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Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily AI update on the latest in retail and tech. Today, we’ve got some exciting moves from fashion giants and retail innovators alike. Let’s dive into five stories that matter to your business and bottom line.
Zalando is shaking up its leadership team with a fresh financial perspective. According to Retail Bulletin, Anna Dimitrova will take the reins as Zalando’s new chief financial officer starting January 1st. She brings a wealth of experience from Deutsche Glasfaser and Vodafone, where she held senior financial roles. Dimitrova will join the management board and oversee finance and corporate governance, aiming to steer Zalando through its next phase of growth. Meanwhile, interim CFO David Schröder will return to focusing on his co-chief executive role.
Next is upping its profit forecast after a stellar third quarter performance. The Retail Bulletin reports that full price sales jumped 10.5% in the 13 weeks to October 25th, beating expectations by £76 million. UK sales grew 5.4%, supported by better stock levels, while overseas sales soared nearly 39%, well above first half numbers. This strong showing has prompted Next to raise its full year pre-tax profit guidance by £30 million to £1.13 billion. Clearly, Next’s strategy is paying off both at home and abroad.
Superdry has turned a corner, returning to profit after a major restructuring. Retail Gazette shares that Superdry posted a pre-tax profit of £33.8 million for the year ending April 26th, a big turnaround from a £48.3 million loss the year before. This was driven by over £130 million in cost savings, store closures, and renegotiated leases as part of a court-approved plan. CEO Julian Dunkerton says the brand is now leaner, more focused on quality and sustainability, and positioned for profitable growth despite a tough retail environment. It’s a textbook example of how tough decisions can reset a business.
Adidas is sprinting ahead with record sales and profits in the third quarter. Retail Gazette reports the sportswear giant’s net sales hit £5.81 billion, a 12% currency-neutral increase, despite a cyber-attack earlier this year. Operating profit jumped 23% to £648 million, with an improved margin of 11.1%. CEO Bjørn Gulden praised the team’s performance and raised the full-year EBIT outlook to around €2 billion, up from previous estimates. Even with global uncertainties, Adidas’ brand strength is clearly paying off.
The Perfume Shop is expanding its footprint with two new experiential stores this week. Retail Times reveals new locations in Bexleyheath and Gillingham will feature digital screens, personalized ribbon machines, and expert fragrance consultations. They’re also offering a free fragrance bottle to the first 30 customers spending over £65 starting October 31st. The retailer is committed to sustainability with energy-efficient LED lighting and a perfume bottle recycling program that offers 15% off the next purchase. These moves keep The Perfume Shop fresh and customer-focused after 30 years on the high street.
So that’s your roundup for today, highlighting leadership shifts, strong financial results, and innovative retail expansions. It’s clear that agility and customer experience remain top priorities in this fast-changing market. Thanks for tuning into The Checkout by Kuro House, and we’ll catch you tomorrow with more insights.
