Categories
In depth Lead

The shopaholic’s struggle: confessions of a shopping addict

Shopping addictions are often portrayed by media as harmless and fun, but can seriously impact your finances and personal relationships – not to mention the planet. We spoke to recovering addicts and a treatment expert to find out why it’s time to take shopping addiction more seriously.

Categories
In depth Mend

Many unhappy returns: what happens to clothes we send back?

When was the last time you ordered something online in multiple sizes, or extra items to get free delivery, knowing full well you’d return at least some of it?

It’s something many of us are guilty of. With free returns, QR codes and drop-off points, it’s easier than ever to return unwanted items and many of us will deliberately overorder as a result. Because of this, online returns are due to rise to £5.6bn by 2023, with fashion and footwear as the main drivers, a 2018 study by GlobalData has found.

Categories
In depth Mend

Is the trend cycle really getting faster?

Do you remember a few years ago we saw the rebirth of 90s plastic chokers, chunky platform trainers and pastel crop tops? 

The 90s-00s trend came back from a 20-year hibernation to cycle once more into our fashion aesthetic. Just before it, came the 80s’ puffed-up shoulders and the psychedelic tie-dye and XXL collars from the post-Woodstock era.