Join the Retail Wrap to discover the latest news and happenings from throughout the diverse retail and design industries. 

 

From e-commerce and high street brands to inspirational and trending topics, our weekly series will bring you up to speed on the latest hot topics from across retail, lifestyle and design; covering everything from retailer updates, changes in purchasing behaviour, inspirational case studies, and the latest trends.

 

From the trailblazers of metaverse in new digital markets to the tiring of fast fashion trends on TikTok and Klarna launching payment cards, discover this and more with the retail industry's need-to-know headlines this week.

 

Klarna launches payment card in the UK

"Buy now, pay later" firm Klarna has launched a card that can be used for in-store purchases in the UK. The card allows consumers to pay up to 30 days after the purchase. The Visa card is available in either black or Klarna's signature pink. Shoppers will be able to use the card via Apple or Google Pay, or by contactless payment.

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In pictures: Ikea to open first small UK high street store in Hammersmith next month

Ikea is to open its first small format high street store in Hammersmith, west London on 24 February. The store, which is around a quarter the size of a traditional Ikea store, is the first of its kind in the UK and focuses on home accessories, soft furnishings and a new food offer called The Swedish Deli.

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Ralph Lauren’s approach to brand equity, Gen Z, and the metaverse

Over the past months, Ralph Lauren has taken the lead as a trailblazer into new digital markets. From dressing up Emojis to launching exclusive virtual experiences or debuting limited collections for Roblox and Zepeto avatar customers, the quintessential preppy fashion group is taking the metaverse by storm.

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Is anybody else tired of how fast fashion trends move? According to TikTok, you’re not alone

“Does anybody else find it concerning that 2010 trends have already made a resurgence?” TikTok creator @grrlbossbabe wrote on the app recently. “There’s Bella Swan/Elena Core/Parisian girl/ballerina aesthetic/indy sleaze and 2014 Tumblr. People are cycling through trends every few weeks, how is anyone going to keep up with this?”

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ASOS extends ties with Anti-Slavery International

ASOS has agreed a new three-year partnership with Anti-Slavery International to accelerate their dual objective of stamping out forced labour around the world.

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Flying Tiger Copenhagen to roll out scan, pay and go to UK stores

Flying Tiger Copenhagen is rolling out mobile self checkout to the UK following a successful trial in its Scandinavian stores.

The retailer will introduce MishiPay’s scan, pay and go technology, which allows customers to scan and pay for items in store without having to queue or even downloading an app, to 24 London stores to start off with.

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