article thumbnail

New Balance follows Nike, Puma in phasing out kangaroo skins 

Inside Retail

Athletic giant New Balance has altered its sourcing policies, aiming to phase out its use of kangaroo skins and halt sales of kangaroo-based shoes by next December. The Center for a Humane Economy has also pressed other brands, including Japan-based Mizuno, to discontinue the use of kangaroo hides in their products.

Balance 264
article thumbnail

Retail’s returns challenge: How to balance customer demands and overheads

Inside Retail

Growing consumer expectations of free delivery and free returns are placing pressure on retailers who on one hand recognise customer demand, but on the other are trying to reduce their operating costs. Retailers faced with rising delivery costs driven by shippers can implement several strategies to mitigate the problem, said Pope.

Balance 234
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Can Wesfarmers’ OnePass succeed where other membership programs failed?

Inside Retail

Earlier this year, Western Australia-based Wesfarmers announced the relaunch of its OnePass paid membership program, which offers free home delivery and other benefits across almost all of its retail businesses. The other advantage Wesfarmers has is that it is basing its offer on some of the best in the world, according to Cherrier.

Other 246
article thumbnail

From New Balance to Louis Vuitton: Why brands are tapping into tennis

Inside Retail

Old sport, New Balance approach. New Balance recently signed a three-year deal as the official performance apparel and footwear provider of the Australian Open and United Cup. New Balance is a privately owned, Boston-based sports footwear and apparel brand, founded in 1906 by William Riley.

Balance 130
article thumbnail

Thankyou co-founder Daniel Flynn on balancing ‘work-life tension’

Inside Retail

There’s the growth bucket, and here I’m involved in developing overall strategy as well as ideating new products and exploring new growth opportunities; this also includes pitching ideas, helping promote the brand through interviews, podcasts or speaking engagements and mapping new communication strategies to help grow brand awareness.

Balance 130
article thumbnail

Why New Balance is putting people at the heart of its new store concept

Inside Retail

New Balance recently revealed a new retail concept store at Paragon Shopping Centre in Singapore centred on experience and carrying a curated selection of footwear and apparel that caters to athletes and fashion enthusiasts. Brand values Hefer said that the New Balance brand has always been known for quality, fit and craftsmanship.

Balance 130
article thumbnail

Don’t inbox-watch: How Officeworks’ merchandise GM balances his attention

Inside Retail

I’ve attended a number of study tours and sourcing trips across South America, Europe, the United States and South-East Asia, as we expanded our product range and learned from what other players globally are doing. The other lesson I’ve learnt is to talk to your customers regularly. You will always learn something from them.

Balance 130