Melody Caban

An article in The Business of Fashion on "Fashion's Golden Opportunity With Older Shoppers"... Is total and complete BS. There is an opportunity across ALL shoppers. Dividing them up by descriptors that have been used for decades is just not going to cut it anymore. While teaching fashion marketing at Fashion Institute of Technology last Fall, there were modules on generations and how they spend, how they consume information, etc. I had to add caveats to each statement in the textbook because you can't make these types of assumptions anymore. This is an old school way of marketing. We can't put customers into these buckets anymore as there are so many other data points to consider. The affluent customer shops at Walmart, Target and Costco Wholesale. The tech boom will go through another cycle and you will have more younger customers with disposable income. Resale luxury is bought by Gen Z to the boomer. Generalizing is a wasted effort and it's what gets retailers in trouble with excess inventory to irrelevant product assortments. The customer has evolved across generations and we need to stop generalizing to avoid marketers look at the data in just 1 way. #retail #retailnews #fashion #fashionmarketing #bof

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A complex issue but top of mind for the retail C-suite! What is keeping you up at night on impending tariffs? NRF Foundation Jon Gold Arick Wierson, Storyteller Sonja Chapman Fashion Institute of Technology Kevin Finnegan The Robin Report EMARKETER #retailnews #retail Forbes How Retailers Might Respond To Looming Tariffs https://lnkd.in/eeeJ-Hf6

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JCPenney has partnered with disabled writer and athlete Jamey Perry to launch an adaptive clothing line for women who use wheelchairs, featuring 18 styles tailored for seated wearers. This collection debuted at New York Fashion Week and is now available online. Meanwhile, Gen Z holiday spending is set to rise, driven by social media platforms like TikTok Shop and influencer recommendations. Retail spending grew by 2.4% in the first half of the year, as landlords welcome global brands like Prada Group and Zara to transform retail spaces. Steve Madden has introduced a circular fashion initiative with Trashie, while Amazon launched a fully managed logistics option for sellers. the LEGO Group is boosting its supply chain resilience by localizing production and expanding its use of sustainable materials. #AdaptiveFashion #RetailInnovation #CircularFashion #GenZShopping #Sustainability #GlobalRetail #Ecommerce

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As a GOOD AMERICAN customer, I can’t wait to experience the store. 👖As a former merchant, having a digital option to showcase styling, fit and product knowledge would have given me the confidence that my merchandising strategy was being executed in the store without having to physically be on location. 📺This is a great way to make sure teams are product obsessed with the constant graphics and that the visual merchandising / styling options are being showcased at the store. 🛍️To make sure this extension of digital is a success, Good American would need to keep the content fresh and consistent with real time inventory and reflective of the current product assortment. Sales associates would still need to be product obsessed but they would also need to show customers what is possible with the digital screens. The experience should augment and assist the sales associate and not be considered a replacement of staff. 🔹The excitement of finding a product on the screen, loving the look and being disappointed if the item or the size is not available could also drive customers away. GA would need to be on top of their inventory position and have a good handle of managing their inventory across all channels. 🗞️Check out more #BrainTrust comments on RetailWire: https://lnkd.in/eDJp--GF #retail #retailnews #goodamerican #cx #stores #merchandising #TRE #TopRetailExpert

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🌟 New LECHERY Styles Dropped At Anthropologie 🌟: Introducing our best-selling styles at Anthropologie! Our values at LECHERY strongly align with the Anthropologie customer, "women who prioritize self-expression and creativity, women who want to be and look like themselves." That's exactly the type of customer LECHERY has always tried to target -- the unabashed. Anthropologie was founded in 1992 in Wayne, Pennsylvania and now operates 200 stores around the world and is part of the URBN (Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie Group, Free People & Nuuly) portfolio of brands. I remember walking into an Anthropologie store for the first time on the Upper East Side seven years ago and immediately fell in love with their boho-chic inspired collections. At the time, I was broke as hell with several hundred dollars in my bank account, and couldn't afford anything but maybe a couple of hair accessories and a pair of socks. Seven years later, you're able to shop LECHERY at Anthropologie. You can imagine how extra special this moment is for me. If there's anything to take away from this post, it is truly to put your all when it comes to your business and remove everyone and everything that is no longer serving you. xx, Vyra Scher, Founder of LECHERY _____ P.S. - If you liked this post, please hit the like, share, or repost ♻ button! #VyraScher #Founder #LECHERY #LECHERYNewYork #Hosiery #FounderJourney #FounderStories #LinkedIn #LinkedInForCreators #Branding #BrandIdentity #Entrepreneur #EntrepreneurMindset #Anthropologie #URBN #Retail #Retailers

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“We saw an opportunity in the market to really lean into the #GenZ customer with incredible style at an extraordinary price point that only someone like Walmart can bring given our scale.” Good move by Walmart as part of their larger revamp of #apparel. But product is only one piece of the equation. For #NoBoundaries to compete head-to-head against Abercrombie & Fitch Co., AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC., or any of the other brands targeting Gen-Z, it will take a more holistic effort across #stores, #digital, and #marketing (content and medium) to create real #brand momentum. https://lnkd.in/eudxA2bF

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Great insights from Warren Shoulberg about Big Lots 1473 and the future of home furnishings which will come back strong in 2025!!The Robin Report Fashion Institute of Technology Shannon Maher RetailWire RETHINK Retail Pamela Danziger Mark Cohen Phil Lempert #retailnews #homeproducts

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Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Tuesday, May 7: 🛋️ Shares of Beyond, Inc. — the parent of Overstock and Bed Bath & Beyond — fell after it reported a deeper-than-expected loss and said it was trying to draw more committed customers amid weak home-goods demand. 🚛 Kohl's’s is now offering same-day delivery via the Instacart app. Using Instacart, customers can place orders for same-day or scheduled delivery from 1,172 Kohl’s locations nationwide. 🎯 Target is expanding its partnership with Hudson's Bay in Canada, broadening the sales of its in-house Cat & Jack children's brand to include swimwear, outerwear, and shoes. The move comes after positive feedback. 🚚 Wholesale remains most profitable investment channel for brands. The channel, which is expected to grow 51% this year, accounts for about 60% of companies’ total sales. 🏬 A fourth Bloomie’s location is set to open in New Jersey this fall, part of the parent company Macy's ongoing strategy to tap into more luxury sales with a new small format strategy. 👷🏼‍♂️ Kroger is planning to spend approximately $45 million in 2024 to remodel 15 stores in Ohio and Indiana. Kroger is highlighting investments in its stores as it presses ahead with the Albertsons merger. 🍓ALDI USA, the American arm of the German-owned discount supermarket chain, has urged its suppliers to cut costs, increase production, and focus on sustainability to stay competitive. ⬇️ More than four-in-five consumer respondents (81%) have noticed shrinkflation, with three-in-10 (29%) having seen it very often since 2020 - according to a survey by Clarify Capital. 💄 Amazon said Monday that its Summer Beauty Haul event is returning next week. Amazon noted the sales promotion starts at 12am PST on May 13 and runs through 11:59pm PST on May 19. 🥩 Shares of meatpacking giant Tyson Foods plunged more than 9% — the stock’s worst day since August — after the company said persistent inflation weakened consumer appetites for meat biting into profits in the second quarter. 🍺 The European boss of Budweiser has said the brewer has learned to “stay in our lane” following a backlash over Bud Light’s work with a transgender influencer. 🧴 Chinese-made skincare brands, such as Skintific, have gained popularity in Muslim-dominated markets like Indonesia and Malaysia. These brands downplay their origins and present themselves as local products. 🇦🇺 Australian supermarkets found to be overcharging customers could face criminal penalties if the government adopts the findings of a new review. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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RetailStat Analysis: Kohl's Struggles Amid Eroding Sales and Leadership Transition Kohl’s continues to grapple with declining performance, reporting a 9.3% drop in Q3 comps and slashing its FY24 outlook. While beauty (+15%) and home categories saw gains, core apparel and footwear sales remain a significant challenge. With Ashley Buchanan set to take over as CEO in January, Kohl’s faces critical decisions around merchandising, store presentation, and navigating fierce competition from online giants and off-price retailers. What does the future hold for Kohl’s as it enters the holiday season? 📊 Download the full report, written by RetailStat Analyst Michael Blackburn retailstat.com. #RetailTrends #Kohls #LeadershipChange #RetailAnalysis #EarningsUpdate #RetailInsights

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Retail Today / Retail Renaissance: Is it possible to keep up with the fast paced Apparel Industry? The Atlantic Business Magazine takes a hard look at SHEIN! #SHIEN SHEIN: Why is it so cheap? What are they hiding? Estimated profits $2 Billion Dollars! #lowprices #cheap With over 1.5 SKU’s, it’s fast and cheap. Prices running between 40-60% lower than competitors. #fastfashion How U.S. trade laws support SHEIN, an open invitation to destroy our retail brands, using “de miniimis clause”, creating a “Duty-Free” environment. ☠️ #enviroment #tradelaws #substainabilty Why are they so secretive about labor practices? Is it forced labor? #labor Also I have attached a CNBC report, on Amazon in 2023, The Top Apparel/Footwear Retailer. Estimated at $68 Billion Dollars in sales. #amazon #target #costco #tjx #gap #ross #walmart If that’s not enough to make your head spin, follow Joanna Williams. How the new creator economy is upending everything! 💥💥💥 Joanna Williams #fashion #style #design #color #retail #retailtrends #retailindustry #apparelindustry #ecommerce #shoppingexperience #TopRetailExpert

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"We thought, ‘We can do more with a lot less,’ and that didn’t work out for us.” On the back of #TerribleHorribleNoGoodVeryBad quarterly results, it's quite refreshing to hear Kohl's (outgoing) CEO speak so openly about the current state of the business and the decisions they / he made that did not work out. The full transcript (link in the comments) is worth a read. CEO Tom Kingsbury started with ... "Over the last several quarters, we have implemented a significant amount of change across our assortment, value strategies, and in-store experience. We believe these actions will make us more competitive over the long term. However, we undervalued the short-term impact this change could have on our sales performance." And then went into details on the three areas that drove performance: "a decline in traffic, especially early in the quarter, during the back-to-school season; a reduction in receipts in our private apparel brands, which impacted our ability to drive sales in our key value items; and categories where we have lost traction that represented opportunities for us going forward such as fine jewelry, petites and intimate apparel, and legacy home products." He didn't blame the macro environment or the weather, despite both playing a factor. Frankly, the only thing not addressed -- in the narrative nor in the Q&A -- was how to overcome the challenge of operating in the department store sector as a whole (for those not following closely, department stores have been in a 30-year decline). And yes, I imagine that knowing you're no longer in charge is part of why he was able to "own" the issues, effectively "cleaning the plate" for incoming CEO Ashley Buchanan. But still a welcome change from the "corporate speak" of most quarterly calls. https://lnkd.in/ez8PJ2t7

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Retail design always is a meaningful part of the #retail experience, and I enjoyed sharing my insight with National Jeweler on how design is impacting store design and consumer engagement alike. What are your thoughts on how merchandising + design impact stores… jewelry focused like discussed here or any category of retail?

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Department stores are at a crossroads, with many reporting declining earnings as they struggle to compete with social channels, bespoke retailers, and online shopping. Christine Barton recently spoke with CNBC about the pressures they face managing inventory while appealing to Millennial and #GenZ shoppers. #RetailTrends #BCG #ConsumerTrends

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Yes, there has been a slow, dark cloud forming around consumer enthusiasm lately, which, as always, might be first slow, then fast regarding public awareness. The knee-jerk reaction will cause many retailers to drastically drop their prices, which only flatters the brands that have spent decades building a low-price perception and position. As consumers cut back in some areas, they'll compensate for their sacrifice by indulging in others. While they might cancel the Paris vacation or ski trip, they'll splurge on other less consequential indulgences, like lobster, backyard upgrades, new exercise programs, etc. The key for retailers is to ensure your offering is worth the slight premium and provides some emotional payoff in times of stress. #retail #retailers #price #recession #economy #malls #grocerystores #supermarkets #restaurants #consumers ICSC FMI- The Food Industry Association National Retail Federation National Grocers Association

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The response to Pura Vida Miami's opening in Manhattan validates the rise of the ‘all day café’ as one of the fastest growing trends in consumer retail over the past three years. The strong majority of new growth stage F&B brands that sit within this category show a shift away from the assembly-style quick service restaurant model, now with a large focus on the ‘made-to-order’ service model. This is absolutely where we at Brand Urban are seeing the most consumer demand, as well as the most landlord excitement (from a pure amenity-perspective in both residential and commercial assets). But what constitutes an ‘all day café’? We are seeing concepts of all shapes and sizes: some concepts with limited-service models and others with full-service programs. Some concepts have retail, gifting and gourmet market components, others have great daytime coffee and pastry programs, and some have heavy lunch, happy hour, through dinner business. The key is prioritizing affordability and approachability - while increasing the average check through a touch of hospitality and ambiance. As a New Yorker, some of local OG’s in this category are Westville Restaurant Group, The Grey Dog and Jack’s Wife Freda – all of whom are continuing to show thoughtful growth with a combination of full-service and limited-service offerings. I continue to be amazed by the influx of best-in-class, growth stage brands from Maman NYC, Ruby's Cafe, Tatte Bakery & Cafe and Daily Provisions (to name a few). As I watch the urban and suburban growth on the horizon for these brands, coupled with growing consumer excitement, it is clear that this category is the future of casual dining. #alldaycafeculture #casualdining #consumerretail #trends #hospitality #limitedservicedining #realestate #brandurbanre

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Letter to the toy industry: A headline in 10-20 years will read; “The magic has evaporated as indie toy stores melt away.” More closures are coming, less risks are taken, most young people do not want retail careers and Amazon is growing 5-10 percent squeezing out everyone. Yes, hot products extend the cycle for toy stores and The Covid effect was once in a century. But if you understand trends, the ending is clear. What a shame. However, I’m not about to stop trying and implementing new ideas and strategies to create a new local toy space, but it needs to be much different than the small incremental changes we all have made. We will fight to find ways that can increase our value proposition over low prices, same day delivery and millions of products at one’s fingertips. Can’t be done some say and I personally see no real strategic direction from any organization, so why even try? Well when you experience the “magic” for our children (and adults) 6 days a week it’s worth the fight. Our work has begun in earnest. #toys #toyindustry #retail #retailindustry #amazon #games #inventors #brickandmortar

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I'm the only one left but I kinda wish Ron Johnson's reinvention of JCPenney had worked a decade+ ago. He came in strong backed by a board that wanted to change what JCP was. The goal? Become "America's favorite store." And they took some pretty awesome steps towards that. * Sales and coupons were gone. Pricing was just pricing. * All prices ended in .00 – no .99, .97, whatever. * Quality and style of goods were at least a half-step up from other mid-tier retailers. * Made a big splash in fashion and started putting trendier stuff in stores, but didn't go too hard on trends; menswear options were notably better and womenswear started to come around. * Added in smaller boutique-y brands that actually were boutique-y. Late in his term there, Creative Director Nick Wooster was asked what JCP needed to do to be successful and he said, "Make cute shit." “If we have compelling product, people will come into the store. I firmly believe that’s the job of merchants." He wasn't wrong. But. The product wasn't enough. Johnson did too much too soon and everything all at once. He famously did no real research of existing customers – pretty much disregarding them – and acted like JCP was a clean slate. It wasn't. Sales completely tanked. When they did, discounts came back almost immediately despite an atypical bravado from him and other leaders on the approach being right. That didn't work and Johnson was gone pretty quickly, replaced by his predecessor. JCPenney today soldiers on, but – to me – it's indistinguishable from any other mid-price retailer. Sales and coupons rule the day as they always have; the goods are fairly interchangeable with other stores: okay but unremarkable. Of course, Target and Walmart ended up nibbling away at the space JCP was aiming for, and the entire mid-tier is getting eaten from below. There were some excellent ideas in Johnson's JCP era. It's too bad they weren't executed well.

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