There are moments when building LookBerry carries a different weight, a deeper responsibility. Today, that feeling is impossible to ignore. As the global fashion industry faces a period of tension shaped by economic pressure, geopolitical instability, and shifting consumer behavior, the illusion of endless growth has been replaced by a more complex reality. Luxury sales have begun to decline for the first time since the pandemic, with the market expected to contract by around 2 percent in 2025, while multi brand physical retail has already seen drops of up to 8 to 12 percent in recent years . Across the world, thousands of stores are closing, with projections reaching as high as 15,000 closures in 2025 alone . Even the strongest players are not immune, with companies reporting falling revenues and profit pressure as demand becomes more fragile and selective.
In moments like this, fashion becomes more than an industry. It becomes a reflection of resilience, identity, and the ability to adapt. That is where we position ourselves. LookBerry is being built in Dubai, a city that has always thrived in times of global uncertainty by creating new opportunities and redefining what growth looks like. At the center of our platform are emerging designers and niche luxury brands whose journeys reflect this new reality, where creativity must be paired with strategy, and visibility is no longer guaranteed but earned.
We had originally planned to launch our first phygital retail space on Palm Jumeirah, combining physical retail with digital experience. But in a world where footfall is declining and traditional retail models are under pressure, we made a deliberate decision to pause this step and focus on strengthening what is proving to be the most resilient layer of the industry, digital and community driven growth.
Today, LookBerry continues to evolve as a marketing driven ecosystem, helping young and talented niche luxury brands navigate this new landscape, gain visibility, and convert attention into real business. In a time when the rules of fashion are being rewritten, we believe that growth will belong to those who can build communities, not just stores, and to those who understand that the future of fashion is not only about selling products, but about creating meaning, connection, and momentum together.
