LSN : News : Stat: Substack surpasses 5m subscriptions thanks to video and audio expansion

ReBurberry brings repair and resale services to Selfridges

ReBurberry at Selfridges, London, UK

UK – In early March 2025, Burberry embraced circular fashion with ReBurberry, a pop-up offering repair, resale and customisation services at Selfridges. With a team of experts on hand to restore pre-1999 trench coats and refresh cashmere scarves, the British brand responded to the growing demand for sustainability in luxury. The initiative highlighted Burberry’s commitment to portraying luxury and longevity as synonymous.

As seen in our Luxury Recrafted macrotrend report, this move reflects a broader industry shift, with premium brands moving beyond seasonal drops to emphasise long-term value, heritage and craftsmanship.

Burberry’s approach is a departure from online luxury resale platforms such as Vestiaire Collective and Luxe Collective, opting instead for in-store experiences that reinforce exclusivity and personalisation in real life.

In our Sustainability is Dead report, we analyse how similar activations channel subtle sustainability. The latter is now seamlessly integrated into value-driven experiences rather than overtly being used in a way that alludes to ‘eco-fatigue’ and the ‘say-do’ gap.

Strategic opportunity

Consider how the future of luxury retail could include repair, restoration and resale services directly integrated into bricks-and-mortar stores

NHS approves breakthrough tablet treatment for endometriosis

UK – Gedeon Richter’s Ryeqo daily tablet for endometriosis has received approval for use on the NHS. The pharmaceutical company is primarily known for its expertise in women’s health, reproductive medicine and hormone therapies.

A breakthrough, this new, more accessible treatment option is a response to the challenges of delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options, such as injections, which can initially exacerbate symptoms. As a single combination pill that can be taken at home, Ryego reduces the need for clinical visits and provides faster symptom relief.

The approval of this treatment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), despite initial rejection, signals a broader transformation in the treatment of chronic conditions. Prioritising patient convenience, accessibility and autonomy not only meets medical needs but also lifestyle demands.

Endometriosis affects some 1.5m women in the UK, yet diagnosis can take up to a decade (source: Sky News). As Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, explains, this treatment ‘marks a potential step-change’ by giving patients more control while alleviating pressure on NHS services.

With similar investment and awareness emerging in historically overlooked areas, such as menopause and reproductive health, the future of women’s health looks increasingly innovative and accessible.

Photography by Karolina Grabowska

Strategic opportunity

The shift towards at-home treatment solutions highlights an opportunity for pharmaceutical brands and healthcare providers to invest in personalised, flexible healthcare solutions: placing ease of use and quality of life at the forefront

Stat: Substack surpasses 5m subscriptions thanks to video and audio expansion

Photography by Ketut Subiyanto

Global – Substack has hit a milestone of 5m subscriptions, up from 4m just four months ago, fuelled by a surge in political content and a push into video and audio. Co-founder Hamish McKenzie credits the growth to creators leaving mainstream media, including Jim Acosta, Joy Reid and Mehdi Hasan. ‘The political volatility and a shake-up in traditional media have accelerated growth,’ says McKenzie. ‘People are looking for new voices, whether driven by anti-Trump or pro-Trump sentiment.’

Substack’s expansion also reflects a shift in content consumption. A year ago, 50% of the top 250 creators used video or audio; now, that number has risen to 82%. ‘We’ve been building features for creators focused on mobile and platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube,’ adds McKenzie. With TikTok’s future uncertain, creators are increasingly seeking platforms where they can own their audience relationships.

We previously discussed the growth of decentralised platforms like Discord and newsletter sites such as Substack, which provide opportunities to showcase individualism and create safe spaces for communities in our Cracking the Algorithm Code viewpoint report.

Strategic opportunity

Create private groups, VIP programmes or use platforms such as Substack to target specific customer segments, offering exclusive content, early product access and behind-the-scenes experiences to foster deep loyalty with superfans