Environment Impact

Objective: Research in trade publications the latest trends in fabrics and finishes.
Post on blog page: Environmental Impact
Describe the fabric and the type of finish
Name of fabric:
Black lining made out of recycled bottles.
Produced

Any environmental impact due to the process
All products are made from recycled plastic bottles and the tags are made from Architectural shapes with matte black hardware to cork labeling.
Apparel merchandise fabric is used for: MATT & NAT employs authorized agents in Asia who act on behalf of the brand and visit the facilities on a weekly basis to monitor the working conditions of the employees. In addition, members of the MATT & NAT team including the president, visit the factories a minimum of 2 times per year to monitor these conditions and ensure that all standards are up to par. Also note that all of our Asian manufacturers are certified child labor free.

Due Wk 10

Retailing in the 21st Century....

Present two findings (articles):
-Retailer
-Location
-Description of the lastest trend (about)
-Imagery
-Links
Retail sales at stores in America during 2008-10 were driven partly by deep discounting.  Automobile sales saw a disastrous drop-off, with total sales of cars and light trucks in the United States during 2010 estimated at 11.5 million.  This was a good improvement over 2009, but still dramatically lower than the peak of 17.5 million in 2005.  Meanwhile, China became the world’s largest automobile market.

Negative factors that will impact the retail sector in 2011:
·        Consumer debt levels remain high.  Surveys show that consumers are focused on paying down debts.
·        High health care costs continue to be a challenge, thus reducing discretionary spending.
·        A continuation of depressed conditions in the housing market means low home equities and limits the ability of consumers to sell or borrow against their houses.
·        A high level of home mortgage foreclosures continues, with nearly 10% of all residential mortgages in delinquency or foreclosure as of late 2010.
·        High unemployment levels and a very difficult environment for job seekers reduce retail spending.
·        Tightened lending standards make it more difficult for consumers to obtain credit, including a pull back in lines of credit available on credit cards and home equity loans.
·        Low consumer confidence reduces spending.
·        Consumers will continue to be more conservative.  To the extent they are able to do so, they will be saving more while spending less.  When they do spend, they will be focusing to a growing extent on high-value items with long life and lasting value.
Meanwhile, competition among retailers has never been tougher.  A retailer without a significant competitive advantage doesn’t stand a chance.  Superstores are battling each other on every major corner while direct marketers (including catalogs and online sites) are stealing customers from stores.  Online selling at deep discounts is even making inroads into major consumer purchases such as jewelry.  Many retailers have been driven into bankruptcy recently, including Sharper Image, Linens ‘n Things, Bombay Co., and mail order firm Lillian Vernon, and more will follow.
Growth in online shopping has been driven by two factors.  First, the number of fast Internet connections in U.S. homes and businesses leapt to about 100 million by 2010, plus tens of millions of wireless connections, which make buying online faster and more interactive.  Next, there’s the savvy marketing of online giants like Amazon.com (with more than $24.5 billion in 2009 revenues, up from $19.1 billion in 2008), as well as the e-commerce efforts of traditional retailers such as Home Depot and Wal-Mart.  These fast Internet connections are extremely important, even at the office, since a large number of U.S. workers take time out to shop online from their desktops.
Analysts at eMarketer forecast growth in American e-commerce sales of 12.7% for 2010, to a total of $162.4 billion.  This figure does not include online travel sales or sales of tickets to events.  Travel was forecast to be an additional $92.5 billion in online sales for 2010.  By 2013, eMarketer expects U.S. online sales, excluding travel, to reach $223.9 billion.
Typical U.S. consumers are focused on buying less, and when they do make purchases they are seeking the best possible prices.  This means that revenues have been strong at so-called “dollar stores” and other outlets that are known for exceptionally low prices.  Elsewhere, many retailers, including department stores, are forced to offer special prices on a frequent basis, including special sale events.  Even discount store leader Wal-Mart is suffering from slow sales in America.
Coupons have made a big comeback.  Analysts at The Nielsen Company estimate that coupon redemption in America grew by 27% in 2009, to 3.3 billion.  Big factors in this growth include the financially challenged consumer and the use of technology.  Mobile coupon distribution via cellphones has made a big impact.  Also, the fact that consumers now use the Internet to search for and print out coupons caused significant growth.  Web sites that promote special offers, such as Groupon and SlickDeals, have seen soaring growth in their user bases.  In fact, Groupon has enjoyed stellar growth, and in November 2010 Google indicated an interested in acquiring the company.
Neiman Marcus is demanding moderately priced lines from designers.  In a different segment, household product makers are emphasizing lower-priced soaps and detergents, or high-value larger packages.  Even companies that were already known for reasonably priced goods are repositioning.
Ann Taylor, a national U.S. chain of moderately priced women’s fashion stores, hired a new designer during the Great Recession and added a selection of trendier, fashion-forward clothes at reasonable prices.  Thus, they have been able to keep existing customers while attracting new shoppers who want chic clothing that fits within their restrained budgets.  Competitor Talbots, Inc. has used the same strategy.  This is a good example of adapting to the new retail era, since many fashion-conscious women have become much more conservative about the amount they are willing to spend on clothing.  “Shop your own closet first,” is the new mantra of many American women who realize they can get more use from the fashions that they already own.

Retailer:
Ann Taylor
Location:
Across United States
What they did:
Ann Taylor, a national U.S. chain of moderately priced women’s fashion stores, hired a new designer during the Great Recession and added a selection of trendier, fashion-forward clothes at reasonable prices.  Thus, they have been able to keep existing customers while attracting new shoppers who want chic clothing that fits within their restrained budgets. 

The designs found in Ann Taylor’s Loft collection are the middle-class designs of the company. Sophisticated clothing at affordable prices which are not quite as elegant as the signature collection but not quite as basic as the styles found in the Factory collection.

Images:

One of the most remarkable trends in the past couple of decades has been the increased market share of the discount retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart and Kmart. Due to the introduction of higher end goods in the discounters (e.g. Martha Stewart housewares at Kmart and Phillipe Starck housewares at Target), it's become chic to shop there. Between 1988 and 1998 discounters' market share rose from 43% to 63% while department store sales dropped from 25% to 15%. This continues today--a trend solidified by the effect of the current recession on shopping patterns. Discount retailers have become increasingly broad in their product offerings. Wal-Mart, Target and others now include grocery sections in many of their stores to offer a full range of products to shoppers. One-stop is a dominant idea of our time. \

Retailer:
Target
Location:
Across United States
What they did:
Product offereings at a One-stop shopping experience by adding on with a grocery section in many of their stores to offer a full range of products to shoppers. Also within the last few years they have added new trendy designers that have drawn in a younger target market with a lower price point.  Ex:William Rast for Target, Converse One Star, Paul Frank for Target,  and many other brands...
Images:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Taylor_(retail_chain)
http://www.wwd.com/
www.cob.unt.edu/mktg/faculty/blankson/REAILING%20TRENDS%20IN%20THE%20USA.ppt
http://www.careers-in-marketing.com/rtfacts.htm
http://www.plunkettresearch.com/retailing%20stores%20market%20research/industry%20overview

Ann Taylor’s classic, elegant approach to designer fashion has contributed to the new and improved image of 21^st century women. With a wide selection of pants, tops, shoes, dresses, skirts and accessories, Ann Taylor has stylish pieces to suit the needs of all women. The label currently operates 824 stores around the world including the United States and Puerto Rico.

Fashion Event-Trunk Show

Trunk Show:

Neiman Marcus - Helmut Lang Trunk Show

February 09, 2011 -  February 20, 2011
Neiman Marcus hosts a Helmut Lang Trunk Show. View the Spring 2011 Collection online @ neimanmarcus.com or style.com (http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-HLANG)

Designer Line: Helmut Lang
Retailer/Location: Neiman Marcus Newport Beach Fashion Island Mall
Contact info./address: 601 Newport Ctr. Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Store Hours: Mon - Fri 10-8, Sat 10-7, Sun 12-6 Participants/guest: Open to the public

PH: 949-759-1900      800-395-1036

Models, mannequinns, food, music and or images:
I called and spoke to customer service rep, and she said that it was just a display featuring the new spring 2011 collection.
Inspiration for Spring Collection 2011:
"As for the Spring collection, the husband-and-wife team's thinking was in line with other designers this week: fresh, airy, and light. Whites, taupes, and nudes for the most part replaced black; natural, organic textures dominated; and the overall silhouette was looser, more relaxed. A great-looking silk crepe jacket with a chiffon lapel, for instance, came unlined, which means it'll be as easy to slouch on as your favorite cardigan, but a heck of a lot more sexy." http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-HLANG

Irregular Tape Top & Combo Shorts
$275 top
$290 shorts

• Light rosewood (taupe) crepe.
• Natural rise.
• Draped pockets reveal knit backing.
• Relaxed legs with arced hem.
• Hook-and-eye/zip front; belt loops.
• Silk.
• Imported.

Shadow-Print Jersey Top & Dirty Vintage Leggings
Prices range:
$210 top
$230 Jeggings
An asymmetric architectural cut creates a silhouette as shadowy as this top's color.

• Gray/white shadow-print jersey.
• Scoop neckline.
• One short dolman sleeve; one short hanging sleeve.
• Pleated left side.
• Asymmetric, bias-cut hem.
• Pullover style.
• Viscose.
• Made in USA of Italian material.

Dirty vintage cut in indigo wash.

Five-pocket style; clean back pockets.

Low rise.

Slim, faded legs.

Whiskering.

Button/zip fly; belt loops.

Cotton/polyurethane.

Made in USA of imported material.

 Prices ranges for whole spring collection 2011:
$160.00-$1265.00


References/slideshows:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/S2011RTW-HLANG?event=show2182&designer=design_house47&trend=&iphoto=0#slide=0

JCPenney
*Arizona Jeans, Stafford, St John's Bay, Towncraft (private brands)
*Merchandise: Children's Denim to Men's work attire.
*Price Points: $6.99 clearance item-$200.00
*Competiton: Kohls: Apt.9, Croft & Barrow, Sonoma
*Corporate Office: Plano, TX
*Manufactured:  Zhejiang Medes Embroidered Products & Dress CO., LTD,one of biggest professional manufacturer of embroidered products in China. We have established business relations with American JCPenney Company for about 10 years.Low price,high quality.
http://www.ecplaza.net/tradeleads/seller/4432548/supply_all_kinds_offabricsuch.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Store_brand
http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/default.aspx

Private Label Brands

Bloomingdales:
*Brand: Aqua
*Merchandise/Departments:
-Dresses
-Sweaters
-Tops
-Pants
-Skirts
-Denim
-Accessories (jewelry, gloves, hats, bath accessories, & sunglasses)
-Swimsuits
-Coats & Jackets
*Price Points:
-$11.00-$298.00
*Competition:
-(Nordstroms) BP, Caslon, John W. Nordstrom, JWN, Nordstrom, Pure Stuff, Rubbish, Shimera, Holistia, Make & Model, Halogen, Susina, Frenchi
-Saks Fifth Ave.
*Location:
-The corporate headquarters and the flagship store are located in Downtown Seattle, Washington.
*Manufactured:
http://www.bloomingdales.com/

Wk 2/3: TRADE PUBLICATIONS

WWD: WOMENS WEAR DAILY:

Mark Lee Seen as Man to Bring New Era to Barneys...One of the most-watched acts in fashion is beginning to play out: Mark Lee's reinvention of Barneys New York.

The highly regarded Lee has been Barneys New York's chief executive officer for only four months yet already has made sweeping changes in the retailer's senior fashion ranks and overhauled its creative leadership. On Friday, the retailer tapped a new vice president and fashion director, Amanda Brooks, former creative director of Tuleh and a Vogue contributor. And more changes are said to be on the horizon. 

My thoughts: I believe that someone who brings a new era with Freshen the merchandise mix and add more femininity and color, as well as a much-needed paint job at the Madison Avenue flagship can make a big impression in today's economy....

Pre-Fall 2011 Accessories Trend: Pink Ladies... 

Some of pre-fall's best accessories are awash in an assortment of pinks, from rich brights to the prettiest of pales.

My thoughts: I love the details with the ruffles and the color palette of pink...also the twist on oxfords..nice twist of fashion...

Snow Banks Boot Sales...Record snowfalls blanketing the Northeast have been a boon for the footwear business.

Retailers across the region told Footwear News boots, in particular, are marching them out of an otherwise slow season.

“Snow is like heaven — it’s actually the best thing that could happen at this time of the year because January and February are usually sale periods with real markdowns,” said Danny Wasserman, owner of Tip Top Shoes in New York.

In fact, Ugg Australia predicted that “when the final numbers are in, this will be our best boot year ever at retail,” said the brand’s VP of sales, Ed Goins.

My Thoughts: Because my passion for fashion is 100% on shoes, this really excites me because the % volume in boots is rocket in shoe sales...not a big surprise though every where you look at least more than one person has boots on...right?

Sources: (http://www.wwd.com)

WK: 1: STATUS SYMBOLS

Status Symbols:
Identify how celebrities inspire current fashion, gather 3 photos of trendy celebrities and describe their effect on society...

Fashion Icon #1: Katie Holmes: Her fashion status is very classic but upto date with trends, conservative and sexy, money is no object, quality is #1 importance to Katie when it comes to fashion. An example of Katie Holmes is her "Face is new Ann Taylor" for spring 2011 ad.
The images of Holmes wearing the brand's updated classics (think perfectly tailored trousers, sleek jackets and plenty of navy-and-white stripes) were shot in Los Angeles by famed fashion photographer Tom Munro. The spring line is modern and nautical-inspired, and there will also be bright yellow and green citrine-shade handbags and shoes featured in the ads.

"I've been a fan of Ann Taylor since I was a young girl -- I grew up loving the clothes," says Holmes. "I'm thrilled to be a part of a brand I believe in."

Fashion Icon #2: Jessica Alba-Her style with fashion status symbols represents her own style of street clothing to evening attire.  Jessica has a unique style of her own that represents quality, high prices and trendy. An example of Jessica's trendy fashion shows off the hard style of Motorcyle and Military combined, her outfit in the following picture is dressed up with high-end fashion designers.

WHAT SHE WORE: Alba took an L.A. stroll in a biker jacket and print dress, accessorized with tough boots and a Viktor & Rolf bag.

Fashion Icon #3: Kate Middleton: Middleton wore sapphire blue (an Issa dress perhaps?) for the press conference to announce the engagement, as Diana did in 1981. Her Status symbol of course is very much royalty.  When I think of Kate Middleton, I think of ... a white coat. Middleton is definitely from the less-is-more school of fashion. Her makeup usually looks natural, and I don't believe I've ever spotted her in a recognizable piece of designer clothing.  Below are some examples of "Royalty Fashion Status Symbols."

STATUS SYMBOLS

Status Symbols: Many fashion designers, sports figures, and other celebrities have their names, initials, or symbols on clothing or accessories...Status Symbols can be an importance of status by wearing clothing or accessories to look special...