1. Tech is driving luxury brand engagement: Investments in digital mediums ranged from revamped websites/apps, to the use of VR, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies, to reimagined runway shows like Balenciaga’s Afterworld game in which characters were clad in the brand’s designs. – Read More on Insider Intelligence
2. Retail Real Estate Is Enjoying Its Biggest Revival in Years: More stores opened than closed in the U.S. last year for the first time since 1995, according to an analysis by Morgan Stanley, and some analysts say they expect that trend to continue this year even with recession fears rising. – Read More on the WSJ
3. Consumer discretionary remains highest risk sector in Q3: Consumer discretionary, which comprises industries with strong sensitivity to economic cycles, scored the highest on two out of three risk factors — the proportion of lowered corporate guidance and the rise in short interest. – Read More on S&P Global
4. The case for and against custom apparel: Whether it is through 3D scans or measurement-based customizations, brands are coming up with a variety of unique methods to size customers from the comfort of their own homes and sell them a made-to-order product. – Read More on Modern Retail
5. H&M, Zara’s Owner Stick With ‘Made in Myanmar’ After Coup, but Some Brands Exit: European retailer Primark, which bought garments such as raincoats and parkas from 25 factories in Myanmar, said last month it would exit, citing difficulties in ensuring the safety and rights of workers who make the clothing. – Read More on the WSJ