Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
Goldman Sachs Misses the Point
June 19, 2009
Goldman Sachs' Downgrade of Wal-Mart Incorrectly Favors Discretionary Retailers 4 comments | seekingalpha.com
Goldman Sachs may be right with respect Walmart, for all the wrong reasons. Here's more.
A Perplexing Approach to Private Branding at Amazon
June 18, 2009
Amazon Plunges Into Private Label Business | www.fastcompany.com
As Amazon continues to explore ways to expand it's model, improve margin and drive sustainable growth, it is perhaps inevitable that "best practices" in traditional retail might be worth investigating. However, Private Branding may not be one of those that fits the Amazon model and environment effectively. At the moment, there appears to be little corporate investment behind the tactic, which is good news for the shareholders. Based on information available and the current merchandising of their Private Brands, this venture should not be seen as making a material difference in volume, earnings, or ROI. This analysis specifically excluded Kindle as a unique product/line, NOT a private brand.
The Power of Large Jewelry Chains Declines
June 18, 2009
Finlay Enterprises Provides Update on Execution of Its Strategic Plan ~ | finance.yahoo.com
Finlay's demise is just one more signal that the power of the large mass merchandised jewelry chains is declining. Here's more.
Fast Fashion Vintage Watches-The Time is Right
June 17, 2009
Timex Seeking Follow-Up to Marc Ecko Acquisition | www.bloomberg.com
In the age of the smartphone, the classically styled wristwatch at value price has a strong allure and Timex is well positioned to own this space. Think of it as 'mainstream jewelry'. The vintage field watch taps this vintage vein.
GPS - Stella McCartney designs for Gap Kids
June 11, 2009
Stella McCartney to design childrenswear range for Gap | www.retail-week.com
1- Co-Branding has proved to be very successful, captures consumer attention and gets them in the store to buy. Target and Walmart have done this for years, and now even Gap is tapping into the business. 2- Specialty retailers are using co-branding and licensing agreements to drive newness into their stores as well as to enhance but not take away from the core products. 3- Co-branding will add excitement and drive traffic and sales for Gap.
Gap get's the Beatle Baby for Babies !
June 11, 2009
Stella McCartney to design childrenswear range for Gap | www.retail-week.com
Reported this week that Gap, the iconic San Francisco based retailer is to launch a collection for their childrens division designed in collaboration with designer Stella McCartney. While Gap's designer collaborations have long been a part of their marketing hisory this is the first to involve the childrens collections specifically. As a marketing strategy we have every reason to be optimistic as this one hits all the right and relevant notes.
When you run a Family business... and your not Family.
June 8, 2009
Versace Di Risio Chief Leaves in ‘Mutual Decision’ | www.bloomberg.com
Bloomberg June 5, 2009 reported on the official announcement that Giancarlo di Risio is exiting his post as CEO Gianni Versace SpA; a position he has held for five years. The article makes reference to several key points to ponder as the business of Luxury goods is reacting to the terrible blows the economic downturn has thrown. Mr. Liefgren and Ms. Forden site- not so subtly; the challenges faced by any executive charged with directing and leading a family organization.... and your not part of the family. But perhaps most important is the question the article leaves us with; in these times for creative business which is more important; The creative, or the business???
I'll Bet Mr. Welsh Would Not Have Approved
June 2, 2009
G.E. Capital Makes Big Loan to Sears | www.chicagobusiness.com
Although $400 million is rather small in the scheme of things, the last time GE got involved with a major retailer, it proved to be one of the most costly mistakes of Mr. Welsh's career. When Mr. Welsh approved GE's purchase of Montgomery Ward there was a move afoot in financial circles to diversify and a belief that GE was so smart and so rich that they could easily fix the ailing retailer. It turned out that after a few years and several cash infusions, GE and Mr. Welsh quietly shut down the entire company at a reported loss of approximately $3 billion.
Target Shareholders Are Not Fooled By Slick and Swarmy Presentation
June 1, 2009
Target Shareholders Reject Ackman's Bid | www.chicagotribune.com
Although it costs target over $11 million and diverted thousands of hours of executive's time, Target can still be proud of the overwhelming vote of confidence they received from their stockholders in the battle with Mr. Ackman's efforts to transfer the value of Target's real estate portfolio to the stockholders of his Pershing Square Capital fund.
Retail Sales Indicative of Economy
May 28, 2009
Retail sales fall in year to May | www.retail-week.com
Retails sales falling in May are indicative of the state of the economy and continue a 3 year trend. Declining sales will compound political problems as tax revenues fall. Retailers will continue to experience a difficult consumer market in coming months as consumers become ever more wary of what they purchase.
Does Escalating Gold Prices Mean Fine Jewelry is Underpriced?
November 13, 2009
2009 Holiday Retail Sales Forecast: Key Winners, Losers, Trends, Risks
November 8, 2009
Zale-Management's Last Chance?
September 19, 2009
Is Blockbuster Going the Way of Hollywood Video?
September 16, 2009
DeBeers Advertising-A Knotty Problem for the Diamond Industry
September 15, 2009