E-commerce

fashion sales rise in May as shoppers invest in summer wardrobes

Online clothing and footwear sales volumes rose by 10.8 per cent in May from April as the arrival of warmer weather tempted shoppers to spend. Consumers bought 17.8 per cent more fashion and footwear online last month than they did during the same period last year, reveal the latest ONS figures.

Overall UK retail sales volumes increased by 0.3 per cent in May despite soaring inflation, with Brits spending 0.6 per cent more than they did in April.

David Jinks, head of consumer research for home delivery firm ParcelHero, comments: “Gloomy analysts had been expecting a fall in consumer spending in May, with inflation, the extra Bank Holiday and the supposed collapse of online after its covid heights all contributing. In fact, the value of all retail sales rose an eye-opening 4.8 per cent year-on year.

“Stories of the death of e-commerce, in particular, proved greatly exaggerated. The amount we spent online climbed 2.5 per cent over April and 6.7 per cent year-on-year. Online’s share of the overall retail market also climbed from 26 per cent in April to 26.5 per cent in May.

“The UK enjoyed something of a boom in tourism during May because of the coronation, and that will have boosted spending. However, the big online winner was clothing and footwear. Let’s hope this month’s bumper interest rate increase doesn’t stop this unexpected rise in consumer confidence in its tracks.”

British label Hayley Menzies has opened its second standalone London-based boutique near Carnaby Street. Located at 8 Newburgh Street, the 640sq ft twostorey store showcases a cornucopia of colour, print and embellishment. Shoppers can browse a selection of the brand’s latest ready-to-wear offerings while downstairs houses a leopard-lined lounge showcasing its iconic knitwear. Menzies’ celebration of beautifully made items extends from fashion into furnishings. Every available surface is accentuated with flamboyant hand-chosen antiques that nod to the brand’s vintage market stall roots. Expect enormous 1970’s Murano glass chandeliers, eBay thrift finds, 1920’s brass mirrors from the V&A and a set of Deco drinking cabinets purchased from Hayley’s favourite Notting Hill antique dealer.

The new boutique joins Hayley Menzies’ first standalone store in Chelsea, which also stocks a highly curated edit of the designer’s collection.

Copenhagen Fashion Week announces SS24 show schedule

Copenhagen Fashion Week has announced its SS24 show schedule taking place in the Danish city from 7 - 11 August. The line-up includes 31 shows alongside a curated list of events, presentations, talks and activations.

The full series will also be available to watch live on the CPHFW YouTube channel and Copenhagen Fashion Week’s homepage.

Buyers will be able to watch presentations from sought-