Fashion has always moved quickly. But in 2025, the pace of retail is only one part of the challenge. Behind every campaign launch and store refresh, there is an increasing reliance on technology to keep things running smoothly.
Retailers across the UK are finding that what used to work no longer delivers in today’s environment. Frontline tools feel dated, systems aren’t talking to one another, and new technologies like AI are arriving faster than they can be properly integrated.
Fashion retail now lives at the intersection of people, data, and infrastructure. And when these aren’t connected, things start to slip — from customer experience to staff productivity to margin protection.
Four Pressures Fashion Retailers Are Facing
Through our work with fashion brands and Microsoft, we see four recurring areas of concern. These issues often stem from infrastructure that has been stretched too far or not upgraded in time.
- Returns That Erode Margin
Returns in fashion have always been high, but recent years have seen the numbers climb further. Shoppers expect free and flexible return options, yet many retailers lack the back-end systems to manage them effectively. Poor data visibility means stock gets stuck, margins are hit, and forecasting becomes harder.
How We Help:
RE:engineered.: Use analytics tools like Power BI to spot trends and streamline returns processing.
RE:connected.: Build a clearer view across digital and in-store systems using hybrid cloud infrastructure.
- Frontline Staff Underserved by Tech
Retail staff are being asked to do more — from managing click-and-collect orders to offering real-time advice on stock availability. But when the tools they rely on are clunky or disconnected, customer interactions suffer, and teams get frustrated.
How We Help:
RE:equipped.: Roll out Microsoft 365 Frontline and Teams-based tools designed for store teams.
Ensure access to timely information in an intuitive, easy-to-use format.
- Cyber Security That Isn’t Keeping Pace
Fashion retailers are holding more customer data than ever before — loyalty information, payment details, behavioural insights — yet many are still reliant on perimeter-based security. Threats are getting more advanced, and a single breach could lead to reputational and financial fallout.
How We Help:
RE:assured.: Implement Microsoft Defender and MXDR services across your environment.
Build a modern, zero trust approach to security without disrupting daily operations.
- AI Tools Arriving Without the Right Foundations
From styling assistants to demand forecasting, AI is becoming more common in fashion. But rolling out these tools without the right underlying infrastructure is risky. Poor data hygiene, fragmented systems, and lack of frontline integration all reduce their effectiveness.
How We Help:
RE:engineered.: Deploy Azure OpenAI, Microsoft Fabric, and Copilot with clean data flows and proper controls.
Ensure your AI delivers useful insights, not additional noise.
From Fragmented to Functional: The Need for RE:styling.
Fashion is a sector built on detail, responsiveness, and brand consistency. Customers notice when the service doesn’t match the style. They remember small glitches, checkout delays, or poor return experiences. These aren’t just operational issues — they affect loyalty and long-term value.
RE:styled. is our approach to helping fashion retailers revisit and refresh the tech stack that underpins their operations. That doesn’t mean a full rip and replace. It means a thoughtful review, identifying what needs to change and where we can enhance what already works.
What We Offer
With Six Degrees and Microsoft, you’ll be able to:
- Understand your current infrastructure performance with a Discovery Call
- Identify and close security gaps before they impact customers
- Equip your store teams with frontline tools that fit their day-to-day
- Ensure AI and data strategies are grounded in reliable infrastructure
We bring sector knowledge, Microsoft expertise, and a track record in deploying upgrades with minimal disruption.
What Makes This Different?
As a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP, we can unlock co-funding support through initiatives like Azure Innovate or AMMP. We also work closely with Microsoft’s retail teams to align solutions to sector needs, meaning we understand the practicalities of making change happen in a live retail environment.
Why RE:styling. is a Sensible Next Step
A fresh coat of paint won’t solve operational issues, just like a new in-store display won’t fix stock management gaps. When customer expectations are high and competition is growing, the technology that supports your service can no longer be an afterthought.
Your brand is built on delivering the right experience, every time. If your infrastructure makes that harder, it’s time to do something about it.
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