How Emerging Brands Can Build DTC Businesses

LONDON — In recent weeks, young designers in London have been hit hard by the implosion of Matches, a key stockist for many independent labels. And as confidence in other luxury e-tailers, including Farfetch-backed Browns and Net-a-Porter, continues to sink, wholesale is looking like an increasingly dangerous game.

Once upon a time, getting picked up by a store like Matches, Browns or Net-a-Porter was a critical part of a young designer’s…