European e-tailer Zalando has taken a major step forward in driving a more sustainability-focused retail sector post-pandemic, making sustainability assessment mandatory for its private labels and partner brands.

H&M is continuing to focus on its sustainability credentials with news that it’s launching a new collab swimwear collection and that it has topped a key ranking from the global non-profit Textile Exchange.

Adidas and Allbirds are partnering “to push the boundaries of sustainability by setting out to accomplish something that has never been done before: a sports performance shoe with the lowest carbon footprint”.

Eight out of 10 British retailers reported cash flow difficulties this month as sales dropped sharply again during the coronavirus lockdown, an industry survey showed on Tuesday.

Japanese casual clothing chain Uniqlo, owned by Fast Retailing, said it plans to sell face masks made of fabric used for its Airism underwear line in response to strong demand for protective gear for the coronavirus. 

Bernard Arnault, Europe’s richest man, has acquired a one-quarter stake in Arnaud Lagardère’s holding company, in a move that will be seen as an attempt to support the family of his fellow French billionaire.

After being forced to halt production for weeks, the luxury industry's supply chain is slowly restarting in Italy and France. The system has been battered by the Covid-19 pandemic, with many sub-contractors struggling.

H&M is focusing heavily on materials with the announcement of “new fabric technology that helps men stay cool”. It’s also launching a new dress offer next month made from “recycled and sustainably-sourced materials”.

Thread manufacturer Coats said it is in a strong position to deal with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic despite seeing sales fall 50% in April.

Hundreds of thousands of garment workers across Asia have been laid off, according to the Workers Rights Consortium, and are now struggling to survive with little welfare support.

Albania's garment industry could weigh down the country’s gross domestic product this year by six percentage points, where it normally contributes 15-18% to GDP. 

Israel's economy is slowly returning to normal with the gradual easing of its lockdown, but the diamond district, one of the world's main trade and polishing centres, is still deserted.

Farfetch saw its revenue almost doubling in the first quarter as lockdowns meant online was the only option for luxury fashion shoppers. The firm remains loss-making but says it's still on target for profits next year.

A study by McKinsey has outlined the possible scenarios for the industry's return to normalcy, hampered by the concern felt by consumers for their income levels, putting apparel consumption low on their priority list.

Marimekko was hit by the coronavirus pandemic in Q1, but its investment in its digital operations paid off during March and the firm's stores have started to reopen.

Ten zero-waste and upcycling experts from nine regions will vye for the menswear and womenswear awards in the Grand Final taking place in September 2020 in Hong Kong.