Swiss Watch Exports Rise 6.3% in March

PARIS — Amid continued weakness in Asia, Swiss watch exports rose 6.3 percent in March, marking their strongest monthly increase since January 2014. Exports of Swiss timepieces for the month totaled 1.75 billion Swiss francs, or $1.79 billion, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. This capped a see-saw first quarter which saw Swiss watch exports rise 3.1 percent. Sales to Hong Kong, the No. 1 market for Swiss timepieces, fell 13.8 percent in March, while China posted a 2.4 percent decrease. However, momentum remained strong in the United States, which recorded a 22.4 percent sales jump, while Singapore rebounded with a 27.2 percent increase. Watch sales rose 13.2 percent in unit terms, their strongest showing in more than three years, the federation said. This was driven by timepieces made of metals other than gold, silver and steel, or other materials, with watches priced at less than 200 francs, or $204, accounting for much of the volume increase. The segment of 500 francs to 3,000 francs, or $511 to $3,065, saw a 1.4 percent sales decline in value terms, weighing on general sentiment. However, watches priced above 3,000 francs continued to show resilience with an 8.3 percent rise.

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...

from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1ILkDEO
via IFTTT

German Investor Sentiment Falls

FRANKFURT (Bloomberg) — German investor confidence unexpectedly fell for the first time in six months, signaling that the uncertainty induced by Greece’s debt crisis may be weighing on Europe’s largest economy. The ZEW Center for European Economic Research in Mannheim said its index of investor and analyst expectations, which aims to predict economic developments six months in advance, fell to 53.3 in April from 54.8 in March. Economists had forecast an increase to 55.3, according to the median of 33 estimates in a Bloomberg News survey. The Bundesbank said on Monday that recent data suggest growth momentum in Germany is probably weaker than anticipated, though the economic expansion will continue to be “quite robust.” Factory orders dropped in the first two months of the year as fears of a Greek default damped demand. “The current weakness of the world economy is dampening export prospects and reducing the scope for further improvements of the economic situation in Germany,” ZEW President Clemens Fuest said in a statement. At the same time, “the German economy is in good shape. A stable labor market and increasing wages are strengthening confidence and boosting consumption.” Germany’s economy expanded 0.5 percent in the three months through March, according to a Bloomberg survey

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...

from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1DHS0Y4
via IFTTT

Rakuten Buys Stake in China’s Fanli

TOKYO (Reuters)–Japanese online retailer Rakuten Inc said on Monday it bought a stake of less than 10 percent in Chinese online discount provider Fanli Inc, as it continues a push into overseas markets. Rakuten – one of Japan’s biggest online retailers – is trying to use its stronghold in its domestic market to transform itself from a pure e-commerce firm into a one-stop-site for a global audience, along the lines of Amazon.com Inc. The Fanli investment comes about a month after Rakuten bought U.S. eBook company OverDrive Inc for about $410 million. Other high-profile acquisitions in recent years have included free messaging application Viber for $900 million and Canadian e-book reader Kobo for $315 million. Rakuten did not disclose the size of the stake it bought in Fanli or how much it paid, and a spokesman declined to comment further. The investment valued Fanli at about $1 billion, according to a Rakuten statement. Kevin Johnson, the chief executive officer of Ebates, a U.S.-based online discount operator that Rakuten bought for $1 billion last year, will join Fanli’s board of directors, the company said. Rakuten already offers online services such as financing, travel, shopping and online video. It also announced last year it would set up

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1Q7TZvg

via IFTTT

Chris Evert Launches Tennis Line With Tail

Chris Evert has launched a tennis and activewear collection aimed at women over 30. The tennis legend, who holds 157 singles titles, 18 Grand Slam singles titles and six U.S. Open wins, among other tennis-related accolades, has designed Chrissie by Tail in partnership with Tail Activewear. The collection, which features about 100 styles, is divided into three groups by color: highlighter yellow and powder blue; neon pink, and atomic blue. It’s available on tailactivewear.com and in 200 specialty stores this month. “I’ve always dreamed of creating my own line and Tail felt like a natural fit as a partner,” Evert, 61, said. “For years, as I dropped my children off at school, other moms would say, ‘When are you going to start a tennis and active line that’s built for women’s bodies?’ “The other lines available are beautiful, but they’re designed for the 18-year-old body,” she added. “I’m designing for myself, but the unique fits and styles will appeal to women of all ages.” Evert describes her personal style as “feminine with a little edge.” “I like the cleanness of classic tennis whites, but at the same time I also love vibrant colors,” she said. “I actually think they’re more flattering on women. You

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1OwxbS4

via IFTTT

Graydon Carter Reportedly Eyeing Several Documentary Projects

GRAYDON’S DOCUMENTARY PUSH: Vanity Fair editor in chief Graydon Carter is looking to get into the documentary game. Aside from long-publicized plans to produce a Nora Ephron documentary for HBO, Carter has been eyeing Walter Isaacson’s book “The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution,” as another project. According to e-mails found on Wikileaks between Carter and Sony chief executive offi cer Michael Lynton, the Vanity Fair editor is interested in turning “The Innovators” into a four- part TV series. Sony had procured the rights to Isaacson’s book with Columbia Pictures president Doug Belgrad and producer Scott Rudin. In an e-mail dated Oct. 22, 2014, Carter wrote to Lynton: “Don’t want to intrude on your turf if you have other ideas for this, I will buzz off. But the biggest story of our age is the Internet. And Walter’s book is the Best and the Brightest of that story. It can’t be done in one documentary. But a four-hour series, similar to what Bob Hughes did with the ‘Shock of the New’ might be the way to go.” That same day, Lynton wrote back, adding that all three parties were “very open to the idea of creating

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1G9vAQp

via IFTTT

Alibaba Faces Challenges in Fixing Counterfeit Problem

BEIJING — As Alibaba faces continued criticism from regulators in China and the United States over its business practices, analysts say it could be challenging for the e-commerce giant to overcome some problems, particularly what appears to be an endemic presence of counterfeits and gray-market products on its consumer-to-consumer marketplace platform, Taobao.com. The platform is renowned among Chinese shoppers for its vast array of goods for sale, ranging from pets to fake college diplomas and counterfeits, or very close replicas, of fashion brands. “It is very hard to eradicate the problem,” John Fang, an analyst with the Shanghai-based China Market Research Group, said, adding that heightened scrutiny could be related to China’s slowing economy, which expanded 7 percent year-on-year on the first quarter, the slowest growth in six years. In March, retail sales rose at the slowest pace in nearly a decade. “The brands are hurting,” Fang said. “It is very hard to do business in China right now, so if the fake products are out there, it is making business even more difficult.” Torsten Stocker, greater China partner at A.T. Kearney in Hong Kong, said it will be “difficult” for Alibaba to eradicate goods on Taobao that are blatant counterfeits or products that

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1H61LDl

via IFTTT

Kohl’s Taps Thakoon for DesigNation Collection

Thakoon Panichgul is next up in Kohl’s Department Store’s seventh installment of its DesigNation limited-edition collection. The misses’ apparel collection and accessories will be inspired by Panichgul’s trip to London and will be available exclusively at Kohl’s and kohls.com beginning this fall. “DesigNation is built to inspire our customers with designs shaped by some of the world’s most popular destinations, and Thakoon Panichgul is the perfect person to bring London to life as he is known for showcasing distinct global influences through his collections,” said Nancy Feldman, Kohl’s executive vice president of women’s apparel. Panichgul recently celebrated his brand’s 10th anniversary in London. For Kohl’s, he will translate his affinity for the British capital’s character, culture and history to unusual prints and patterns for shirts, sweaters, knit tops, dresses and bottoms, all under $200. “The DesigNation collection allows me to explore London, a city I love so much, in depth, and to bring my imprint and take on its captivating culture to women everywhere,” the designer said. Asked what prompted him to do a collaboration with Kohl’s, he told WWD, “Kohl’s has established a tradition of working with brands to create accessible fashion to women — the title they have given the DesigNation initiative is

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1G9vCaP

via IFTTT

High Times Petitions to Free Jailed Non-Violent Marijuana Users

4/20 FRIENDLY: In order to fete April 20 — aka National Marijuana Day — High Times magazine will do more than spark up a few joints. The magazine has launched a petition to free all non-violent marijuana users from U.S. prisons. Posted on Change.org as well as Hightimes.com starting Monday, the petition demands that U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and California Attorney General Attorney Kamala Harris free what High Times’ Chris Simunek estimates is “tens of thousands” of prisoners. Simunek, who serves as High Times’ “Sordid Affairs Editor,” told WWD that he decided to pen the petition on April 20 because it’s the highest traffi cked time on the magazine’s Web site. “We need a groundswell — mass pardons and mass releases — not on the scale of tens but on the scale of thousands,” he said, explaining that while it’s hard to know how many are in jail, the underlying message is that the inmates are not criminals. “We want to them to free the prisoners who have been jailed for growing, smoking, selling — to us they are not quote-unquote crimes,” Simunek said. “It’s getting to the point where this hypocrisy can no longer be ignored. Marijuana is legal in

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1H61MXE

via IFTTT

Fall 2015 Accessories Trend: Kitschy Business

Accessories designers had fun for fall, creating these sure-fire Conversation starters.

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1G9vAQb

via IFTTT

The North Face Expands Recycling Program

The North Face is expanding its Clothes the Loop recycling program to all of its retail and outlet stores in the U.S., with the goal of recycling more than 100,000 pounds of apparel and footwear in 2015. The expansion of the program is being conducted in tandem with an in-store and social media campaign to encourage consumers to recycle unwanted apparel and footwear from any brand, in any condition. Clothes the Loop extends the life cycle of apparel and footwear brought in by consumers by giving them a new life through reusing items or reverting them to basic materials used for new product manufacturing. Initially piloted at 10 The North Face retail locations in February 2013, Clothes the Loop will now be available in all 83 of The North Face retail and outlet stores nationwide. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an estimated 24 billion pounds of post-consumer textile waste goes to landfills each year, the equivalent of about 70 pounds of textiles per person, accounting for some 5 percent of all space. “We’re committed to creating responsible products, both in how we design them and also in how long they last,” said Adam Mott, director of sustainability for The North Face,

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1Q7TYY4

via IFTTT

Nick Wooster in Shanghai for Wooster + Lardini Launch

WOOSTER IN SHANGHAI: Nick Wooster is currently in Shanghai for the launch of his Wooster + Lardini capsule collection at Strasburgo, a Japanese-owned luxury men’s wear boutique with two outlets in China. Wooster appeared in-store for a day of style consulting and meet-and-greets, first in Beijing, where he visited the Strasburgo store in Parkview Green, an upscale art gallery-cum-shopping mall in the commercial Chaoyang District. Now in Shanghai, Wooster’s visit centers around the boutique in Yifeng Galleria, a heritage building on the Bund specializing in designer men’s wear. This is the first time that Wooster’s pieces are being sold through an official outlet in the country. Speaking with WWD at Strasburgo in Shanghai, Wooster said: “It’s just been incredible. It was my first time in Beijing, at the beginning of this trip, and I went to see Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall. I’ve been to Shanghai once before, but the views still amaze me. The Bund is just unbelievable. And what’s so crazy is to think that right across the river, all of that’s only been around for 10 years or so.”

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1G9vAzU

via IFTTT

Emilio Pucci Opens Store in Miami Design District

WELCOME TO MIAMI: Emilio Pucci opened its third store in Florida, in the Miami Design District. Pucci’s famed Torre print, originally designed in 1966, embellishes the entire facade. Painted in giant black and white mazelike blocks, the facade appears like an optical public artwork hanging above the sidewalk. Inside, white terrazzo tiles and white walls provide a canvas for the colorful clothing hanging on open brass fixtures. The cashier’s table is cut from a rose-colored travertine stone, a key material in all new Pucci stores. Located at 140 NE 39th Street, the one-floor boutique spans 1,600 square feet. The full Pucci spring collection is available, as well as special gowns, beaded caftans and embroidered pieces that cater to the Miami clientele. The shop also features women’s and men’s swimwear and resort pieces from the Orlebar Brown + Emilio Pucci collaboration, as well as sunglasses by the brand’s licensee, Marcolin. Pucci’s other two stores are in Palm Beach and Aventura. In total, Pucci has five freestanding stores in the U.S. and 28 internationally.

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1G9vBUo

via IFTTT

RevitaLash and ReGenesis Tap Christopher Dove, Mike Simpson

Widely recognized couple Christopher Dove and John Simpson, who are to be married in August, have more than one reason to celebrate. The hairstyling duo have been tapped as spokesmen for RevitaLash and ReGenesis. “Our goal [for utilizing Dove and Simpson] is to help the hairdresser be the expert for fine, thin-haired clients, and that’s where they will give a holistic approach for cutting, coloring and styling,” said Linda DiMariano, global education director at Athena Cosmetics, which owns RevitaLash and ReGenesis. In their new role, Dove and Simpson will do VIP events, design ReGenesis’ haircut and color technique collection and come up with new product ideas. “The pairing of Chris and I along with ReGenesis and RevitaLash is for developing a concept and technique educationally, but also it’s for the end-result user and consumer,” Simpson said. Dove added, “One of the things we’re looking forward to is we’re going to be able to actually be a voice not in only education, but in development as well. That was very appealing to us. We want to make sure that everything that is developed has a real reason for using it.” In addition to being spokesmen, Dove and Simpson will be designing a hair collection for the

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1J8zdq1

via IFTTT

Givaudan Q1 Sales Gain 0.4%

PARIS – Givaudan reported a 0.4 percent increase in first-quarter sales, crediting a strong project pipeline. Revenues at the Vernier, Switzerland-based fragrance and flavors supplier reached 1.1 billion Swiss francs, or $1.15 billion, in the three months ended March 31. On a like-for-like basis, sales gained 0.9 percent. “In a challenging economic environment, characterized by a slowdown in the developing markets of Asia and Eastern Europe, Givaudan started the year with a stable business momentum against high comparables in 2014,” the company stated. Sales in group’s fragrance division increased 0.7 percent to 519 million Swiss francs, or $545.7 million. In like-for-like terms, they grew 0.3 percent. Flavor division revenues came to 572 million Swiss francs, or $601.4 million, up 0.1 percent on a reported basis and 1.5 percent on a like-for-like basis. In comparable terms, fine fragrance sales were down 1.8 percent versus a double-digit prior-year comparable; consumer products revenues grew 1.1 percent with solid growth in emerging markets; and sales of fragrance ingredients declined 0.6 percent against a solid first-quarter 2014. Company sales dipped 1.1 percent in mature markets to 593 million Swiss francs, or $623.5 million, while they gained 2.1 percent to 498 million Swiss francs, or $523.6 million, in developing markets. Dollar figures are

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1Cxj1JT

via IFTTT

Carrefour Q1 Sales Gain 6.2%

PARIS — Carrefour SA reported sales advanced 6.2 percent in the first quarter on the back of favorable currency translations that were tempered by a negative impact from gas prices. The world’s second largest retailer behind Wal-Mart Stores Inc. registered total sales including petrol of 21 billion euros, or $23.7 billion at average exchange, in the three months ended March 31. Its domestic sales in the quarter rose 3.6 percent to 9.6 billion euros, or $10.8 billion. On a like-for-like basis, revenues in France were up 2.5 percent, driven by convenience and other formats, while hyper and supermarkets were down, hurt by petrol prices. The retailer’s international markets grew 8.4 percent, with Latin America emerging as its strongest performer in Q1. Here, revenues were up 18.7 percent to 5.1 billion euros, or $5.8 billion, buoyed by favorable currency rates and strong growth in Brazil and Argentina across all formats. The group said other European countries were recovering at a 2.2 percent rate, including Spain and Italy. Revenues in Asia increased 6.6 percent amid a persistently frugal consumption environment in China, where organic sales were down 13 percent. Carrefour said it initiated an “action plan” in the region to improve sales.

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1IyjS4Y

via IFTTT

Coach, Inter Parfums SA Sign Fragrance License

PARIS – Coach Inc. and Inter Parfums SA said they have signed a global licensing agreement for Coach fragrances for 11 years. Inter Parfums is to create, produce and distribute new fragrances and fragrance-related products to department and specialty stores, duty-free shops and Coach stores starting in fall 2016. “As our brand transformation continues to progress, and with Inter Parfums as our partner, we know we can leverage this category into a much larger global opportunity,” said Victor Luis, chief executive office of Coach. “Given Inter Parfums’ successful track record of cultivating and growing fragrance lines for fashion and luxury goods brands, they were the ideal choice to take our business to the next level.” “Coach is an iconic brand focused on relevance and innovation. We greatly respect what the company has already accomplished in the realm of fragrance, most notably with Signature and Poppy, the brand’s well-established top-selling brands,” stated Philippe Benacin, ceo of Inter Parfums SA. “With our distribution network, we have a great opportunity to build upon the success already seen with Coach fragrance by expanding the distribution globally and capitalizing on the growing recognition of the brand in international markets.” Coach had formerly had a fragrance and beauty license with

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1yfn7Lx

via IFTTT

Mulberry Lifts Profit Forecast

LONDON— Mulberry Group plc has ended its year on a high note. The British accessories firm, plagued for months by management woes and negative profit warnings, reported that profit before exceptional items is expected to be “slightly ahead” of market expectations for the year ended March 31, due to improving retail sales and cost control. As reported in December, retail trading improved following the introduction of the spring-summer 2015 collection, which boasts a broader price range than in the past. Mulberry said revenue for the 12-month period would be in line with expectations at 148 million pounds, or $241.2 million. Figures have been calculated at average exchange rates for the 12 months to March 31. However, the full-year growth in retail revenue of 1 percent has been more than offset by the previously announced decline in the wholesale business, Mulberry added. Mulberry has been pursuing a strategy of culling wholesale clients and putting a larger focus on retail sales and international expansion. The company added that, as a result of “careful cost control,” profit before exceptional items is slightly ahead of market expectations. The reported results for the year will also include an exceptional, non-cash impairment charge of between 2.5 million pounds and 3 million pounds, or

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1Fp6qKA

via IFTTT

Fast Retailing Lifts FY Operating Profit Forecast

TOKYO–Fast Retailing Co Ltd has raised its full-year operating profit forecast by 11 percent, lifted by strong sales at its Uniqlo stores in Japan and continued growth overseas. Asia’s biggest apparel retailer said it now expects operating profit of 200 billion yen, or $1.7 billion, for the fiscal year through August, versus its prior estimate of 180 billion yen. The average forecast of 22 analysts was for 197.25 billion yen. In its September-February fiscal first half, Fast Retailing’s net profit grew 56.2 percent to 104.75 billion yen, or $911.33 million at exchange rates for the period. Sales rose 24.2 percent to 949.68 billion yen, or $8.26 billion. Operating income rose 40.2 percent to 150.08 billion yen, or $1.31 billion. Uniqlo, known for its HeatTech fabric technology and rainbow colored-basics, enjoyed an 8.4 percent rise in same-store sales at its Japanese outlets during the half. Growth was also solid overseas, where expansion is key to Fast Retailing’s goal of becoming the world’s top apparel retailer ahead of Zara-owner Inditex SA, Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) and Gap Inc in coming years. Reuters contributed to this report.

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1IuYFsF

via IFTTT

VF Corp., FibeRio Collaborate on Nanofiber Technology

FibeRio Technology Corp., a nanofiber technology specialist based in McAllen, Tex., has formed a strategic partnership with VF Corp. to help develop and commercialize performance apparel and footwear fabrics. The association will focus on FibeRio’s Forcespinning technology platform and its ability to produce nanofiber materials in high volumes, the parties said. VF said it will use FibeRio’s expertise in its three innovation hubs dedicated to advancements in performance apparel, footwear and jeanswear. “VF’s global innovation center strategy is centered on the pursuit of disruptive design and materials that will meaningfully redefine the future of apparel and footwear for our customers,” said Dan Cherian, vice president of VF’s global innovation centers. “Our partnership with FibeRio is a great step forward toward the co-development of proprietary, high-performance nanofiber materials that will help push the boundaries of performance and explore the creation of new apparel and footwear market categories.” Ellery Buchanan, chief executive officer of FibeRio, said, “VF’s long history of brand strength and operational excellence, along with our leading commercial scale nanofiber production expertise creates an excellent opportunity to proactively shape the competitive landscape.”

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1DJdabd

via IFTTT

Glenn Murphy’s Pay Down 14.2% in Final Year at Gap

Gap Inc.’s former chief executive officer Glenn Murphy saw his total pay drop 14.2 percent, to $16.1 million, and its cash component fall by more than half, to $2 million, in his final year with the company. Murphy, now the former chairman and ceo of the San Francisco-based specialty store behemoth, collected $1.5 million in salary, the same as in every year since 2010, while his cash bonus, or non-equity incentive plan compensation, fell nearly 80 percent to $538,000 from $2.7 million in 2013, as Gap, weighed down by weakness at its namesake brand, failed to reach target sales and earnings levels for the year. Murphy stepped down as chairman and ceo of Gap in October and was succeeded by Art Peck as ceo and Robert Fisher on a non-executive basis as chairman in February. Murphy’s stock awards were down 3 percent to $13.8 million from $14.2 million in 2013. Although the Securities and Exchange Commission requires that these awards be reported at fair market value on their grant date, executives might realize lesser amounts because of fluctuation in stock prices, vesting schedules and other considerations. “While we achieved a [total shareholder return] of 10 percent in fiscal 2014 and successfully grew revenue and

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...



from WWD » Recent Stories http://ift.tt/1FyS64Q

via IFTTT