Shopkeepers' Nation

The Candy Princess

BlackBook interviews Dylan Lauren on how she became the creator of the world's largest and most imaginative candy store.

Brooklyn Industries Goes Barack

Brooklyn Industries is voting for change with their Park Slope store windows, where all the mannequins are donning Obama masks. 

Smythson on Strategy for Year Ahead

The luxury sector is finally feeling the pinch of struggling financial markets, though perhaps not quite as much as other retailers.  Referring to the impact of recent economic events on retail, Mark Esiri told the Telegraph that "the game has changed."  Smythson's sales are up 10% over last year, and while they remain optimistic, they plan to "de-speck" some products for 2009 as part of their strategy for dealing with a shaky retail landscape.  This means removing some of the bells and whistles from products, such as gold corners on wallets and diaries, so they can continue to offer the high-quality goods they are known for at lower prices.

VF Announces Record Third Quarter

VF Corp posted strong third quarter revenues of $2.2 billion, up 6% over last year even in the face of deteriorating market conditions.  Income, gross margins, and earnings per share are all up as well.  To adjust for the current financial crisis and its impact on consumers across the globe, VF reduced its fourth quarter guidance but are still anticipating a 3 to 4% rise in revenues to deliver a sixth consecutive year of record growth.  Analysts have a positive outlook as well - according to Forbes, Citi Investment Research analyst Kate McShane kept her only "Buy" rating on VF Corp while lowering estimates across the apparel maker sector.  The Contemporary Brands Coalition, which includes 7 For All Mankind and Lucy, saw 12% growth over last year, and is projected to have revenues of $400 million at year's end.

Me&Ro Collaborates on Socially Responsible Line

A shaky economy has affected consumers in a number of different ways: while some are simply cutting back across the board, others are looking to put their money where their values are.  That is the kind of customer new jewelry line Ruff&Cut hopes to appeal to, with the help of established designers such as Todd Reed and Me&Ro.  The entire collection is made of conflict-free diamonds and recycled gold, and for every piece that is purchased, 10% of the retail price goes to an NGO in Africa that works with metal and gemstone miners or other jewelry industry workers.  Me&Ro's designs for Ruff&Cut range from around $3,000 to $16,000.

AP Shortlisted for British Fashion Awards

Agent Provocateur has made the shortlist of nominations for the annual British Fashion Awards, along with nominees Jimmy Choo and Paul Smith in the Designer Brand category.  In its second year, the category "celebrates the Brit brand which has achieved significant global success."  The winner of the inaugural award in 2007, was, of course, none other than Anya Hindmarch. 

The Men's Denim Forecast

DNR has made its predictions for the men's denim market in 2009, noting that despite a grim economy, mens' jeanswear sales increased 5.3% to $5.42 billion in the 12 months ending July 2008.  While retailer cutbacks and less expensive denim ranges were a couple of the ways that it was predicted the industry will respond to increasingly cautious consumer spending, 7 For All Mankind has another tactic - introducing a highly specialized product at a more lux price point that will appeal to consumers who are buying carefully, but looking for something unique.  Dubbed 777, the new premium line will launch at specialty stores in the Spring with a limited 777 units of each style being produced. 

Anya at Home

Anya Hindmarch's home in London was featured in this month's issue of Domino magazine.  Domino's take: "Like her practical-yet-posh handbags, Anya Hindmarch's London town house exudes an elegant comfort that's ideal for her fimly of seven."

The Brooklyn Bundle Up

Brooklyn Industries is hosting their first annual winter coat drive next Thursday, October 23rd from 6pm to 9pm.  All 10 store locations will be collecting donations of gently used coats to benefit affiliated charities under One Warm Coat.  As an enticement, participants will be awarded $10 off a new coat from the Winter 2008 collection.

Anya's on Target

We knew that Anya Hindmarch's collection for Target sold out quickly when it was made available on her website last Wednesday, but we didn't realize how quickly.  According to Vogue UK, the limited number of bags sold out in under 2 minutes...must be some kind of record!