The Systems Changing Retail

In this episode of Intent to Impact, Products of Change's CEO Helena Mansell-Stopher chats with Andrew Xeni, foudner of Fabacus, Nobody's Childand Soreto. The conversation explores the sustainability transformation in the industry, Andrew's journey from fashion to tech, the success of Nobody's Child in ethical fashion, and the development of digital product passports by Fabacus. It delves into the challenges, partnerships, and impact of these initiatives, highlighting the journey of growth and innovation within the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in the early days, the pioneering efforts in ethical and sustainable branding, the remarkable impact and achievements of the team, brand growth and customer loyalty, the commercial value of ethical and sustainable branding, the role of technology in industry transformation, the future of digital product passports, and industry mobilization and brand recognition. The discussion highlights the importance of data collection, team effort, consumer advocacy, and the commercial benefits of digital product passports. It also emphasizes the role of DPPs in legislation, industry transformation, and ecosystem building, as well as the future vision for the industry.Core topics:Sustainability as a central business focusThe journey of growth and innovation within the industry The commercial value of ethical and sustainable branding is significantDigital Product Passports (DPPs) have commercial benefits and drive consumer engagementThe future of the industry involves mobilization and brand recognitionChapters00:00 The Sustainability Transformation10:30 Nobody's Child: Ethical Fashion Success16:55 Fabacus and Digital Product Passports24:25 The Heavy Lifting of Execution30:15 Commercial Value of Ethical and Sustainable Branding35:29 The Role of Technology in Industry Transformation48:15 Industry Mobilization and Brand RecognitionAndrew XeniAndrew Xeni is a visionary technology and retail entrepreneur; founder of award-winning businesses that are reshaping their industries. After building a successful family manufacturing business supplying the UK high street, Xeni went on to establish responsible fashion brand, Nobody’s Child, named 2023, 2024 & 2025 Drapers Retailer of the Year (<£100m), as well as building technology ventures; Fabacus, where he serves as CEO, and Soreto, where he acts as Chairman. Operating globally, his businesses are servicing some of the world’s largest organisations in licensing and retail, including Tesco, NBCUniversal and Samsung. Xeni also welcomed Marks & Spencer as a strategic investor and minority shareholder in Nobody’s Child.Passionate about shaping the future of sustainable retail, in 2023, Fabacus and Nobody’s Child collaborated to launch a Digital Product Passport solution driven by compliant product catalogues, in preparation for incoming legislation around the world, set to redefine and evolve the retail landscape. Xeni is backed by a number of leading financial institutions and prominent individuals and in addition to managing a diverse portfolio of businesses, he is an active angel investor and mentor.