Retailers have to take tangible metrics like productivity seriously as a red flag on employee wellbeing. Think about it: Can a disengaged retail worker in a luxury store truly deliver exceptional customer service? Can a disconnected employee at a trendy boutique contribute to a positive customer experience?

Fashion’s old engines—luxury department stores, fashion magazines, global catwalks—are sputtering. Like the sewing machine that migrated from New York to Kolkata in search of cheaper labor, the entire supply chain must now adapt. Rapid prototyping, short runs, and AI-driven demand forecasting are critical.