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.