Rachel Goldflam

Barneys Plots a Bigger Comeback Thanks to Neiman-Saks Deal. Talks include Barneys-branded home goods, outerwear lines. Contingent on negotiations, close of Saks-Neiman deal https://lnkd.in/euFeFyzJ #tradeguard #receivableputoptions #arputs #receivableputs #tradereceivables #accountsreceivables

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Happy Hump Day LinkedIn Network Perfect example on distancing your core audience by portraying yourself as been cool ! VF Corporation purchased Supreme with the objective of tapping into the GenZ & Millennials and lost $600 Million in the process because it deviated from its core DNA. (Canalization of Vans was a major factor) Not understanding your audience has always been the largest nail in the coffin for several M & A post covid. EssilorLuxottica is plunging into street wear with a clear understanding of its audience which includes Oakley , Rayban Sun Optics (I) Ltd , etc. One thing which is clear, James Jebbia remains the driving force behind the brand and could potentially use Luxottica resources & technology to tap into new markets, new designs, etc. The big question remains whether Luxottica will create a bridge to further the growth of Supreme and share its technology & resources. Because, If they don’t, then this could potentially be another shareholder disappointment and a costly venture. #vf #supreme #luxottica #audienceunderstanding #sharingresources

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I was quoted in this article on the FTC trying to block the merger between Tapestry and Capri. What I find interesting is that, like me, most of the other people quoted find the ruling incredulous. This includes an executive from a competitor brand, who admitted that while they should be happy about the attempt to block, they actually think the FTC is anachronistic and has no understanding of how the market works. I go further. I think the FTC has become a menace. It is attacking the companies that generate wealth and make the country stronger. It does so under the camouflage of 'protecting consumers' but, in reality, the only thing it's protecting in this instance is its own warped worldview. Thanks to WWD for including my thoughts alongside many other interesting musings... https://lnkd.in/e-qqm_z6 #retail #retailnews #luxury #handbags #FTC #competition

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Come for the treasure hunt, stay for the shareholder returns. Last year, The TJX Companies, Inc., owner of MARSHALLS LLC, TJ Maxx & HomeGoods, and TK MAXX (Europe), generated over $50 Billion in revenue, more than Macy's and Nordstrom combined. This success was not generated from online sales but based on #BehavioralEconomics and applied human psychology, e.g., "bargains and the treasure hunt." The latest quarter was further proof of this resilience. Both TJX Cos. and Ross Stores, Inc. reported this week that comparable-store sales rose 3% in their quarters ended May 4 compared with a year earlier as inflation-pinched consumers sought out deals. This marks the seventh consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth for TJX and the sixth for Ross. Ross, whose consumers skew low-to-middle income, has been lowering prices to drive sales. TJX, with a higher-income clientele, has been able to raise prices selectively without much pushback. Bad times aren’t required for good times at these retailers—they were growing in 2021 when consumers were feeling flush. TJX, Ross and Burlington Stores, Inc. collective share of the #apparel and #footwear specialist market ballooned from 25% in 2019 to 31% last year. Off-price is likely stealing market share from home retailers, too. TJX’s HomeGoods business saw comparable-store sales rise 4% last quarter, while Ross Stores said the home category outpaced overall company growth. That contrasts with anemic home-related sales at retailers like Target and Beyond, the company that took on Bed Bath & Beyond’s website. Can off-price retailers keep growing? Weakness at other apparel brands suggests that they can. Recognizable brands such as Nike, lululemon, and Coach owner Tapestry have hit speed bumps on sales growth. Where there is unsold inventory, there are buying opportunities for off-price retailers. There could be a big wave of inventory from recent bankruptcies at EXPRESS and teen-focused rue21, as they close hundreds of stores. The wave of store closures also should help boost foot traffic at off-price retailers. Off-price historically has been the biggest beneficiary of apparel store closures. In addition to bankrupt retailers, Macy’s has announced plans to close 150 stores. UBS analysts estimate that more than 16,000 apparel stores could close over the next five years. This hasn’t gone unnoticed. TJX and Ross shares have appreciated 92% and 40%, respectively, over the past five years. They are now among the most expensive U.S.-listed apparel-industry stocks. They trade at forward-12-month earnings multiples that rival Nike’s and recently outpaced Lululemon’s. Off-price retail stocks aren’t cheap, but premium products never are. Well covered by Jinjoo Lee for the The Wall Street Journal

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COLLAGERIE's chief creative officer, lucinda chambers, shares her plans for US expansion and reveals the common denominator shielding fashion players from economic headwinds. Subscribe to read the interview below. #MyFashionLife #fashionnews #international #expansion #fashion #retailnews

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Rumors: Saks Fifth Avenue could be in talk with Neiman Marcus Group for a takeover. In this regards Saks’ flagship location in Manhattan (valued at 3.62Bn USD) could serve as a collateral to raise financial resources. Neiman CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck firmly rejected such possibility: "no need” to sell the business. Both firms are leading retailers in United States for jewellery and luxury goods. #jewelry #jewellery #luxury https://lnkd.in/dP46VnM3

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From Macro to Micro: The Ripple Effects of the Saks-Neiman Marcus Merger 💡 As a brand strategist, technologist, and President of the Chicago Fashion Coalition, my perspective will focus on how this merger represents broader shifts in the retail landscape and what it means for both national and local markets. My Key Takeaways: ➡️Merger Impact: The $2.65 billion merger between Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, backed by Amazon and Salesforce, aims to revitalize the department store model through technology and scale. ➡️Retail Transformation: Nationally and globally, the merger sets a precedent for integrating online and offline retail experiences, driven by data analytics and AI to meet consumer demands for personalization and convenience. ➡️Local Strategies: Locally, the merger presents both, opportunities and challenges for retailers in Chicago, emphasizing the need for unique experiences, technology adoption, and a balanced approach to online and offline retail channels. Take a Deeper Dive 🔑 Post-COVID market shifts indicate that consumers prioritize convenience and low costs, as evidenced by the popularity of platforms like Amazon Prime, Shein, and Temu. With a struggling economy, discretionary spending on non-essential items like fashion has decreased. To counter this trend, retailers must focus on providing experiential shopping experiences that entice customers to leave their homes. Chicago boutiques like Congruent Space excel by combining art, fashion, and interactive events, making shopping a unique experience. The strategic integration of scale and technology is crucial for revitalizing the department store model. Retailers must utilize trend forecasting, social listening, and AI tools for sentiment analysis to make informed buying decisions and optimize customer engagement. Balancing online and offline retail channels is essential for future success, as relying solely on e-commerce or physical stores presents significant trade-offs. A diversified approach to revenue generation will be key to thriving in the evolving retail landscape. Join the Conversation 🗣️ What are your thoughts on… How will the Saks and Neiman Marcus merger affect the retail industry? What are the benefits of retail mergers? How can local retailers compete with large department stores? #RetailRevolution #LuxuryMarket #AmazonInvests #Saks #NeimanMarcus #FashionIndustry #RetailInnovation #SupplyChain #TechnologyInRetail #Ecommerce #BusinessStrategy #LuxuryStores

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🔥 Hot Off the Press! 🔥 Dive into my latest column in TJC's Summer Issue! "9 Strategies to Elevate Your Customers' In-Store Experience." Running a successful jewelry retail business requires continuous innovation and strategic approaches to attract and retain customers. Here are effective ways to expand your business by enhancing your overall customer experience: 1. EMBRACE VIRTUAL SELLING: Explore virtual selling options by offering virtual appointments and creating sales videos. Even post-COVID, virtual selling remains a successful method to connect with customers. 2. PROVIDE FREE WATCH BATTERIES WITH A TWIST: Offer free watch battery replacements while customers wait. This low-cost service allows customers to explore other items in your store while their watch is being serviced. This simple gesture can lead to additional sales. 3. COLLABORATE WITH INFLUENCERS: Partner with social media influencers or local celebrities who align with your brand. Hosting influencer events generates free content for your store and expands your reach to their followers. Influencers can help promote your products authentically and engagingly. 4. HOST EVENTS STRATEGICALLY: Hosting events can contribute up to 10% of your annual sales. Collaborate with local businesses, offer targeted marketing based on past purchases, and invite vendors to showcase their full lines or pieces created exclusively for your store. 5. DEVELOP A LOYALTY PROGRAM: Implement a loyalty program to reward customers for their ongoing support. Exclusive discounts, early access to collections, and special perks create incentives for repeat purchases and build long-term customer relationships. 6. EXPAND INTO CUSTOM JEWELRY DESIGN: Differentiate your store by expanding into custom jewelry design. Find a supplier that offers unique customization options and set yourself apart in the market. 7. PARTNER WITH WEDDING AND EVENT PLANNERS: Establish partnerships with wedding and event planners to become their preferred jewelry provider. Offer promotional discounts for their clients, provide custom jewelry for special occasions, and collaborate with florists to display fresh flowers in your store. 8. COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS: Partner with local photographers to offer free or discounted engagement sessions. This collaboration not only attracts potential customers but also positions your store as the go-to destination for wedding-related jewelry. 9. ENHANCE THE IN-STORE EXPERIENCE: Focus on personalized service, knowledgeable staff, and aesthetically pleasing displays. A positive in-store experience encourages customer loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals. Stay innovative and adapt to your target audience’s evolving needs and preferences. Creating memorable experiences will contribute to building a strong and loyal customer base. Ready to take your jewelry retail business to the next level? Let's elevate your customer experience together! 🌟

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In a step towards further consolidating luxury retail, the involvement of Amazon and Salesforce in this acquisition, coupled with a substantial technology investment, raises the question: could this initiative rescue the luxury retail market? #retail #saksfifthavenue #amazon #salesforce #neimanmarcus #retailtechnology

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Thrilled to have taken the main stage at Grow NY last week alongside Adrial Jaan Bhatia, President of Primitive Apparel, to wrap up the event. Thanks Ryan Criswell for hosting the panel. At Hodinkee, we hold two core principles dear: Community and Credibility. Here’s a bit on why they matter to us. Credibility at Hodinkee is about trust and reliability. We achieve this through: --> Accuracy: Precision in our reporting. --> Authority: Recognized expertise, often cited by reputable sources. --> Consistency: Continual delivery of high-quality content. --> Engagement: Building respectful and responsive relationships with our audience. --> Objectivity: Presenting multiple perspectives fairly. --> Transparency: Clearly identify sources and disclose any conflicts of interest. Beyond credibility, the power of community distinguishes us significantly from just having an audience. Hodinkee grew into an eight-figure business with virtually zero traditional marketing spend, propelled by a robust community. This illustrates not just audience reach, but deep engagement—where members actively contribute, share, and champion our brand. The distinction? An audience watches, but a community participates. And that participation has been a cornerstone of our success.

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Two titans of luxury department store retail are set to merge unless the FTC spoil the party. Saks Fifth Avenue Group has a 3 billion dollar on the table to acquire Neiman Marcus Group . Rumours have abound about this merger for months especially with Saks Fifth Avenue struggling to pay vendors and taking out loans to stay afloat. Which makes this deal somewhat fantastical when you think about the debt SaksFifthAvenue would have to take on to finalize this merger. It is also rumoured that Zalando would provide the funds for the deal What is the benefit of this merger? Perhaps some back office consolidation of buying, finance and operations but then I question what is the point as these two retailers co-existing in some markets like Miami are anchors in malls. Do they truly service difference customers? In Canada we have ended up with on luxury retailer which is Holt Renfrew. Saks Fifth Avenue with Canadian owner Hudson's Bay tried entering Canada with tepid results. With more and more luxury brands having their own stand alone retail and online presence is it as necessary to have multiple department stores? #luxuryretail #departmentstores #merger #acquistions #retail #retailing https://lnkd.in/gZ9nSs7N

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Strategies and tactics about how to gather richest shoppers. A lot of conventional and close-to-conventional activities from top retailers like Neiman Marcus Group and Saks Fifth Avenue. Is it a true luxury experience? Or -at the end- is something like a mass-market (in smaller numbers)? #luxury #jewelry #jewellery https://lnkd.in/eNcCVgpG

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Aloha Friday 🤙🏼 Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Friday, May 31: 👖 Gap shares rallied more than 20% in the extended session Thursday after the retailer reported first-quarter earnings and sales well above investors’ expectations, raised its guidance for the year and pared down its inventory. 🏬 Kohl's shares plunged as much as 25% on Thursday after the retailer reported a surprise first-quarter loss and lowered its forecast for the year. The department store chain saw a 5.3% drop in net sales. 🥫 Costco Wholesale reported fiscal third-quarter profit, revenue and same-store sales that all beat Wall Street forecasts, but shares of the membership-based warehouse retailer pulled back from a record high. 💄 Ulta Beauty earnings that showed the effects of a slowdown its CEO had previously warned about. Comparable sales increased 1.6% year over year, a stark slowdown from the same period a year earlier. 👗 Nordstrom shares fell 5.6% in extended trading Thursday after the company reported a wider-than-expected first-quarter loss of $39 million, although revenue topped analysts’ estimates. 📺 Best Buy has reported the 10th straight quarter of same-store sales declines, a reported 6.1% drop for February, March and April. Its total revenue of $8.85 billion was a little lower than Wall Street anticipated. 👟 Foot Locker’s turnaround is starting to bear some fruit.  The sneaker giant saw comparable sales decline 1.8% during its fiscal first quarter, far better than the 3.1% drop-off that analysts expected. 💵 Dollar General reported better-than-expected profit, sales and same-store sales for its first-quarter as more customers shopped its stores for groceries and other essentials. 🥡 Amazon customers in the US can now order takeaway deliveries from Grubhub without leaving the tech giant’s app. The deal is part of a deepening relationship between the tech giant and Grubhub. 🚫 Illinois set to end grocery tax. Legislators have approved a state budget for 2025 that eliminates the 1% tax, paving the way for Governor JB Pritzker to sign it into law. 👓 Innovative Eyewear has released an Eddie Bauer Smart Eyewear collection. The collection includes four styles and features voice access to ChatGPT. The glasses have built-in Bluetooth microphones and speakers for music and calls. 🥖 Subway, the restaurant chain with the most locations in the US, has sold $3.35 billion of asset-backed bonds to help fund its buyout by Roark Capital Group, in what is the largest securitization of its kind on record. 📦 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)is giving Prime Air additional permissions that allow it to operate drones for more deliveries in a wider area. 🇫🇷 Pharmacists in France have gone on strike for the first time in a decade, closing around 90% of pharmacies across the country. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

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Get up to speed with key takeaways from Hogan Lovells' ESG webinar! Here are some notable 'sound bites' for those who couldn't join live.

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Surprised LVMH's post-acquisition growth of Tiffany's hasn't received more play: First, interesting background given there was an initial bid of $16.6B was placed in 2019, COVID happens and world goes haywire, LVMH tries to back out including lobbying the French government, but ultimately is forced to go through the deal at $15.8B in the largest ever luxury acqusition in 2021. What's even more amazing, is the deal was financed completely with debt via a combination of $8.5B bridge loan, $5.75B commercial paper, and $2B of revolving credit. Tiffany brought with it ~$4.5B of sales, and made it LVMH's second largest brand. It also had EBITDA of $789m. They place a LVMH exec as new CEO, who comes from 25 years of luxury experience at Cartier and LVMH brands, as well as placing Bernard Arnault's son Alexandre. LVMH started to invest heavily in the brand including an “About Love” campaign with Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and a multimillion dollar Basquiat painting in their flagship New York store. Additional campaigns included Gal Gadot, Zoe Kravitz and Elaine Zhong. Then there's $350m of capex on their real estate footprint. With all these investments, they leverage the brand to raise prices and AOV grows to $2,000 from less than half-of-that pre-acquisition. Within a year, revenue jumps to $5.5B of sales, and record profits of 19%. Company guidance is sales to reach $8B by 2026. From buying bankrupt Dior in 1984 to LVMH $385B market cap today, Arnault is truly the 🐐 .

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In this Expert Analysis #3E's Cassidy Spencer stitches together the details of the Fashion Environmental Accountability Act, a.k.a. the New York Fashion Act. What does the Met Gala have to do with supply chain best practices for sustainability? Read our blog to find out: #supplychain #nycfashion #NewYorkFashionAct

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👀 Take a closer look at this earring display! 📸 Notice those empty spaces? It's a visual reminder of the importance of effective merchandising. 💼💎 Here are some tips to keep those displays looking full and enticing: 1️⃣ Replace Sold Items Promptly: Encourage your team to restock empty spaces as soon as a product is sold. This ensures that customers always see a fully stocked display. 2️⃣ Backup Inventory: Consider keeping backup inventory pads underneath the display items. This way, replacements are readily available when needed, minimizing downtime. 3️⃣ Assign Responsibilities: Designate specific team members, whether it's the sales team or inventory team, to monitor and manage specific cases or sections. This ensures accountability and keeps the displays organized. 💪💼 Remember, every empty space represents a missed opportunity for a sale. #SalesStrategy #RetailExcellence #MeganTellsAll

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