Technical SAP Domain Architect

H&M puts around 250 UK jobs at risk as retail restructuring continues. A meaningful new development has emerged for UK retail workers, with H&M proposing a restructuring that could affect approximately 250 employees across its UK operations. The development was first reported on 6 August 2026, but further reporting over the weekend has provided greater clarity about the scale and locations potentially affected. An HR1 redundancy notification reportedly states that 250 employees are affected, with proposed job losses expected between 2 October and 31 December 2026. The locations identified include Oxford Street, Regent Street and Stratford City in London, as well as Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow and Birmingham. Oxford Street could be particularly affected, with around 40 positions potentially being removed, although the final number has not yet been confirmed. Importantly, these should currently be described as jobs at risk rather than 250 confirmed redundancies. Employees have entered a consultation process and H&M has said the final outcome has not yet been determined. Why H&M says it is restructuring The explanation being given to workers is noteworthy. According to reporting based on an internal document, employees were told that the proposed changes relate to overlapping responsibilities and a desire to move decision-making closer to customers, rather than being directly driven by recent financial performance. H&M itself has confirmed that organisational changes are taking place across its sales markets and central sales organisation as it attempts to reduce organisational complexity. That distinction matters, because it highlights a broader issue facing UK workers. Redundancies are increasingly occurring not only when businesses are in serious financial difficulty, but also when large employers reorganise management structures, centralise functions, introduce technology or attempt to operate with fewer layers of staff. H&M reported approximately £8.1 billion in first-half sales, although sales were down 1% in local currencies compared with the previous year. The company has also reduced its worldwide store estate by a net 128 locations over the previous year. Another warning for UK retail workers For The Workers Union, the significance goes beyond one employer. Retail continues to undergo substantial structural change as businesses reconsider physical stores, support functions, management layers and the balance between central operations and local decision-making. The proposed H&M reductions therefore reinforce the need for workers to pay close attention to restructuring announcements even where an employer remains profitable and continues trading normally. Workers placed at risk should receive clear information about the business rationale, the roles affected, the proposed selection process, alternatives to redundancy and opportunities for suitable alternative employment. The fact that a consultation is underway also means the eventual outcome could be different from the maximum number contained in the redundancy notification. Need more help at work? I want to join. Join us today - it's easy! You're just a few clicks away from investing in a better future for working people

Matalan CEO departs after just six months. By Rory Bathgate 04/08/2026 Matalan has announced that its chief executive Henrik Nordvall will step down just six months after stepping into the role. The fashion retailer's chair Karl-Heinz Holland will take on Nordvall's responsibilities as Matalan's new executive chair on a permanent basis, with immediate effect. Holland has held the position of chairman at the firm since March 2026, having worked in its executive since 2023. Retail Systems has approached Matalan for a statement on Nordvall's departure. Drapers reported Nordvall as leaving "by mutual agreement with the board". The publication quoted Nordvall directly on the move, who stated: "During my time at Matalan, I experienced a company with genuine ambition and the capability to achieve its goals, driven by a highly talented leadership team and colleagues across the business. "With a clear direction in place for Matalan's future growth, I look forward to watching the company's continued success. I want to sincerely thank Karl-Heinz for the opportunity, and I wish him, the executive team and the entire organisation all the best moving forward." In a July post on LinkedIn, Nordvall said: "I joined Matalan because I believed there was significant opportunity ahead for this business. "A few months in, that belief has only strengthened." Prior to joining Matalan, Nordvall worked at fashion retailer H&M for over 17 years holding a variety of senior roles including managing director UK and Ireland. In its annual statement, posted 28 February 2026, Matalan reported revenues of £987 million, up from £985 million in 2025. The firm said it had achieved "progress against long-term transformation plans while delivering profitable growth in challenging market conditions", reporting £55 million in loss before tax. In the first quarter of its 2027 financial year, the firm has reported a 45 per cent year-on-year rise in adjusted EBITDA.

Big fashion brands try on A new trend: selling secondhand clothes. Leading fashion brands are increasingly selling secondhand clothes, marking a shift toward sustainability and new revenue streams. Discover more Fashion & Style Up next. Published on 03 August 2026 Several top fashion brands are launching secondhand clothing lines as part of their sustainability efforts. This move aims to tap into the growing resale market, though details on implementation vary. The development signals a significant change in retail strategies and consumer engagement. Several leading fashion brands, including Gucci, Levi's, and H&M, have announced plans to sell secondhand clothes through dedicated platforms or partnerships. This marks a significant shift in retail strategies, as brands respond to consumer demand for sustainable options and the booming resale market. The move is confirmed by official statements and recent product launches, signaling a new era in fashion retail. Major brands are expanding into the secondhand clothing sector, with initiatives including online resale platforms, collaborations with resale startups, and in-store consignment programs. For example, Gucci launched a secondhand marketplace called 'Gucci Vault' in partnership with resale platforms, while Levi's introduced a vintage resale section on its website. H&M announced a pilot program for selling pre-owned garments in select stores. These efforts are driven by consumer interest in sustainability, affordability, and circular fashion, and are seen as a strategic response to the growth of resale markets, which are expected to reach $77 billion globally by 2025, according to industry analysts. Executives from these brands have publicly emphasized that secondhand sales are part of their broader sustainability commitments and brand innovation strategies. However, details about the scale, pricing, and long-term plans remain varied and are still being developed, with some companies clarifying that secondhand offerings will complement, not replace, new product lines. At a glance report When: ongoing, with several brands announcing... The development Major fashion brands are now launching or expanding secondhand clothing sales, reflecting a strategic shift toward sustainability and new revenue models. Impact of secondhand sales on brand strategies. This development indicates a fundamental change in how major fashion brands approach retail and sustainability. By entering the secondhand market, brands can reduce waste, appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, and open new revenue streams. It also signals a shift in consumer expectations, with more shoppers valuing circular fashion options. However, the success of these initiatives could influence industry standards and competition, potentially accelerating the adoption of resale practices across the sector. As an affiliate, Beyond the Peel earn on qualifying purchases. Rise of resale market influences major brands. The resale market has experienced rapid growth over the past few years, driven by increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues and the popularity of vintage and pre-owned clothing. Industry reports estimate the resale sector will reach $77 billion globally by 2025, up from $36 billion in 2021. Major brands are now responding to this trend, with some launching their own resale platforms or collaborating with existing ones. This shift aligns with broader sustainability goals and changing consumer habits, especially among younger shoppers who prioritize eco-friendly options. Previously, most brands focused solely on new product lines, but recent years have seen a strategic pivot towards circular fashion initiatives. "Our secondhand platform is designed to extend the lifecycle of our products and engage a new generation of consumers." - Marco Bizzarri, Gucci CEO vintage Levi's jeans. As an affiliate, Beyond the Peel earn on qualifying purchases. Long-Term impact and consumer reception. It is still unclear how successfully these resale initiatives will integrate with brands' core business models over the long term. Consumer acceptance, pricing strategies, and logistical challenges such as authentication and quality control remain areas of ongoing development. Additionally, the competitive landscape and regulatory considerations in different markets could influence the future scope of these programs. pre-owned Gucci bags. As an affiliate, Beyond the Peel earn on qualifying purchases. Upcoming strategies and market expansion plans. Brands are expected to expand their secondhand offerings, with more collaborations and dedicated platforms launching throughout 2024. Industry analysts anticipate that resale will become a standard component of major fashion brands' portfolios, influencing broader retail practices. Monitoring consumer response and operational challenges will be key to assessing the long-term success of these initiatives. As an affiliate, Beyond the Peel earn on qualifying purchases. Key questions. Why are major fashion brands now selling secondhand clothes? They aim to meet increasing consumer demand for sustainable and affordable fashion options, reduce waste, and tap into the rapidly growing resale market, which is projected to reach $77 billion globally by 2025. How are brands implementing secondhand sales? Many are launching dedicated resale platforms, collaborating with existing resale startups, or creating in-store consignment programs, often emphasizing sustainability and brand heritage. Will secondhand sales replace traditional new product lines? Most brands state that resale will complement their existing offerings, not replace new product lines, but the long-term balance remains to be seen. What challenges do brands face in selling secondhand clothes? Challenges include ensuring product authenticity, maintaining quality, managing logistics, and setting appropriate pricing strategies. Consumer trust and operational scalability are also key concerns. What does this trend mean for the fashion industry? It signals a shift toward circular fashion practices, greater sustainability focus, and new revenue opportunities, potentially reshaping retail strategies across the sector. Wellness content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical guidance.