American Apparel Reports Gains in Spite of Recession!!

Some of the big players in the fashion retail industry are getting screwed by the recession.

• Nordstrom reported that holiday sales dipped 8.0 percent compared to last year.
• Neiman Marcus is reporting decreases of 31.2 percent in the five-week holiday period compared to 2008.
• Macy’s, Inc. reported a 4.7 percent drop for this holiday season compared with the five weeks ended Jan. 5, 2008.
• Gap Inc. reported a 12 percent decrease compared with last year.

But get this.

American Apparel reported that for the month of December 2008, sales for stores open for more than twelve months increased 3% over the year ago period, “on a constant currency basis.”

For the month of December 2007, comparable store sales increased 37%. There were 162 stores in the sales comparison for December 2008.

Makes you go hmmm…

Believe in Macy’s This Christmas

This Christmas, Macy’s is trying to capture your heart (and hoping you’ll spend your money with them!).

For the holidays, you’ll see “Believe Stations” in their stores.

And don’t be surprised if you see the department store’s “stars” on your TV this Christmas reaching out to you with lines from “Yes, Virginia,” a classic holiday editorial.

• Jessica Simpson
• Martha Stewart
• Carlos Santana
• Donald Trump
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Kenneth Cole 

The store has also launched a really cool Believe web site. 

Thanks to Macy’s, for the holidays you can download a letter kit complete with official Santa letterhead, and design your own “Claus” with the “Be Claus” application.

“Be Claus” personalization allows customers to upload a photo and design themselves as Santa Claus.

The Believe campaign benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation® and will also be run en español.

 

Daddy Yankee’s First Fragrance

What next?

Last week Billboard.biz reported Daddy Yankee was launching his own fragrance line.

Reggaetón star Daddy Yankee is launching his own cologne, DY, which will be distributed exclusively in Macy’s stores beginning this month. DY, which was developed by Givaudan Fragrances, is being marketed and distributed via an agreement with Falic Fashion Group (FFG), which in turn is owned by Duty Free Americas (DFA), which owns and operates more than 100 duty-free stores in airports and at borders.

The launch of DY will be supported by a multi-media advertising campaign that includes billboards, print media ads and television spots, as well as billing in the Panasonic giant screen in Times Square.

DY will be sold in 1.7 and 3.4 fluid ounce sizes, retailing for $39 and $49 respectively. A DY deodorant will retail for $14.

The reggaeton star has  confirmed with the launch of a MySpace Video for “First Fragrance.”

Macy’s Turns 150!

Appearing in several of Macy’s celebrity-filled advertising campaigns, Jessica Simpson will celebrate Macy’s 150th birthday at its New York City birthday bash on October 28, 2008. 

Macy’s birthday is tomorrow.

And to celebrate, the mega store chain will rename 34th Street in New York City to R.H. Macy Way in honor of the brand’s founder.

It’s the location of its Herald Square flagship and world’s largest store.

That same evening, Macy’s will host a fashion industry gala at Gotham Hall – just a block from its flagship store – with a guest list featuring

 

• Jessica Simpson
• Sean “Diddy” Combs
• Eva Mendes
• Martha Stewart
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Kenneth Cole

 

The event will culminate with the reveal of a special birthday cake designed by Duff from Ace of Cakes followed by a fireworks finale off the roof of the retailer’s famous NYC landmark store.

Also, in honor of the milestone, the Empire State Building (Macy’s neighbor on 34th Street) will be lit red.

The ceremonial unveiling of the street sign will take place the morning of October 28. The temporary signs will be on view until November 15th.

Happy Birthday, Macy’s!

Get Carried Away for the Cause

October’s a great time to shop pink and support the fight against breast cancer.

Already, I’m fearing people won’t be as supportive because of the declining economy.

However, I’ve selected three great pieces at every price point to share with you.

If you can, please support this worthy cause.

 

For the Love of Her Life Tote Bag & Keychain
(Tote: $3.95 ; Keychain: $2.95)

 

MICHAEL Michael Kors Ribbon Tote ($68)

 

Cotton Canvas ‘Tory Tote’ & Cotton Canvas Cosmetic Bag
(Tote: $195; Cosmetic Bag: $45 )

Who Spent $9m Last Weekend?!

In spite of the United States’ declining economy, a group of shoppers spent about $9 million last weekend.

Meet Posh and Becks at Macy’s

Victoria and David Beckham will be at Macy’s Herald Square doing major promo work on September 26.

The Brit duo will be there to personally introduce their new men’s and women’s fragrance collection called Beckham Signature.

And it’s really not that hard to meet them.

You Can’t Stop LC

In the midst of all the chatter her Emmys designing gig has caused, Lauren Conrad is staying busy.

The celebrity designer will celebrate her Orange County homecoming as she kicks off the first-ever Style Week Orange County™.

It takes place September 8 through 13.

Conrad will debut her fall collection while kicking off Style Week Orange County with a runway show on September 8 at Irvine Spectrum Center.

That’s just a few miles from where she grew up in Laguna Beach.

Her line is carried at Nordstrom at Irvine Spectrum Center.

In addition, Nordstrom, Macy’s and H&M will join iconic Orange County surf brands Hurley and Roxy for the week of fashion shows and in-store events.

Chrstina Aguilera, Donald Trump in Macy’s campaign

Christina Aguilera, Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger, Donald Trump and Calvin Klein will appear in Macy’s 150th birthday campaign.

As the company gears up for a season-long celebration of its milestone, Macy’s revealed a first glimpse of the star power behind the celebration today.

The celebs will be featured in a series of commemorative photos shot by famed Rolling Stone photographer Mark Seliger.

We still don’t understand why the department store chose this lineup but here are two of the pics featuring The Donald and Xtina.

Nelly Signs on with Sean John

Sean John Underwear has tapped Nelly as their new spokesmodel.

The first campaign features Nelly donning the Fall collection of underwear basics and loungewear. 

And he looks hot!

The campaign was shot by Randee St. Nicholas and showcases Nelly in both interior and exterior shots at a modern home overlooking Los Angeles.

Although he is the first spokesmodel for this category, Nelly follows a long list of past and present celebrity models for the Sean John brand including Dwayne Wade, Nas, Snoop Dog, Lil’ Wayne, Penelope Cruz, Cassie, and Lauren London.

The Sean John Underwear, Sleepwear and Loungewear collection includes the core silhouettes as well as signature styles in luxury fabrics and is available at Macy’s and better department and specialty stores nationwide.