Latest news with #Hermes
The Independent
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Evri cashes in on second-hand boom with record number of deliveries
Evri delivered more parcels than ever over the past year as it cashed in on the growth of 'bedroom CEOs' selling second-hand items and newer delivery opportunities like car parts and flowers. The West Yorkshire-based group said it delivered more than 807 million parcels over the year to the end of February. This was 11% more than the 730 million the previous year, and represents a 25% increase in parcel numbers in the last two years. Revenues for the company jumped by 12% to £1.85 billion year-on-year, it revealed. Evri said sales growth was partly fuelled by the booming popularity of second-hand marketplaces like eBay and Vinted, which has shown no sign of easing. The trend for buying and selling items online has created more opportunities for the parcel firm, with social media platforms like TikTok's shop helping change shopper behaviour, it said. Martijn de Lange, Evri's chief executive, said: 'It was a year that saw us expand our client base into new sectors, including fresh food, car parts and floristry, and grow our presence in existing ones. 'We continue to meet increased demand for customer-to-customer deliveries for online marketplaces, as buyer and seller behaviour changes – fuelled by scroll and spend social commerce sites such as TikTok's shop. 'Evri's tech-enabled convenience is equipping a growing army of bedroom CEOs who are shaping the future of ecommerce.' Evri, which was previously part of the Hermes parcel group, revealed that it spent £57 million over the financial year on its operations and technology in a bid to improve service levels. It has previously highlighted an improvement in its ratings over recent years but said there was 'more to do' to improve with some customers continuing to report delivery issues. The group recently announced it was joining forces with DHL's UK ecommerce arm to form one of the country's biggest delivery firms. The deal means Evri will enter the UK business letter market for the first time, bolstering its competition to Royal Mail.
Fashion Network
6 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Luxury's split between winners and losers is only getting wider
One striking example of the sector's divide is LVMH versus French peer Hermes International SCA. Sales at LVMH's key Fashion & Leather Goods division are expected to have dropped 7.8% in the second quarter, according to analyst estimates. The company reports after the bell on Thursday. Hermes, which has been an example of how companies can thrive on selling the highest-end items, is expected to report revenue growth of 12% at its leather goods division. Its results are due on July 30. In the case of the Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. owner, the stock has lost roughly half of its value over the past two years, losing its crown of Europe's biggest stock, with investors increasingly worried about an unprecedented demand slump in China. Hermes shares, on the other hand, are weathering the broader industry pullback. After a 160% jump since the end of 2020, the stock is little changed this year versus a 7% drop in Goldman Sachs Group Inc.'s basket of luxury shares. In the current economic context, pricing power is critical, said Helen Jewell, Europe, Middle East and Africa chief investment officer at BlackRock Fundamental Equities. 'The challenge for investors has been some of the names that we thought had greater brand strength, and it turned out they actually didn't,' she said, adding that there could be some buying opportunities after the selloff in the sector 'but you do need to be selective.' For the sector as a whole, the difference is stark between now and the 2021 to 2023 boom times, when investors were rushing to snap up any European luxury shares as they reaped the profits from shoppers on a post-pandemic spending spree. But with China's sluggish economy putting a dent into demand for pricey handbags and watches, investors are buying shares in the brands that can captivate consumers and selling the ones that can't. Among this year's winners, shares in Burberry have surged more than 30%. The UK fashion brand is gaining traction with its turnaround plan and winning new customers through its outwear push. To some investors, luxury valuations are still too high overall even after this year's plunge in a number of stocks. The industry has an average forward price-earnings ratio of 27, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That's a near 85% premium to the broader market and above the long-term premium from the past 10 years. 'This is a sector that is fully exposed to tariffs and fully exposed to the weaker dollar,' said Roland Kaloyan, head of European equity strategy at Societe Generale SA. 'It's going to be quite difficult, so I stick to my underweight.'
Fashion Network
6 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Luxury's split between winners and losers is only getting wider
For Europe's luxury stocks, this earnings season will hammer home the widening gulf between the winners and the losers. The industry got off to a promising start with robust earnings from British trench coat maker Burberry Group Plc that sent its stock up as much as 9% and better-than-expected sales at Cartier owner Richemont. But upcoming reports from LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, Kering SA and Salvatore Ferragamo SpA look less promising. If sales at these companies undershoot already weak forecasts, the shares may extend this year's drop that has wiped out market value of as much as 175 billion euros (205 billion dollars). While the outlook for luxury shares is crucial for Europe's stalled equity market rally given the weight of these companies, investors have to be more selective about the stocks they pick. 'It's not going to be one-tide-lifts-all-boats for the sector,' said Stefan-Guenter Bauknecht, a senior portfolio manager at DWS. 'It really depends on the category and how the brand is perceived in the category. And the VIP certainly helps.' One striking example of the sector's divide is LVMH versus French peer Hermes International SCA. Sales at LVMH's key Fashion & Leather Goods division are expected to have dropped 7.8% in the second quarter, according to analyst estimates. The company reports after the bell on Thursday. Hermes, which has been an example of how companies can thrive on selling the highest-end items, is expected to report revenue growth of 12% at its leather goods division. Its results are due on July 30. In the case of the Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. owner, the stock has lost roughly half of its value over the past two years, losing its crown of Europe's biggest stock, with investors increasingly worried about an unprecedented demand slump in China. Hermes shares, on the other hand, are weathering the broader industry pullback. After a 160% jump since the end of 2020, the stock is little changed this year versus a 7% drop in Goldman Sachs Group Inc.'s basket of luxury shares. In the current economic context, pricing power is critical, said Helen Jewell, Europe, Middle East and Africa chief investment officer at BlackRock Fundamental Equities. 'The challenge for investors has been some of the names that we thought had greater brand strength, and it turned out they actually didn't,' she said, adding that there could be some buying opportunities after the selloff in the sector 'but you do need to be selective.' For the sector as a whole, the difference is stark between now and the 2021 to 2023 boom times, when investors were rushing to snap up any European luxury shares as they reaped the profits from shoppers on a post-pandemic spending spree. But with China's sluggish economy putting a dent into demand for pricey handbags and watches, investors are buying shares in the brands that can captivate consumers and selling the ones that can't. Among this year's winners, shares in Burberry have surged more than 30%. The UK fashion brand is gaining traction with its turnaround plan and winning new customers through its outwear push. To some investors, luxury valuations are still too high overall even after this year's plunge in a number of stocks. The industry has an average forward price-earnings ratio of 27, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That's a near 85% premium to the broader market and above the long-term premium from the past 10 years. 'This is a sector that is fully exposed to tariffs and fully exposed to the weaker dollar,' said Roland Kaloyan, head of European equity strategy at Societe Generale SA. 'It's going to be quite difficult, so I stick to my underweight.'
GMA Network
a day ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Filipino youth from Italy shine bright on World of Dance 2025 in LA
The Hermes Dance Crew, composed of Filipino youth from Italy, electrify the stage of the World of Dance 2025 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Courtesy: Hermes With lights blazing, music thumping, and a global audience holding their breath, the Hermes Dance Crew—representing both Italy and the Philippines—took the World of Dance 2025 stage and left it electrified. The 18-member crew delivered a performance that was nothing short of explosive, earning roars and cheers. For a few powerful minutes, the stage belonged to them—and they owned it with every beat, step, and story told through movement. From the streets of Rome to one of the most prestigious stages in the world, Hermes' journey is the kind that inspires. Composed entirely of Filipino youth born and raised in Italy, the group has been dancing together for years, with every performance carrying not just talent but heritage, heart, and pride. Members of the Hermes Dance Crew strike a pose at the Los Angeles Convention Center where the World of Dance 2025 was held. Courtesy: Hermes At the World of Dance Summit 2025—a multi-day gathering of the best dancers from all over the globe—Hermes brought something different: cultural fire and emotional storytelling wrapped in clean, high-energy choreography. Their signature hip-hop movement spoke volumes about identity, resilience, and unity. Backstage, the crew was overwhelmed with love and support from coaches, and supporters from home. When asked what the moment meant to them, the choreographers answered: "This wasn't just about showing we could dance. It was about showing the world who we are. We carry the love of two countries—Italy and the Philippines—and tonight, we danced for both." Under the guidance of passionate coaches Allen Gunda and Jefferson Bayaborda Creus, the team after years of training and discipline to the test—delivered a performance that will be remembered not anymore locally, but internationally. From the opening count to the final pose, Hermes commanded the stage with energy, sharpness, and confidence. Their routine was fresh and powerful, layered with moments that hit deep emotionally. By the time the music stopped, the crowd was on its feet—cheering, clapping, and shouting their name. Representing both the Philippines and Italy, members of the Hermes Dance Crew prepare to take the stage at the World of Dance 2025 in Los Angeles. Courtesy: Hermes More than a performance Hermes Dance Crew didn't just dance in Los Angeles—they made a statement: That young Filipinos in Italy have a voice. That they belong. And that they are ready to take on the world. They may not know exactly what the future holds, but one thing is for sure: The world is now watching. And from what they did on that stage... this is just the beginning! — VDV, GMA Integrated News
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Brain Rot, Gamification, Crowdsourcing and The Labubu Fad
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 08: A guest wears brown coat, white blouse, orange Hermes bag with a bag charm ... More brown Labubu monster, grey pants outside the Hermes fashion show during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026 as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 08, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by) From the iPhone to the Birkin bag, marketing is replete with examples of must have accessories that spark a buying frenzy. In 2025, the fad collectible is a Labubu. Labubus are little plush monster toys, made by Chinese manufacturer Popmart, specifically marked at adults. While the Labubus may seem like yet another fad, there are important lessons about the interconnectedness of brain rot marketing, gamification and crowdsourcing that impact how we shop and live. Storytelling and Brain Rot Marketing LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 2: A man holds a phone, displaying word of ''brain rot'', as the ... More Oxford Dictionary has chosen the word, which refers to the unnecessary and entertaining use of social media, as the word of the year in London, United Kingdom on December 2, 2024. (Photo by Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images) The Oxford English Dictionary defined 'Brain rot' as the supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state, as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Generative AI tools make it easy to create content such as memes that are designed to go viral. Labubu with its limited time drops and blind boxes taps into the phenomenon of brain rot marketing, especially by appealing to the elements of surprise and scarcity. The popularity of such brainrot content has sparked concerns from marketers about AI generated slop drowning out legitimate marketing campaigns and even leading to a brand safety crisis. But as the Labubu craze shows, companies can tap into the power of storytelling and cultivating an authentic brand identity. Labubus are sold in a blind box, so consumers don't know what they get till they open the box. With celebrities and pop culture icons showcasing their Labubu collections on social media, Labubu has become a cult toy especially with Gen Z. PopMart has very few retail locations in the US and toys are sold out very quickly online. Fans obsessively track PopMart's limited time 'drops' or online releases as well as PopMart's livestreams on TikTok. Consumers are also relying on social media platforms such as Reddit to get advice on where to buy Labubus and be a part of the community. Each Labubu is part of a collection, so it is naturally limited or unique. This gives consumers a sense of connection when they open one. Critical to Labubu's appeal is that the product itself is viral. The unboxing format is designed for TikTok's algorithm, i.e., to maximize engagement. Short, suspenseful videos with clear emotional payoffs (surprise, disappointment, excitement) are known to generate higher engagement rates. There are thousands of TikTok videos that mention Labubus, with users showing off their collections, unboxing experiences, and styling their Labubus as fashion accessories. Since each toy is a collectible, each unboxing experience is designed to go viral. This is an important lesson to leaders that engineering virality as part of product design may be more effective in peer-to-peer promotion than making a product first and coming up with a marketing strategy later approach. Gamification PopMart has gamified the shopping experience – creating the anticipation, building a community of loyal users and encouraging repeat purchases – but the manner in which they do so offers lessons for leaders. The blind box marketing creates a lottery-like experience where buyers don't know which variant of the Labubu they are likely to receive. The psychological principle - variable ratio reinforcement –is similar to the reward reinforcement mechanism underlying slot machines. The toys are released in series with multiple variants, colors, and limited editions. Consumers can feel compelled to buy more Labubus to complete a collection. PopMart seems to have grasped the intersection between gamification and virality. The blind box model transforms shopping into gambling, but more importantly, it makes the purchase itself into shareable content. Every unboxing becomes potential viral material, turning customers into unpaid marketing agents. The randomness means there's always a chance of hitting the jackpot variant that generates massive views. The important lesson for leaders is to understand the virtuous cycle of engagement and how to create multiple levels of engagement. Some consumers are casual buyers, while others are dedicated to the brand. The Labubu blind box and gamified experience creates separate categories of dedicated collectors, traders, and community members who help others in their quest to find a Labubu. This in turn transforms individual shopping into collaborative experiences. Marketers and leaders have long grappled with how to encourage community participation, leaderboards that foster friendly competition, and exclusive access levels that members can unlock together. PopMart is a great example of a positive feedback loop where increased customer interaction leads to strengthening community participation. The layering of engagement types is also a pointer to leaders that they should think beyond individual transactions and consider how their products can facilitate social connections, shared experiences, and user-generated content. Crowdsourcing SPAIN - 2022/11/29: In this photo illustration, the Reddit social media App seen displayed on a ... More smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Davide Bonaldo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Though these collectibles Initially acquired popularity through influencers on TikTok, the hype is also sustained by the communities of users that help each other discover where to buy Labubus. This is an important lesson to leaders about how online communities can provide emotional support and connection. Increasingly, people turn to platforms like Reddit, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, etc. for advice about almost every aspect of life. Labubu collecting has spawned online communities where people share hauls, trade items, and discuss strategies. These communities create belonging and shared identity around the collecting activity, making it more engaging than solitary consumption. The rarity system also enables a robust trading ecosystem. Collectors engage in complex exchanges, negotiations, and marketplace activities that feel game-like. Hunting for deals or trading duplicates adds strategic elements beyond simple purchasing. Labubu demonstrates Reddit's unique power as a platform for creating sustained communities of users. On the Reddit community r/Labubu — which has 92,000 members — fans not only share photos of their collections, but they also trade tips and tricks about how to snag the elusive dolls for themselves. Three Lessons for Leaders Labubu's success in leveraging brainrot marketing, crowdsourcing and gamification offers three lessons for leaders:
