🌍 Pepkor buys 4 Retailability brands, China opposes new French regulations

Hi {{first_name|Operator}},

The first 3 months of 2025 basically FLEW by, and for me, it was one of those seasons with a lot of busyness but not a lot of fruit to show for it just yet. Life and business are just like that sometimes, but when you are trying to build something, there are hard limits on how long you can invest without a return. I’m pretty sure you relate. :)

I’ve hit a limit, and thankfully, an opportunity came along that allows me to switch gears for the rest of the year. It means steady income for the rest of the year, but it also means fixed hours for most of my week and serious limits on what I can take on with the time that remains — without inviting burnout and then crying about it like it wasn’t my call.

Everything is a trade off. While I love my flexibility, I’m happy to give up most of it for a season in exchange for steady, dependable cashflow fuel for what’s next. This means less time overall for projects like The Fashion Operator, but it also means more resources to pour into it, more structure in my week, and more breathing room in my head to recharge my creativity.

March madness is finally approaching some calm on my side, so expect more original features soon before (and after!) my new contract starts, like what happens to fashion businesses that split leadership into creative & operations.

PS, I registered for SAFW media accreditation this week, cross fingers for me. What do you want me to find out for you this season?

With thanks,
Modupe Oloruntoba

Across Africa

South Africa's Pepkor to buy Retailability adult clothing businesses

South Africa's Pepkor said on Tuesday it will buy fashion businesses Legit, Swagga and Style and homewares brand Boardmans from privately owned retail group Retailability, as part of its expansion into the adult clothing market.

Kantamanto Market Leaders oppose GUCDA’s authority, declare independence from clothing associations

The leadership of Kantamanto Market has formally distanced itself from the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA), the Importers Association, and other industry groups, asserting that they alone represent the interests of businesses operating within the market.

Why Aren't African Brands Hiring Creative Directors?

This week, we speak to African designers who have hired creative directors and breakdown whether designers are ready to "pass the baton".

How LSF boosted Cape Union Mart and others with retail sector master plan

The master plan aims to create 330 000 jobs and to grow South Africa’s local retail sales to R250 billion by 2030.

Mozambique: Second-hand clothing employs 200,000 – study

The second-hand clothing business represents a “survival alternative” in Mozambique, ensuring “more than 200,000 formal and informal jobs” and supports one million people, according to a study.

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