Retail Week reports that ME+EM is continuing its international store expansion, with sales growing 24% to £215m. M&S has introduced The Sports Edit into a physical retail environment, bringing together established sports and lifestyle brands under one roof.
But something else caught my eye.
Independent retailer The Edit is opening its fifth store, while Trunk Lifestyle has expanded with a second location.
"I love seeing this. Not because every independent retailer is thriving. We know the pressures facing the high street are very real. But because there are still businesses investing, opening doors and creating interesting places for people to shop."
And it reflects some of the conversations I've been having this week.
We've been reconnecting with independent boutiques, meeting international designers, exploring new partnerships and looking ahead to AW27.
Some of those retailer relationships go back more than two decades. Others are completely new. There's something rather special about that mix.
The industry has changed enormously since I started, but discovering a brilliant store, meeting an interesting designer or reconnecting with an old buyer still gives me the same excitement.
Behind the scenes, we're also exploring a new London showroom and have introduced our Agent N Insights platform, where we'll be sharing more of the stories and developments shaping our industry.
It's been a productive week, and there are some exciting conversations taking shape.
To the Network
Which independent fashion retailers have impressed you recently? Not necessarily the biggest or best-known — perhaps somewhere with an extraordinary selection, a brilliant owner or simply a different approach to retail. I'd love to discover a few more.
Have a wonderful weekend.