m in the year to February 28, slightly ahead of analysts' expectations despite the company upgrading its guidance four times during the year. Pre-tax profits increased 97.4 per cent to £31m.

Aim-listed Boohoo said that investments in its website in previous years were paying off and predicted revenue growth would be close to 50 per cent this year.

The strong performance shows how Boohoo, and online rivals such as Asos and Missguided, are disrupting the UK clothing market as mainstream retailers such as Debenhams struggle with the costs associated with their large store estates.

Neil Catto, chief financial officer of Boohoo, said the fall in sterling was a net benefit for the company because its sales in foreign currency were greater than its purchases. He said the group had used the proceeds to cut prices and that profit margins had been improved as a result of lower marketing costs.

Carol Kane, co-chief executive, said marketing deals with "social influencers", and the company's "test and repeat" model of frequently updating and trialling products in small batches had driven performance.

Boohoo has commercial tie-ups with people with large followings on platforms such as blogs, Snapchat or Instagram to promote its products.

Ms Kane said one key online community was "the LA celebrity crowd. They have such great reach. That taps into a load of customers."

The company's "test and repeat" model involves manufacturing many small batches of products in the UK, and quickly ramping up production of those that sell well. Ms Kane said about half of Boohoo products were made in the UK, with 100 products introduced every week.

"We've located a lot of production back to the UK. What it gives us is speed, it gives the customers lots of newness," she said.

The company deepened its push into the US, where revenues for the main Boohoo brand rose 119 per cent at constant currencies. Excluding PrettyLittleThing, an online retailer in which it acquired a controlling interest for £3m, and Nasty Gal, a US brand it bought out of bankruptcy for $20m, revenues rose 45 per cent to £283m. Non-UK revenues accounted for 38 per cent of the total.

The company's shares have risen 269 per cent over the past year, giving it a market capitalisation of £2.1bn. On Wednesday morning the shares slipped 3 per cent to 183p.

Analysts at Exane BNP Paribas said Boohoo's "unique model combining the flexibility of an online-only approach and a proximity sourcing model" means that it is "able to offer a product more dynamic and more relevant than store based peers could ever hope to replicate".

Jefferies analysts said, however, that the soaring share price was predicated on "faultless execution" and were concerned this would be difficult to sustain. "Managing 50 per cent plus sales growth, two bolt-on acquisitions and supply chain investment is a lot," they added.

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Boohoo profit nearly doubles on rapid overseas expansion

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Pre-tax profits almost doubled last year at Boohoo as the online fashion retailer aimed at millennials continued its rapid international expansion. The company said on Wednesday revenues rose 51 per cent to £295m in the year to February 28, slightly ahead of analysts' expectations despite the company upgrading its guidance four times during the year.

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BooHoo embrace automation at Barnley distribution center

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BooHoo embrace automation at Barnley distribution center

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“A key aspect of the new facility will be the introduction of a significant amount of automation, which will greatly improve picking efficiency and have a short payback period on the capital invested. The enlarged facility will be sufficient for an operation capable of generating over £1 billion in net sales.

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Fashion retailer Boohoo.com expects to start operations at the extension to its Burnley distribution centre early next year.

The group increased sales by 97 per cent to almost £600m last year and is developing a distribution network capable of handling some £3 billion of sales globally.

The new 166,000 sq ft building is now undergoing fit-out, it said in its results for the year to 28th February.

"A key aspect of the new facility will be the introduction of a significant amount of automation, which will greatly improve picking efficiency and have a short payback period on the capital invested. The enlarged facility will be sufficient for an operation capable of generating over £1 billion in net sales.

"We have also opened substantial employee welfare facilities at the distribution and customer services centre, which includes a gym, exercise studio, leisure facilities and subsidised canteen."

The group is to relocate the inventory for its PrettyLittleThing brand to a Clipper-managed warehouse.

"This brings incremental sales capacity in addition to our Burnley operations, will help underpin PLT's infrastructure needs and adds further operational flexibility for the group as we continue to invest in our future distribution network. Project planning for future storage requirements is well under way with a project team working on the next phase of distribution centre development."

Joint chief executives Mahmud Kamani and Carol Kane said the moves represent "a significant milestone as we develop a distribution network capable of generating £3 billion of net sales globally, in line with our vision to lead the fashion e-commerce market."

Last year, group revenue rose 97 per cent to £579.8 million while operating profit (EBIT) was up 61 per cent to £50.4 million.

It said group revenue growth for the next financial year (FY19) is expected to be 35 per cent to 40 per cent with adjusted EBITDA margin between 9 per cent to 10 per cent and capital expenditure of £50 to £60 million.

"Looking beyond the current year we will continue to lead the market on value, service and proposition in all our key geographies. While this will require a continued investment in people and infrastructure, we believe that the benefits of our investments in marketing and warehouse automation will generate economies of scale to allow us to drive sales growth of at least 25 per cent, while maintaining a 10 per cent EBITDA margin."

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Boohoo embraces automation at new Burnley distribution centre

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Fashion retailer Boohoo.com expects to start operations at the extension to its Burnley distribution centre early next year. The group increased sales by 97 per cent to almost £600m last year and is developing a distribution network capable of handling some £3 billion of sales globally.

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Boohoo and other retailers called upon to show evidence on their sustainability - Boohoo did not respond.

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Some of the UK's biggest high street and online retailers defended their practices to MPs yesterday during the second evidence hearing on the sustainability of the fashion industry.

In separate panels, the Commons Environmental Audit Committee questioned executives from Marks & Spencer, Burberry, Missguided, Primark, Asos, Topshop parent company Arcadia, and Boohoo and PrettyLittleThing parent company Boohoo Group.

Led by committee chair Mary Creagh MP, the retailers were grilled about the transparency of their supply chain models and demanded justifications on the cheap prices of their products.

One panel consisted of online fashion retailers Asos chief executive Nick Beighton, Boohoo joint chief executive Carol Kane, and Missguided head of product quality and supply Paul Smith being questioned.

The committee grilled the three retailers on their manufacturing presence in Leicester in the wake of evidence from another hearing last month about illegal wages and unethical conditions for local garment workers.

Smith said Missguided sources from Leicester only but it had reduced its presence from 35 suppliers to 12 because of an inability to satisfactorily audit the factories it used.

Beighton said he was happy with the factories Asos used and was working with Leicester council for assistance in checking standards.

He added that Asos has pulled out of 23 factories in Leicester due to poor standards, and that the retailer does not have a fast-fashion business model.

Meanwhile, Kane was asked how Boohoo could pay a living wage of £7.83 per hour while producing £5 dresses.

She hit back allegations that Boohoo was responsible for underpaid workers and promoting unsustainable and non-environmental consumer buying patterns.

She said the online retailer did "not make a profit on a £5 dress", that they make up "a tiny, tiny amount" of their fashion range and are used as a marketing tool to drive visitors to the website.

The three online retailers also detailed their plans on how they use their social media reach to educate consumers on re-using and recycling clothes.

The other panel consisted of M&S sustainable business director Mike Barry, Primark head of ethical trade Paul Lister, Arcadia head of supplier management Jamie Beck, and Burberry chief of corporate affairs Leanne Wood.

Like Boohoo, Primark was grilled by the committee of MPs about selling £2 t-shirts, how it was making profit on them, and whether producing clothes so cheaply degraded its value for shoppers.

Lister said Primark has "never done any significant advertising at all", therefore it has been able to save up to £150 million a year and that cost saving "goes straight into price".

He added that Primark was going to launch a clothing returns scheme next year after trialling it three years ago.

Meanwhile, Wood expressed the need for government support to "stimulate investment in innovation for recycling technology".

Barry called for better access to the Modern Slavery Act and, like Wood, called on the government to stimulate investment in an initiative for fibre transparency to help make recycling solutions easier.
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M&S, Burberry, Topshop, Boohoo, Missguided, Primark & Asos defend practices in parliament - Retail Gazette

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Some of the UK's biggest high street and online retailers defended their practices to MPs yesterday during the second evidence hearing on the sustainability of the fashion industry. In separate panels, the Commons Environmental Audit Committee questioned executives from Marks & Spencer, Burberry, Missguided, Primark, Asos, Topshop parent company Arcadia, and Boohoo and PrettyLittleThing parent company Boohoo Group.

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Boohoo hires Primark's supply chain director.

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Boohoo Group has appointed former Primark supply chain director, David James, into the same role at the business.

James was supply chain director at Primark from September 2017 up until the beginning of June this year.

Prior to this, he was director of logistics at the company between 2016 and 2017 and head of distribution Europe from 2014.

He also worked at Sainsbury's, Matalan and Asda in similar roles.

It comes after Drapers revealed that the group's chief information officer, Harry Dixon, stepped down after nearly six years at the business.

Revenue at Boohoo Group climbed 48% to £856.9m for the year to 28 February, fuelled by soaring sales at PrettyLittleThing.

Group sales were up across all markets. The UK was up 37% on the previous year, while international sales increased by 64%.

Former Primark chief operating officer John Lyttle took over as CEO of Boohoo Group in March, when former joint chief executives Carol Kane and Mahmud Kamani stepped aside.

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Boohoo appoints Primark supply chain director

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Boohoo Group has appointed former Primark supply chain director, David James, into the same role at the business. James was supply chain director at Primark from September 2017 up until the beginning of June this year. Prior to this, he was director of logistics at the company between 2016 and 2017 and head of distribution Europe from 2014.

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"I really believe that the virtual world mirrors the physical world." Marissa Mayer

Clothing shopping is exciting and enjoyable because you can find items of clothing that suit you and to make sure we're buying the right size with the style we dress up for every next dress in a queue. Likewise, we want to see how the clothes we find on the Internet would fit and suit us and remain in uncertainty about our purchase. Sometimes you can find good quality items but find something else when delivered. So, what suits us when we are up for shopping clothes Virtual Mirror is here is to assist us.

The Virtual Mirror is a Virtual Fitting solution that is the first and the only real-time virtual try-on system. It enables consumers to experience real-life clothes on their accurate virtual models in motion. There are other features like instant fit visualization on online, desktop, or mobile platforms which also help designers to make the decision.

Users never compromise on the items they buy, therefore; this allows users to see where the garment is tight or loose or where it juts out or sags down. To please user, technology plus forward-thinking retail brands are incorporating AR technology into the customer experience. Focusing on both in-store and online AR technology presented this solution that work on the behaves of customers when they move around or standing in various poses.

"User can experience Virtual mirror features at in-store to a new level of engagement and entertainment".

In this article, I will discuss Virtual Mirror as it relates to Augmented Reality technology and explore some solutions to describe how the virtual Mirror focuses on both in-store and online user engagement that is designed to assist users.

Technology is all about to ease the life of the human. Likewise, the virtual mirror is a part of new technology, which provides a new way to try on clothing without getting undressed.

Technology is all about to ease the life of the human. Likewise, the virtual mirror is a part of new technology, which provides a new way to try on clothing without getting undressed. Therefore, the utilization of technology is serving us in so many different ways. Updated with many features it also offers images on available sizes and colors of the garment supplemented with suggestions on matching outfits to promote cross-sales of the items.

A virtual mirror is a blend of RFID technology plus augmented reality which act as a virtual fitting room. Sundry outlets are using this virtual display as an interactive mirror in their dressing or trail room. The flow of interest with many beneficial outcomes can be experienced especially from retailers' point of view.

The brief of working of Virtual Mirror: the user brings the garment in front of a mirror which scans the garment. The mirror after getting the scanned image is stored and overlaid with the image of the user. The reflected image gives a virtual appearance with the selected outfit that follows the body's movements with totally real virtual movements.

To enhance the user experience while trying the outfits, the lighting in the fitting room get accustomed. Thus it lets shoppers view how the outfits look at different occasions and timings. The user can get an idea about the outfit without physically trying the dresses or standing at a queue.

With added feature such as different color or size option for a dress the mirror can be used, which alerts a sales associate. Apart from that features are added to complete an outfit suggestion to encourage the user to get engage for more purchases.

Solutions for Users

Shopping online for clothing and accessories can be annoying sometimes for users. And of course, many of us have experienced it. After ordering an item if user finds out that it doesn't fit. This kind of situation can be maddening and remorseful.

This common experience is not only a hard from consumer's point of view but it is one of the major obstacles hindering online fashion retail. When it comes about outfits the fact is people like trying them.

Virtual Mirror is built keeping such experience. It allows users with features that make shopping time more interactive and effective. Virtual Mirror can also store info of the user for later purchase items are saved for the shopper. Moreover, at the time of new arrival, there are many items message is sent to user's phone as a reminder.

There are factors that decide whether we will purchase an online item such as free shipping, online promotions, and lenient return policies. But virtual mirror features add-on the incentive that addresses the issue of buying the right size with the style.

Fortunately, virtual mirror technology with advanced features is undertaking the issue to resolves them commendable.

With time e-commerce is creating more merchants shift to the web. But there remains a breach in the customer satisfaction when it comes about sizing and fitting. Therefore, is a need to visualize the outfits at the point of purchase. In that case, Virtual Mirror is there to solve such issues.

Features of Interactive Mirror

The intuitive gesture controlled the user interface of virtual mirror captures the motion of the user that is a unique approach for the engagement of customer. Who would have ever thought that technology can reach to such an extent that virtual trail room can be more than a trail room in many possible way.

With entertaining User Interface, the virtual mirror scans Human Gestures that helps shoppers to visualize their selected garments outfits. There are some simple options which allow a customer to try cloths virtually by simple wave & swipe gestures. While going through a list of virtual image, the selected item can be superimposed onto the mirror for the customer.

Thus virtual mirror offers the user an opportunity to make better decisions.

2. Visual Effects
Virtual Mirror is an Augmented Reality based virtual dressing room application. Being in trend this setup is used by many showrooms mostly in outfit outlets where the utility is focused on the user experience. The features are developed keeping in mind to digitally manage your limitless products without time taking. Talking about provided options, they are ensuring ease of access and provide you rich visual understanding. Therefore, this fascinating virtual display with a virtual effects helps to view the appearance in a more realistic pattern.
3. Better Store administration
With the introduction of virtual Mirror Application, the amount of damage to the inventory is reduced as the usage of a trial room is also reduced. The queue of the customer is now engaged with the introduction of the Virtual mirror in the many outlets. Due to that users are experiencing better time management while shopping via virtual mirror with better management.

For effective results, the virtual mirror is a better way to manage a store. Trying maximum dresses virtually in lesser time this is the major part of the Virtual mirror. The photo-accurate helps consumers to try virtually various attires and fittings without any hassle.
4. Augmented in Sales
Based on Augment Reality this virtual mirror room empowers e-commerce by satisfying users with Virtual experience. The virtual trial room permits the client to forecast their rate of sale with the engagement of user that results in improved profits with better marketing strategies and tactics.

The virtual mirror application is the part of the next-generation technology. Rendezvous with your consumers a virtual mirror provides innovative ways for them to visualize interact with products and related brands.

With such application, the use of the virtual mirror will subsequently make the entire shopping a lucrative business. An application like this supports the sales with better customer recalls and retention.
Wrapping up
However, there are many Mobile App development Companies at the forefront of harnessing the power of Augment Reality. Virtual Mirror can enhance the brand experience with the user engagement to hike the profit. To help inspire user and clients, I highlighted a variety of information regarding AR to empower the current market and create more interactive shopping experience, and help brand products stand out.

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Virtual Mirror: The Future of interaction

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"I really believe that the virtual world mirrors the physical world." Marissa Mayer Clothing shopping is exciting and enjoyable because you can find items of clothing that suit you and to make sure we're buying the right size with the style we dress up for every next dress in a queue.

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A video showing how virtual mirrors might benefit retail brands and how customers are able to further interact with the brand and their friends by sharing the outfits via social media

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Virtual mirrors allow customers to try on clothes without actually getting undressed. A life-size mirror overlays an image of the customer with pictures of selected clothing and accessories. They can even have the option of mix and matching outfits and seeing what looks good together.

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AI (artificial intelligence) is transforming the retail industry. It is estimated that by 2025 the size of the AI software and systems industry is expected to reach US$35,870 million. AI will change the entire product and services cycle from manufacturing to post-sale customer communications. Both shoppers and retailers will benefit from this innovative, always learning technology.

The gradual shift of spending power to millennials has accelerated the growth of AI in the retail industry. This group of consumers prefers self-service when available and like to remain in control of online purchasing and other habits. In fact, studies have shown that 64% of millennials prefer self-service. Whether they're on an ecommerce site or using an app on their smartphone to help them shop, shoppers can easily access and use technology the moment they begin shopping. AI leverages that technology so that retailers can use it to their advantage.

AI and machine learning allow retailers to provide a better experience for the consumer by personalizing each interaction in ways that human employees cannot replicate. People have come to expect and prefer a personalized experience from retailers. Increases in conversions, revenue and engagement can all be achieved by retail marketers who personalize the consumer experience.

Here are just some of the ways AI is having a positive effect on the retail industry:

No More Trying on Clothes

Shopping for clothes can be a time-consuming chore. AI hopes to change this by introducing in-store gesture walls that make shopping less about searching and more about finding. Touchless computer monitors will allow customers to find the perfect black shoes or dress with the wave of a hand instead of shifting through racks of clothes. It can even make product recommendations such as what belt to wear with a favorite pair of pants. Customers are currently limited to the number of products in the physical space of a store draped on mannequins or placed on shelves. With AI, they will be able to build an infinite number of looks they've put together themselves. Gesture control will help stores collect data such as product views, popularity, awareness as well as offering shoppers a fun, interactive experience.

Virtual Mirrors Make Decision Making Easier

Virtual mirrors allow customers to try on clothes without actually getting undressed. A life-size mirror overlays an image of the buyer with pictures of selected clothing and accessories. Gesture and touch-based interfaces allow them to mix and match to find the perfect outfit. Cosmetic companies are also using this technology to show shoppers how different eye shadows, lipstick and foundation shades look without actually applying them.

Robots Replace People

We've all heard about robots being used for assembly, packing and shipping but they are now starting to make their way to the front of the store and interacting with customers. Robots reduce labour costs while improving visibility, service levels and overall customer satisfaction. Customers can interact with robots using touch screens or by speaking with them. They can help locate items and answer basic customer service questions. They can also go around the store and perform real time inventory tracking. Unlike human beings, AI customer service bots can provide unbiased customer service and work around the clock. This technology also frees up customer service representatives to handle more important or advanced tasks.

Video Analytics

Major advances in computer vision technology allow retailers to improve safety, customer service and compliance with employee procedures. Retailers need a way to study customer behavior in store the same way they use behavior analytics from online shopping. In person shoppers need to be better understood. Data from retail surveillance can help determine customers' engagement, exposure level and navigational route through the store. This can then be used to keep customers in store longer by improving store layout. Video analytics can also be used to better monitor security to avoid theft by customers or employees though the use of monitored integrated video surveillance. Surveillance images can be analyzed in real time to alert management to things that need immediate attention, providing an extra layer of protection.

The Immediacy of Chatbots

The advantage of chatbots is that they provide speed and intimacy. Rather than waiting for a salesperson to help you, you can simply use a messaging app on your smartphone to have your question answered. Chatbots can handle potentially thousands of customer inquiries simultaneously. Chatbots don't take up space on a smartphone, they speed up interactions and eliminate the wait time for a live agent. Furthermore, if a chatbot can't answer a question they can automatically put you through to a live agent. This ensures the customer never walks away without a resolution.

These are just some of the ways AI is transforming the retail industry. In the future, innovators will continue to develop ways for AI to make the customer shopping experience more enjoyable and streamline the business processes that have handcuffed the retail industry for decades. Just as AI transformed ecommerce and online shopping, it is sure to have the same transformative effect on brick and mortar shopping.

Anne Stephenson
Partner, Explorer Research

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How AI will Change the Retail Industry - Explorer Research

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AI (artificial intelligence) is transforming the retail industry. It is estimated that by 2025 the size of the AI software and systems industry is expected to reach US$35,870 million. AI will change the entire product and services cycle from manufacturing to post-sale customer communications. Both shoppers and retailers will benefit from this innovative, always learning technology.

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I've identified Boohoo's customer profile on Experian as Jodie; 18-25 years old, high interest in fashion, low overall spend. She likes to stand out, make impulsive purchases and always on a lookout for a great deal.

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I did some research on Trend Council to find which colours might be relevant to SS20.

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As per Trend Council these are the key SS20 fashion colour pantones and I will be using a mix of them in my range.

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This article on WGSN shows which prints and patterns will be relevant in SS20 and I'm mostly gravitating toward using the ''cloudy tie-dye'' as it is a contemporary, muted down version of this year's tie dye trend. It seems young and fresh and something that would work well for the brand and it's target customer.

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Looking on WGSN for SS20 trends and shapes and thinking about which might be appropriate for BooHoo. The sheer ruffle blouse, puff sleeve jumpsuit and side tie suit is something I will consider for BooHoo.

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Vibrant, bright colours like blues, reds and pinks seem to be dominating on WGSN as well as Trend Council, but I find the iridescent very interesting and something that might work well for BooHoo.

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As SS20 catwalk shows start coming through I will be going through all the looks and selecting the ones that inspire me and I can envision adapting and making it commercial for the high street market.

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TAGWALK is a free fashion search engine which allows you to search for models, trends, accessories and fashion shows by keywords

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How pop-up shops can benefit big retailers.

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Three ways in which big retailers can leverage pop-up shops

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Benefits to a pop up shop - researching if a pop up shop for boohoo seems like a good idea

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What is a pop-up shop? Everything you need to know to try short-term retail > Reasons to open a pop-up shop. Top 7 business benefits to opening a pop-up shop

There are a wide variety of reasons and benefits to open a pop-up shop. For starters, pop-up shops, also known as temporary retail stores, are an effective way to build brand awareness for your retail business.

But did you know what other pop-up store benefits your business can gain? From building deeper relationships with your potential customers to testing new markets, pop-up shops offer brands the opportunity to build an offline arm to their business - all without breaking the bank!

If you're considering taking the leap into physical stores, here are 7 business benefits of pop-up shops.

1. It will Engage Your Customers Online and Offline

Go Multichannel With a Pop-Up Shop

If you run a primarily online business, pop-up stores are a chance to interact with your customers in the offline world. And in today's retail landscape, it's crucial to engage shoppers both online and offline with a multichannel sales strategy.

Multichannel sales help retain 73% of customers, according to a Harvard Business Review study in 2017 measuring the shopping habits of 46,000 people in the U.S. Plus, shoppers who engage with brands on four or more channels spend about 9% more than their less-engaged counterparts, according to the same study.

"Brands must appeal to those who love to go into the store to see, touch and smell what they're going to purchase, as well as those who love the ease of one-click buying," says Melissa Gonzalez, founder of pop-up architecture firm The Lion'esque Group, in her book The Pop-Up Paradigm.

Demo Products and Share Your Story

Pop-up stores also allow online retailers to engage customers with product demonstrations and answer questions on the spot. Brands benefit from this face-to-face interaction, and customers learn more about products and get immediate answers to any pain points they may have.

Also, authentic engagements with your customers offline allows you to share your story. Shoppers can learn about your brand and the story behind your products - and this authenticity can build brand loyalty and loyal customers.

2. Pop-Up Stores Are Cost Effective

Pop-up shops are also a desirable offline retail sales strategy because they can be high-impact while simultaneously being cost-effective. Big and small online brands are taking advantage of the cost savings of opening a short-term store.

Pop-up shops are less expensive than traditional retail storefronts for multiple reasons, including:

Less square footage: Because pop-up shops tend to have a smaller retail footprint, rental costs are far more reasonable.

Shorter rental period: Traditional storefronts typically require retailers rent a space for anywhere from three to 10 years. But pop-ups have a shorter lifespan - think anywhere from three days to six months. That means shelling out less cash for rent in the long run.

No extra storage needed: Pop-up shops are temporary by nature, so brands usually offer a limited amount of inventory during a pop-up's lifespan. That means retailers don't need extra storage on-site for inventory.

Lower overhead: Again, temporary retail means your general overhead costs is far lower. Expect to spend less on inventory, staff, cost of rent and utilities, etc.

A "renter's market" also gives brands the advantage when it comes to finding retail spaces to lease. Higher-than-average vacancy rates in chi chi neighborhoods, malls and typically permanent storefronts have helped brands get great rates at prestigious addresses. Because of this, commercial real estate brokers are giving in to the rising tide of temporary retail and their shorter leases.

E-commerce brand Grammar recently opened up a pop-up store in New York's LES neighborhood to meet its customers IRL

Pop-up shops require a much smaller financial commitment, so they're ideal to use when testing the waters in new markets.
Whether you're an online-only retailer ready to dabble in offline sales or you're interested in expanding your physical presence to a new city, pop-up stores are a low-risk way to gain traction.
When dipping a toe into a new market, pop-up stores help build brand awareness before brands commit to a full storefront. Brands can root themselves in a community to find their target customers within an area. Use face-to-face interactions to engage customers (like the methods highlighted above) and build trust prior to fully investing in a new market or full offline sales strategy.

Because the financial commitment for a pop-up store is significantly less, brands can use temporary retail to experiment with new products or collections. Rather than conducting a formal (and expensive) market research study, simply ask the customers visiting your pop-up stores what they think.

Pop-up stores can serve as your own way to poll your target customers offline. Sell new products alongside your usual inventory and ask for customer feedback on the spot. Does your new product or collection resonate with them? How does it stack up against the products your customers know and love?

Brands can also send home free samples of new products for customers to try. In exchange, ask them to complete a short survey online to gauge their responses to your yet-to-be-launched line. Then you can use that information to perfect and polish those new products before launching them to the broader public.

If you're considering opening a pop-up shop, you may be wondering what the financial benefits are. Pop-up shops can be a great way to boost your revenue and grow your business.

Here are some of the top financial benefits of opening a pop-up shop:

1. Increased revenue. Pop-up shops can be a great way to boost your revenue. In fact, they can often bring in 20-30% more revenue than a traditional brick-and-mortar store.

2. Low startup costs. Pop-up shops have low startup costs, which means you can get up and running quickly and without a lot of financial risk.

3. Flexibility. Pop-up shops offer flexibility, which is ideal if you're not sure if you want to commit to a long-term lease.

4. Boosts brand awareness. A pop-up shop can help boost your brand awareness and reach new customers.

In summary, pop-up retail is not only a fantastic way for brands to test out new pop-up concepts and products, it's also a great way to generate immediate sales. Not only does a pop-up shop give brands a unique selling proposition, it also is an attractive proposition to shoppers.

Shoppers get to try out products they might not otherwise be able to afford or experience. Shoppers also get to feel connected to brands and supported.
Read More: 6 Financial Advantages of Hosting a Pop-Up Shop
When it comes to promoting your brand, there are a lot of different approaches you can take. But one strategy that can be especially effective is opening a pop-up shop.

A pop-up shop is a temporary store that can be set up quickly and easily. And because they're only around for a limited time, they can create a sense of urgency and excitement that can really capture people's attention.

Plus, pop-up shops are a great way to connect with your target audience and build relationships with them. You can use your pop-up shop to host events, give away freebies, and really engage with your customers.
Read More: Why a Pop-Up Series Is The Best Next Move For Your Brand
And when it's done right, a pop-up shop can be a powerful tool for driving brand awareness and sales. So if you're looking for a way to take your marketing to the next level, a pop-up shop could be the perfect solution.

As a small business owner, you may be looking for ways to build your customer base and grow your business. Seasonal pop-ups can be a great way to do this.

Seasonal pop-ups can be a great way to attract new customers and grow your business. By Leveraging seasonal trends, you can create a unique experience that will draw people in and build customer loyalty.

Here are a few tips for using seasonal pop-ups to build your customer base:
Read More: The Season's Best Pop-Up Shops

1. Leverage trends: Take advantage of seasonal trends to create a unique experience for your customers.

2. Build customer loyalty: Use seasonal pop-ups to build customer loyalty by offering exclusive deals and experiences.

3. Stand out from the crowd: Use your seasonal pop-up to stand out from the competition and attract attention.

Ready to book your next pop-up store? Find the ideal space for your project!
By following these tips, you can use seasonal pop-ups to build your customer base and grow your business.

In summary, several reasons were stated why brands should consider moving to a pop-up shop. The pop-up store advantages are numerous, including the ability to test a product, test pricing, test promotion, test your brand, test your staffing, test your environment, and test your operating costs. The flexibility of a pop-up store also provides the brand with the opportunity to test new ideas without committing to the cost of a permanent location.

The pop-up shop is a marketing tactic that has evolved to a great degree. It is a great way to put your brand in the hands of the public and test the waters to see what the market likes without having to invest a great deal of money.

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Reasons to open a pop-up shop. Top 7 business benefits to opening a pop-up

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There are many reasons to open a pop-up shop. Here are the top four business benefits to get you thinking. Is now the time to launch your own?

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WHY brands should use pop up shops to up their sales

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3 min read

Pop-ups are nothing new. They have been a regular sight since the past decade, especially during festivals, opening of restaurants and small eateries, and sales events like trunk shows. But nowadays, they have become a canvas for retailers to experiment with new types of products and, in the process, narrate a brand story.

E-commerce companies today are employing different technologies, from artificial intelligence to chatbots, to sell their products, but they are also pumping in energy in the good-old pop-up stores. The Chinese Internet and commerce giant Alibaba, for instance, opened 60 pop-up stores for Singles Day 2017 through its online marketplace Tmall. The unique stores integrated augmented reality technology to power "magic mirrors," which allowed customers to virtually try on clothes.
The benefits
The advantages of pop-ups, most often used to mean a small, temporary shop for selling or exhibiting products, are understandable. They generate excitement and a sense of urgency, and more importantly, retailers do not have sign long leases or purchase expensive corners in shopping malls to promote and sell their products. They are especially a wise investment for new startups who want to test the water without having to pay exorbitant rents. Research says pop-up stores cost 80 per cent less to launch than a full-time store.

Even for big brands expanding overseas, pop-ups are a good way to introduce themselves to customers. Japanese brand Muji, for instance, opened a pop-up store in early 2017 in Canada and later opened a location at Metropolis at Metrotown in nearby Burnaby.

What's more, they offer a chance to companies to meet customers and understand their choices closely. Consumers too prefer buying apparel at physical stores. According to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor Survey, 72 per cent people would prefer going to a store for purchasing. It is so because it gives them the chance to try on clothes (69 per cent), check fittings (68 percent), see the item in person (64 percent), and feel the fabric (54 percent). Women are significantly more likely than men (72 percent versus 65 percent) to want to try on the clothes before buying them, the survey says.
Trend of 2019
In a recent report on the emerging retail trends of 2019, CB Insights, a strategic intelligence company, says pop-up stores are proliferating across the retail sector, and fast.

"Traditionally, the pop-up store phenomenon has been the domain of digitally native brands looking to experiment in physical retail. Many of these startups have embraced showroom and experiential retail models to draw in customers," the report says. "Beyond digitally native direct-to-consumer startups, we are now seeing pop-ups become a staple for all types of retailers, from Alibaba and Amazon to Calvin Klein and Macy's, among others."

There is no doubt that pop-up stores have become a necessary tool for all sorts of retailers to experiment in physical retail. "Going forward, the wide proliferation of pop-up stores will shape the ways in which commercial real estate owners lease real estate all together," says the CB Insights report.

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Why Pop-up Stores Should Be Part of Every Retailer's Strategy

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The advantages of pop-ups, most often used to mean a small, temporary shop for selling or showing off products, are understandable. They generate excitement and a sense of urgency, and more importantly, retailers do not have sign long leases or purchase expensive corners in shopping malls to promote and sell their products.

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GEN Z INFOGRAPHIC on their shopping habits:
60% of gen Z prefer to shop online
46% of them will check in store for more information before making an online purchase

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I read this article on GEN Z to see how much time they spend on their phones and when (65% use their phone after midnight), their shopping habits, how they spend their money and other things that might be useful information for me while creating my INP

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E-commerce and ICT activity, UK - Office for National Statistics

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Use of information and communication technology (ICT) and the value of e-commerce activity by UK businesses.

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Influencer marketing is a key social media industry trend of the moment, but what makes it so effective, and how are consumers actually responding to influencer-generated content?

That's what the team from Olapic sought to clarify in their latest research report. Olapic commissioned a survey of more than 5,000 social media users worldwide to get their specific thoughts on trust, influencers, brand interactions on social, and what sways their purchasing decisions.

The data revealed some interesting trends - for example:

Relatable content is especially important in the US, UK and France

Males are more likely to trust professional brand visuals

German respondents were the least likely to follow influencers

Countries are similar in their preference for Facebook for travel purchases

Olapic is looking to publish the full report shortly, but you can get a snapshot of some of the key findings in the below infographic.

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New Study Looks at the Impact of Influencers and Video on Consumer Decision Making [Infographic]

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Influencer marketing is a key social media industry trend of the moment, but what makes it so effective, and how are consumers actually responding to influencer-generated content? That's what the team from Olapic sought to clarify in their latest research report.

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I found some positive and negative aspects on supplying from UK; speed to market, short lead time, no time zone. Negatives are not as skilled labor, expensive.

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Made in the UK? The pros and cons of outsourcing clothing manufacture overseas

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Alison Lewy, author of Design Create Sell , our new guide for fashion start-ups, has already talked about how you go about selecting the right manufacturer for your fashion business. But should you use a UK supplier or one based overseas?It is usually practical and cost-effective to produce goods overseas if you are ordering large quantities, writes Alison (right).

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Sourcing from UK vs sourcing from rest of the world. Positive and negatives

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Years ago when the British manufacturing industry was thriving, there would have been no question as to whether local manufacturing would have been your first option or a preferred one. However, during its decline, the rise of alternative options offshore was too attractive to brands to overlook. In this article, we will talk about what the right manufacturing method is, for your brand - offshore manufacturing or local manufacturing.

Before embarking on production for your fashion start-up, it would be wise to research the differences between local manufacturing or offshore manufacturing.

The main reasons designers and brands choose either of these options is rarely on personal grounds. Usually, it has something to do with one or more of the following:

Tangible factors of consideration: cost, minimum order quantity (MOQ), skill, location (distance)

Intangible factors of consideration: level of experience manufacturing, trust, communication

Making a choice, to begin with, is not easy. It gets easier with experience, but even then, selecting a maker for a new product range is always lengthy and can be costly.

Often, designers and new brands at the start of their fashion business journey will prefer to start close to home. That can be the UK for those UK based or another country, depending on the business' location.

Developing the idea close to home where multiple visits can be made to the maker and many lengthy discussions in person can take place is invaluable at the start. The learning curve for new designers and start-ups is vast and having the opportunity to spend time in factories and sampling studios, learning first hand as much as possible about the process of manufacturing as well as having the luxury to see the idea develop into a product, is priceless.

Brands launching products that are price sensitive or very skill specific may not be able to find suitable maker close to home.

However, that often comes at a cost. While travel expenses may be minimal, cost of sampling and development can be much higher compared to manufacturing in another geographical location. Also, brands launching products that are price sensitive or very skill specific may not be able to find suitable maker close to home.

Another point of consideration is the fact that for some, while they may sample locally, production with the same maker may not be an option. This means doubling up of costs and going through the somewhat stressful process of manufacturer selection another time.

While, from designer to designer and from one brand to another, products and priorities may vary, most of the pros and cons remain constant. So let's see what they are in brief:
LOCAL MANUFACTURING POSITIVES

1. The ' Made in Britain' or "Made in ...." label is an important point of branding, USP or market positioning tool for some brands.

2. More flexibility: Emergency, top-up orders or just-in-time production can be fulfilled relatively quickly with local manufacturing.

3. Costs: You will have more control over your production costs. They will be higher but won't fluctuate as widely.

4. Quality Control: Regular visits to the factory will be possible so checks on quality control can be done more efficiently and inexpensively.

5. Smaller quantities: U.K. and some European factories are happier to produce smaller quantities compared to further afield and offshore factories.

6. Communication: Communication will be easier in your own language, although you will still have to be organised with your production processes and spec packs.

7. Manufacturing: You won't have to allow extra shipping time, which results in more efficient production.

8. Delivery costs: You won't have to worry that your goods will get stuck in Customs, so delivery costs will be lower.

9. Set up own production: As a start-up based in the UK, you're in a good position to create a mini factory.

LOCAL MANUFACTURING NEGATIVES

1. Costs: The price of production will be high as labour costs are far more expensive in the UK and Europe, compared to offshore manufacturing, due to legal minimum wage rates.

2. Machinery: It may be hard to get a complicated product made due to a lack of machinery investment in some locations, like the UK for instance.

3. Digitalization: Manufacturing processes have been vastly improved with CAD/CAM systems. However, the cost of these systems has been prohibitive for many UK factories.

4. Skilled workers: Manufacturing in Britain had been in decline, although there has recently been a resurgence in the industry. However, it can be difficult to find an experienced sample and production machinists and cutters. A lot of factories have a fast turnover of workers so issues with consistency can sometimes occur.

Brands and designers that are more experienced and working on price sensitive products often have no choice but to go down the offshore manufacturing route.

While the process itself is not much different in essence, it does take a while sometimes to become accustomed to various cultural behaviour patterns and forms of communication. The initial setting up period may be a little more arduous, but ultimately, once the relationship has been established and at least one season has been completed, natural working flow can set in and lead to successful long-term relationships.

As brands grow and evolve, sometimes the manufacturing also has to evolve, which requires a move to a foreign location (or offshore manufacturing). These can be a consequence of needing to improve margins by increasing manufacturing volume and decreasing simultaneously production costs. Or it can be for reasons of bringing in new specialist techniques, like for example hand embroidery from India, machine embroidery from China...etc.

While on the whole, costs may be reduced or appear to be, it is worth examining the cost in detail as a whole - including time spent in communication, travel, cost of shipping, duty and taxes before a full comparison like for like can be made.

Sometimes moving to offshore manufacturing can still be a viable option despite a minimal cost reduction, while other times the initial reduced costs and potentially improved margin may be misleading and not worth it.

Offshore factories specialising in larger volume manufacturing are more likely to have the most up-to-date machinery, especially in the production of accessory or shoe.

Such choices are very personal and often driven by the "bigger picture" business strategy, but here is an overview of the pros and cons such a move may have for brands:
OFFSHORE MANUFACTURING POSITIVES

1. Costs: While production costs will vary from country to country, offshore production is generally more cost-effective, especially when producing large volumes.

2. Shorter manufacture to market time: With access to more manpower, production turnaround can be very fast.

3. Machinery and technology: Offshore factories specialising in larger volume manufacturing are more likely to have the most up-to-date machinery and CAD/CAM systems. This is especially applicable to accessory and shoe production.

4. More work is delegated to others: Greater delegation of various aspects of production occurs in offshore manufacturing, especially if you choose a Fully Factored operation.

5. Access to a large pool of skilled labour: There is a large pool of skilled specialist workers in some countries, particularly in craft areas and embellishment. If the process is time-consuming, with cheaper labour you are able to be far more adventurous.

6. Availability of Auxiliary services: A great offshore support network of skilled workers can make additional items, such as trimmings, for your products. If they can't create it they can source someone who can but at a much lower price than it can be produced in the UK. However, large order minimums will be necessary.

OFFSHORE MANUFACTURING NEGATIVES

1. Costs: Economies of scale dictate that small volumes would not achieve favourable costs, and some factories have high production minimums. This is changing, however, and more and more overseas operations are gearing up for smaller volumes. Also, you will most likely be subject to currency fluctuations, which can affect your profit margin.

2. Communication: How easy will it be to communicate with a factory that employs no English-speaking staff? Can you speak the local language? You also have to take into account time zone differences, and whether they have good broadband internet connections. Also, even if they do speak the same language as you, sometimes there are other communication challenges, like the use of terminology and etiquette.

3. Quality control: Unless you can afford to pay for the services of a Quality Controller it will be harder for you to control your production. Travelling to an overseas factory will incur costs that will have to be included in your product pricing formulas. Working through an agent is a possibility but they will charge you a fee, and it is not always easy to find an agent you can trust and who will respect your high standards.

4. Risk of damage: The possibilities of damage to your products is higher if you choose offshore production. Get insurance.

5. Cash flow: A factory may require an upfront deposit from you, and final payment on delivery, prior to starting your production and until you build a relationship with them.

6. Logistics: Having samples made overseas will incur unanticipated costs, especially if you are providing all of the materials. This would be avoided if the factory is sourcing everything locally. The courier costs for posting toiles, samples, and materials back and forth will all add up. Additional time for shipping items must be factored into your production schedule and you must also be prepared for delays or Customs issues. Costs for transportation, delivery and insurance must also be considered.

7. Cultural Differences: Working with countries in other geographical areas means having to learn different business etiquette, respect local traditions and religious and national holidays that may affect your manufacturing and timelines (e.g. Chinese New Year, Indian Diwali, Italian August holidays...etc)

Having examined both options, it is worth to consider the possibility that sometimes it is also good to have a combination of both options.

If a brand receives a large order from a buyer, it may be worthwhile considering an overseas factory; however, it's worth getting your sampling done locally, as it will minimize fit issues and pattern fails, and should problems occur at least they can be rectified in the safety of home turf.

Eliminating the occurrence of initial expensive mistakes in an overseas factory is key. It's also worth considering getting manufacturing quotes for both your country (or local manufacturing) and overseas production so that you can offer competitive prices to a buyer wanting to place a large order.

As with anything in business and life, some decisions are never simple and easy to make. The concept of "perfect" does not apply. More often than not, the process of finding a manufacturer is stressful, let alone trying to find THE right one for your product and for your business.

Therefore being clear on what you are looking for - cost, MOQ and quality - right at the start of your search, goes a long way in helping set you in the right direction. Knowing what is right for your brand and what will add or take away from the perceived value of your product is ultimately a decision lever that also affects decisions.

With more and more companies returning to the UK to manufacture their goods, issues such as a lack of good machinery and skilled workers will gradually improve. This will have a positive effect on start-ups who want to manufacture, for whatever reason, locally. Offshore manufacturing will always thrive and be in demand for companies thinking bigger and who are unable to find specialists on home shores. Whichever direction you choose to follow, ensure that you have done enough research to proceed with confidence.

There is no right or wrong decision. Where to manufacture often is not a choice but a necessity driven by commercial factors. Manufacturing where is right for your product and business results in a viable and commercial product is the ultimate deciding factor.

HELPFUL TIP: Work out the rough cost of what your product should cost to make via this helpful online calculator.

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Offshore fashion manufacturing vs local manufacturing- Fashion Insiders

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Before embarking on production for your fashion start-up, it would be wise to research the differences between local manufacturing or offshore manufacturing. The main reasons designers and brands choose either of these options is rarely on personal grounds.

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I will have quite a few denim items in my range and since Turkey is known for sourcing denim I wanted to find a factory I could source from in Turkey. I have chosen the A1C CLOTHING

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denim fabric / Find companies in the country 'Turkey' that specialise in the 'denim fabric' field

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No deal Brexit would lead to thousands of job loss
Affect on World Trade Organization: "you know if you become less efficient and your ability to trade is impeded, then of course losing your competitiveness means there will be jobs lost.”

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A no-deal Brexit would lead to the loss of "many thousands" of jobs, the business secretary has warned.

Greg Clark urged Tory MPs to "strain every sinew to avoid" crashing out of the EU under the next prime minister, with leadership rivals Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt both saying they would be prepared to leave the bloc on 31 October without a deal.

They face a battle to force through their commitments, however, as MPs and peers launch tactical bids to block any attempt to prorogue parliament in order to force through a no-deal Brexit.

Clark told Sky News on Friday that the disruption of a no-deal departure would lead to job losses. "It's evident that if you have the disruption that comes from a no-deal Brexit there will be people that will lose their jobs. It's many thousands of jobs. Everyone knows that."

Asked about claims the UK could weather a no-deal exit on World Trade Organization terms, Clark said: "I think every person that considers the evidence that companies have given - whether it's in the automotive sector, whether it's in the food sector, whether it's in aerospace, in industries up and down the country - you know if you become less efficient and your ability to trade is impeded, then of course losing your competitiveness means there will be jobs lost."

Clark's comments came as peers launched a fresh bid on Friday to block any plans by a future Conservative prime minister to suspend or prorogue parliament in order to force through a no-deal exit from the EU.

A cross-party group has laid down amendments to the Northern Ireland bill which seek to build on a similar measure introduced by Dominic Grieve in the Commons on Tuesday.

Lady Hayter, Labour's deputy leader in the Lords and the shadow Brexit minister, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the amendments "would force the government, in September and October, to meet to discuss reports about Northern Ireland, and by doing that parliament would have to be meeting and could not be prorogued".

She said the amendments stood a high chance of success. "Clearly in the House of Lords we tend to take our responsibility to look after the constitution quite seriously, and a part of this is in making sure that on an enormously important issue like Brexit, parliament is taking the decisions and not just government."

Prorogation is the official term that marks the end of a parliamentary session. After being advised to do so by the prime minister, the Queen formally prorogues Parliament. This takes the form of an announcement in the House of Lords on the Queen's behalf. It is a speech, written by the government, which usually describes the bills which have been passed during that session, and summarises what has been achieved.

It means that all work on existing legislation stops, and MPs and Lords stop sitting. Prorogation also automatically kills any bills, early day motions or questions to ministers going through parliament.

Parliament can then be reopened a few days later with a fresh slate of legislation intentions, set out in a new Queen's Speech at the formal State Opening of Parliament.

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Dominic Grieve's amendment passed by only one vote, but Hayter felt that there would be enough support for it in the Lords.

She dismissed the suggestion such a move by unelected Lords was undemocratic. "If the next PM wants to take us out, then all he needs to do is take it to parliament and get their agreement. We're not saying no to no deal, we're saying no to no deal without the Commons authorising it.

"I doubt that Boris Johnson would actually go for proroguing parliament frankly," Hayter added. "But given that is the talk, it seems to me quite right that parliament says at this stage, 'Hold on, if you're even thinking of that, don't do it', and we therefore take that off the agenda."
Topics

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Greg Clark: no-deal Brexit would destroy 'thousands' of jobs

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A no-deal Brexit would lead to the loss of "many thousands" of jobs, the business secretary has warned. Greg Clark urged Tory MPs to "strain every sinew to avoid" crashing out of the EU under the next prime minister, with leadership rivals Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt both saying they would be prepared to leave the bloc on 31 October without a deal.

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UK inflation is down to 2.0 year on year in May
Consumer prices rose 0.3%

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United Kingdom Inflation Rate - April 2023 Data - 1989-2022 Historical - May Forecast

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The consumer price inflation rate in the United Kingdom eased to 10.1% year-on-year in March 2023, down from 10.4% in February but more than market expectations of 9.8%. The rate remained above the 10% mark for a seventh consecutive period and the Bank of England’s 2% target for almost two years, su…

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Against the dollar, the pound fell below $1.25 and was close to its lowest level since April 2017.

The pound was also at a six-month low against the euro at just above €1.11.

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The pound is heading for two-year lows against the dollar as markets react to continuing Brexit uncertainty and signs that the UK economy is slowing.

The currency fell sharply after data showed slowing sales at UK retailers and economists forecast a contraction in the economy in the second quarter.

Against the dollar, the pound fell below $1.25 and was close to its lowest level since April 2017.

The pound was also at a six-month low against the euro at just above €1.11.

With the holiday season getting underway, it means travellers from the UK will getting fewer dollars and euros for their pounds.

Sterling has been swayed by uncertainty in the aftermath of the EU referendum, but has been more stable in recent months because of confidence about the UK economy.

However, recent economic surveys have suggested that the economy may now be weakening and Jane Foley, head of foreign exchange strategy at Rabobank, said this was being factored into the market.

"The economic picture is not particularly pretty," she said.

The pound fell 0.5% against the dollar at $1.2455, marking the lowest point for it since April 2017, excluding a brief "flash fall" in January this year.

Back in May, the pound had been trading at around $1.27.

Pound v dollar

Last week, a survey suggested the UK's manufacturing sector contracted at the fastest pace for more than six years.

On Tuesday, figures from the British Retail Consortium showed average sales growth slowed to 0.6% in the 12 months to June, the weakest reading since its records began in 1995.

Ms Foley also cited a survey by Bloomberg which showed that economists are expecting the economy to contract in the second quarter - for the first time since 2012.

Holiday money tips

Pre-order cash on the internet

Use specialist cards with low fees to take money abroad

Avoid buying cash at the airport

Shop around for the best rate

Find out fees on cash machine withdrawals overseas

An update on the UK economy is due on Wednesday when growth data for the three-month period to May will be released, and economists polled by Reuters expect growth of 0.1%.

That would be slower than the 0.5% rate seen in the first quarter of the year.

Pound v euro

The market is also focusing on the Conservative leadership contest. Under Theresa May's premiership, the market had thought the chances of a no-deal were slim, but Ms Foley said that was not the expectation if Boris Johnson wins the leadership battle.

"That's what the market is worried about," she said.

Neil Mellor, currency strategist at Bank of New York Mellon, said that another factor at play was a strengthening in the dollar ahead of testimony by the head of the US central bank. This was helping to push the pound lower.

Jerome Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, testifies to the US Congress on Wednesday. Mr Mellor said he could provide a more hawkish tone - meaning interest rate cuts were less likely - than previously expected.

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Pound heads for two-year low as holidays begin

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The pound is heading for two-year lows against the dollar as markets react to continuing Brexit uncertainty and signs that the UK economy is slowing. The currency fell sharply after data showed slowing sales at UK retailers and economists forecast a contraction in the economy in the second quarter.

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I have performed research on WGSN, EDITED, Instagram and looked at SS20 catwalk shows that are out and created a relevant colour + print story. I have created a document which shows the colours and prints I have chosen included by WGSN article snapshots.

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I have put together a PDF of the accessories featured in my range, backed up by WGSN, EDITED, and various street style pictures.

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This PDF contains my final range, backed up by WGSN analytics from SS19 and AW19/20 catwalk shows.
I  have created a range that represents the Boohoo brand, fits with Anne Marie personal style and is backed up by WGSN analytics.

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I found some positives and negatives about sourcing from Turkey. This article focuses on negatives such as political uncertainty and economical struggles.

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Is Turkey still worth it for apparel companies?

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Turkey can be an attractive location for the manufacturing of apparel and textile goods. Companies doing business in Turkey must keep in mind that certain challenges present can come with political and monetary costs.

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Is Turkey still worth it for apparel companies?

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Turkey can be an attractive location for the manufacturing of apparel and textile goods. Companies doing business in Turkey must keep in mind that certain challenges present can come with political and monetary costs.

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I did some research to see how certain stores are layed out and to get some inspiration on the layout of my pop up shop. I went to River Island, Urban Outfitters, H&M, & Other Stories.

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For my comp shop I compared previous artist collaboration:
h&m and Ariana Grande and
Pretty Little Thing and Ashanti.
Most of my comp shop was performed on Edited and on brands own websites to compare their items and prices. Since H&M had a few things from the collection left I also went to their store.

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I created a survey to see if people would be interested in coming to Boohoo's pop up shops. These are the questions and answers from someone who filled out the survey.

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My final INP - this version is compressed, the one I submitted to padlet is HQ

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My plan for INP in July 2019

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PLAN for August

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My calculations for open costing

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GARMENT CONSTRAINTS

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I used this to help me with my merchandising strategy - what are their website visits and conversion rate

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Boohoo.com is one of the top e-commerce site in United kingdom (ranked 703 in United kingdom). 11.8 million users visit this site every month. But, only 2.1% of these users buy products. We rate its effectiveness 4.7 out of 10. [1]

Comparing with its peers

We have classified boohoo.com as a samaritan in its marketing effectiveness, when compared to its peers in United kingdom. It has relatively better engagement when compared sign ups.

Bottlenecks

It has 2 main bottlenecks in its marketing effectiveness:

1. Signups: 87% vistors don't signup

A huge number of the users who visit boohoo.com do not sign up. This is especially prominent in mobile website, where 91.4% of users don't signup. Without user's identity, the products are not personalized for individual users and there is no further chance of engaging the user through email. This causes the largest conversion drop off at boohoo.com.

2. Engagement: 90% visitors don't engage

90% of the visitors who visit boohoo.com don't add products to the cart. An average user visits the site atleast 3 times before making the buying the decision. Currently, boohoo.com sends few emails (like cart recovery email) to re-enagage users. This inability to bring back registered users through personalized recommendations causes the second biggest drop off in conversion.

These 2 bottlenecks cause significant drop in conversion. We recommend channel specific solution to solve these 3 conversion bottlenecks. We recommend that you solve the anonymous users problem on mobile and registered but unengaged users on email.

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Boohoo.com's conversion rates & bottlenecks

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Boohoo.com is one of the top e-commerce site in United kingdom (ranked 703 in United kingdom). 11.8 million users visit this site every month. But, only 2.1% of these users buy products. We rate its effectiveness 4.7 out of 10.

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UK economy shrinks for the first time in 2 years

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The chancellor has told the BBC that he does not expect the UK to slide into recession after data showed the economy shrank by 0.2% between April and June.

Sajid Javid was speaking after the Office for National Statistics said the economy had contracted for the first time since 2012.

The surprise decline came after Brexit stockpiles were unwound and the car industry implemented shutdowns.

The pound sank after the data was released, raising fears of a recession.

Against the dollar sterling fell to $1.2025. Against the euro, it dropped throughout the day to €1.0736, a level not seen since the global financial crisis a decade ago.

Rob Kent-Smith, head of GDP at the ONS, said manufacturing output fell and the construction sector weakened.

A recession occurs when the economy contracts in two consecutive quarters. This is the first contraction since the fourth quarter of 2012.

Economists had not been forecasting a contraction in the economy in the second quarter, but had expected it to stagnate, with the consensus forecast for 0% growth.

Why is the economy shrinking?

The economy had shown 0.5% growth in the first quarter after manufacturers' stockpiling ahead of Brexit helped to boost output, when the manufacturing sector recorded its biggest quarter rise since the 1980s.

The ONS said GDP had been "particularly volatile" so far this year because of the changes to activity sparked by the original Brexit date of 29 March.

The statistics body said its latest figures showed that those increased stockpiles had been partly run down in the second quarter and that a number of car manufacturers had brought forward their annual shutdowns to April as part of contingency planning, which also hit growth.

Mr Kent-Smith said: "Manufacturing output fell back after a strong start to the year, with production brought forward ahead of the UK's original departure date from the EU."

He added that "the often-dominant service sector delivered virtually no growth at all".

What is the chancellor saying?

Mr Javid told the BBC: "I am not expecting a recession at all. And in fact, don't take my word for it. There's not a single leading forecaster out there that is expecting a recession, the independent Bank of England is not expecting a recession. And that's because they know that the fundamentals remain strong."

The Bank said earlier this month it expects the economy to grow by 1.3% this year, down from a previous projection of 1.5% in May.

Asked about the impact of Brexit, he said: "We saw some significant stockpiling by British businesses in anticipation of the Brexit that never was, and now they're using those stockpiles, they're coming down.

"Of course, there are businesses out there that are taking Brexit into account when they're making decisions."

He said: "No one will be surprised by today's figures."

What is happening to growth elsewhere?

The data comes at a time when there are signs other economies are slowing. For instance, data on Friday showed that French industrial output fell more than expected in June.

Mr Javid said: "This is a challenging period across the global economy, with growth slowing in many countries.

"But the fundamentals of the British economy are strong - wages are growing, employment is at a record high and we're forecast to grow faster than Germany, Italy and Japan this year."

But John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, said the "dismal economic figures are a direct result of Tory incompetence".

"The Tories' Brexit bungling, including Boris Johnson now taking us towards no-deal, is breaking the economy."

The Liberal Democrats were also concerned about the impact of a no-deal Brexit.

"Pursuing a no-deal Brexit is a political choice without a mandate: these figures show people's jobs and livelihoods are being sacrificed at the altar of political extremism, " said Chuka Umunna, the party's Treasury and business spokesperson.

Mr Javid said the best way to deal with Brexit uncertainty was to leave the EU on 31 October, with or without a deal.

"We're seeing volatility in the figures and one of the best ways to actually end this volatility is to bring certainty around Brexit and make sure we leave on 31 October."

What does business say?

The employers' body, the CBI, said the contraction was "concerning".

Alpesh Paleja, CBI lead economist, said: "Growth has been pushed down by an unwind of stockpiling and car manufacturers shifting their seasonal shutdowns.

"Nonetheless, it's clear from our business surveys that underlying momentum remains lukewarm, choked by a combination of slower global growth and Brexit uncertainty.

"As a result, business sentiment is dire."

The Federation of Small Businesses - which is calling for an emergency Budget - said that if the Treasury delays action until after 31 October, the date for Brexit, its efforts are likely to prove too little, too late.

"Time is of the essence. Unless the chancellor steps in imminently with radical action, we could be heading for a chaotic autumn - and a very long winter," said the FSB's policy and advocacy chairman, Martin McTague.

How have economists reacted?

Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, said the data showed "an economy in decline and skirting with recession as headwinds from slower global growth are exacerbated by a Brexit-related paralysis".

Geoffrey Yu of UBS Wealth Management said that while the global picture was "becoming more gloomy", anyone looking for positive signs for the economy could look to "robust private consumption, reflecting a healthy labour market".

Household spending rose 0.5% on the quarter. Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, agreed that household spending was still growing at a "robust rate" and said it was not time to panic.

He said the stockpiling was dragging on the economy, which was "sluggish and had not stalled".

What has happened to the pound?

The pound - which has been at two-year lows following Brexit uncertainty - fell after the data was released.

The currency also falls if there are expectations that interest rates will be cut. Mr Tombs said the market now sees a 70% chance of an interest rate cut in January, when Mark Carney is due to leave as the Bank of England's governor.

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UK economy shrinks for the first time since 2012

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The chancellor has told the BBC that he does not expect the UK to slide into recession after data showed the economy shrank by 0.2% between April and June. Sajid Javid was speaking after the Office for National Statistics said the economy had contracted for the first time since 2012.

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What does a no deal BREXIT mean for UK, economy, trading,..

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The possibility of a no-deal Brexit remains very much alive, with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson committed to leaving the EU on 31 October.

But what does the term "no deal" really mean?

What is a no-deal Brexit?

In a no-deal scenario, the UK would immediately leave the European Union (EU) with no agreement about the "divorce" process.

Overnight, the UK would leave the single market and customs union - arrangements designed to help trade between EU members by eliminating checks and tariffs (taxes on imports).

No deal also means immediately leaving EU institutions such as the European Court of Justice and Europol, its law enforcement body.

Membership of dozens of EU bodies that govern rules on everything from medicines to trade marks would end.

And the UK would no longer contribute to the EU budget - currently about £9bn a year.

Under former Prime Minister Theresa May's deal - which was voted down three times by Parliament - the UK would have entered a 21-month transition period.

This would have provided some breathing space, maintaining much of the status quo, while the two sides tried to negotiate a trade deal.

How could it happen?

After Theresa May's deal was defeated, the Brexit deadline was extended to 31 October.

To avoid a no-deal Brexit on this date, the UK government must pass a Brexit divorce plan into law, obtain another extension from the EU, or cancel Brexit.

Many politicians are against no deal.

They say it would damage the economy and lead to border posts between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

But some politicians support no deal and say disruption could be quickly overcome.

What would it mean for trade?

Under a no-deal Brexit, there would be no time to bring in a UK-EU trade deal.

Trade would initially have to be on terms set by the World Trade Organization (WTO), an agency with 162 member countries.

If this happens, tariffs - taxes on imports - will apply to most goods UK businesses send to the EU. Some companies worry that could make their goods less competitive.

The UK government has already said most tariffs will be abolished for EU goods coming to the UK, if there is no deal. But the EU doesn't have to do the same.

Trading on WTO terms would also mean border checks for goods, which could cause bottlenecks at ports, such as Dover.

No deal would also mean the UK service industry would lose its guaranteed access to the EU single market.

That would affect everything from banking and insurance to lawyers, musicians and chefs.

What about the Irish border?

No-one really knows what will happen at the Irish border under no deal.

The "backstop" - the "insurance policy" in the deal to stop border posts on the Irish border - would no longer exist.

No-deal supporters say technological solutions could maintain an invisible border.

But EU law says physical border checks would still be needed on some goods, such as food and chemicals.

However, neither the UK or Irish governments have so far said they would be willing to install border posts.

What about the 'divorce bill'?

No-deal supporters say the UK could avoid paying the divorce settlement - widely thought to be £39bn - agreed by Theresa May's government.

But opinion is split on what happens if the UK refuses to pay and there's a possibility the UK could end up in an international tribunal.

Even if there were no legal consequences, refusing to pay could mean political fallout - lessening the UK's chances of securing an EU trade deal in the future.

What does it mean for individuals?

Individuals could be affected in all sorts of ways.

For example, if a no deal disrupted cross-Channel trade, some food prices could rise - a possibility highlighted by a government assessment.

EU citizens in the UK can apply for settled status, allowing them to remain even if there is a no deal.

UK expats in the EU are advised to register as residents of the country they live in, although no deal could make moving across borders more difficult.

Mobile phone roaming charges could return - although some operators have already ruled this out.

Travelling with pets will become more complicated and expensive.

And European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) would be invalid after a no-deal Brexit.

Are preparations under way?

Most economists and business groups believe no deal would lead to economic harm.

For example, the Office for Budget Responsibility - which provides independent analysis of the UK's public finances - believes a no-deal Brexit would cause a UK recession.

To cushion some of the impact, the government is looking at what might happen in a worst-case no-deal scenario. This includes:

border delays

increased immigration checks

less food available

possible price increases for utilities, food and fuel

A week after taking office, Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged an extra £2.1bn specifically to prepare for leaving the EU without a deal.

Prior to this, the government led by Theresa May had promised £4.2bn to prepare for a range of Brexit scenarios.

Businesses have been encouraged to prepare by stockpiling in case supplies are disrupted.

Supporters of no deal say some of the risks have been exaggerated and that previous warnings have proven unfounded.
Read more from Reality Check Send us your questions Follow us on Twitter

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The possibility of a no-deal Brexit remains very much alive, with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson committed to leaving the EU on 31 October. But what does the term "no deal" really mean? In a no-deal scenario, the UK would immediately leave the European Union (EU) with no agreement about the "divorce" process.

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UK unemployement falls to 44-year low

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UK unemployment has dropped to the lowest level in more than 44 years despite mounting fears over Brexit, as employers across the country ramped up hiring at the fastest rate in more than three years.

The Office for National Statistics said Britain's jobless rate fell to a fresh low of 3.9% in the three months to January, down from 4% a month earlier, the lowest point since the start of 1975.

Companies increased their hiring activity to add another 222,000 people to the UK workforce, taking the overall number in work to a fresh record high of 32.7 million.
UK jobless rate hits 44-year low of 3.9% despite Brexit uncertainty - business live
The surprise drop in the jobless rate came despite mounting concern that the chaos over Brexit in Westminster might have encouraged companies to freeze their hiring plans until they have greater clarity over the political situation.

John Philpott, the director of the Jobs Economist consultancy, said: "Nobody seems to have told the labour market about the mood of Brexit-related economic uncertainty which has gripped the UK since last autumn.

"These record-breaking jobs numbers seem extraordinary and suggest that only a recession-inducing hard Brexit is likely to have a noticeably negative impact on the UK's employment situation."

Analysts cautioned that the jobs figures are backward looking because they relate to the three-month period to January, only touching on the start of the worsening crisis over Brexit. Theresa May suffered the worst ever parliamentary defeat of the modern era over her plan for EU withdrawal in mid January, while employers' surveys suggest jobs growth has begun to ease in more recent months.

UK unemployment

The robust picture of the jobs market may, however, mask several potential problems facing the UK economy, with the figures covering a period when GDP growth cooled from the higher levels seen last summer.

Observers said companies were likely to have hired workers to meet demand, instead of investing in productivity-boosting technology - paving the way for weaker growth in future.

The Bank of England has previously identified the trend, warning that firms have become more reticent to commit to major expansion plans. Workers tend to be easier to hire and fire, while major investments are costly to reverse. Business investment fell in every quarter last year, the first time since the last recession a decade ago.

Andrew Wishart, UK economist at the consultancy Capital Economics, said: "This will add to concerns that the Brexit-related fall in investment is having a detrimental effect on the economy, as firms have opted to hire workers to meet demand rather than invest."

Much of the jobs growth in recent years has also come from older Britons staying in the workforce for longer, particularly from changes in the state pension age resulting in fewer women retiring between the ages of 60 and 65 years. The ONS also said that the number of people in retirement dropped to the lowest level in 25 years.

Alastair Neame, senior economist at the Centre for Economics and Business Research, said: "Since the three months to January 2014, [employment] has increased by 2.39 million, [while] the number of over 50s in employment has increased by 1.41 million - 59% of the total."

The government said the rise in employment was down to its pro-business policies. Alok Sharma, the employment minister, said: "Our jobs market remains resilient as we see more people than ever before benefitting from earning a wage."

The latest snapshot from the ONS suggests that stronger wage rises are starting to come through for British workers amid the low levels of unemployment. Official figures also show record levels of jobs vacancies, with as many as 863,000 unfilled jobs.

Average weekly earnings continued to rise at an annual rate of 3.4% in the three months to January. Economists said this would usually pressure the Bank to raise interest rates, but that the Brexit impasse would prevent it from hiking borrowing costs for now.

Stephen Clarke, a senior economic analyst at the Resolution Foundation, said: "This encouraging jobs growth is benefiting women and those traditionally left out of the labour market. It is even starting to have a knock-on effect on still historically weak pay rises.

"This is crucial for driving a long overdue pay recovery for workers, but may be held back if firms' reluctance to invest continues."
Topics

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uk unemployment and employment statistics

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UK unemployment falls to 44-year low despite Brexit fears

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UK unemployment has dropped to the lowest level in more than 44 years despite mounting fears over Brexit, as employers across the country ramped up hiring at the fastest rate in more than three years.

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Minimum wage rise in April for 3.5% - biggest since financial crisis in 2008

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Millions of workers are set to see their pay jump in April as the National Living Wage jumps to £8.21 an hour.

This is the hourly rate for those aged 25 or over and working in Britain.

The minimum wage for those aged 16-24 also will also go up, while the pay for apprentices will go up by an extra 20p an hour.

The new rates were announced in Chancellor Philip Hammond's 2018 Budget when he announced how much it's set to rise in 2019.

It comes after Theresa may pledged to end austerity at the Conservative conference in September, saying "a decade after the financial crash, people need to know that the austerity it led to is over and that their hard work has paid off".

However the new rates haven't gone down well with critics.

Union the TUC described the Government's pay rise as a slap in the face for hard-pressed workers.

General Secretary Frances O'Grady, said "families can't make ends meet without being forced into the red," and the Government must address this.

"The jobs market is tightening but this is not leading to decent pay increases.

"The Prime Minister must make sure that work pays by raising the minimum wage to £10, cracking down on insecure work, ending unfair pay for agency workers and banning zero-hours contracts."

Elsewhere, campaigners are pushing for more employers to enforce the Voluntary Living Wage.

Unlike the Government's rates, this is set by a foundation - and is based on inflation and how much the cost of living has risen.

Right now the real living wage is £9 an hour across the UK and £10.55 in London.

What is the National Minimum Wage right now?

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum pay per hour most workers are entitled to by law. The rate depends largely on a worker's age and if they are an apprentice. If you're above 25, you qualify for the National Living Wage instead.

Both rates are a legal requirement, and failing to meet them could result in the employer being fined and even featured in the annual list of shame .

The rules state that if you're working and aged 25 or above (and not in the first year of an apprenticeship), your hourly rate must be at least £7.83.

Find out if you are eligible for the National Living Wage by using this handy calculator .

What is the current minimum wage?
Bosses legally have to pay workers the following rates:

Aged 21-24? You're entitled to £7.38 an hour.

Aged 18-20? You're entitled to £5.90 an hour.

Aged below-18? You're entitled to £4.20 an hour.

Apprentice? You're entitled to £3.70 an hour.

There are a few rules to follow:

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they're either a) aged 19 or under or b) aged 19 or over and are in their first year of apprentiship.

To qualify for the minimum wage, you must be at school leaving age (16 years or older).

How much is the National Minimum Wage going up by in April 2019?

Wages will rise for all workers on 1 April 2019.

Apprentices will have to be paid (at least) £3.90 an hour, under-18s, £4.30 an hour, under-20s, £6.15 an hour and under-24s, £7.70 an hour. Those aged 25 and over must be paid a minimum of £8.21 an hour.

The increase, according to the Low Pay Commission (the body that sets the rates), estimates this will support 2.4 million workers in total. The annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage workers will have increase by over £2,750 since April 2016 when the National Living wage was introduced.

New minimum wage rates from 2019
Bosses legally have to pay workers the following rates:

Aged 21-24? You're now entitled to £7.70 an hour.

Aged 18-20? You're now entitled to £6.15 an hour.

Aged below-18? You're now entitled to £4.35 an hour.

Apprentice? You're now entitled to £3.90 an hour.

There are a few rules to follow:

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they're either a) aged 19 or under or b) aged 19 or over and are in their first year of apprentiship.

To qualify for the minimum wage, you must be at school leaving age (16 years or older).

What's the difference between the National Living Wage and Living Wage?

The 'National Living Wage' and the 'Minimum Wage' are both set by the Government and all employers must comply.

However the 'Living Wage' is a completely separate entity set up by the Living Wage Foundation . It's also reviewed annually.

The latter is not a legal requirement, but more what campaigners believe workers should be earning (factoring in inflation and so on). Many employers - such as supermarkets - have chosen it in favour of it over the government's guidelines and therefore pay their workers more.

Currently the Living Wage stands at £9 an hour in the UK, or £10.55 if you live in London. The rates apply to all those aged 18 or over. Here is a full list of the employers that pay it .

Your rights

Read your pay slip

You are entitled to a payslip and should ask your boss if you don't receive one automatically. Reading it will help you see how much you are earning and how much you are taxed. The Money Advice Service has a guide to help you decode it.

There are a number of different ways you could be paid. If you're paid by the hour, this should include travelling between different places of work - you can find out the full rules here . If you receive an annual salary, you can calculate your pay per hour . Even if you are paid for a specific piece of work, there is a fair hourly rate - work it out here .

If you work in a restaurant, your boss should not pay you out of your tips. The Mirror 's Fair Tips campaign helped secure a law protecting workers back in 2008.

What to do if you think you're being paid unfairly?

If you believe you're being underpaid, you should seek advice on the matter as soon as possible. You can find out what your entitlement is using the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service's [Acas] Helpline Online tool.

Acas is a free body that provides information and advice to employers and employees on employment law.

If you find you are in fact being unfairly paid, it is advised that you talk to your employer first, and try to resolve the issue.

If this doesn't work, you are within your rights to file a formal grievance to your employer.

Alternatively, Acas says a worker can make a complaint to HMRC who will investigate it for you.

If HMRC finds that an employer has failed to keep up with the minimum wage, they can send a notice of arrears plus a penalty for not paying the correct rate of pay to the worker.

The maximum fine for non-payment will be £20,000 per worker. However, employers who fail to pay could be banned from being a company director for up to 15 years.

If you want further advice, call the government's Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368 . The service is free and confidential.

Alternatively, try approaching the Citizens Advice Bureau [CAB]. Their advisers can assist you with a range of money and legal matters for free.

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At least 2 million people to get a pay rise next month as minimum wage rises

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Millions of workers are set to see their pay jump in April as the National Living Wage jumps to £8.21 an hour. This is the hourly rate for those aged 25 or over and working in Britain. The minimum wage for those aged 16-24 also will also go up, while the pay for apprentices will go up by an extra 20p an hour.

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the UK E-retail market is forecast to rise 35% over the next five years reaching £68.8 billion by 2022, according to GlobalData, a recognized leader in providing business information and analytics.
The company’s latest report: ‘E-retail in the UK 2017-2022’ reveals that although clothing & footwear will be the biggest contributor to growth

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The UK E-retail market is forecast to rise 35% over the next five years reaching £68.8 billion by 2022, according to GlobalData, a recognized leader in providing business information and analytics.

The company's latest report: 'E-retail in the UK 2017-2022' reveals that although clothing & footwear will be the biggest contributor to growth, sectors that have traditionally experienced low online penetration such as health & beauty and furniture & floorcoverings, will rise significantly during the same period shopping via smartphone will continue to be consumers' channel of choice as mobile spend rises 112% over the next five years. This trend will be driven by improvements in retailers' own mobile functionality together with the prominence of a 'see now, buy now', instant gratification consumer m entality.

In the last 12 months 78% of the UK population have shopped online the prime drivers being convenience and the lure of lower prices.

As Sofie Willmott, Senior Retail Analyst at GlobalData comments: "Our E-retail report shows online shopper penetration for 16-34 year olds above 90% affirming the importance of the online channel for younger consumers. Online pureplays including Amazon and ASOS continue to innovate introducing new technology and driving up consumer expectations of delivery and user experience, requiring multi-channel players to quickly follow suit to maintain their relevance."

Despite low online penetration in 2017, the health & beauty sector is forecast to experience the highest growth in the next five years with sales set to rise by 66.2%.

Willmott explains; "Market leaders Boots and Superdrug are well placed to benefit from the shift to online, with strong brand and delivery lead time propositions in place. However they remain under threat from online pureplays such as Lookfantastic.com and ASOS as well as the department stores which have rapidly improved their beauty propositions, - making brands and exclusives far more accessible."

Online returns are forecast to grow at practically the same rate as online spend over the next five years with clothing & footwear dominating the channel, accounting for 70% of all online returns by 2022.

Willmott adds: "Despite the online channel providing a lifeline to bricks & clicks retailers experiencing tough offline sales, e-retail still imposes significant challenges, including the management of returned stock. Online returns will continue to rise over the next five years as consumers become more experienced and confident in managing the free and simple returns processes, combined with increased availability of online delivery saver schemes."
Information based on GlobalData's report: E-retail in the UK 2017-2022

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Clothing & footwear to drive UK E-retail spend to £68.8 billion by 2022 - GlobalData

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The UK E-retail market is forecast to rise 35% over the next five years reaching £68.8 billion by 2022, according to GlobalData, a recognized leader in providing business information and analytics.

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Geneva, 29 March 2019 - Global e-commerce sales grew 13% in 2017, hitting an estimated $29 trillion, according to the latest numbers released today by UNCTAD.