Simone Pacciarini

Introducing Pi Footwear: Vision Meets Style Discover how our latest Pi collection transforms from minimalism to expressiveness, inspired by visionary leadership and the spirit of innovation. Swipe ➡️ to see the evolution! 🚀 1️⃣ Pi Minimalism - Begin with the essentials, inspired by the simplicity and directness of effective governance. Each design, like a policy for progress, is sleek and purpose-driven. 🌌 2️⃣ Pi Refinement - Just as leaders refine their strategies, we enhance our shoes with premium materials and subtle improvements, representing the continuous pursuit of excellence. 👞 3️⃣ Pi Expression - Bursting with vibrant innovation, this phase embraces the diverse and dynamic spirit of a progressive society, reflecting the cultural richness of the 1960s. 🎨 4️⃣ Pi Realism - Our crowning achievement: footwear that combines realism with luxury, embodying the aspirations of those who dare to lead and dream big. Every detail showcases the pinnacle of design ingenuity. 👠 🌍 Like the bold explorations of policy pioneers, Pi Footwear is more than a brand—it’s a movement towards a future where fashion intersects with political vision and innovation. Join us on this journey of transformative style. 🌟 #PiFootwear #VisionaryDesign #LeadershipInStyle #PoliticalAI #InnovationMeetsFashion

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You might not know the name Marcolin Spa, the Italian eyewear manufacturer, but you’ll definitely know the brands they produce frames for: Tom Ford, Christian Louboutin, adidas, BMW eyewear, Candies, Gant, 6CDS, Kenneth Cole, Marciano for Guess, Max&Co, MaxMara, Pucci, Skechers, Timberland and Tod’s. Revenues last year crept up 2% but EBITDA grew 27.9% driven by strong performance in Asia following a re-org in the region. Despite this reports have been common that PE backers PAI Partners (83% shareholders) have put Marcolin up for sale at a cool €1.3Bn. Interested parties are said to include Safilo, Marchon, Kering and EssilorLuxottica. #Marcolin insights FY23: 📈 Full Yr revenue €558m, +2% YOY 📈 Adjusted EBITDA reached 78.1 million euros (+27.9% v FY22) 📈 13m glasses sold 📈 EMEA - revenue was +1.7% - driven by the luxury segment in France, UK, Italy and Spain 📈 Americas - revenue was -4.8% - impacted by macroeconomics of the region and a declining eyewear sector 📈 Asia - revenue was +81.5% - Strongest growth came from South Korea, and the countries of SE Asia (operated by third party distributors) 🏭 Revenues by region: EMEA 47.4% Americas 39.6% ROW 5.2% APAC 7.8% Key FY23 Highlights ✅ Paid $250m for a long-term licence agreement with The Estée Lauder Companies for TOM FORD eyewear, a significant extension of the current licence agreement ✅ Acquired the the German company ic! berlin GmbH for €38.5m. The acquisition was arranged with the aim of increasing metalworking expertise and expanding the portfolio of luxury brands, strengthening the commercial position of the Group in key areas such as Asia and Europe. ✅ Signed new licence agreements with MCM and Christian Louboutin (the latter at the beginning of 2024) and the renewal and extension of licence agreements for brands already in the portfolio such as Emilio Pucci, Zegna, Max & Co, GCDS, Harley Davidson and Skechers ESG ✅ Implemented a path to sustainability in line with ESG standards (since 2021). Actions focus on various issues, including carbon emissions reduction and the circular economy. ✅ Reduced use of fossil-based materials. Increased use of innovative plastic materials. The latter include bio-based acetate, which is employed in a number of collections for some of Marcolins key Brands. For injection-molded eyewear, instead, R-PET plastic (Recycled PET) is used Employees / ED&I ✅ 57% of employees are women, 43% of whom are snr managers ✅ With the amalgamation of ic! Berlin headcount increased from 1854 to 2000 ✅ A Psychological Help Desk was launched through an online platform accredited by the Italian Health Service offering 24/7 help and support to anyone in need. The service is anonymous and available to employees and their families. ✅ Approved a new Gender Equality Policy in Nov 23 which establishes the company’s commitment to an inclusive and fair work environment, guaranteeing equal opportunities and parenting support

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The Paradox of Choice (Barry Schwartz): “There’s no question that some choice is better than none, but it doesn’t follow from that, that more choice is better than some choice.” Retail needs to enter its less-is-more era. The era of the endless aisle is over. Shoppers want to be told what to wear — and the retailers that get it right will win. Interesting reading. #BusinessStrategy #AI #Retailing

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👓 When Tech Meets Fashion: Meta's Vision Extends Beyond the Metaverse 👓 Breaking news: Meta is considering a stake in eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica. Imagine a world where your Ray-Bans and Oculus have more in common than just a spot on your face. 📱 + 👓 = The future of integrated tech and fashion. This potential alliance isn't just a spectacle for the eyewear industry—it's a game-changer for how we envision the future of tech and fashion merging. Picture this: smart glasses that combine cutting-edge technology with high-end design. Why it matters: Innovation Surge: Expect sleek designs with integrated tech. Virtual meetings in style, anyone? Market Influence: Two giants joining forces means a powerhouse of resources, talent, and creativity. Consumer Appeal: Stylish AR experiences that blend seamlessly into everyday life. So, get ready to swap those plain frames for something extraordinary. The future is looking bright, and we might just need new shades to handle it. https://lnkd.in/gKE7GuFD #Meta #EssilorLuxottica #TechMeetsFashion #SmartGlasses #FutureVision #Innovation #BusinessNews

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Lately, RetailX has issued its yearly issue on Fashion Sector and came up with a certain number of insights. I summarised them for your convenience. The 2024 issue highlights significant growth in the global fashion market, revealing a vibrant recovery to $673 billion in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Here are some of the critical findings and insights from the report: 1. Market Growth and Regional Dominance:   - The fashion market experienced an 8% annual growth with apparel being the largest segment, followed by footwear and accessories.   - Asia emerged as the leading market, generating nearly 50% of global fashion sales, significantly outpacing the Americas and Europe. 2. Consumer Spending Trends:   - Despite high volumes, average spending per consumer in Asia remains lower compared to the more affluent regions like Europe and the Americas. In contrast, Australasian consumers spend the most on fashion annually. 3. E-commerce and Physical Retail Dynamics:   - E-commerce has seen robust growth, particularly in India and China where more than two-thirds of consumers shopped online. However, physical stores remain preferred globally, underscoring the importance of a hybrid retail model. 4. Sustainability and Second-hand Fashion:   - Sustainability is increasingly driving consumer choices, though regions like the UK lag behind with only a third of consumers purchasing sustainably. Meanwhile, the second-hand fashion market is expanding, with a significant portion of global consumers engaging in this more sustainable practice. 5. Technological Adaptations and Innovations:   - The report underscores the critical role of technology in shaping future market trends, including the adoption of digital wallets, contactless payments, and advanced e-commerce platforms. 6. Challenges and Opportunities:   - The sector faces challenges such as geopolitical impacts on supply chains and the need for sustainable practices. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and market expansion, especially in developing regions and through sustainable fashion initiatives. The report suggests that as the global economy stabilizes, fashion will continue to thrive with increased consumer spending, especially in emerging markets. However, adapting to the hybrid nature of modern retail and enhancing sustainability practices will be crucial for future success. #trend #fashionindustry #strategy #sustainability

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My colleagues @Brian and @Catherine delve into the importance of practicality in Retail's AI-driven future. Emphasizing the significance of informed decisions based on tangible business advantages over unrealistic hype and speculation. Discover how pairing AI with practical strategies success.

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Stage 2 of my framework for the #tech-driven #evolution of #retail: the emergence of #3P #marketplaces. Reminder: with each stage we assess the impact of the #technology on 7 key areas: 🧃 #Product #Selection 🏪 #Customer #Convenience / #Flexibility 🛂 #Retailer #Control / #Scarcity ☢️ #Retailer #Risk 💰 #Sales 🪃 #Returns ⚖️ #Margin LMK your thoughts on Stage 2 and watch next week for Stage 3! #topretailexperts

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This is a great view into innovation and collaboration. Thanks to On for sharing this inside look into how they are changing the running shoe. Inspiration can come from anywhere, though the Salone del Mobile.Milano is a wonderful event to get inspired. Being open to that inspiration - and then acting on it - are different. Investing in the idea and having the patience to foster and develop that idea is also important. This is a great example of all of this. And, the power of collaboration. Inspiring, to say the least. #retaildoneright https://lnkd.in/gmwkhdqU

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One day after EssilorLuxottica announced its deal to acquire Supreme from VF Corporation, Meta, Facebook's owner, is in talks to acquire a stake of about 5% in the eyewear company. Based on recent market value, a roughly 5% stake could be valued at around $5 billion, a relatively small for Meta, given its market value of around $1.2 trillion. EssilorLuxottica makes Meta's Ray Ban smart glasses and sales of the glasses have exceeded expectations. The devices, an important part of Meta’s hardware strategy, allow users to take photos and listen to music with the frames of their glasses, among other features. Maintaining ties with Luxottica is crucial for the success of smart glasses devices and the company’s ambitions to build the so-called metaverse, which is a term used to describe people interacting in a 3-D version of the internet simultaneously. A third generation of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, expected to include a small screen display, is expected to be ready for consumers in time for the 2025 holiday season. The allure of Luxottica’s Ray-Ban brand is important to the success of a tech device that users are expected to wear on their faces. Luxottica’s ownership of LensCrafters, the prescription-eyewear retailer, also plays a key role in selling the Ray-Ban Meta to users who require prescription lenses. The two companies began working together several years ago for the release of the first generation Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses, which went on sale in 2021. The initial device struggled to catch on with consumers, and among the glasses that were sold, only 10% of the Ray-Ban Stories were actively used by their purchasers. The second-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses went on sale in September and have done significantly better than their predecessors. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses operate more quickly and have better cameras than their predecessor. The Ray-Ban Meta also includes nascent generative #AI technology that allows users to ask the device for information about the things in front of them, such as the breed of a cat. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses have proven popular for users who want to shoot hands-free videos of their children playing and first-person videos of themselves while going on roller coasters or riding bikes. Meta hasn’t said how well the Ray-Ban Meta glasses have sold, but CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in April that the device was doing well and that a market for that type of device was developing sooner than he would have expected. Meta sells its own devices to employees at a discount, and offers the Ray-Ban Meta glasses at a 15% discount with a limit of 3 pairs per employee. The new glasses have proven so popular internally that some employees have tried to get extra pairs from their colleagues after hitting the 3-pair limit. #strategy #technology #smartdevice https://lnkd.in/ePwG-bSc?

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Is VF Corporation about to announce the offloading of streetwear brand Supreme just four years after acquiring it? It is no secret that VFC is reviewing its brand portfolio with a view to slimming down and selling off some parts of the business. It sees this as a way of generating returns and as a mechanism to help it focus more what it sees as the growth opportunities in its portfolio. There is a sense that VFC is a bit overgrown and needs to be pruned. With specific regard to Supreme, the brand has lost its luster and it has had issues under VFC ownership; it now seems to be growing again but it’s just not as exciting a brand as it used to be. There is also the question of whether Supreme, which is still run by its founder, fits into VFC’s rather corporate structure. Any sale will hinge on VFC getting the right price and finding a buyer; both pretty big obstacles right now. It was great to share more of my views with Just Style... https://lnkd.in/ea-RbjTk #retail #retailnews #brands #streetwear #apparel

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Important news re the evolution of Digital Ownership. Luxury goods are tokenized onchain and NFTs become DPPs. I write about this in my latest book From PCs to AI - Pioneering Digital Ownership and Beyond: Where the Power of Imagination Shapes the Future https://a.co/d/0gpOpizQ

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𝗟𝗩𝗠𝗛'𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝟭 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: 𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘅? At the same time than LVMH is sponsoring the Paris Olympics, which inaugurate today, we are having breakfast with the news of their "potential" move towards Formula 1. LVMH, owning brands like TAG Heuer and Hublot, would replace ROLEX as the official timekeeper of Formula 1 starting in 2025. This move highlights LVMH's aggressive expansion strategy to potentially mitigate the pressure the luxury sector is living today. With the exception of Hermès (but this is for another post). This would mean: ⏱ Changing of the Guard: After 11 years, ROLEX will step down as the official timekeeper of Formula 1, a position it has held since 2013. 💰Financial Implications: The deal, worth an estimated $150 million annually, underscores LVMH's commitment to consolidate its presence in the sports world. This investment is significantly higher than Rolex's previous sponsorship cost, indicating LVMH's willingness to outbid its competitors to secure prime visibility. 🏎 Strategic Alignments: TAG Heuer, a brand already deeply linked to Red Bull Racing and the Monaco Grand Prix, would lead this new chapter. The timing aligns perfectly with the end of TAG Heuer’s contract with Red Bull.    📉 Context of Recent Performance: This move comes at a time when LVMH has faced some headwinds after publishing their Q2 results. LVMH's watch division generated approximately €11B in 2023. Despite global economic uncertainties, this division has shown resilience, driven by strategic market expansions and targeting younger demographics through platforms like Tmall. With Frédéric Arnault's recent appointment as CEO of LVMH Watches, the division aims for further growth and competitive positioning.   LVMH’s aggressive move into Formula 1 sponsorship is about asserting dominance and capturing a larger share of the HNW audience that follows these global events. This strategy could set a new benchmark for how luxury brands leverage sports sponsorships to drive brand equity and consumer engagement. 📣 What do you think about LVMH’s strategic play to unseat Rolex in the world of Formula 1? Could this shift redefine luxury brand sponsorships in sports? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #LVMH #Formula1 #LuxuryBrand #Sponsorship #TAGHeuer #Rolex #SportsMarketing #LuxuryWatches #BrandStrategy

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Andrea, a great lecturer and subject matter expert, will show how AI and automation can enhance distribution efficiency and resilience. Learn to predict trends, optimize inventory, and streamline logistics. Discover the cultural shifts needed for tech adoption and gain practical insights to integrate technology and cultural change in your business. Don't miss this chance to transform your view of fashion retail and gain valuable insights in Decision Science!

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Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Monday, April 22: 👕 Fashion retailer EXPRESS has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, announcing the closure of more than 100 stores. The company listed assets and liabilities ranging from $1bn to $10bn. 👟 Nike reverses course as innovation stalls and rivals gain ground. The shoe giant has stumbled as CEO John Donahoe pulled away from retailers and relied on old hits. Now it says it’s refocusing on cutting-edge footwear for athletes. 🏬 Levi Strauss & Co. is leaning into its stand-alone stores to glean insight into shifting consumer tastes. The plan is working: nearly half of sales now come from selling directly to shoppers. 💷 Thai conglomerate Central Group, co-owner of Selfridges, is seeking ways to gain more control over the luxury retail chain amid a financial crisis engulfing its Austrian co-owner, Signa. ❤️ Oura Ring is launching a new partnership with Target, the next step in the health tech brand’s retail expansion as it seeks to grow sales outside of its website. 👖 Wrangler's women's business is growing thanks to the cowboy trend. While other fashion brands are embracing “cowboy culture” as a momentary trend, Wrangler has made the Western aesthetic core to its identity. 🌯 Chipotle Mexican Grill keeps raising prices. Gym rats and millennials are still buying burritos: the chain outperforms restaurant rivals with customers who tend to have higher incomes and be health conscious. 🧩 Board game makers are evolving their products and re-imagining classics to stay competitive and align with new consumer trends. Mattel, Inc. recently unveiled Scrabble Together, a 'collaborative' and 'more accessible' version. 💊 Most people taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications say they are spending less on eating out at restaurants and ordering takeout. A smaller share of those surveyed say they are tightening their purse strings in the grocery store. 🚗 America’s car dealers started March with an oversupply of new vehicles. They worked hard through the month and sold cars at a faster clip than the month before. As a result, they started April with an oversupply of new cars. 🌳 Greenwashing has become the fashion marketer’s biggest concern. Now, legislation from the EU, like the Greenwashing Directive enacted in March 2024, is accelerating the shift toward better communication. 🛠️ A The Home Depot in a New York City suburb has hired security guards to deter aggressive migrants from harassing shoppers and thieves from breaking into cars, according to a report. 🧀 Individually wrapped cheese would be largely banned under a far-reaching bill getting pushed by New York environmentalists and politicians to reduce the use of plastics. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Tuesday, April 30: 🛍️ Nordstrom is rolling out a new digital marketplace as it looks to provide customers with a greater selection of products, brands and sizes online. It said the new digital offering will enhance its existing assortment. 👟adidas' strong first-quarter results were driven by growth across all regions, except for North America, where inventory levels remain high. Net profit for the three months to the end of March hit €170m ($182.3m). 👗 J. Jill has announced a comprehensive brand transformation dubbed "One Wardrobe. No Limits", which has been in the works for three years and includes upgrades and elevated customer service in some stores. 💊 GNC, the vitamin and dietary supplement chain, has been struggling for years. The brand hopes a new strategy tailored to people taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss will help draw customers into stores and grow its business. 👖After the skinny jean’s nearly two-decade reign, retailers and clothing makers — like Levi Strauss & Co. — say looser fits are getting more popular. That could be unwelcome new for the athleisure market. 💳 Target, Walmart, and other retailers have filed objections to a proposed class-action settlement with Visa and Mastercard over credit and debit card fees. 🏭 Dollar Tree Stores ays its stores will continue to receive goods after its distribution center in Marietta, Oklahoma, sustained significant tornado damage on Saturday night. The DC is one of 15 across the US. 🏢 Macy's has issued a new mandate requiring its corporate employees to work in the office two days a week or face disciplinary actions. The policy will go into effect on May 13th. 💄 Estée Lauder's CIO wants to bring AI to the forefront of beauty. The cosmetics giant is collaborating with Microsoft on an innovation lab that will help it explore generative AI applications across its brands. 🥣 General Mills is exploring a sale of its North America yogurt business, including its popular Yoplait brand, in a deal that could be worth more than $2 billion. It's working with JPMorgan Chase to gauge interest. ⚾️ Some 347 International House of Pancakes locations nationwide are to be used as ghost kitchens that produce Major League Baseball (MLB) ballpark-themed fast food for delivery and pickup. 🥖 Subway shrunk its sandwich chain in the US by 443 stores last year, a surprise downsizing that experts said could continue as the chain’s California shops face an increased minimum wage. 🏙️ American Eagle Outfitters is relocating its New York City offices to Madison Avenue, in one of the city's largest new leases. The retailer has signed a 20-year lease for 338,085 sq ft at 63 Madison Ave. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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The art and science of integrating AI into the company is akin to the structure of "atomi," which begins with "A" and ends with "I." AI constitutes both the starting point and the ultimate objective. https://lnkd.in/giQfKnAQ We do not see AI as the ultimate solution, but rather as a tool to assist in my work. AI is a valuable tool for generating more solutions and innovative ideas in my research and execution. However, the core of ideation still resides in the mindset and creativity of the team. #andrewtanatomisingapore #theatomiway

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Closing Keynote: Francesca Bellettini on Leadership and Resilience Today at the FT Live Business of Luxury Summit, the closing keynote interview featured Francesca Bellettini, Deputy CEO of Kering and President & CEO of Yves Saint Laurent, moderated by Jo Ellisom, Editor at HTSI, Financial Times Key Learnings: - Role Model: Francesca Bellettini exemplifies female leadership and empowerment. - Creative Vision: Luxury is about making people dream, being creative, and collaborating with creative individuals. - Resilience: The pandemic strengthened resilience, teaching valuable crisis management lessons. - Balanced Growth: Emphasizing the importance of slowing down, focusing on heritage, tradition, and brand trust while embracing new trends. - Data-Driven Decisions: Using data to validate business decisions and identifying relevant KPIs. - Opportunities in Crisis: Leveraging crises to focus on controllable aspects and fix problems. - Sustainability: Transitioning from product destruction to prioritizing sustainability and efficient management to avoid excess production. Stay tuned for more insights from the summit! #FTLuxury #Luxury #Sustainability #Management #Leadership #Resilience #FemaleLeadership

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