John Lewis sales rise 2.4% over holiday period

Same-store sales at John Lewis were flat over the key Christmas and early clearance trading period, the department store retailer said today (5 January), but cautioned that the next few months are likely to be "extremely tough."

For the five weeks to 3 January 2009, total sales were up 2.4%, with fashion sales (including beauty) rising 4% compared with the same period last year.

Andy Street, managing director, said: "I am really encouraged by this performance."

He added: "Whilst we expect the next few months to be extremely tough, we are confident that our continuing focus on inspiring products, great value and differentiated service leaves John Lewis well positioned to meet customer needs in this challenging time."

Retail sales decline

Like-for-like sales fell 2.6% and total sales fell 0.4% in November according to the British Retail Consortium.

The BRC said it was the first time its sales monitor had shown two consecutive months of declining total sales.October sales showed a decline of 0.1%. The monitor began in 1995. Clothing sales decline got worse in November and even discounting and promotions largely failed to tempt shoppers over the month. The BRC said the clothing sales declines got worse in November with sharp falls in sales of both menswear and womenswear although kidswear showed a small gain. . Fashion sales have now been lower than year earlier levels for 13 of the past 14 months.

Even Internet and mail order sales also slowed although they were still up 9.5% in November. However this was against a rise of 16.6% in October.

Department store trading worsened further. Fashion sales in department stores slowed and premium ranges, which had previously held up, also weakened.

BRC director general Stephen Robertson said: "The numbers speak for themselves - these are clearly tough times...Retailers will be hoping that customers have been putting off Christmas shopping - not cancelling it."

(source: www.drapersonline.com)

M&S and Debenhams roll out more price-cutting campaigns

British retailers Marks & Spencer and Debenhams will both roll out another massive discount campaign before Christmas, less than a week after their last mega-sales. The reason for that is the credit crunch. Debenhams deputy chief executive Michael Sharp said, that this year it is been more important than ever to offer great festive value. So Debenham cuts its prices by up to 20% from tuesday to Thursday.

US ad spending forecast to drop 5-8% in 2009

Advertising spending in the US is expected to come under increasing pressure in 2009, with an industry executive forecasting a 5-8% decline. A fall that size would mark the biggest drop for eight years, and Steve Lanzano, COO at MPG North America, said local advertising such as radio, television, newspapers and traditional billboards would be hit hardest, Reuters reported. MPG North America is a unit of the French advertising group Havas SA. Speaking at the Reuters Media Summit in New York, Lanzano said the second and third quarters next year would be crucial. "I think if the economy continues to go south, you're going to see some real hits across all media in the second and third quarter of next year," he said. (taken from wgsn-edu.com)

Urban Outfitters news

Martin Parker, the European managing director of US young fashion chain Urban Outfitters, is retiring after 35 years in retail.

Hugh Wahla, who was previously buying and trade director at the European operation, will replace Parker upon his departure.

Parker began his career at the Burton Group and joined Urban Outfitters seven years ago. He was credited with translating the US business and building up a successful retail proposition in the UK and Europe.

Retail headhunter Paul Meechan said: "Martin is a joy to work with and has a superb knowledge of the market."

Urban Outfitters has 14 European stores, including UK shops, in London, Bluewater in Kent, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Belfast. 
The Urban Outfitters group is also planning to launch its Anthropologie fascia in the UK. It is understood to have looked at sites on London's Regent Street and hopes to open 20 to 40 Anthropologie stores in Europe within five years.

Anthropologie's European operation will be run by  managing director of Anthropologie Europe, James Bidwell. 

(taken from www.drapersonline.com)

Fire delays Urban Outfitters' Space 15 Twenty Hollywood opening

Urban Outfitters' much-anticipated Hollywood store, Space 15 Twenty, suffered a fire Wednesday night (November 19) at the 1520 North Cahuenga Boulevard location just hours before it was due to make its debut. Though no one was hurt, Urban Outfitters is in the process of assessing the damage to its own store and co-tenant A-life.

taken from www.wgsn-edu.com

UK: Topman to launch new range from Antony Price

Topman launches new collection "Priceless"


Men's fashion retailer Topman is teaming up with designer Antony Price to launch a new collection.

The 'Priceless' range will focus largely on suits, coats and shirts with an emphasis on tailoring and quality and an 80s influence in the form of cropped jackets, elongated shoulders and slim trousers.

Antony Price is one of Britain's most important fashion designers. He has been designing clothes for a number of high profile celebrities since the 1960s, including the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Steve Strange and Duran Duran.

He currently creates made-to-measure clothing for an elite clientele including the Duchess of Cornwall.

Gordon Richardson, design and product development director for Topman, said: "It's a pleasure to be able to bring his whole rock and roll fashion aesthetic to a young Topman audience."

UK: Fast Fashion Workshop Helps Speed Time to Market

Understanding the Zara Business Model

The London-based Industry Forum is organizing its 50th workshop on Fast Fashion later this month to help companies understand the Zara business model and the key steps to reduce time to market.

The event promises to provide delegates with an insight into how to achieve a fast supply chain cycle, and deliver better products, faster, with lower risk.

They will also learn how to improve the critical path, re-engineer the supply chain and manage the process more effectively to achieve speed from concept to delivery to the consumer.

The workshop is part of an on-going series and is aimed at all functional areas within the supply chain, from senior management to the design, buying, merchandising and technical teams.

Test Result - Marketing Game

Group B1

Number of question: 77
Correct answer: 66
Wrong answer: 11

Wrong answer in detail: question 2, 25, 26,35 40, 48, 59, 61,69,67, 70,

UK: Consumers expected to stick on Christmas spend

Christmas Shopping Season

A Christmas retail survey has found that 57% of UK consumers intend to spend the same this festive period as they did last year, with 24% spending less and 19% expected to spend more.

However, according to the report by business advisory firm Deloitte, consumers are planning to spend an average of 655 GPS on gifts, socializing and food and drink this year - 7% less than last year.

Compared to the 7% growth the year before, this could be interpreted as a 14% drop in confidence.

Despite this, it is socializing where the biggest cutbacks are planned - at 12% less than last year.

Tarlok Teji, head of retail at Deloitte, said:

"Although this Christmas may be one of the toughest in decades, retailers have been toughing it out for most of the year. We think the talk of Christmas being cancelled is overplayed. Whilst total planned spend including socializing may be down, the majority of consumers intend to spend the same as last year. Retailers will need to understand their consumers better than ever and offer relevant products to take a share of the Christmas wallet."

US: Urban Outfitters profit's jumps 31%

Third Quarter Earnings Defies Downturn with $59M Profit

Lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters Inc continues to defy the economic downturn, reporting record third-quarter earnings of $59 million, a 31 percent gain. The hike in third quarter earnings was helped by rising sales at its Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters brands.

For the third quarter ended (Oct. 31), Urban Outfitters had sales of $478 million, up 26 percent from the previous year’s sales of $379.3 million. On a comparable basis, measuring the same stores as a year ago, sales rose by 10 percent overall at its three store brands.

Direct consumer sales jumped 41% and Free People wholesale sales climbed 21%.

Glen T Senk, CEO says, regarding the key holiday shopping season:

"We believe our rigorous management of inventory and expenses have positioned the Company appropriately for the holiday and spring seasons."

Personal Profile

Jose Miguel Moreno

Experiencers
Experiencers are motivated by self-expression. As young, enthusiastic, and impulsive consumers, Experiencers quickly become enthusiastic about new possibilities but are equally quick to cool. They seek variety and excitement, savoring the new, the offbeat, and the risky. Their energy finds an outlet in exercise, sports, outdoor recreation, and social activities.

Experiencers are avid consumers and spend a comparatively high proportion of their income on fashion, entertainment, and socializing. Their purchases reflect the emphasis they place on looking good and having "cool" stuff.

Strivers
Strivers are trendy and fun loving. Because they are motivated by achievement, Strivers are concerned about the opinions and approval of others. Money defines success for Strivers, who don't have enough of it to meet their desires. They favor stylish products that emulate the purchases of people with greater material wealth. Many see themselves as having a job rather than a career, and a lack of skills and focus often prevents them from moving ahead.

Strivers are active consumers because shopping is both a social activity and an opportunity to demonstrate to peers their ability to buy. As consumers, they are as impulsive as their financial circumstance will allow.

Area Profile

Jose Miguel Moreno - E14 3WJ

Often, many of the people who live in this sort of postcode will be suburban privately renting professionals. These are known as type 19 in the ACORN classification and 1.09% of the UK’s population live in this type.

Neighbourhoods fitting this profile are found in Richmond-upon-Thames, Sutton and Bromley in Outer London, and in Cheltenham, St Albans and Guildford. Here is an overview of the likely preferences and features of your neighbourhood:

Family income	High
Interest in current affairs	Very high
Housing - with mortgage	Medium
Educated - to degree	Very high
Couples with children	Very low
Have satellite TV	Very low

These young people have made a lifestyle choice to reside close enough to the major conurbations to obtain the benefits of the city without actually living in its centre. In their twenties and early thirties, they are well educated and are developing their careers in professional and managerial jobs.

They are living in purpose built flats in attractive suburbs and satellite towns. Many are still renting, although some have purchased their homes.

They use diverse means to get around. Where possible they will travel to work by public transport, by bike or on foot. However, the majority do have a car and will often buy new, expensive models.

These people are very comfortable using the Internet in all aspects of their life including financial services, purchasing gifts, CDs and books and booking their holidays and leisure activities on-line.

For holidays, the USA, Canada and other long haul destinations are popular, as are weekend breaks and winter snow holidays. In their spare time they enjoy sport and exercise. They also like spending their money on shopping for clothes and eating out.

They are interested in current affairs, and whilst they tend to read mainly the broadsheet papers, they show no bias to any particular title.

This is a description of the type of neighbourhood to which this postcode has been matched, it is not a description of the postcode. The overview describes characteristics frequently found in these neighbourhoods. Since most postcodes include a mix of people we don’t expect everyone there will fit the description perfectly.

UK: A tale of two retailers

Marks down 44% , Primark up 17%

It was a tale of two retailers and the inevitable comparisons when both Marks & Spencer and Primark released their results this past 4th of November.

With figures that mirrored the spending shift taking place amid the economic slowdown, M&S saw its first half profit slump by 44% as shoppers searched for better value at discount fashion chains like Primark, which in turn saw its full-year profit rise 17%

While M&S has managed to hold on to its market-leading position in clothing, its sales of general merchandise has tumbled 6.2%. Being M&S’ worst first-half performance.

Its grip on the market’s top slot is also somewhat fluid, where its growth in school wear, lingerie and children’s wear counterbalance the declines in its core men’s and women’s wear categories. UK clothing revenues overall fell by 3.5% in the first half.

The drop in clothing sales at M&S contrast sharply to the performance at Primark, where it saw its full year profit rise 17% , boosted by the retailer’s mix of high fashion products at extremely low prices.

Primark’s continuing upward trajectory also seems to throw water on the theory that customers will focus on quality and timeless buys when times are tough and that if the price is right then they can still be persuaded to shop for clothing.

It also begs the question, of course, on whether M&S will be forced to emulate this price centric model in an attempt to hold onto its own business.

Research: Who & What is Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters the all Eclectic Brand

At Urban Outfitters the established ability is to understand the customers and connect with them on an emotional level.

The reason for their success is that the brand is both compelling and distinct. It chooses a particular customer segment, and once chosen, sets out to create sustainable points of distinction with that segment. In the retail perspective, they design innovative stores that resonate with the target audience, offering an eclectic mix of merchandise in which hard and soft goods are cross merchandised. Their estheticism is to construct a unique product displays that incorporates found objects into creative selling vignettes. The brand emphasis is on creativity. Their goal is to offer a product assortment and an environment so compelling and distinctive that the customer feels an empathetic connection to the brand and is persuaded to buy.

The goal at Urban Outfitters is to be the brand of choice for well-educated, urban-minded young adults. They accomplish their objective by creating a differential shopping experience, which creates an emotional bond with the 18 to 30 year old target customer.

Currently, there are more than 123 stores in the US, Canada, and Europe. The stores offer a unique and eclectic mix of fashion merchandise in a lifestyle sensitive store environment. Products range from women's & men's apparel, accessories and footwear to items for the apartment, as well as gifts and novelties.

Urban Outfitters offers its customers the opportunity to shop online, through our catalog or in stores.

Articels

This are two articels one from the financial Times and the other from the Londonpaper concerning fashion and the macroenvironment.

(Alexandra)

Superdry profits and sales up 100%

Supergroup, the company behind the young fashion brand Superdry and retail chain Cult Clothing, recorded a sales and profits rise of more than 100% in the last five months.

Sales at the group's multi-brand Cult Clothing chain and its mono brand Superdry stores were up a combined 110% over the five month period while wholesale sales of the Superdry brand rose by 100%.

Supergroup profits rocketed by 250%.

Like-for-like sales have risen by 7% over the past six weeks.

Founder Julian Dunkerton said: "It is tough for many businesses, but we have created a brand that has filled a gap in what was an unfulfilled market and while you are in a growth phase you can buck the trend. Key to this is that we are a truly vertical operation, in control of our own destiny." 

The business recently opened stores in Bristol and Liverpool which Supergroup said had outperformed expectations.   

Two more stores are expected to open in Leicester and Gatwick Airport later this year, while the desisting Covent Garden, London store is being expanded.  

Eight more stores are planned for 2009. The openings will be a mixture of Cult and Superdry stores. 

Allan Winstanley, director of menswear at House of Fraser, one of Superdry's key stockists, said: "What impresses me is that it is a very well run business and that the staff all live the brand – they are very professional.  In the current trading climate it is definitely bucking a trend.  House of Fraser is robust while Superdry is trading over and above the average. I am confident that this will continue."

( taken from www.drapersonline.com)

Articels

This are two articels taken from the londonpaper.

Sustainable chic: eco-jewellery

Can you look glamorous and still be green? Ruth Harwood shows that it’s possible to wear jewellery with a clean conscience
One of the more surprising suggestions in the BBC Green Action Plan is to only buy jewellery for very special occasions. When the Stockholm Environment Institute analysed carbon emissions by sector “personal effects” came surprisingly high. Cutting down on buying jewellery by 75 per cent could shave 130kg off your carbon footprint.

There are many ethical and ecologically responsible alternatives to jewellery that is sourced in destructive and unsustainable ways. Ethical jewellery ranges from recycled and vintage pieces to gems that are sourced from mines where workers are treated fairly.

(written by Alina)

ella Zhou's personality test

innovator!!! How exciting was that!

Will paste the analysis here when my Internet is ready. It's so hard to update blogs from iPhone .

Cashmere& the credit crisis

WWD researched that knitwear manufacturers are producting much less cashmere for Spring because its probably too expensive for most of the people right now. Many companies also use materials like cotton blend which is more wallet-friendly. When people buy more cotton-based clothes, there probably will be less dry cleaning, which means a cleaner environment.

(written by Alexandra)

Area Profit-W2 1PB

Often, many of the people who live in this sort of postcode will be suburban privately renting professionals. These are known as type 19 in the ACORN classification and 1.09% of the UK’s population live in this type.
Neighbourhoods fitting this profile are found in Richmond-upon-Thames, Sutton and Bromley in Outer London, and in Cheltenham, St Albans and Guildford. Here is an overview of the likely preferences and features of your neighbourhood:

Family income-High
Interest in current affairs-Very high
Housing - with mortgage-Medium
Educated - to degree-Very high
Couples with children-Very low
Have satellite TV-Very low

These young people have made a lifestyle choice to reside close enough to the major conurbations to obtain the benefits of the city without actually living in its centre. In their twenties and early thirties, they are well educated and are developing their careers in professional and managerial jobs. They are living in purpose built flats in attractive suburbs and satellite towns. Many are still renting, although some have purchased their homes. They use diverse means to get around. Where possible they will travel to work by public transport, by bike or on foot. However, the majority do have a car and will often buy new, expensive models. These people are very comfortable using the Internet in all aspects of their life including financial services, purchasing gifts, CDs and books and booking their holidays and leisure activities on-line. For holidays, the USA, Canada and other long haul destinations are popular, as are weekend breaks and winter snow holidays. In their spare time they enjoy sport and exercise. They also like spending their money on shopping for clothes and eating out. They are interested in current affairs, and whilst they tend to read mainly the broadsheet papers, they show no bias to any particular title.

http://www.upmystreet.com/local/my-neighbours/neighbourhood-profile/l/w21pb.html

Personal Test-Alina

Achievers


Motivated by the desire for achievement, Achievers have goal-oriented lifestyles and a deep commitment to career and family. Their social lives reflect this focus and are structured around family, their place of worship, and work. Achievers live conventional lives, are politically conservative, and respect authority and the status quo. They value consensus, predictability, and stability over risk, intimacy, and self-discovery.With many wants and needs, Achievers are active in the consumer marketplace. Image is important to Achievers; they favor established, prestige products and services that demonstrate success to their peers. Because of their busy lives, they are often interested in a variety of time-saving devices.

Experiencers


Experiencers are motivated by self-expression. As young, enthusiastic, and impulsive consumers, Experiencers quickly become enthusiastic about new possibilities but are equally quick to cool. They seek variety and excitement, savoring the new, the offbeat, and the risky. Their energy finds an outlet in exercise, sports, outdoor recreation, and social activities.Experiencers are avid consumers and spend a comparatively high proportion of their income on fashion, entertainment, and socializing. Their purchases reflect the emphasis they place on looking good and having "cool" stuff.

Personal test-Alexandra

Experiencers

Experiencers are motivated by self-expression. As young, enthusiastic, and impulsive consumers, Experiencers quickly become enthusiastic about new possibilities but are equally quick to cool. They seek variety and excitement, savoring the new, the offbeat, and the risky. Their energy finds an outlet in exercise, sports, outdoor recreation, and social activities.

Experiencers are avid consumers and spend a comparatively high proportion of their income on fashion, entertainment, and socializing. Their purchases reflect the emphasis they place on looking good and having "cool" stuff.

Strivers

Strivers are trendy and fun loving. Because they are motivated by achievement, Strivers are concerned about the opinions and approval of others. Money defines success for Strivers, who don't have enough of it to meet their desires. They favor stylish products that emulate the purchases of people with greater material wealth. Many see themselves as having a job rather than a career, and a lack of skills and focus often prevents them from moving ahead.

Strivers are active consumers because shopping is both a social activity and an opportunity to demonstrate to peers their ability to buy. As consumers, they are as impulsive as their financial circumstance will allow.

Area Profil E1 1EP

Often, many of the people who live in this sort of postcode will be suburban privately renting professionals. These are known as type 19 in the ACORN classification and 1.09% of the UK’s population live in this type.

Neighbourhoods fitting this profile are found in Richmond-upon-Thames, Sutton and Bromley in Outer London, and in Cheltenham, St Albans and Guildford. Here is an overview of the likely preferences and features of your neighbourhood:

Family income	High
Interest in current affairs	Very high
Housing - with mortgage	Medium
Educated - to degree	Very high
Couples with children	Very low
Have satellite TV	Very low

These young people have made a lifestyle choice to reside close enough to the major conurbations to obtain the benefits of the city without actually living in its centre. In their twenties and early thirties, they are well educated and are developing their careers in professional and managerial jobs. 

They are living in purpose built flats in attractive suburbs and satellite towns. Many are still renting, although some have purchased their homes. 

They use diverse means to get around. Where possible they will travel to work by public transport, by bike or on foot. However, the majority do have a car and will often buy new, expensive models. 

These people are very comfortable using the Internet in all aspects of their life including financial services, purchasing gifts, CDs and books and booking their holidays and leisure activities on-line. 

For holidays, the USA, Canada and other long haul destinations are popular, as are weekend breaks and winter snow holidays. In their spare time they enjoy sport and exercise. They also like spending their money on shopping for clothes and eating out. 

They are interested in current affairs, and whilst they tend to read mainly the broadsheet papers, they show no bias to any particular title.

http://www.upmystreet.com/local/my-neighbours/neighbourhood-profile/l/e1+1ep.html