Legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani dies

 

Legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 91, leaves behind a legacy not only of timeless fashion but also of remarkable entrepreneurial achievement. Armani began his career in fashion as a window dresser and sales assistant before launching his own brand in 1975 with business partner Sergio Galeotti. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident in his ability to identify market gaps—introducing relaxed tailoring for men and empowering professional women with elegant, functional suits. Armani maintained full control of his brand empire, which expanded into perfumes, hotels, restaurants, and home furnishings, generating billions in revenue. He was known for his hands-on leadership, even personally arranging boutique displays well into his 80s. Armani’s success was built on a clear vision, independence of thought, and a relentless work ethic, making him a powerful example of how creativity and business acumen can combine to build a global brand.

What entrepreneurial qualities did Giorgio Armani demonstrate throughout his career, and how did these contribute to the global success of his brand?

Giorgio Armani

Tesco Trials Avocado Scanner

 

Tesco has launched a trial of infrared avocado ripeness scanners in five UK stores, aiming to revolutionize how customers shop for fresh produce while tackling food waste. Developed by Dutch agritech firm OneThird, the scanners use light-based technology to assess the internal ripeness of avocados in seconds—eliminating the need for squeezing, which often damages the fruit. This innovation is part of Tesco’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes removing plastic labels and packaging from avocado products, saving over 20 million pieces of plastic annually. With avocado sales surging—15 million more sold this year compared to last—the scanner helps shoppers choose fruit suited to their needs, whether for immediate use or later consumption. By improving customer experience and reducing waste, Tesco demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to solve everyday retail challenges and support environmental goals.

BBQ - How can technological innovation like Tesco’s avocado ripeness scanner improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in retail?

Avocado Scanner

Lululemon Squeezed by Tariffs

   

Lululemon Athletica, the Canadian athleisure giant, is facing mounting pressure as a combination of U.S. tariffs and weakening domestic sales disrupt its growth trajectory. The recent removal of the "de minimis" exemption, which had allowed duty-free shipments under $800, is expected to cost the company around $240 million in gross margin this year. This change, coupled with escalating tariffs, has forced Lululemon to revise its full-year revenue forecast downward, triggering a 15% drop in its share price. CEO Calvin McDonald acknowledged that the brand had become "too predictable," with stale product cycles failing to excite consumers in a cooling U.S. market. While international markets like China continue to show strong growth, the company is now focused on refreshing its product lineup and adjusting its supply chain to mitigate rising costs. The situation highlights the vulnerability of global retailers to policy shifts and changing consumer behavior, even for well-established brands. Adidas warned that the tariffs will cost it €200m (£173m; $233m) and raised prices for American customers. Nearly half of the company's products are made in Asia.

BBQ - How might changes in international trade policy, such as tariffs and the removal of duty exemptions, affect a company’s pricing strategy and profitability? 

Lululemon Tariff