What I Am Wearing New Years

New Year's was almost a week ago and I am still waiting on my friends to upload their pics (I don't have a camera right now)!!! Either way I wanted to go ahead and post about what I wore...then hopefully I will get a picture sometime this week. Anyways, I decided to kick off the new year with a shimmery and shinny, yet reasonably priced ensemble.

For starters...I chose the dress. I knew I wanted silver and sequins. I just happened to find this dress at Express back in early December. Then, I paired it with a blazer that I already had in my closet from H&M when I visited NYC. Finally, the last (other than simple accessories), and most important piece of the outfit...the shoes!

I searched for the shoes all throughout our mall in Greensboro...not saying much...but after 3 floors and over an hour of just browsing, I didn't even see a shoe that interest me at all. I ended up driving across town to search through other stores in our city's nicer, but more expensive, outdoor shopping center.

There, I finally found a store with a few pairs of shoes that were reasonably priced and similar to the style of shoe that I had in mind. After over an hour of pondering between two shoes....a black, edgy pair of ZiggySohos, and a silver more delicate Steve Madden Platform...I chose the Steve Madden's.

CRS 481- #11 Extra!

Wal-Mart Wants to Eliminate All Packaging Waste by 2025
from The Environmental Leader
April 20, 2009
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/04/20/wal-mart-wants-to-eliminate-all-packaging-waste-by-2025/

Wal-mart wants to reduce, reuse, and recycle so that by 2025 all waste from their American stores will be eliminated, while all waste from British company will be eliminated by 2013. For this, the company now offers reusable shopping bags for customers to purchase and use instead of plastic bags; this will reduce plastic bag waste by one-third by 2013. The company also wants to reduce the amount of packaging used by 5% by 2013 and is looking for other sustainable materials to use for packaging.

At Wal-mart's most recent Sustainable Packaging Expo the company was introduced to a recycled cardboard that is waterproof for a 2-wk period. The company can use this biodegradable recycled cardboard to make boxes for packaging goods and shipping along the supply chain.

The article stated that last year "Wal-Mart recycled 180 million pounds of paper, plastic, aluminum and other items and 2.5 million tons of cardboard, and is turning its waste plastic into resin to manufacture clothes hangers and stepping stones for gardens, reported Times Online." The company is also shredding plastic bottles to use as stuffing for dog beds, is testing for more fuel-efficient trucks, and is doubling their solar power use. Decreasing energy is also a main goal for Wal-mart and decreasing the amount of energy used in air conditioners.

CRS 481 - Blog #10

Payless ShoeSource sells "green" shoes, handbags
Associate Press
Forbes.com
April 13, 2009
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/04/13/ap6282831.html


Payless Shoesource is now selling eco-friendly shoes, handbags, and jewelry under Zoe & Zac, a brand that uses all organic cotton and linens, recycled rubber outsoles, and water-soluable glues. The best thing about these trendy environmmentally sustainable products is that they all sell at Payless for under $30, going along with the company's reputation as a retailer with fashionable styles at cheap prices.

Along with this brand offering, Payless's parent company, Collective Brands, Inc., is contributing $1 to The Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees Campaign for every Zoe & Zac item sold until May 4. The company will also donate $1 for every reusable eco-friendly handbag that is sold throughout the entire year. Payless is committed to raising at least $100,000 and the contributed money is planned on being used to rebuild the Atlantic Forest in Brazil.




After looking online I found this photo online showing how much of the Atlantic Forest is actually still left...and based on what used to be the entirety of the forest...what is left amounts to nothing (see photo above; from http://www.aracruz.com.br/img/conteudo/aracruz_posicionamento_biodiversidade_brasil_eng.jpg). I think it is a great idea for Payless to jump on the bandwagon and follow the trend for earth-friendly goods. I went into Payless the other day and almost bought one of their eco-friendly bags because it was just really cute, but after knowing that Payless is going to donate $1 for each bag sold I will definately go back and actually buy a one now. Both the bags and the shoes are trendy and fashionble and very resonably prices...so who wouldn't want to help the environment while also looking good and spending less money. This campaign is a great idea and I totally support it.

CRS 481- Blog #9

Jos. A. Bank Takes Unusual Path:Retailer Has Record 4Q
April 8, 2009
The Wall Stree Journal: Business

Jos. A. Bank recently had its best fourth quarter EVER; in the company's 100 years of retailing their annual financial results never reached what they posted this past fourth quarter. While many other retailers of failing, Jos. A. Bank seems to be standing pretty well. With 461 stores across the U.S., mainly located in high-end, specialty store shopping centers, Jos. A. Bank is one company that tries to provide high-quality at a resonable price. And when the recession hit, Jos. A. Bank's prices became even lower, without decreasing their quality; this drove more people in to the store and allowed for the company to grow its top and bottom lines.

The company tries to cater to men in white-collar jobs that are struggling now that the recession has hit, and with prices lower than other retailers who specialize in men's suits, the company seems to be doing well. They are able to provide lower prices because they have come up with a way to eliminate the middle man and only directly source with vendors. The company also only supplies what is demanded and does not overstock their stores, while also only opening new stores that will be profitable and meet the company's financial criteria. The company is also doing major promotions during the recession...which is risky but seems to be bringing in customers: they "offered to refund up to $199 of a suit's price and allow customers to keep it if they are laid off through early summer."
These different techniques are reasons why Jos. A. Bank is succeeding during the recession.




I have personally always seen Jos. A. Bank as what I like to call "Off-Price"...meaning not very special, out-of-date, not up with the new styles, etc... but during a recession a suit is a suit...and if men need suits for their jobs they will not really care how fashionable it is, men will just look for cheap. If Jos. A. Bank is providing high-quality suits at a lower charge then its not wonder why their company is doing well...especially when catering to a target market that still had to look good in the workplace, whose jobs are not business casual. However, I believe if the whole "Business Casual" trend grows any further...Jos. A. Bank might want to reposition itself. For now, though, I guess the company is doing quite well.

CRS 481: Blog #8

Trust Me. You’ll Look Cool in This.

By ERIC WILSON
Published: April 8, 2009
The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/fashion/09TOPSHOP.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=fashion

Topshop comes to New York with personal shoppers for all!!

I loved this article; the writer was quirky and fun in his style and it made for a fun read.

On April 2, Topshop opened its doors to New York's SoHo fashionistas and it seems to not be a disappointment. According to the article, hundreds, possibly thousands, of customers have stood in line just waiting to enter Topshop, let alone stand in line to buy clothes. But come rain or shine there has still been tons of people crowding the store for trendy fashions and hip/unique edgy styles. And although compared to Urban Outfitter and Forever 21, Topshop has more to offer.....other than just higher prices...Topshop has personal stylists!!!

Anyone can come in and make a 2hour appointment with one of Topshop's own personal stylists. Their stylists are people, usually in their 20s, who are either in school for fashion or who have already graduated in a fashion related field. Topshop's stylists must know which celebs are hot each week and what these celebs are wearing out on a day to day basis. The stylists must also be up on pop culture and the indie scene so no matter what customer walks in, they can choose the right styles for the right people. The style advisers give the customers confidence and a creative way of putting together different items so that the same shirt never gets old and never looks the same. This tactic of selling makes Topshop seem like a more upscale store and creates more of a buzz with customers....boosting sells.


I think this is an awesome idea for any store...as we have learned in class, the new trend is customizing everything for each individual and catering to your customers. Awesome customer service that listens to what you like and what you want and then finds it for you is unheard of....except for at classier joints like Neiman Marcus or top designer stores. A trendy store with styling appointments is a really great idea and makes me want to visit Topshop even more!!...I can't wait to go to NYC and visit the new store. Topshop is already a craze in England, and is obviously soon to be here.

CRS 481 - Blog #7

Aeropostale Takes Teen Concept To Tweens
by Sarah Mahoney, Monday, March 16, 2009, 5:37 PM

Source:
Aeropostale Takes Teen Concept To Tweens. MediaPost Publications. http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=102222

While many retailers are failing, Aeropostale has actually increased their sales and net income during the last period. And with this increase, the company has decided to actually expand from its teen market, to the tween market. The company will open 10 P.S. by Aeropastale stores starting this summer. The new line will carry clothing and accessories catering to boys and girls ages 7 - 12. By marketing fun, youthful and exciting store displays and styles P.S. will hopefully appeal not only to the targeted tween audience, but also to tween parents as well.

The only problem with opening these new stores is that while the tween market has been expanding and strengthening for years, at the point of the recession many other tween brands began failing. Club Libby Lu has already closed its doors, while Limited Too has lost $13.9 million during the fourth-quarter. So many are skeptical as to whether P.S. Aeropastale will succeed.

Furthermore, while opening 10 P.S. stores, the company is also opening 40 regular Aeropastale stores and CLOSING ALL of its JIMMY'Z clothing stores, which cater to the older, edgier teen market.


In my opinion...this is NOT a good idea. Many tween lines are failing at an increased rate. Libby Lu, an exciting, fun tween store has already closed its doors; Claire's, a tween jewelry store, is also in the dumps. Plus there are many other tween clothing lines for P.S. to compete with...there is American Eagle's 77kids line, and Abercrombie and Fitch's abercrombie line. It is just not smart to think that even though Aero's regular teen line Aeropastale is doing well, that their tween concept will also do well....especially during the recession and the country's huge number of lay-offs.

Also, I am pretty upset that the company is closing their JIMMY'Z Brand stores. I LOVE that store and their styles and clothing. In all of their stores they have flat screen t.v's in the main store room and in all of their dressing rooms; all of the flat screens within the store play fashion shows throughout the day.

JIMMY'z:


source: http://www.retailfix.com/images/JimmyZ/JimmyZ_03.jpg

CRS 481 - Blog #6

U.S. Retail Crime Grows



Since the recession has hit, many consumers are looking for new products at the best deal! HOwever, with this demand organized crime has increased with shoplifters selling stolen goods on the Internet at cheap prices! Websites such as Ebay and Craigslist have been hit hard by organized crime and while the websites say this is unexceptable it is hard to regulate goods sold through these sites. At least Craigslist creates an electronic tag on all of their postings so that stolen goods can be tracked.

85% of all retailers surveyed said that they have been victims of organized crime, and 40% of all goods sold through websites such as ebay that are tagged as new are actually stolen goods. On average U.S. retialers lose $15-$30 billion a year from stolen goods and with theft increasing Congress has planned to introduce three federal anti crime bills within the next week. These new concepts will allow law enforcement to further fight retail theft, including tightening up on goods sold online. Retailers are also starting to use GPS systems to track theives but with the recession many retailers have had to cut back on employee spending, decreasing the number of associates working in stores at one time and allowing more people to get away with shoplifting.

This situation just goes to show that all retailers must be on their toes during an enconomic recession...not only are retailers losing money by decreased customer spending, but retailers are also losing money and merchandise from organized theft. If theives would only think about the consequences of their actions...they would see that they are only further harming the US economic situation and actually taking jobs away from others. If retailers are not making money and are losing merchandise, they can no longer afford to hire or employ new people and thus add to the rising unemployment rate...ultimately affecting the theives themselves when they are fired from their own jobs.

Source: US retail crime grows with demand for discounts. 25 February, 2009. Retreived from http://uk.reuters.com/article/regulatoryNewsConsumerGoodsAndRetail/idUKN2442588420090225?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 .

CRS 481 - Blog #5

Nordstrom Opening 10 more Rack Stores this Year!!!




Nordstrom was planning on opening five department stores and two discount Rack stores, but after the economic downfall the company decided to only open three department stores and ten Rack discount stores. In 2008, the company's full line department stores dropped 12.4%, while the company's discount store Rack rose 3% for the year. With the recession in mind, customer buying habits have changed and more consumers are making more conscious buys, meaning that luxury items sold at high-end Nordstrom department stores are being bought less, making more markdowns. The company thinks that the recession is a good opportunity to branch out with more of its discount stores, however, the company also seems to be trying to keep the expansion under the radar.

As a luxory retailer, Nordstrom is also worried that by opening too many discount stores their company's brand image may be harmed and customers could start having different expectations for the company. Although, if done correctly, the opening of more Rack stores could help the turnover of Nordstrom's full-line department stores and could easily move old merchandise out of Nordstrom to allow for newer, fresher, and trendier items faster.

As a student in retail studies, I find this article very interesting and I plan on continuing to keep up with Nordstrom's decision of opening Rack stores to see if the decision was made for the best of the company. Whether the company's plan works by increasing turnover in their department stores and increasing sales throughout their Rack stores, or if this decision will only ruin the company's brand image will be particularly interesting to learn from.

Studying the successful/unsuccesful decisions of a company can help my classmates and I learn what better decisions to make in the future.



Source: Nordstrom plans to open 10 discount outlets this year. 22, February 2009. Retreived from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29362106/ .

CRS 481 - Blog #4

(image from Fashion Directory : http://girldir.com/news-events/topshop-unique-london-fashion-week)


For my article this week, I read about UK's clothing retailer, Topshop, finally opening their New York flagship store after a long-awaiting arrival! The article said that the retialer would open its doors in April, and along with other in-house designers, fashion model and movie star Kate Moss will be a part of the main event!

Top Shop was supposed to open about seven months ago, but there was a slight delay, and even after millions of dollars of spending during an economic recession, Arcadia group's CEO, Sir Philip Green, said he was not worried about opening the new store. Arcadia Group owns Topshop, and last year alone, the company profited £4.5bn globally and Topshop alone made a profit of £120m, with a $25m profit in the US. Sir Philip Green plans for the store to make four times that amount in the US this year.

The article stated that Green also plans for Topshop to boom in the US because of the store's fashion forward, trendy, fast fashion, in-house design teams. The turnover is fast, and the fashion excels. Americans are becoming more fashion-forward and brands such as H&M, Zara, Urban Outfitters, and Topshop are recognizing this trend.


Personally, I can't wait to shop at a Topshop store. I have been waiting for this for quite sometime. I finally got to go to a Zara store while in Vegas and I was not let down. I really do believe that America's youth and young adults thrive for fashion moreso than past gernerations in the US. I know that today when I was folding clothes, I looked at a stack on my bed and realized I had bought EVERY ITEM within the past MONTH!! All of my friends, colleagues, and classmates seem to have this same spending pattern.

This past year, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel were also quite profitable, so I agree that Topshop will do really well in the US. Plus, the opening of new stores here in America will also create new jobs!!



Article Source: Topshop's New York store to open in spring. 16 February, 2009. retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/feb/16/topshop-new-york-store-philip-green

CRS 481 - Blog #3

rue21 Will Create 1200-1500 New Jobs in 2009

SOURCE: Rue21
WARRENDALE, Pa., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/

In spite of the economic recession, the teen clothing store Rue21 actually did well in 2008, with a good increase during the fourth quarter! Now the company plans to open 100 new stores this year (2009), while relocating and remodeling 30 out of 450 of their existing stores. By doing this the company will create 1200-1500 jobs and increase their market share throughout the country!!

The company's success this past year, has much to do with expanding their jewelry, handbags, and shoes in a new line called etc. ! Rue21 also expanded their line for guys, staying up-to-date with current trends and pumping new lines out fast!!




This article gave me hope!! If Rue21 is doing well and expanding there is an increasing amount of hope for other retailers! Rue21 is not even all that great! In fact, its kind of lousy. So for all of us in CARS about to graduate maybe more jobs will start opening up and we can look optimistically into the future! I am tired of being such a pessimist when thinking about the future and if I will be able to find a job.

But I guess only time will tell! :)

CRS 481- Blog #2

The Wall Street Journal- New Chief at Wal-Mart Looks Abroad For Growth

On February 2nd, the wall street journal published an article on Wal-mart's new CEO and his future plans for Wal-Mart.

As the article stated, Mike Duke, the new Chief Executive of Wal-Mart stores Inc. plans on continuing to take the retail giant global and leave the focus OFF domestic expansion. Many analysts and colleagues are backing this decision because of Mr. Duke's previous success as Wal-mart's head in the international division. In this position Mr. Duke pulled Wal-Mart out of both Germany and South Korea because the two markets were unprofitable and yet he still surged the Wal-mart's expansion into India and Japan, two countries where laws limit foreign investment. And to continue Wal-mart's success in these arenas, Mr. Duke, took a bold move to hire native-born managers who already understood the local customs and languages of these two new markets.

Now with 3,400 international stores, Wal-mart's international sector makes up 1/4 of the company's revenue. Wal-mart is now planning on moving into Chile and other South American coutries, as well as expanding throughout Russia, starting with Moscow. And according to the article, "some experts say Wal-Mart has a chance to grow explosively around the globe as it brings its discount formula to countries where retailing is less sophisticated."


I found this article to be very interesting because it is a great example of how retailing is going global! and expansion into other countries is not going to slow down any time soon, for Wal-mart or any other retailer. It is important for students in our major to realize that retail, whether apparel or appliances, is growing rapidly outside of this country. We can no longer focus on the United States as a place to do business; we need to consider the endless possibilities of the world. This also means learning and knowing about different cultures, languages, and markets.

After reading this article and several others on global expansion, I understand why our classes at UNCG are trying to take the students beyond the US market and keep giving assignments on foriegn country markets. I think that having a class that connects with different countries is not only interesting, but very smart, in that it helps prepare students for the global future.


Source:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123351900555237017.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

CRS 481- Blog #1 1/30/09

New York Times-Weak Economy and Retail Sales Hurt Shares

The article I read was published on the New York Times website on Jan. 14, 2009. The article spoke of our econominc crisis and recession since December 2007. Specifically, the article brought to surface the fact that retail sales have dropped for six consecutive months. Through the months Nov.-Dec. 2008 retail sales were down 2.7% and the article predicted retail sales to drop further through the next couple of months. The article also mentioned that layoffs have increased and manufacturing around the world has "slumped", with unemployment in the U.S. reaching 7.2%.

The economic recession is obviously greatly affecting the retail and fashion industry. With the decrease in retail sales comes a reduction of manufacturing and in-store inventory, meaning more job loss within the manufacturing setting and retail setting. If there are less customers buying and less inventory, sales associates are not needed.

I chose this article because the recession and job layoffs, especially in the retail sector, greatly affect my chances of finding a job when I get my diploma in hand in August 2009. I am almost fearful that I will not be able to find a job that I will satisfy me, and also fearful of becomming financially independent since the job market is narrow. I am almost at the point of WANTING to graduate college at a later point in time.

Hopefully everything will work out, and I will be able to find a good intro. job.