Tuesday, September 02, 2008 Got nothing to wear... POST A COMMENT "It's like the back-to-school season never happened," says the NY Post. Talking how retailers -- (especially clothing companies) -- have called this year the worst in recent years. 'Just not the best time to be in the clothing business: 'On one end, you have working families forced to skip discretionary items like clothing... 'And those that can spend on big ticket items just aren't -- fearing they might appear like they're flaunting their excess wealth. Leaving everybody feeling like they have nothing to wear. You have a whole Lotta folks feeling stuck in middle -- trapped in a vicious cycle. In part, because of the rising inequality of the super-wealthy... They keep working and working only to feel like they are not getting anywhere. 'Which causes people to work more and more...'just to keep up in an economy increasingly dominated by status goods. Getting back little in return, scratching their heads -- still wondering why they have nothing to wear. Source: NY Post Labels: Business-101, Clothes, economy, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 10:48 PM Friday, August 29, 2008 Abercrummy: 'say no to Ugly? POST A COMMENT 'Might need to change that to name to Abercrumbles -- with slumping profits 'sounds like that pricey-preppy-chain might need it's own fashion makeover: "As allowances dwindle and parents fret over their jobs and home values, the 'fresh, clean, simple and optimistic' look of American Apparel's hipster gear is gaining appeal," says the NY Post. And it just might get uglier... Speaking of Ugly, 'found this article on the 'Hierarchy of hotness' rules at Abercrombie & Fitch. Which basically says, 'You're either Abercrombie hot – or you're not. Hmmm... Makes ya wonder if there are enough hot people to wear their clothes; And does this exclusion on the average Joe-buyer affects their bottom line? Opps, I guess it does. One girl 'was pulled from a sales position on the floor...and shoved back to the stockroom to fold clothes. In its defense the company says 'it is important to uphold the brand's image and maintain diversity in its stores.' -- "It's a hierarchy of hotness," says the Morning Dallas News. "There's no real problem to discriminate against 'ugly' people," said one Lawyer. "The problem is when you define beauty to incorporate white, which it essentially does at Abercrombie." Source: Dallas Morning News Labels: Business-101, capitalism, Clothes, College Students, Culture, economy, Fashion posted by Henry Cruz at 10:33 PM Thursday, August 14, 2008 Will old reliable save a fallen Gap? POST A COMMENT You'd think these were happy-times at the Gap... Patrick Robinson -- that dude charged with reviving the ailing brand -- gets a shot this fall...up-to-bat, as the chief designer -- they'll either call it a comeback... "Even if," as Business Week points out -- "most of its target customers don't know it yet" or Robinson's will fail so miserably, he'll -- "single-handedly sink it..." -- Eh, so not too much pressure on one person. Formerly of Armani, Perry Ellis, and most recently at Paco Rabanne, Robinson says he'll add a modern spin on the classics...'that could restore the respect Gap once had... "signaling confidence in the new designer." The Gap, which like most clothing companies had cut back on print ads, is gonna be pumping some major cash touting Mr. Robinsons' arrival this fall. Those in-the-fashion-know say the addition of Robinson could be "the best move Gap has made in years...'it will keep J. Crew on their toes." Robinson was quick to point out the companies recent mis-steps: "It was targeting too young a customer...stocking poor quality clothes...imitating H&M, and Zara..." "It wasn't being Gap," says Robinson. Adding it needs to get off what he calls -- "the trend treadmill and revive the signature classics that he wore growing up in California." In full disclosure -- other than the occasional "you go girlfriend" -- I'm no clothes horse or fashionista...but, I do live for the emotional drama -- 'and the irony that a fashion guy might be the one to save a fallen company -- by simply going back to basics... 'With the Luxury market in a steep decline -- who knows -- could be "old reliable's moment." -- I'll have the popcorn ready to watch this one play out. Source: Business Week Labels: Brands, Business-101, Clothes, Gap Inc., Patrick Robinson, Retailer posted by Henry Cruz at 4:25 AM     ARCHIVES October 2005 . November 2005 . December 2005 . August 2007 . September 2007 . October 2007 . November 2007 . December 2007 . March 2008 . April 2008 . May 2008 . June 2008 . July 2008 . August 2008 . September 2008 .