Latest news with #Tabby
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Less-expensive luxury fashion brands are slowly gaining ground, but why?
Ultra-luxury is losing its lustre – and mid-tier competitors are capitalising. Industry bellwether LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, which reported weaker-than-expected sales in the latest quarter, was accused of selling a Dior bag that costs about US$60 (approximately RM255) to make for US$2,800 (RM11,918). Meanwhile, Tapestry Inc's Coach is cashing in on cool with its US$495 (RM2,107) Tabby bag – a viral hit that costs a fraction of a similar shoulder bag from Dior or Chanel. That's just one example of how mid-tier luxury brands are weathering the current economic uncertainty better than their ultra-luxury and fast-fashion counterparts, as consumers seek quality and value without the sky-high prices amid a weaker global economy. "There's a bit of a backlash going on,' said Fflur Roberts, head of luxury goods at Euromonitor International. Consumers are questioning the true value behind the price, including how items are made and the cost versus what they're really worth, she said. Read more: Why Elf Beauty is banking big on Rhode, Hailey Bieber's fan-favourite brand As wealthy consumers trade down, mid-tier brands are performing increasingly well. Tapestry, which also owns the Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman brands, recently raised its forecast for the year after reporting quarterly results ahead of analyst estimates. Amer Sports Inc, which owns premium sportswear brands Salomon and Arc'teryx, also increased its projections for the full year, while Michael Kors owner Capri Holdings Ltd and Hugo Boss AG both outperformed market expectations. Ralph Lauren Corp is another winner, offering a broad price range and maintaining appeal through its classic design, according to Bloomberg Intelligence senior retail analyst Mary Ross Gilbert. Same-store sales rose 13% in the three months through March 29, nearly double what analysts expected. Meanwhile, luxury giants Hermes International SCA and Gucci owner Kering SA joined LVMH in disappointing investors in the most recent earnings season, while privately-held Chanel Ltd's profit plunged. On the other end of the spectrum, fast fashion also struggling. "We've seen a more difficult environment,' said BI senior analyst Charles Allen. Higher Zara prices and fewer H&M promotions are deterring shoppers, he added. Zara owner Inditex SA, Hennes & Mauritz AB and Primark, owned by Associated British Foods Plc, all reported slower growth or missed targets, while JD Sports Fashion Plc's same-store sales fell 2% in the first quarter and are expected to drop again. Tariffs – a key reason for the luxury slowdown – leave retailers targeting value shoppers little wiggle room. Read more: Dior's first female head of womenswear, Maria Grazia Chiuri, steps down Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing Co already warned these could hurt future earnings, while H&M said it may raise prices to offset the impact, which could push shoppers further away. Still, some consumers may be returning to stores. Primark US sales grew in April – partly due to the Easter holiday shifting to the month, after shrinking the previous two months, according to observed sales data collected by Bloomberg. Meanwhile, US wages continued to grow in April, and the country is still at a full employment level with the unemployment rate at 4.2%. US spending in April, however, ground to a halt. "If people have money and see something tempting, they'll spend,' Allen said. "People don't always behave how they say they will.' – Bloomberg
Business of Fashion
2 days ago
- Business
- Business of Fashion
Coach's Hit Handbag Shows How Less-Expensive Luxury Is Gaining Ground
Ultra-luxury is losing its luster — and mid-tier competitors are capitalizing. Industry bellwether LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, which reported weaker-than-expected sales in the latest quarter, was accused of selling a Dior bag that costs about $60 to make for $2,800. Meanwhile, Tapestry Inc.'s Coach is cashing in on cool with its $495 Tabby bag — a viral hit that costs a fraction of a similar shoulder bag from Dior or Chanel. That's just one example of how mid-tier luxury brands are weathering the current economic uncertainty better than their ultra-luxury and fast-fashion counterparts, as consumers seek quality and value without the sky-high prices amid a weaker global economy. 'There's a bit of a backlash going on,' said Fflur Roberts, head of luxury goods at Euromonitor International. Consumers are questioning the true value behind the price, including how items are made and the cost versus what they're really worth, she said. As wealthy consumers trade down, mid-tier brands are performing increasingly well. Tapestry, which also owns the Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman brands, recently raised its forecast for the year after reporting quarterly results ahead of analyst estimates. Amer Sports Inc., which owns premium sportswear brands Salomon and Arc'teryx, also increased its projections for the full year, while Michael Kors owner Capri Holdings Ltd. and Hugo Boss AG both outperformed market expectations. Ralph Lauren Corp. is another winner, offering a broad price range and maintaining appeal through its classic design, according to Bloomberg Intelligence senior retail analyst Mary Ross Gilbert. Same-store sales rose 13 percent in the three months through March 29, nearly double what analysts expected. Meanwhile, luxury giants Hermès International SCA and Gucci owner Kering SA joined LVMH in disappointing investors in the most recent earnings season, while privately-held Chanel Ltd.'s profit plunged. On the other end of the spectrum, fast fashion also struggling. 'We've seen a more difficult environment,' said BI senior analyst Charles Allen. Higher Zara prices and fewer H&M promotions are deterring shoppers, he added. Zara owner Inditex SA, Hennes & Mauritz AB and Primark, owned by Associated British Foods Plc, all reported slower growth or missed targets, while JD Sports Fashion Plc's same-store sales fell 2 percent in the first quarter and are expected to drop again. Tariffs — a key reason for the luxury slowdown — leave retailers targeting value shoppers little wiggle room. Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing Co. already warned these could hurt future earnings, while H&M said it may raise prices to offset the impact, which could push shoppers further away. Still, some consumers may be returning to stores. Primark US sales grew in April — partly due to the Easter holiday shifting to the month — after shrinking the previous two months, according to observed sales data collected by Bloomberg. Meanwhile, US wages continued to grow in April, and the country is still at a full employment level with the unemployment rate at 4.2 percent. US spending in April, however, ground to a halt. 'If people have money and see something tempting, they'll spend,' Allen said. 'People don't always behave how they say they will.' By Rachel Phua Learn more: How Coach Used Data to Make Its Tabby Bag a Hit After the bag initially proved popular with Gen-Z consumers, the brand used a mix of hard numbers and qualitative data – including 'shopalongs' with young customers – to make the most of its accessory's viral moment.
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Coach's hit handbag shows how less-expensive luxury is gaining ground
Ultra-luxury is losing its luster — and mid-tier competitors are capitalizing. Industry bellwether LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, which reported weaker-than-expected sales in the latest quarter, was accused of selling a Dior bag that costs about $60 to make for $2,800. Meanwhile, Tapestry Inc.'s Coach is cashing in on cool with its $495 Tabby bag — a viral hit that costs a fraction of a similar shoulder bag from Dior or Chanel. That's just one example of how mid-tier luxury brands are weathering the current economic uncertainty better than their ultra-luxury and fast-fashion counterparts, as consumers seek quality and value without the sky-high prices amid a weaker global economy. 'There's a bit of a backlash going on,' said Fflur Roberts, head of luxury goods at Euromonitor International. Consumers are questioning the true value behind the price, including how items are made and the cost versus what they're really worth, she said. As wealthy consumers trade down, mid-tier brands are performing increasingly well. Tapestry, which also owns the Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman brands, recently raised its forecast for the year after reporting quarterly results ahead of analyst estimates. Amer Sports Inc., which owns premium sportswear brands Salomon and Arc'teryx, also increased its projections for the full year, while Michael Kors owner Capri Holdings Ltd. and Hugo Boss AG both outperformed market expectations. Ralph Lauren Corp. is another winner, offering a broad price range and maintaining appeal through its classic design, according to Bloomberg Intelligence senior retail analyst Mary Ross Gilbert. Same-store sales rose 13% in the three months through March 29, nearly double what analysts expected. Meanwhile, luxury giants Hermès International SCA and Gucci owner Kering SA joined LVMH in disappointing investors in the most recent earnings season, while privately-held Chanel Ltd.'s profit plunged. On the other end of the spectrum, fast fashion also struggling. 'We've seen a more difficult environment,' said BI senior analyst Charles Allen. Higher Zara prices and fewer H&M promotions are deterring shoppers, he added. Zara owner Inditex SA, Hennes & Mauritz AB and Primark, owned by Associated British Foods Plc, all reported slower growth or missed targets, while JD Sports Fashion Plc's same-store sales fell 2% in the first quarter and are expected to drop again. Tariffs — a key reason for the luxury slowdown — leave retailers targeting value shoppers little wiggle room. Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing Co. already warned these could hurt future earnings, while H&M said it may raise prices to offset the impact, which could push shoppers further away. Still, some consumers may be returning to stores. Primark US sales grew in April — partly due to the Easter holiday shifting to the month — after shrinking the previous two months, according to observed sales data collected by Bloomberg. Meanwhile, US wages continued to grow in April, and the country is still at a full employment level with the unemployment rate at 4.2%. US spending in April, however, ground to a halt. 'If people have money and see something tempting, they'll spend,' Allen said. 'People don't always behave how they say they will.'
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Coach's Hit Handbag Shows How Less-Expensive Luxury Is Gaining Ground
(Bloomberg) -- Ultra-luxury is losing its luster — and mid-tier competitors are capitalizing. Industry bellwether LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, which reported weaker-than-expected sales in the latest quarter, was accused of selling a Dior bag that costs about $60 to make for $2,800. Meanwhile, Tapestry Inc.'s Coach is cashing in on cool with its $495 Tabby bag — a viral hit that costs a fraction of a similar shoulder bag from Dior or Chanel. That's just one example of how mid-tier luxury brands are weathering the current economic uncertainty better than their ultra-luxury and fast-fashion counterparts, as consumers seek quality and value without the sky-high prices amid a weaker global economy. 'There's a bit of a backlash going on,' said Fflur Roberts, head of luxury goods at Euromonitor International. Consumers are questioning the true value behind the price, including how items are made and the cost versus what they're really worth, she said. As wealthy consumers trade down, mid-tier brands are performing increasingly well. Tapestry, which also owns the Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman brands, recently raised its forecast for the year after reporting quarterly results ahead of analyst estimates. Amer Sports Inc., which owns premium sportswear brands Salomon and Arc'teryx, also increased its projections for the full year, while Michael Kors owner Capri Holdings Ltd. and Hugo Boss AG both outperformed market expectations. Ralph Lauren Corp. is another winner, offering a broad price range and maintaining appeal through its classic design, according to Bloomberg Intelligence senior retail analyst Mary Ross Gilbert. Same-store sales rose 13% in the three months through March 29, nearly double what analysts expected. Meanwhile, luxury giants Hermès International SCA and Gucci owner Kering SA joined LVMH in disappointing investors in the most recent earnings season, while privately-held Chanel Ltd.'s profit plunged. On the other end of the spectrum, fast fashion also struggling. 'We've seen a more difficult environment,' said BI senior analyst Charles Allen. Higher Zara prices and fewer H&M promotions are deterring shoppers, he added. Zara owner Inditex SA, Hennes & Mauritz AB and Primark, owned by Associated British Foods Plc, all reported slower growth or missed targets, while JD Sports Fashion Plc's same-store sales fell 2% in the first quarter and are expected to drop again. Tariffs — a key reason for the luxury slowdown — leave retailers targeting value shoppers little wiggle room. Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing Co. already warned these could hurt future earnings, while H&M said it may raise prices to offset the impact, which could push shoppers further away. Still, some consumers may be returning to stores. Primark US sales grew in April — partly due to the Easter holiday shifting to the month — after shrinking the previous two months, according to observed sales data collected by Bloomberg. Meanwhile, US wages continued to grow in April, and the country is still at a full employment level with the unemployment rate at 4.2%. US spending in April, however, ground to a halt. 'If people have money and see something tempting, they'll spend,' Allen said. 'People don't always behave how they say they will.' --With assistance from Jeannette Neumann. More stories like this are available on
Fintech News ME
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Fintech Leads MENA Startup Investment in Q1 2025
In Q1 2025, fintech startups dominated venture capital (VC) activity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), raising the three largest transactions of the quarter, according to new data released by Magnitt, a data and intelligence platform tracking venture capital (VC) and private equity across the Middle East. This trend underscores the sector's continued momentum and growing maturity, as high-growth fintechs broaden their offerings, expand into new markets, and position themselves for future public listings. Tabby: building a broad fintech ecosystem Tabby, a leading buy now, pay later (BNPL) platform and shopping app in the region, secured the largest deal of Q1 2025 with a US$160 million Series E financing round raised in February. The round gave Tabby a US$3.3 billion valuation, making it the most valuable tech startup in MENA. With the proceeds, Tabby will accelerate its transformation beyond BNPL into a comprehensive fintech ecosystem, focusing on digital spending accounts, payments, cards, and money management tools, in particular, the company said. This builds on key recent developments, including Tabby's acquisition of Tweeq, a Saudi Arabia-based digital wallet, as well as the rollout of Tabby Card for flexible payments, and Tabby Plus, a subscription program. The Series E round is also positioning Tabby strongly as it prepares for its initial public offering (IPO), which is anticipated to take place within the next 18 months. Saudi Arabia is being considered among potential listing venues, and the company has hired HSBC, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley, to work on the IPO, according to a source with knowledge of the matter. Founded in 2019 and based in Saudi Arabia, Tabby allows customers to purchase products online or in-store and split the payment over four monthly installments. The company, which currently operates in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait, claims more than 15 million registered users, over 40,000 retail partners, and over US$10 billion in annualized sales volume. AppliedAI: expanding further into the EU and the US AppliedAI, an insurtech startup based in Abu Dhabi, secured the second largest transaction of Q1 2025, raising a US$55 million Series A in February. The company aims to position itself as a key artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure provider for highly regulated industries, particularly healthcare and insurance. With a fresh funding, AppliedAI is focused on scaling its technology and workforce, and expand further into the US and European markets. Founded in London in 2021, AppliedAI leverages a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and human review to process medical billing records and insurance claims faster and more accurately than traditional outsourcing firms. Among its notable clients are Abu Dhabi's M42 Healthcare Group, US law firm Morgan & Morgan, and UK-based drug safety firm Qinecsa. AppliedAI relocated to Abu Dhabi in 2022 to benefit from government grants. NymCard: an embedded finance leader in MENA NymCard, an embedded finance platform in MENA, secured the third biggest transaction of Q1 2025, raising in March a US$33 million Series B funding round. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, NymCard provides a full-stack, application programming interface (API)-first payment infrastructure for banks, fintech companies, enterprises, and telecom providers to issue cards, process transactions, offer digital lending, and support real-time money movement. To date, the company has partnered with more than 50 leading firms to deliver personalized financial offerings across the region. NymCard's strategy is to cement its position as the leading embedded finance infrastructure provider in MENA by leveraging its proprietary processing platform and switching tech, as well as its deep regional integration. With the proceeds, the company said it will deepen its presence across the 10+ MENA markets it currently serves, and strengthen its payment infrastructure solutions. Funding rebounds in MENA Fintech funding in MENA is showing signs of recovery this year. In Q1 2025, startups in the sector raised a total of US$372 million across 42 deals in Q1 2025, more than 50% of 2024 capital, according to Magnitt. This signals a sharp rebound in investor confidence, and sets the stage of a strong year 2025. This rise in fintech funding reflects a broader resurgence in MENA's startup ecosystem. In Q1 2025, MENA's tech startups amassed a total of US$678 million across 133 transactions, its highest level since Q4 2023. Saudi Arabia and the UAE continued to dominate the region's VC landscape, together accounting for 88% of deal value and 76% of deal count in Q1 2025. Saudi Arabia topped the chart by total funding, securing US$750 million, while the UAE led in deal volume with 188 transactions.
