News 23.01.2025

Need to Know

Primark expands into adaptive fashion, Equinox Hotels dives into sleep-focused hospitality and why Gen Z value ethics over pay when job hunting.

Primark expands into adaptive fashion

Primark Adaptive in collaboration with Victoria Jenkins, UK

UK – Primark is launching a new adaptive clothing collection in collaboration with Victoria Jenkins, an award-winning designer and disability advocate.

Available in selected stores and via Click and Collect from 28 January, the 49-piece range includes wardrobe staples such as trench coats, jeans and knitwear designed with adaptive features such as magnetic zippers, waist loops and discreet openings for medical devices. Designed with accessibility app NaviLens, product signage for the collection also includes a scannable code for visually impaired customers.

The collection is the next step in the retailer’s commitment to accessibility, following the launch of its adaptive underwear range in 2024. Primark has also partnered with organisations and consultants including the Business Disability Forum, Dr Shani Dhanda, Purple Tuesday and AccessAble to develop Detailed Access Guides for all Primark stores and help customers shop confidently.

Our Inclusive Fashion Market report spotlights the brands and businesses putting accessibility at the forefront of the design process and recognising the needs of underserved consumers.

Strategic opportunity

Fashion brands should look to move beyond single adaptive lines to create an inclusive design philosophy that informs all product development. Collaborate with disabled designers and accessibility advocates to embed adaptive features into both garments and stores

Equinox Hotels teams up with Dr Matthew Walker on sleep-focused hospitality

US – Equinox Hotels has announced a ground-breaking collaboration with sleep scientist and best-selling author Dr Matthew Walker to enhance its sleep-driven hospitality offerings. This partnership integrates advanced sleep science to boost guest experiences, further cementing Equinox Hotels’ position as a trailblazer in health and wellness travel.

Building on existing initiatives such as sleep-optimised guest rooms and circadian-focused rituals, Equinox Hotels is introducing several innovative developments. At the forefront is the Equinox Hotels Sleep Lab, set to make its debut at the New York location. This interactive space will allow guests to explore state-of-the-art sleep technologies and participate in live studies conducted by Dr Walker. Insights from the Sleep Lab will inform future guest room designs, incorporating new technologies to maximise rest and recovery.

Other initiatives include the Equinox Hotels Jet Lag Reset, a proprietary digital tool providing personalised strategies to mitigate jet lag, accessible both online and in-room. Furthermore, curated educational content by Dr Walker will empower guests with insights into the science of sleep, enhancing their overall stay.

For more insights, explore our Glow-Up Getaways and Sleep Enhancement Market reports, which delve into the growing consumer interest in Longevity Lifestyles and self-improvement.

Equinox Hotels, US

Strategic opportunity

Develop sleep-focused amenities such as smart technology, optimised bedding, ambient lighting and soundproofing. Consider collaborating with sleep scientists to validate these offerings and elevate guest experiences

Stat: Gen Z value ethics over pay when job hunting

Lyonesse Pictures Office. Design by Kii Inc, Japan Lyonesse Pictures Office. Design by Kii Inc, Japan

UK – Nearly half of Gen Z workers in the UK are rejecting job offers due to perceived ethical shortcomings, according to a survey by Co-operatives UK. The study reveals that 40% of workers aged 18–27 have declined roles or refrained from applying to companies they consider unethical. In addition, almost two-thirds of respondents believe values such as environmental responsibility and honesty are as important as salary.

Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, highlighted the findings, stating: ‘Gen Z want to reshape the future of work, demanding that businesses prioritise people, planet and purpose over pure profit.’ Notably, 90% of respondents reported feeling like ‘a cog in a wheel of a faceless organisation’.

The report underlines a generational shift towards meaningful employment, with many under-27s prioritising work-life balance, community impact and employer integrity alongside pay. These priorities are challenging traditional workplace dynamics, leaving employers struggling to attract and retain this values-driven workforce.

For deeper insights into the psychology of young workers, explore our Gen Z Now and Next: From Vision to Contradiction macrotrend report.

Strategic opportunity

Conduct an ethical audit to assess your environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, and clearly communicate your commitments through job postings, onboarding and internal communications to build trust and attract values-driven talent

Previous News Articles
Cash App taps Timothée Chalamet for youth-friendly money talk

News

Cash App taps Timothée Chalamet for youth-friendly money talk

Cash App has launched an integrated brand campaign featuring Academy Award-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet which aims to foster intergenerational...
Finance : Gen Z : Youth
Foresight Friday: Rose Coffey, senior foresight analyst

News

Foresight Friday: Rose Coffey, senior foresight analyst

Every Friday, The Future Laboratory team offers an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, ...
Beauty : The Synthocene Era : Virtual Beauty
Stat: Southeast Asia is TikTok’s largest advertising audience

News

Stat: Southeast Asia is TikTok’s largest advertising audience

Southeast Asia now accounts for nearly a quarter of TikTok’s global advertising audience, according to the Digital 2025: July Statshot report.
Statistic : Stat : Southeast Asia
Spktrl’s AI diamond ring aims to cut screen time

News

Spktrl’s AI diamond ring aims to cut screen time

Parisian start-up Spktrl is reimagining wearable technology with the launch of its AI-powered Light Ring, a piece of high jewellery designed to cur...
Wellness : Augmented Human : The Synthocene Era
Represent launches in-person fitness competition 247 Mission Rivington

News

Represent launches in-person fitness competition 247 Mission Rivington

British fashion brand Represent has held its first-ever fitness event, 247 Mission Rivington, with 100 athletes competing in a 12‑hour endurance ch...
Sport : Fashion : Fitness
Stat: Technological innovation is driving the future of beauty

News

Stat: Technological innovation is driving the future of beauty

Wealth divides, digital tools and regional identity are reshaping the international beauty market, according to The State of Fashion: Beauty Volume...
Statistic : Stat : Beauty
AI-generated images of animals in plastic help WWF-Korea raise awareness about pollution

News

AI-generated images of animals in plastic help WWF-Korea raise awareness about pollution

WWF-Korea has launched Animal Trash Fashion, a powerful out-of-home campaign using AI to starkly illustrate the devastating impact of plastic pollu...
Sustainability : Design : Advertising
Rixo launches pre-loved resale platform

News

Rixo launches pre-loved resale platform

British fashion brand Rixo is expanding its circular ambitions with the launch of Rixo Pre-Loved, a resale platform where customers buy and sell it...
Retail : Fashion : Sutainability
Stat: Global business travel spending hits historic high

News

Stat: Global business travel spending hits historic high

Business travel is set to reach a record £1.18 trillion ($1.57 trillion, €1.36 trillion) by the end of 2025, according to ...
Stat : Statistic : Global Travel Market
Axe gamifies fragrance sampling with arcade-inspired bus stop activation

News

Axe gamifies fragrance sampling with arcade-inspired bus stop activation

Axe is making fragrance sampling fun again with a new campaign for its Cherry Fizz body spray.
Advertising : Fragrance : Retail
You have 0 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN