Shein and SPEAC launch EU compliance sessions for marketplace sellers. Shein has started a planned series of nine compliance training sessions for marketplace sellers operating in the EU, beginning with a briefing on the bloc's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The first online session took place on 21 September 2026 and addressed obligations under the PPWR, which came into effect on 12 August. The training covered the regulation's background, compliance routes and implementation considerations, including recyclability, traceability, labelling and packaging-waste reduction. Led by Dr Liu Kaiming, a SPEAC key expert, the PPWR briefing was delivered with SPEAC, an EU-funded project with which Shein has previously run training for sellers. According to the fast fashion retailer, the wider 2026 programme will include sessions on the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and rules governing restricted substances in textiles, apparel, jewellery and chemical products. The programme is intended to help sellers understand EU product-safety and consumer-protection requirements applicable to their operations. The latest sessions build on two previous training events organised by Shein and SPEAC in 2025, which covered the EU General Product Safety Regulation for consumer goods as well as compliance standards for electronic products sold within the EU. According to Shein, the goal of these seller-focused initiatives is to help marketplace vendors better understand and implement European requirements on product safety and consumer protection. These training sessions complement the company's own compliance measures as an EU online marketplace, as mandated by regulations including the General Product Safety Regulation and the Digital Services Act. Shein EMEA senior product compliance director Julien Faivre said: "Shein's collaboration with SPEAC highlights its commitment to driving compliance awareness amongst its marketplace sellers. The training series complements Shein's ongoing efforts to provide Marketplace sellers with access to information and training on the regulatory requirements applicable in the markets where they operate." In parallel, Shein launched a product safety and quality compliance training programme for marketplace sellers in May 2026. This initiative, organised with third-party testing and certification organisations such as Bureau Veritas, SGS, and TÜV SÜD, is designed to address ongoing changes to safety requirements and industry standards, helping sellers adapt to global compliance challenges. Shein said that the programme covers regulatory updates, product-safety requirements, testing standards and industry practices across international markets. Give your business an edge with its leading industry insights.

Zionsville in brief - september 22, 2026. Zionsville Redevelopment Commission - The RDC meets at 9 a.m. Sept. 22 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The commission handles items related to development including acquiring land and overseeing tax increment financing districts. Street Dance rescheduled for Sept. 26 - The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce's Street Dance will be 6-10 p.m. Sept. 26 on the north end of Main Street in the Village. Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance and $25 at the gate. Kids 10 and younger are $10. VIP tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance. The annual event includes live music, beverages from local breweries, wineries and distilleries, food trucks and a kids play area. The Janeways and the Flying Toasters will perform. Tickets can be purchased at zionsvillechamber.org/street-dance/. The event was postponed from Aug. 2 because of weather. Zionsville American Legion hosting military family event - There will be a military family support and celebration event from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Zionsville American Legion, 9960 E. 600 S. The event is meant to connect military families with the community. There will be activities for children, resources for military families, dinner and live music. Senior expo set for Oct. 3 - The 18th annual Boone County Senior Health and Wellness Expo will be from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 3 at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds. The free event for Boone County seniors, caregivers and family members will feature more than 50 vendors, health screenings, flu shots, demonstrations, door prizes. There is a giveaway for the first 100 people who attend. For more, contact 765-482-5220 or 317-873-8939 or go to booneseniors.org. Shein opens new warehouse - Online fashion retailer Shein opened a new 737,000-square-foot warehouse Sept. 10 at 6299 S. 475 East, Lebanon. The new fulfillment facility is expected to create hundreds of new jobs and is located 1 1/2 miles from its existing operations in Whitestown. Shein's first Indiana distribution facility opened in 2022 in Whitestown. Riley earns top rankings - Riley Children's Health has been named among the nation's leading children's hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, earning a spot on the 2026-27 Best Children's Hospitals list for the 19th consecutive year. Riley Children's Health was the No. 1 ranked children's hospital in Indiana and fourth in the Midwest. It is one of 18 children's hospitals in the nation ranked across all 11 pediatric specialties, including top-10 rankings in pediatric urology, and pulmonology and lung surgery, as well as top-25 recognition in six specialties. Full rankings for the 2026-27 Best Children's Hospitals national, regional/state and specialty rankings can be found at USNews.com. 500 Festival Princess Program opens applications for 2027 - The 500 Festival is accepting applications for the 2027 Princess Program through Jan. 10 at 500Festival.com/Princess. Presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis, the program recognizes college-age women statewide for leadership, service and academic excellence, offering mentorship and a $1,500 scholarship. Top applicants will interview Jan. 23 in Indianapolis, with 66 advancing to a second round before 33 are selected as 2027 Princesses. Selected Princesses will serve as ambassadors from February through May, taking part in community outreach and 500 Festival events statewide.

Fashion retail's wild ride: who's Winning - and who's Falling - This season. John J. Gibson September 17, 2026 6 minutes read Table of Contents Fashion retail's wild ride: who's Winning, and who's falling, this season. The fashion retail landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. With inflation squeezing consumer wallets, shifting consumer behaviors, and a relentless push toward sustainability, this season's winners are those who adapt quickly, embrace innovation, and prioritize value without compromising style. Meanwhile, brands clinging to outdated models or failing to meet evolving expectations are quickly falling behind. From fast fashion giants to luxury houses and emerging DTC (direct-to-consumer) brands, the battle for dominance is fiercer than ever. Let's break down who's thriving, and who's struggling, in this unpredictable season. The winners: brands that are thriving this season. 1. Fast Fashion's resurgence with a responsible twist. Fast fashion has long been a polarizing force in retail, but this season, some brands are proving that speed and sustainability can coexist. * Shein and Temu's Dominance (For Now) * These ultra-low-cost retailers continue to dominate with hyper-fast delivery and affordability. * Shein has expanded into luxury collaborations (e.g., with Balenciaga, Prada) while keeping its core model intact. * Temu, though facing regulatory scrutiny, remains a powerhouse in the U.S. and Europe, leveraging social commerce and influencer-driven sales. * Criticism: Labor practices and environmental impact remain major concerns, but for budget-conscious shoppers, they remain unbeatable. * H&M and Zara's Strategic Shifts * H&M is doubling down on sustainability with its H&M Foundation and Garment Recycling Program, offering discounts for returning old clothes. * Zara is integrating AI-driven inventory management to reduce overproduction, a key move in cutting waste. * Both brands are also investing in resale platforms (H&M's H&M Renew and Zara's Zara Secondhand) to extend product lifecycles. * Boohoo's Comeback (With Caution) * After a rocky 2022, Boohoo is regaining traction with discounted sales and a focus on Gen Z-friendly aesthetics. * However, it still faces scrutiny over ethical sourcing, a hurdle that could derail its growth if not addressed. Why They're Winning: Affordability remains a top priority for cost-conscious shoppers. Sustainability initiatives (even if not perfect) help attract eco-conscious consumers. Agile supply chains allow for rapid trend adaptation. 2. Luxury's digital-first revolution. Luxury brands are no longer just about exclusivity, they're embracing digital engagement, personalization, and experiential retail to stay relevant. * Gucci's AI-Powered Personalization * Gucci has rolled out AI-driven virtual try-ons and customizable products, making high fashion more accessible. * Its Gucci Garden pop-ups and metaverse collaborations (e.g., with Fortnite) keep it at the forefront of digital innovation. * Chanel and Louis Vuitton's Resale Boom * Both brands are capitalizing on the luxury resale market, with Chanel's "Chanel x Vestiaire Collective" and Louis Vuitton's "LV Resale" platforms. * This shift aligns with Gen Z's preference for secondhand luxury, reducing waste while increasing revenue streams. * Balenciaga's Streetwear-Luxury Hybrid * Under Demna Gvasalia, Balenciaga continues to blur the lines between high fashion and streetwear, appealing to younger audiences. * Its collaborations (e.g., with Supreme, Nike) and edgy marketing keep it culturally relevant. Why They're Winning: Digital-first strategies attract younger, tech-savvy consumers. Resale partnerships extend product value and reduce overproduction. Experiential marketing (metaverse, pop-ups) creates brand loyalty beyond just sales. 3. The rise of DTC and niche brands. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands are thriving by cutting out middlemen, offering hyper-personalization, and building loyal communities. * Stitch Fix and Rent the Runway's Subscription Model * Stitch Fix continues to dominate personalized styling, adapting to sustainability demands with its rental and resale options. * Rent the Runway remains a leader in luxury rental, appealing to eco-conscious shoppers who want high-end fashion without ownership. * Everlane and Reformation's Transparency * Everlane is doubling down on radical transparency, showing exact production costs and sourcing details. * Reformation uses carbon-neutral shipping and recycled materials, making sustainability a core part of its brand identity. * The Ordinary and Glossier's Minimalist Appeal * The Ordinary (Deciem) and Glossier have mastered the clean beauty and skincare markets with affordable, science-backed products. * Their community-driven marketing (user-generated content, influencer collaborations) keeps them top-of-mind. Why They're Winning: Direct consumer relationships reduce reliance on traditional retail. Transparency and sustainability build trust with modern shoppers. Subscription and rental models create recurring revenue streams. The falling: brands struggling this season. 1. Traditional department stores in decline. Department stores are facing declining foot traffic, high overhead costs, and stiff competition from online retailers. * Macy's and JCPenney's Struggles * Both brands have seen multiple store closures due to weak sales and rising costs. * Macy's is trying to pivot with experiential retail (e.g., "Macy's x Supreme" pop-ups), but execution has been inconsistent. * JCPenney is struggling with brand relevance, failing to attract younger shoppers. * Nordstrom's Mixed Bag * While Nordstrom's luxury division is thriving, its mainline business is underperforming. * The Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom Trade DDesk (resale platform) are helping, but overall sales remain stagnant. Why They're Falling: High rent and labor costs make physical stores unsustainable. Lack of digital innovation compared to pure-play e-commerce brands. Failed omnichannel strategies, many still treat online and in-store as separate entities. 2. Fast Fashion's ethical backlash. While some fast fashion brands are adapting, others are facing backlash for unsustainable practices. * Forever 21's Bankruptcy and Comeback Fails * After a 2023 bankruptcy, Forever 21 is trying to revive itself with limited-edition drops, but it lacks the trend agility of Shein or Temu. * Its ethical sourcing records remain questionable, making it hard to regain trust. * H&M's Slow Sustainability Progress * Despite efforts, H&M's sustainability claims have been called out for greenwashing. * Consumers are increasingly boycotting brands that don't live up to their eco-promises. Why They're Falling: Consumer fatigue with fast fashion, shoppers are demanding real sustainability, not just marketing. Lack of innovation, brands that don't evolve beyond cheap, disposable clothing will lose relevance. Regulatory pressure, new laws (e.g., EU's Due Diligence Directive) are forcing brands to improve transparency. 3. Over-Reliance on influencer marketing without strategy. Brands that chase trends blindly without a long-term strategy are seeing declining engagement and ROI. * Fast Fashion's Influencer Fatigue * Brands like ASOS and Boohoo have been over-reliant on micro-influencers, leading to saturated, low-quality content. * Consumers are now skeptical of paid promotions, reducing trust in these campaigns. * Luxury Brands' Meme Culture Missteps * Some luxury houses (e.g., Dior, Prada) have struggled with authenticity in digital marketing, coming across as too corporate rather than aspirational. * TikTok challenges (like Dior's "Dior x TikTok" collabs) have backfired when they feel forced or inauthentic. Why They're Falling: Lack of authenticity, consumers can spot paid promotions a mile away. No long-term brand building, short-term influencer hacks don't create loyalty.