The recent announcement of a 70,000 square foot tech hub in London by Yoox Net-a-Porter has put the subject of innovation and data-driven R&D firmly on the fashion agenda. It’s part of a wider €500 million investment by YNAP showing that logistics and technology are starting to be taken very seriously indeed by leading luxury players.
Across apparel, meanwhile, each passing week brings a slew of stories around innovation labs and reimagined retail environments, all promising a better tomorrow for the industry and consumers. Reality, however, often falls short of expectations.
Against that background, let’s look at two key points apparel brands and retailers should keep in mind when planning their overall innovation strategy. Continue reading “Tech Hubs and Innovation Labs: Short-Lived Follies or a Bridge to Fashion’s Future?”