It’s been a roller-coaster ride for many brands as Q3 back-to-school financials report a tumultuous sales season. First, Puma has reported that their profits have dipped 85.1% in Q3 due mostly to falling sales in European markets, indicating just how bad things are there, but there are other reasons as well. As one of the […]
Youth culture today is generationally at ease with computers, touchscreens, smart phones, video cameras, social networks, and gaming platforms. They are so entrenched in internet technology and new ways of social engagement, that they have a different thought process toward fashion, music, sports, spending, and communication patterns. Interestingly, while there’s significant hype on Apple’s iPad […]
While many brands continue to struggle in this difficult economy, VF Corp., owners of brands such as Vans, The North Face, Lee, Wrangler, Seven for All Mankind, Timberland, and Eastpak, announced yesterday, October 22, 2012, total revenues increase of 14% for the 3rd quarter. “Having achieved yet another quarter of record revenue, gross margin and […]
Snowboarding, like Surfing, is going through major transition as reflected by a much weaker snow sports season from last year and lower sales moving into winter 2012-13 due to a difficult economy and the high pricetag of the sports of snowboarding and skiing in general. Burton’s announcement today regarding upcoming changes for the brand provided […]
It seemed inevitable, but it took awhile: Today, Wednesday, October 17. 2012, Nike announced it was ending it’s contract with Lance Armstrong. “Due to the seemingly insurmountable evidence that Lance Armstrong participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade, it is with great sadness that we have terminated our contract with him,” […]
Levi’s continues its efforts towards sustainability, and like many brands, has been leading the charge in taking an organic look at what shapes the denim and fashion industries. Today, October 16, 2012, they announced their new collection of denim called Waste<Less that basically incorporates post-consumer waste, specifically recycled plastic bottles and trays into 1 pair […]
Two of the top fashion trade shows are making changes for the upcoming season in 2013 that indicate new directions for both. First, Project, which takes place in New York January 21-23 and in Las Vegas February 19-21, 2013, is bringing on a new President, Tommy Fazio. His roll also includes Menswear encompassing what takes […]
Surfing continues to go through unprecedented changes as the effects of the economy take its toll on what survives and what doesn’t, and new interests re-shape the traditional standards of an industry in major flux. To start, on the cusp of news that Nike/Hurley will no longer be sponsoring mainland’s largest surfing event, the U.S. […]
After two crucial months of due diligence and negotiations, the private equity firm TPG has pulled its bid for taking over the beleaguered surf brand Billabong. Immediately, shares dropped to 82 cents. According to City Index chief market analysis Peter Esho, Billabong’s future is not looking good. “What we’re seeing today in the market is […]
Fashion videos and films centered around iconic celebs in latest collections and short YouTube clips showcasing the mood and emotion of a new release are strategic branding methods growing in popularity in fashion. For a generation that watches YouTube more than TV, this is especially important for brands approaching youth culture markets. The latest to […]