Thais Klapisch

Sleep is a key focus for the wellness industry and consumers, and is an area that we have been tracking for some time here at WGSN. Held in East London’s Shoreditch, Somnex is the first ever exhibition dedicated to sleep-health, showcasing new products and tech innovations from over 120 companies from the sleep industry. Products ranged from natural herbal solutions to high-tech cooling pillow pads, demonstrating the breadth of this growing market.

Dining is becoming increasingly casualised, and it’s fuelled by a shift in consumer behaviour. Everything from on-the-go lifestyles to social sharing are influencing both product and also the way people eat. Tabletop products are increasingly a priority, designed to suit these casual lifestyles, while drivers such as Instagram heighten the importance of strong design aesthetics. We take a look at products that are fusing casual dining with high design.

In a market plagued by overstock and consequent persistent promotions, protecting margins where possible is integral for survival in fashion retail. So how does one of the leaders in the market enhance the probability of full-price sell through in the most discount heavy week of the retail year – Black Friday? Unlike other retailers, Zara restricts marking down in the lead up to Black Friday, limiting discounting until the day itself.