Retail Update

February 6, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

When one of my Google Alerts delivered a headline about Retail Health Clinics to my desktop the other day, I thought, “Oh, great -- walk-in consulting clinics for failing retailers!” Nope. Wrong kind of clinic. This was about a couple of companies that have come up with a business model for placing walk-in medical clinics inside retail chains. As appealing as the idea of a fast fix or easy prescription for sluggish retail sounds, it still doesn't exist.

 

It might help, though, to hear what some retailers are doing to stay healthy during this sickly economic downturn.

 

Looking back on the past few months, my notes and emails reveal the obvious: everyone admits that operating a retail busi...Read More

February 5, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Furniture Today is reporting that Fortunoff filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. For the complete story, go to: http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/173686-Fortunoff_in_Chapter_11.php

Kirkland's today announced net sales for the 13-week period ended Jan. 31, 2009 were $133.6 million  compared with $138.3 million for the 13-week  period ended February 2, 2008. Comparable store sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 increased 5.3% compared  with a 12.6% comp store sales decrease in the prior-year quarter. Net sales for the 52-week period ended Jan....Read More

February 4, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (1)

A bookshelf that changes shape, a chandelier of 85 naked light bulbs, picture frame "tape" and a tablecloth complete with two-dimensional place settings (images) are among the eclectic offerings to be found at Droog when it opens its first company-owned U.S. store Feb. 26 in Soho at 76 Greene Street. Established in 1993, the design house's creative lab and flagship store is located in Amsterdam; partner stores are currently located in Athens, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Denver, Istanbul, Miami, Tokyo and Toronto. Also, there are...Read More

February 4, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Specialty home retailer Design Within Reach hired investment banking firm Thomas Weisel Partners LLC to help review strategic alternatives, including a recent unsolicited offer. See the full article at Gifts & Decorative Accessories: http://www.giftsanddec.com/article/CA6634297.html?nid=2069&rid=3954188

February 3, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

A sit-in protest staged by employees at Waterford's crystal factory in Kilbarry, County Waterford, Ireland, has kept security staff from locking up for several days. Angered at an announcement made by Deloitte & Touche receiver David Carson last Friday that called for 480 layoffs and an end to manufacturing, about 200 current and former workers have been taking turns protesting, sleeping in the factory’s visitors gallery on mattresses donated by local shops. (Waterford Wedgwood PLC filed for bankruptcy protection Jan. 5 following failure at attempts to restructure and procure a buyer.)

The UK Press Association reported that minor scuffles broke out today&...Read More