Ilona Bateson speaks at an event hosted by TheIndustry.fashion on the challenges and opportunities for fashion retailers in 2025

Ilona Bateson, Associate in our Commercial team, gives a talk at an industry event - attended by a range of leading fashion retailers, and hosted by reputable retail publication TheIndustry.fashion - on the most significant challenges and opportunities for fashion retailers in 2025.

Titled "TheIndustry.fashion LIVE: Opportunities and efficiencies for 2025 and beyond", the event saw brands and retailers including N Brown, Scamp & Dude, Mint Velvet, Lucy & Yak, Neem London and Seraphine, amongst others, come together to gain insights into the opportunities for growth and efficiencies in 2025 and beyond.

Hosted in partnership with supply chain experts Bleckmann and sponsored by native mobile app specialists POQ, the event invited fashion industry professionals to learn from brands, retailers and industry experts about the evolving retail landscape, how to capitalise on growth opportunities, key pillars and focusses for 2025, and more.

Ilona explains there are three targets retailers should hit during 2025 to remain ahead of compliance and ensure consumer trust in the long run.

Effective and compliant AI strategy

• Retailers have been one of the quickest adopters of AI in terms of personalised ads and enforcing security measures. However, they have to make sure to utilise this collected data to ensure they don’t alienate the customer. "Retailers must regularly review AI-generated content, especially when it comes to selling clothes and creating body images. For example, some AI images could be considered 'too good to be true' and considered false advertising," Ilona says.

Staying ahead of the compliance picture

• Bateson encourages retailers to consistently reevaluate corporate governance to make sure they’re up to date with new legislation. This includes product design, supply chain and operations.

Taking a risk-based approach to sustainability

• Consumer law is going through a major change. The new DMCCA replaces current consumer legislation. If companies are found falsely advertising, fines can be up to 10% of annual turnover and there’s potential for reputational damage. "The regulatory landscape for retailers isn’t set to get any easier. What is clear is that getting ahead of your compliance can save you time in the long run. It ensures you maintain consumer trust and keep out of the law’s bad books," Ilona adds.

Read more on TheIndustry.fashion's website here.