Rowan Fuller

All views are those of the BBC and not necessarily my own

[Jonathan Pie @JonathanPieNews]

Election Special 4: The Conservatives.

[Rowan Fuller @rowanfuller]

@KES_Headmaster

[BabelColour @StuartHumphryes]

I leave you with something quite charming, which really appealed to me: I've cleaned-up a very early photo of William Shakespeare's house in Stratford upon Avon, taken way back in 1866.
It was taken 158 years ago, exactly 250 years after Shakespeare died.

[Complementary Meds @compandalt]

Thinking of "unblocking" or "balancing" your chakras? Before you start, use this very accurate diagram to get a clear understanding of each of the chakras.

[The Secret Barrister 🦋 @BarristerSecret]

NEW BLOGPOST: Is it fair to criticise Keir Starmer for representing terrorists? Ten things you should know.

https://t.co/jp1D9Qf7ok

[Rowan Fuller @rowanfuller]

What an exceptional evening with @FerrisSylvester and a room full of good good people. Flying Visit choked me up. Again.

[Rowan Fuller @rowanfuller]

@TomMcArthur Love this. Never too old

[Rowan Fuller @rowanfuller]

@Jo_McGinn @KES_Headmaster Well, that's changed a bit since our day. Nice to see the doors are still as they were

[Rowan Fuller @rowanfuller]

The absolute state of this. Going bust with debts close to £100m and then thinking you're qualified to do exactly the same thing somewhere else . Prediction - Kent Council will get scalped https://t.co/JRsBhy2FU3

[Stig Abell @StigAbell]

Many things can be true. Hamas are terrorists. The IDF has been misleading in the past. Independent verification is difficult. Any civilian death is a tragedy. Waiting to test the evidence is always preferable. Social media is a terrible place for pause, thought and nuance.

[Andrew Hunter Murray @andrewhunterm]

Can’t believe this bearded, charismatic cult leader turned out to be a bit iffy around women

[Rowan Fuller @rowanfuller]

Italy have won at kit. Again.

[Rowan Fuller @rowanfuller]

Blimey. Imagine being so incredibly toxic that you politicise the RSPB - surely a first?

[Rowan Fuller @rowanfuller]

Everyone should read some SSB analysis if the East comes up in conversation https://t.co/vCBcH0NHXR

[Rowan Fuller @rowanfuller]

Great summary of what good retail in 2023 looks like

[Neil Saunders @NeilRetail]

While some retailers are languishing in the doldrums, Abercrombie & Fitch is partying like it's 1999.

Sales in the latest quarter are up by 16.2%, with the Abercrombie banner seeing sales soar by 25.7%. True, this comes off the back of a weak prior year when sales fell, but they’ve regained all the lost ground and then some.

It’s almost as if the company is operating in a different era to the rest of retail. Yet, they face the same issues and play in the same market as everyone else.

This is all the more impressive as it wasn’t so long ago that A&F was being written off as a dying brand with little chance of revival.

The lesson from A&F is that a well operated company with a very clear playbook that is focused on the customer can win and buck market trends.

What do they get right?

The ditched the brash branding – those massive logos – and focused instead on producing great products people wanted. You can still get some branded product, but it does not predominate.

The stopped the sexualized marketing and instead focused on more authentic communications which resonate much better with their customers.

They focused on quality fabrics. A&F is a destination for people wanting super-soft t-shirts or pajamas. Their ‘Soft AF’ products have been a massive hit with customers – who happily pay a premium.

They added small embellishments and twists. Little things like buttons look good and some are sewn on with contrasting stitching. This lifts products and makes people more likely to buy.

They carefully segmented their range, enabling them to address all the wardrobe occasions of customers from casual to athleisure to dressier to travel. Sub-brands like YPB in fitness have been winners for them.

They sped up the production cycle, taking products from idea to shop floor in much less time. This has allowed them to stay on top of trends and keep the range fresh and interesting.

They reinvented the store experience in most stores. Out went the dark nightclub vibe with that headachy smell, in came a lighter, brighter shopping experience.

And they have done all of this while carefully controlling operations. The big, vanity flagships which never made money were closed. Stores in failing malls were quickly shut. Other stores were downsized, while others were invested in.

This is a testament to a management team with a clear and focused plan. It shows what good retail looks like. And it underscores that even damaged brands can be revived with care and effort.

----

Below are photos of the new format A&F just after it had opened in my local mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square - including the digital fitting rooms with lighting control!

[Brett Igoe @brettruganalyst]

Loving the team announcements for #WorldCup2023

[Rowan Fuller @rowanfuller]

Did I just use the word bangers? Sorry everyone.

[Rowan Fuller @rowanfuller]

Two absolute bangers have just landed. Outstanding drive to the gym this morning...

[SHSK Drama Dept @shskdrama]

Wow! What an outstanding first performance of 'Beauty and the Beast! We are so proud of everyone involved!

[SHSK Drama Dept @shskdrama]

We are so looking forward to our first evening performance tonight at 7pm! There are still some tickets available for this evening! You can purchase them here: https://t.co/ZlWRKSbhjl