Are Newspapers Destined for Kindling?
By Tim Beyers May 4, 2009
TheMotleyFool.com
Amazon has remained a force to be reckoned with during these economic hard times. While businesses are folding left and right the online retailer continues to see stock prices rise. Amazon’s stocks have risen by fifty percent since January. With the recent hard times that the newspaper has been enduring, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, thinks he may have the answer to the newspaper industry’s problem, the Kindle. The daily newspaper would be electronically sent to the Kindle, and read from there. But Amazon will soon have competition with the Kindle from Apple. Apple plans to introduce a “tablet Mac that would, among other things, have a built-in e-reader similar to what the Kindle offers.”…. “A glossy screen, stylish graphics, and ,….handwriting recognition a la the cultish Newton personal digital assistant.”
Either way I think the new technology will be welcomed in the newspaper industry. It may help keep more newspapers afloat and is environmentally friendly, seeing as it uses no paper.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Bendel's Focuses on New Strategy
Bendel's Focuses on New Strategy
by Sharon Edelson
Posted Thursday April 30, 2009
Last Edited Friday May 01, 2009
From WWD Issue 05/01/2009
Henri Bendel is trying to get out of the apparel business. The store wants to focus more so on it’s three key components; accessories, beauty, and gifts. These areas are the most profitable for the retailer. It makes sense for Henri Bendel to focus in on what it is good at in the midst of this unpredictable economy. Seeing as how profits are more important now than ever. One of the strategies that Bendel plans to implement is to down size the flagship store, with the other four mall locations to follow later on in this year. Six more stores will open up this year and carry the main three profit makers as well as Henri Bendel name brand products. CEO of Henri Bendel, Ed Bucciarelli, states that by refocusing on the big three the brand can become national and international and hopefully gross $1 billion.
by Sharon Edelson
Posted Thursday April 30, 2009
Last Edited Friday May 01, 2009
From WWD Issue 05/01/2009
Henri Bendel is trying to get out of the apparel business. The store wants to focus more so on it’s three key components; accessories, beauty, and gifts. These areas are the most profitable for the retailer. It makes sense for Henri Bendel to focus in on what it is good at in the midst of this unpredictable economy. Seeing as how profits are more important now than ever. One of the strategies that Bendel plans to implement is to down size the flagship store, with the other four mall locations to follow later on in this year. Six more stores will open up this year and carry the main three profit makers as well as Henri Bendel name brand products. CEO of Henri Bendel, Ed Bucciarelli, states that by refocusing on the big three the brand can become national and international and hopefully gross $1 billion.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Abercrombie & Fitch cutting 170 jobs at HQ
Abercrombie & Fitch cutting 170 jobs at HQ
Business First of Columbus - by Dan Eaton
Abercrombie & Fitch has decided to cut 170 jobs at their headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. The company has stated that by cutting the jobs it will continue to stay committed to improving its efficiency. Abercrombie & Fitch has already cut fifty jobs at its headquarters this past January. I do expect that the retailer will continue to cut jobs more as the recession worsens throughout the year. They have already experienced a thirteen percent decrease in sale during their 2008 fiscal year sales. This past February and March the retailer reported sales declines of thirty and thirty-four percent.
Business First of Columbus - by Dan Eaton
Abercrombie & Fitch has decided to cut 170 jobs at their headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. The company has stated that by cutting the jobs it will continue to stay committed to improving its efficiency. Abercrombie & Fitch has already cut fifty jobs at its headquarters this past January. I do expect that the retailer will continue to cut jobs more as the recession worsens throughout the year. They have already experienced a thirteen percent decrease in sale during their 2008 fiscal year sales. This past February and March the retailer reported sales declines of thirty and thirty-four percent.
Chico's: Look Out Below!
Chico's: Look Out Below!
By Alyce Lomax April 20, 2009
There is bad news for Chico’s stores. It has seen steadily decline in its stocks. Analysts say that they see no sign of improvement anytime soon. The last time that the retailer had an increase in sales was in 2006. This is tragic seeing as how they had seen steadily increase in profits before 2006 on an annual basis. The store has also been struggling to reconnect with its targeted customer for a while now with no success. But the competition, which there is plenty of, has done a great job of taking customers from Chico’s. Although the store has no debt they are not making any profits, and the bottom line is to make profit. This is probably why so many investors invested the money that they did into the retailer. But the fact that the store doesn’t have any debt is not the only factor to consider when investing money into businesses.
By Alyce Lomax April 20, 2009
There is bad news for Chico’s stores. It has seen steadily decline in its stocks. Analysts say that they see no sign of improvement anytime soon. The last time that the retailer had an increase in sales was in 2006. This is tragic seeing as how they had seen steadily increase in profits before 2006 on an annual basis. The store has also been struggling to reconnect with its targeted customer for a while now with no success. But the competition, which there is plenty of, has done a great job of taking customers from Chico’s. Although the store has no debt they are not making any profits, and the bottom line is to make profit. This is probably why so many investors invested the money that they did into the retailer. But the fact that the store doesn’t have any debt is not the only factor to consider when investing money into businesses.
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Smart Money at Family Dollar
The Smart Money at Family Dollar
By Rick Aristotle Munarriz April 8, 2009
Family Dollar stores recently hit a 52-week high in stocks this past quarter. The stores sales have risen 8.7% to about $2 billion during their second fiscal year. That is not bad considering that the economy is in a recession. But the recession is actually helping the retailer in profit margins and gross profit. The retail chain is offering unbeatable deals and bargains to consumers by having lower markdowns, freight expense savings, better inventory management, and generally higher markups. Customers shop for lower-margin consumable merchandise while at Family Dollar. Family Dollar is and will weather the economic storm and stick around for years to come.
http://www.fool.com/investing/value/2009/04/08/the-smart-money-at-family-dollar.aspx
By Rick Aristotle Munarriz April 8, 2009
Family Dollar stores recently hit a 52-week high in stocks this past quarter. The stores sales have risen 8.7% to about $2 billion during their second fiscal year. That is not bad considering that the economy is in a recession. But the recession is actually helping the retailer in profit margins and gross profit. The retail chain is offering unbeatable deals and bargains to consumers by having lower markdowns, freight expense savings, better inventory management, and generally higher markups. Customers shop for lower-margin consumable merchandise while at Family Dollar. Family Dollar is and will weather the economic storm and stick around for years to come.
http://www.fool.com/investing/value/2009/04/08/the-smart-money-at-family-dollar.aspx
Friday, April 10, 2009
Parlux Inks fragrance deal with Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye
Parlux Inks fragrance deal with Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye
by Pete Born From WWD Date:4/7/09
This has been called an unusual deal when it comes to celerity licensing. The three celebrities, along with another unnamed "well established" female artist, it might maybe Jay-Z's wife, Beyonce, are signing a deal with Parlux Fragrances Inc.
Instead of receiving cash from licensing royalties, the artists will receive royalties and profit sharing in the fragrance brands that they will launch. But the majority of the pay off will be through petitions to buy Parlux stock.
The deal has already been signed with Kanye and Rihanna. Jay-Z and the other female artist will sign their deals later on in the year. The CEO of Parlux Fragrances, Neil Katz, explains "We have for the first time calculated not how much they can sell but what they can make in profits and how the company can succeed."
Parlux plans on launching Kanye's and Rihanna's fragrances in the summer of 2010, and Jay-Z's and the unknown female singers fragrances the following year.
by Pete Born From WWD Date:4/7/09
This has been called an unusual deal when it comes to celerity licensing. The three celebrities, along with another unnamed "well established" female artist, it might maybe Jay-Z's wife, Beyonce, are signing a deal with Parlux Fragrances Inc.
Instead of receiving cash from licensing royalties, the artists will receive royalties and profit sharing in the fragrance brands that they will launch. But the majority of the pay off will be through petitions to buy Parlux stock.
The deal has already been signed with Kanye and Rihanna. Jay-Z and the other female artist will sign their deals later on in the year. The CEO of Parlux Fragrances, Neil Katz, explains "We have for the first time calculated not how much they can sell but what they can make in profits and how the company can succeed."
Parlux plans on launching Kanye's and Rihanna's fragrances in the summer of 2010, and Jay-Z's and the unknown female singers fragrances the following year.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Affordable Footwear Act stumbles in Congress
Affordable Footwear Act stumbles in Congress
By Kirsti Ellis
WWD.com
The Affordable Footwear Coalition has tried to push for inclusion of the Affordable Footwear Act in the President’s economic stimulus plan. The amendment would eliminate $800 million in regressive tariffs across several footwear categories, including children’s footwear and certain types of lower priced shoes. The Senate’s version of the bill has already failed and was not included in the House bill. The bill would eliminate 43% of the $1.8 million in annual duties collected by the U.S. government. I think that this amendment is a good Idea. It will stop the higher cost of tariffs paid by the manufactures from spreading to the end consumers.
In this economy I think any amendment that will help Americans spend less money is much needed.
By Kirsti Ellis
WWD.com
The Affordable Footwear Coalition has tried to push for inclusion of the Affordable Footwear Act in the President’s economic stimulus plan. The amendment would eliminate $800 million in regressive tariffs across several footwear categories, including children’s footwear and certain types of lower priced shoes. The Senate’s version of the bill has already failed and was not included in the House bill. The bill would eliminate 43% of the $1.8 million in annual duties collected by the U.S. government. I think that this amendment is a good Idea. It will stop the higher cost of tariffs paid by the manufactures from spreading to the end consumers.
In this economy I think any amendment that will help Americans spend less money is much needed.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
VF completes acquistion of Mo Industries
VF completes acquisition of Mo Industries, Owner of Splendid and Ella Moss contemporary Sportswear Brands 3/18/09
VF Corporation acquired Mo Industries, to be exact, the remaining two-thirds of their capital stock. It was acquired in a effort to grow VF's Contemporary Brands Coalition, which currently includes 7 for All Man Kind, Lucy Brands, and now John Varvatos. I think that it is a step in the right direction for VF. Now that they realize that there is a substantial amount of money to be made in contemporary markets. Especially since American apparel is becoming more relaxed and casual and the younger population is a stronger buying force in apparel than ever before. It's only right to cater to their needs. The outcome is very profitable for VF. It cost Vanity Fair $161 million to attain the rest of Mo Industries, but in the end I think it was well worth it.
VF Corporation acquired Mo Industries, to be exact, the remaining two-thirds of their capital stock. It was acquired in a effort to grow VF's Contemporary Brands Coalition, which currently includes 7 for All Man Kind, Lucy Brands, and now John Varvatos. I think that it is a step in the right direction for VF. Now that they realize that there is a substantial amount of money to be made in contemporary markets. Especially since American apparel is becoming more relaxed and casual and the younger population is a stronger buying force in apparel than ever before. It's only right to cater to their needs. The outcome is very profitable for VF. It cost Vanity Fair $161 million to attain the rest of Mo Industries, but in the end I think it was well worth it.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Retail Shares sink as Walmart cuts jobs
Retail Shares sink as Walmart cuts jobs
by Kristi Ellis and Matthew Lynch with contributions from Arnold J. Karr and Liza Casabona
posted Tuesday February 11,2009
www.wwd.com
Although Wal-mart is doing considerably better than its competitors, in fact they have not really bean affected by the recession that much, they have cut 800 jobs at its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. Mainly in the apparel buying operations department, and will be moved to New York. While employees were layed off they still have the chance to reapply for thier previous jobs owned in Bentonville in New York.
The company feels that it makes sense to move the buying operations to New York to be closer to its apparel design operations it moved from Bentonville a year ago.
Wal-mart will still continue to hire at its in-store level positions.
It goes to show that even the worlds best retailer had to cut some strings somewhere. No one is really exempt from this recession.
by Kristi Ellis and Matthew Lynch with contributions from Arnold J. Karr and Liza Casabona
posted Tuesday February 11,2009
www.wwd.com
Although Wal-mart is doing considerably better than its competitors, in fact they have not really bean affected by the recession that much, they have cut 800 jobs at its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. Mainly in the apparel buying operations department, and will be moved to New York. While employees were layed off they still have the chance to reapply for thier previous jobs owned in Bentonville in New York.
The company feels that it makes sense to move the buying operations to New York to be closer to its apparel design operations it moved from Bentonville a year ago.
Wal-mart will still continue to hire at its in-store level positions.
It goes to show that even the worlds best retailer had to cut some strings somewhere. No one is really exempt from this recession.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Stocks Jump as Retail, tech stocks advance
Stocks jump as retail, tech stocks advance
By MADLEN READ and TIM PARADIS, AP Business Writer Madlen Read And Tim Paradis, Ap Business Writer –
Wal-mart and Macy's saw a increase in stocks last month, while other retailers aren't doing quite as well. I know that this spike in Wal-mart's stocks is a direct result of the economic pressures that are placed on consumers trying to spend thier money wisely and get the most for their money. Wal-mart is the best place to do just that. Wal-mart will flourish in the good and the bad times, they have a fool-proof strategy in the way that they do business and market their merchandise. I think that Wal-marts stocks will continue to rise as the economic crisis is expected to get worse as we progress further into 2009.
By MADLEN READ and TIM PARADIS, AP Business Writer Madlen Read And Tim Paradis, Ap Business Writer –
Wal-mart and Macy's saw a increase in stocks last month, while other retailers aren't doing quite as well. I know that this spike in Wal-mart's stocks is a direct result of the economic pressures that are placed on consumers trying to spend thier money wisely and get the most for their money. Wal-mart is the best place to do just that. Wal-mart will flourish in the good and the bad times, they have a fool-proof strategy in the way that they do business and market their merchandise. I think that Wal-marts stocks will continue to rise as the economic crisis is expected to get worse as we progress further into 2009.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)