# Warning: Sell Shares in Fast-Fashion Giants Inditex and H&M
Deutsche Bank has issued a warning to investors, advising them to sell shares in prominent clothing retailers like Inditex, the parent company of Zara, and Swedish chain H&M. In a note to clients, analyst Adam Cochrane downgraded both companies to “sell,” expressing concerns about their future performance. As a result, shares of Inditex (ITX) and H&M (HM.B) experienced a decline of over 1% in early afternoon trading.
Cochrane highlighted that changing consumer behavior, particularly regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, could lead to a backlash against fast-fashion retailers. The pandemic momentarily overshadowed ESG concerns, but they are now regaining prominence. Consequently, clothing sellers may face increased costs as a result of the demand for more sustainable materials and improved treatment of workers in sourcing countries.
Moreover, ESG concerns pose a long-term threat to the business models of fast-fashion companies, necessitating a significant reduction in consumption. This shift in consumer preferences could have substantial implications for these retailers.
Simultaneously, Cochrane anticipates that the surge in demand for affordable clothing following the COVID-19 pandemic will diminish by 2024. Factors such as increasing interest rates, rising unemployment rates, and geopolitical uncertainties may contribute to weakened consumer spending, impacting the retail sector’s sales.
In summary, investors are advised to consider selling their shares in Inditex and H&M, as the fast-fashion industry faces potential challenges in the form of evolving consumer demands and economic factors that may impact profitability.
# Fashion Retailers Inditex and H&M Face Competition from Low-Cost Online Retailers
The fashion retail industry is undergoing significant changes, with intensified competition from low-cost online retailers such as Shein and Pinduoduo PDD. This increased rivalry poses a threat to market leaders Inditex and H&M, according to Deutsche Bank analysts.
Shein, a fast-fashion giant founded in China, is reported to have plans for a public listing. This announcement has raised doubts about how Shein manages to produce clothing at such low prices. The rise of Shein and Pinduoduo PDD-owned Temu has led to a decline in market share for Inditex and H&M.
In addition, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry could further exacerbate the competition. AI allows new players to adapt rapidly to fashion trends by leveraging big data, giving them a competitive edge.
Furthermore, there is growing concern that government intervention may intensify the backlash against fast-fashion. For example, the French government urged consumers to boycott Black Friday sales and offered subsidies to those who repair their own clothes. Such initiatives could discourage customers from purchasing fast-fashion items.
H&M faces challenges in controlling costs due to inflationary pressures. Rising wages and increased spending on raw materials are expected to impact the company’s profitability. Similarly, Inditex, known for its market outperformance over several years, is also facing increased competition and a loss of market share to rivals.
Despite these headwinds, Deutsche Bank analyst Cochrane suggests that investors consider buying shares in Marks & Spencer. He highlights that the British retailer’s target demographic consists of older, wealthier customers who are less likely to be affected by a downturn in consumer spending.
In conclusion, Inditex and H&M must navigate through intense competition from low-cost online retailers while also addressing emerging challenges like AI and potential government intervention. Meanwhile, Marks & Spencer appears to be relatively insulated due to its focus on older, affluent customers.
