African fashion venture, Faro, is using AI to turn $425bn in unsold global fashion into an opportunity

Unsold inventory is one of the biggest problems for fashion retailers, with mounting levels of excess stock being discarded, incinerated or left to waste. The rise of fast fashion coupled with the rapid growth of e-commerce has perpetuated a textile waste epidemic.
As a result, global fashion is in the middle of a sustainability crisis, made even more apparent by the increased pressure of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation requiring EU brands to report on the management of excess stock in 2025, and making it illegal for brands to destroy unsold products in 2026.

The urgency to find sustainable solutions to reduce the percentage of unsold inventory and decrease annual global carbon emissions has never been greater.

African fashion venture, Faro, is using AI to turn $425bn in unsold global fashion into an opportunity. The company enables brands to reduce their overstock and environmental impact, with traceable distribution in emerging markets.

Faro has flipped the switch on fashion retail by creating high-end shopping experiences where customers have the opportunity to own and wear global brands that might otherwise be out of budget and in turn, offers a sustainable solution to global brands struggling with unsold inventory.

POWERED BY AI AND PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS

Faro’s operating system, Faro IQ, is transforming how fashion meets demand. Powered by AI and predictive analytics, it learns from past sales, forecasts future trends, and tags each product with detailed attributes.

This allows Faro to allocate the right stock to the right stores based on real customer behaviour – boosting sell-through and reducing waste.

The same tech drives Faro’s personalised marketing, delivering targeted messages to shoppers based on what they actually buy. While legacy retailers rely on spreadsheets and manual guesswork, Faro’s AI makes smart decisions in seconds – optimising planning, buying, pricing, allocation, and marketing across the entire supply chain.

“By designing AI-powered agents to automate complex workflows, we are able to streamline our operations, a key differentiator from legacy retailers”, explains FARO co-founder and COO, Amber Penney.

Faro founders Amber Penney, David Torr, William McCarren and Chris Makhanya, wanted to change the idea that high-end fashion was only available to a small percentage of the population, with textile waste being at the forefront of their solution. This approach not only ensures affordability for consumers but also reduces the industry’s environmental footprint.

“Our mission is to make high-end global brands accessible to South Africans, delivering unrivalled value to customers in an elevated shopping environment. We work with top global brands like G-Star, Zara, Levi’s, Guess, Jack & Jones and Steve Madden, sourcing last-season stock at a discount and passing these low prices onto our customers,” adds Faro co-founder and CCO, Chris Makhanya.

Faro has already had a meaningful impact on local unemployment, creating over 150 skilled jobs in their supply chain in the first year, with projections to create over 4,000 jobs by 2028 across the organisation. With every store that opens, more jobs are created both in-store as well as throughout the entire supply chain.

SHOPPING SHOULD FEEL LUXURIOUS FOR EVERYONE

While many local retailers in South Africa focus solely on value, Faro is different, believing that shopping should feel luxurious for everyone. Each customer should feel stylish, valued, and unique when they walk in, and out of, their stores.

Penney explains that at Faro, there is a major focus on personalised service, beautifully curated spaces, and an elevated shopping experience.

Quips Penney, “We like to think of ourselves in the realm of high-end fashion and curated spaces… minus the exclusivity and unattainable prices.”

The first store opened in Liberty Promenade Mall, Mitchell’s Plain, Western Cape, bringing premium fashion to a market where accessibility to high-end brands has traditionally been limited, ensuring that style and quality are no longer out of reach.

Since then, Faro has grown rapidly, with six stores in N1 City, The Glen, Fourways Mall, Bayside Mall, Mamelodi Mall.

In late 2024, Faro closed a $6M funding round led by JP Zammitt, the president of Bloomberg, to fuel store expansion and strengthen its proprietary tech platform. The team have ambitious plans to expand to 1,000 stores across South Africa and other emerging markets in the next few years.

Faro, a proudly South African startup, is more than just a brand, it’s a movement that champions value, dignity and sustainability. As consumer preferences evolve, the market continues to witness a surge in demand for diverse fashion choices, value-based purchasing, and sustainable clothing options.

News Credits- ZAWYA BY LSEG

Pepperfry, India’s leading e-commerce furniture and home decor company has partnered with Zepto for its entry into the quick commerce segment.

To announce the association, the company has rolled out its latest campaign, ‘Hauntingly gast with Zepto’, highlighting the super-speedy availability of Pepperfry’s home essentials on Zepto.

With this partnership, Pepperfry aims to deliver its daily-use decor and essentials to customers via Zepto in under 10 minutes.

Commenting on the partnership, Archana K, lead brand marketing at Pepperfry in a statement said, “At Pepperfry, we’ve always focused on making great design more accessible, and this partnership with Zepto is a natural extension of that commitment. In today’s fast-paced world, consumers are looking for both quality and convenience, and we’re thrilled to be delivering on both fronts.”

Pepperfry claims of have a catalogue of over 1,000 brands housing more than 80,000 products across categories like beds, sofas, dining, lamps and lighting, kitchen, dining, home décor, and furnishings.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

The key is giving their customers a choice of how and where they shop, on their terms – thereby increasing customer engagement and transaction value

The retail industry is shifting at an unprecedented pace, driven by evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements.

While South Africa’s online retail sales accounted for just 6% of total retail sales in 2023, the figure remains significantly lower than markets like the United States (16.2%) and the United Kingdom (26.2%).

If we are to harness South Africa’s digital economy to boost GDP, then retailers will need to remain relevant with increasingly connected shoppers. This is where omnichannel shopping becomes important.

Omnichannel shopping is not just about selling both online and in-store. Rather, it is about ensuring that consumers experience a seamless, integrated journey whether they are browsing on an app, researching on a desktop, or visiting a physical store.

PAYMENT FLEXIBILITY A KEY DRIVER

On Black Friday, 55.2% of PayJustNow’s Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) transactions happened in-store, while 44.8% occurred online. The split highlights that local consumers are not purely shifting online but expect both options to be readily available.

Customers want options beyond traditional credit and debit cards. Options like BNPL are playing a critical role in enabling access to goods and services while helping retailers increase conversion rates and average basket sizes.

But this extends beyond consumer convenience. Retailers often gain valuable insights by integrating with alternative payment platforms that offer analytics not available through traditional payment methods.

Understanding customer behaviour is critical in driving business efficiency in today’s environment, and this goes beyond just understanding transaction locations.

THE INTEGRATION CHALLENGE

One of the biggest obstacles to omnichannel adoption is the complexity of integrating various payment methods into both online and in-store systems. A year ago, retailers had to navigate a fragmented landscape of payment service providers, many of whom controlled merchant settlements and data.

Today, that is shifting. More payment service providers (PSPs) are recognising the need for retailers to own their consumer relationships directly, making it easier for brands to integrate new payment options across multiple channels.

For example, Retailability, which houses retail brands including Edgars, Legit, Beaver Canoe, Swagga, Style, Keedo and Boardmans, has successfully implemented an omnichannel strategy that is seeing their stable achieve an average of over 90% growth YOY in transaction value during peak shopping periods.

And that’s through online and instore purchases with PayJustNow’s payment platform alone, supported by exclusive offers on our Deals platform, and exposure on our app and website store directory.

The key is giving their customers a choice of how and where they shop, on their terms – thereby increasing customer engagement and transaction value.

WHAT IS IN STORE FOR LOCAL RETAIL?

While South Africa’s retail landscape may not mirror the rapid e-commerce dominance seen in Western markets, there is a clear shift toward more integrated shopping experiences. Consumers still enjoy in-person shopping, but they also want the ability to browse deals online, make easy returns, and pay in a way that suits their financial needs.

Whether retailers choose to integrate with PSPs or directly with payment platforms like PayJustNow, they’ll need to ensure that, sooner rather than later, their customers have access to a frictionless omnichannel shopping experience.

As Gen Z consumers enter their prime spending years, these expectations will only grow stronger.

Retailers that embrace omnichannel shopping now will be best positioned to thrive in the evolving local market by offering consumers convenience, security, and choice wherever and however they choose to shop.

Author Credits- Dean Hyde

News Credits- ZAWYA BY LSEG

May 1 (Reuters) – Australia’s largest supermarket chain Woolworths (WOW.AX), opens new tab said cost-conscious shoppers were increasingly looking for cheaper alternatives amid rising living costs, spurring its push into more private-label offerings, similar to rival Coles (COL.AX), opens new tab.

Cost-of-living pressures loom as a key issue for Australians voting in a general election on May 3.

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Woolworths, which sells more than one-third of Australian groceries, posted better-than-expected third-quarter sales on Thursday, as price cuts boosted volumes in its core grocery business.

Shares ended 1.2% higher at $31.94 on Thursday.

Woolworths’ home-label brands remained popular among customers, especially in categories offering discounts of over over 40%, CEO Amanda Bardwell said on Thursday.

“We’re seeing a lot of value-seeking across our grocery areas and that’s where we’re seeing an increasing number of products for own-brand perform particularly well,” Bardwell told reporters on a call.

Group sales rose by 3.2% to A$17.31 billion ($11.09 billion) in the third quarter compared to A$16.77 billion the prior year. Own-brand and e-commerce increased by 5.7% and 15.7% respectively during the period.

Jesse Moors, portfolio manager at Spatium Capital, said the year-on-year growth in online sales was not a surprise given more people were opting to stay indoors, and “receiving the spending dopamine-hit via their mobile devices.”

Analysts at Jefferies highlighted a stronger-than-expected third quarter for both Woolworths and Coles, suggesting an improvement in market conditions.

While the results showed resilience in a challenging retail landscape where cooling inflation has limited pricing power, Bardwell said customers remained concerned by rising living costs and managing budgets.

Woolworths has lowered prices on over 340 products, reducing them by an average of 1.2% on everything except fruit, vegetables and tobacco.

“Overall, our prices are competitive against our main competitors but there is this ongoing work we need to do,” she told analysts on a conference call.

Smaller rival Coles reported an increase of 3.4% year-on-year in third quarter group sales, reflecting strong growth at its supermarket business on higher volumes.

Woolworths’ Bardwell flagged that clothing continued to pose challenges at Woolworths’ Big W operations, which runs discount department stores.

“Clothing sales were driven by spring summer clearance activity with a slower start to autumn winter, which has continued into April,” Bardwell said.

Author Credits- Roushni Nair, Reuters

Jarrolds Logistics, part of the APC delivery network, has opened a new 2,787m2 depot in Norwich in the UK, which will support the company’s growing business in next-day parcel delivery, warehousing and fulfillment services.

The new site increases the company’s operational capacity by over 35% and brings Jarrolds’ services under one roof to enable greater efficiency.

According to the company, the expansion is a response to sustained business growth driven by increasing demand from SMEs and large businesses across the region.

Mary Wisbey, managing director of Jarrolds Logistics and Jarrolds Facilities Management, commented, “This move represents a significant strategic advancement, enabling us to operate more efficiently, reduce mileage that minimizes our environmental impact and creates local employment, all while enhancing the quality of service we deliver to our clients and customers.

“Since joining APC [in 2023], we’ve been committed to developing a logistics operation that stays true to our local heritage. The launch of our new Norwich depot is a major milestone in that journey. With its central location, added capacity and increased flexibility, the depot empowers us to better support local businesses across the region.”

The Norwich site employs a 30-strong local team, including 20+ drivers and dedicated operations and customer service teams. As demand grows, Jarrolds Logistics said it plans to expand the team to support new service offerings, such as warehousing and fulfillment for e-commerce clients.

Author Credits- HAZEL KING, Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

Jewellery retailer Kalyan Jewellers has partnered with Instamart for its entry into the quick commerce segment ahead of Akshay Tritiya festival.

With this partnership, Instamart will sell certified gold and silver coins through its platform offering doorstep delivery in minutes across 100 cities including top metros.

The exclusive range includes gold coins in 0.5g and 1g featuring motifs like Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Swastik and Goddess Lakshmi.

Commenting on the partnership, Amitesh Jha, CEO of Instamart in a statement said, “We’re excited to welcome Kalyan Jewellers to our platform ahead of Akshaya Tritiya. With more customers embracing the convenience of quick commerce for festive and traditional purchases, this partnership is both timely and relevant.”

Ramesh Kalyanaraman, executive director at Kalyan Jewellers added, “Through our collaboration with Swiggy’s Quick Commerce platform, Instamart, we are making it easier than ever to buy Kalyan gold and silver coins. This partnership allows us to integrate the auspiciousness of tradition with the ease and speed of modern living, ensuring the spirit of the festival remains.”

Post Akshaya Tritiya, Kalyan Jewellers gold and silver coins will continue to be available on Instamart as part of their regular assortment.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading international retail franchise operators announced the launch of the Alshaya Retail Academy aimed at training young Saudi men and women on the latest retail industry concepts and practices, in KSA. The academy was launched in partnership with several leading government entities, including the Human Resources Development Fund.

By providing newly employed Saudi nationals with essential hands-on and theoretical training, Alshaya Retail Academy will directly contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This initiative not only prepares youth for successful retail careers, but also strengthens the national economy by enhancing their competitiveness in the global job market. The launch of the academy aligns with Alshaya’s continued commitment to the region, especially with the opening of The Avenues in Riyadh and Khobar, creating additional opportunities for local talent and contributing to the Kingdom’s growing retail sector.

The inaugural event was attended by Mohammed Alshaya – Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group, John Hadden – CEO of Alshaya Group, Firas Aba Alkhail – Deputy General Manager for Business at the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF), Muhammed Al Melhem Assistant Deputy Minister – Ministry of Commerce, Ibrahim Jubairi Gharwi, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Localization of Tourism, Eng. Abdul Rahman Al-Marwani, Assistant Deputy Governor of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, represented by Khalid Al-Nasser, Assistant Director General of the General Directorate for Private Sector Training.

The attendees emphasised the importance of this initiative in enhancing the participation of Saudi youth in the labour market, which is essential to driving sustainable development and boosting economic growth in the Kingdom.

The academy offers comprehensive training programmes, including one-month development courses, as well as three-month qualification courses. These programmes combine theoretical and practical training, enhancing trainees’ opportunities to acquire market-ready skills that align with the rapid developments occurring in the retail sector in the Kingdom.

“At Alshaya, we believe in the importance of empowering Saudi youth by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for their professional growth. We are committed to providing them with comprehensive and integrated training opportunities that help them thrive in the retail sector. This initiative aims to build a national workforce capable of adapting to the rapid changes occurring in the market, which aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030,” said Mohammed Alshaya – Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group.

Abdullah Faisal, Regional People Director at Alshaya Group, said: “At Alshaya Group, we are deeply committed to providing the best opportunities for all Saudi citizens, whether in employment or training. We take great pride in our established record of employing national talent and continuously strive to expand the opportunities available to them. Through the Alshaya Academy, we aim to empower our youth by equipping them with the essential skills needed to thrive across various sectors, while providing them with the tools necessary for success in the workforce, in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. We are confident that the Alshaya Academy will serve as a cornerstone for developing talent and helping realize the aspirations of an ambitious generation dedicated to excellence and innovation, in collaboration with leading government bodies.”

Alshaya was recently awarded by The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia as a leading company in parallel training and feminisation. This recognition underscores our commitment to gender diversity and the empowerment of Saudi women in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Currently, Alshaya runs professional training and mentoring programmes to ensure that Saudi nationals develop the skills they need during their career path. The company has successfully attracted around 4,000 Saudi females to work in world-leading brands such as Starbucks, The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, Raising Cane’s, H&M, American Eagle, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Foot Locker.

About Alshaya Group

Alshaya Group is a dynamic family-owned business, first established in Kuwait in 1890. With a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya Group is one of the world’s leading brand franchise operators, offering an unparalleled choice of over 70 well-loved, international brands to customers.

Alshaya Group’s portfolio extends across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Türkiye and Europe, with over 4,000 stores, cafes, restaurants, and leisure destinations, major logistics and food production operations, as well as over 125 online and digital businesses including one of the region’s biggest retail loyalty programmes, Aura.

Operating in multiple sectors including Fashion, Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings and Hospitality & Entertainment, over 50,000 Alshaya colleagues are united by a commitment to authentically deliver great customer service and brand experiences.

From flagship stores and restaurants in prestige malls, through to local coffee shops, drive-thrus and online, Alshaya Group brings customers the experiences they want with the brands they love, in the ways they choose – including Starbucks, American Eagle, Footlocker, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Tilbury, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, and Chipotle.

News Credits- ZAWYA BY LSEG