Nike yardline at champs sports

The Nike Yardline at Champs Sports is the premiere football destination for football athletes who live and love the game. As the epicenter of football across all levels, these locations will serve football athletes 365 days a year by providing access to unique products, training and game expertise, and pro athletes. This partnership features a store withon a store concept housing the latest nike football product.

American Rag Linen for Juniors - Ben

American Rag has recently launched Linen panta for juniors.  This pant is offered in eight color ways.  Their price is the same as Roxy's oceanside pant but will be at promo pricing more often. Each delivery at macys will have a four week sell thru period then mark them down 25%.

SIMBI

SIMBI has two objectives: to simplify the link between hair and fashion, and to help Haiti.

After the earthquake, Haiti’s health, social, and economic vulnerability increased in an alarming manner. Last year they were hit hard by a cholera outbreak because the majority of Haitians have no access to clean water. In Haiti, Simbi is a water spirit. She is called upon to facilitate solutions to problems. It is only appropriate that we call upon Simbi hair-bracelets to help bring clean water to a population in need. Each hair-bracelet sold keeps Haitians employed, and helps raise money to install water filtration systems throughout the country, saving lives.

Isabel Marant for H&M launches

After a five month Marketing and promotional campaign French Fashion House Isabel Marant who teamed up with H&M in a collaboration, officially launches their line 11/14/2013 in the US 

New York will be the first region to gain access to the line in store, with the launch party kicking off at 12am eastern time November 14, 2013. With select stores nationwide offering the collection and close to 250 stores globally.  The launch party is said to include performances by entertainers such as Lady Gaga. 

Clothing Retailer H&M lives up to their business concept once again "providing fashion and quality at the best price"

The collection is holistic with rock and roll and western influences; apparel, accessories, footwear, and handbags are included in the collection creating head to toe looks for eager consumers.  

Price points will range from $24.99-$399.00  which is a great deal less costly than the Fashion House's own collection which retails for $150.00 (starting cost for jewelry) to over $7000 (for outerwear)

This will be H&M's eleventh designer collaboration, and perhaps one of their most highly anticipated.   Former collaborations have been know to sell out in a frenzy seen more often with Black Friday Holiday specials.  H&M have demonstrated a strong ability to recognize their key consumer, building campaign platforms specifically tailored to this consumer; from the designer chosen for the collaboration, to the models in the photo shoots, and icons brought to the kick off H&M continues to show proven success. 

Lindsay Phillips Switchflops

Watch below link for demo-

http://youtu.be/fGUl5XOHmxM 

SwitchFlops are a brand of flip-flop sandals with an innovative design twist. They function and look like a normal pair of thong-style sandals, but they are customizable to the preferences of each individual wearer. What makes them unique is that they come with interchangeable straps, enabling a person to purchase one pair of sandals and a number of different straps to suit day-to-day preferences. The decorative straps attach to the flip-flops using Velcro® and can be changed out in a matter of seconds. The idea of changing SwitchFlops straps to alter the overall appearance gives consumers a variety of style options in a single shoe.

-wisegeek.com

These sandals sell for $25-65. The staps sell for $9-12.

Anthropologie: Using merchandising and visuals to drive sales

Philadelphia based lifestyle brand Anthropology has built a unique and almost cult like following out of their consumers.

Women who know Anthropologie often will proudly proclaim what items in their homes where purchased from this brand.  Or show off their latest diy project either directly inspired by this lifestyle giant or executed at one of the many Antro Events workshops. 

The Anthropologie phenomenon is the result of a company who used basic retail selling fundamentals in the most optimal manner to achieve the success they have today.  

Every good story needs a hook, every good retail store needs a story. 

If you ask any Anthropologie enthusiast what they love about this brand the answer will usually be in relation to their brick and mortar stores.  More specifically the elaborate layouts and seasonal visual displays that start in Anthropologie's windows and have a larger than life presentation throughout the store. 

These windows and visuals are at the heart of how selling begins for the Anthro brand, and have a more in depth rooting than meets the eye. 

In the Corporate offices, teams work to develop intricate story lines about lead characters which serve as muses' for the overall visual and merchandising executions.  For example: This holiday season, Anthropologie's employees are being introduced to Kalinka; a young girl from the Netherlands who works in the city and takes the train home through frosty wooded forests every night.  Her fascination with the snow showered pines and thoughts of warm food and drink at home build layers into the story giving a depth in character rarely seen outside of storybooks and movies.  This depth though, is the basis for the entire visual platform that will be rolled out  beginning in late October and the first weeks of November carrying the retail stores through the holidays. 

Two Secondary story lines are created in separate pockets of the store, adding depth to the space and representing the merchandise in ways relevant to its classification.  As the lead in story is carries from the windows to the center front of the store and based around apparel, the secondary stories are focused around home and lifestyle.

Hardwood Hall and the Brothers that live there are having a banquet; beautiful place settings and fanciful serving pieces are strewn between pine boughs and metal lanterns or perhaps next to etched crystal goblets. 

Each story is given to every store, relayed to new hires and handed down to visual merchandising teams who execute the written elements into large installations filled with sell able merchandise.  

Anthropologie's mantra,"A touch of home" touches the idea that home, is  where the heart is:

Ask any visual staff member is this retail giant and they will tell you that adding "a touch of home" is what keeps so many of their consumers coming back.  And if the saying "home is where the heart is" is true, adding "a touch of home" to their stores is creating an emotional connection with their consumer that will directly translate into repeat business and increased sales. 

A perspective consumer could buy a Voluspa or Capri Blue candle from a number of retailers, but why not shop at the one that smells like a warm kitchen and a cozy cabin all at the same time?  Where regularly held workshops welcome consumers into the Anthro family as they teach participants how to re create visual elements they see in the store.  

Anthropologie has successfully created a retail environment that emotionally captures its consumers; creating a sense of home away from home through warm staff and fun events to using accessible simple materials in their visual displays.  

Cardboard, glue guns, and up cycled straws, tissue, paper bags, and paint are what holds the majority of the stunning seasonal visuals together.  Mind you, most are executed at a level beyond the abilities of the average housewife or young female shopper who roam the stores but the point is, it feels familiar. It feels hand made.  It feels, like you could almost have done it yourself.  

What would happen if Quiksilver Inc. dove deeper into this visual retail model?

Building it's brands off heritage and roots, Quiksilver and it's collection of brands has a unique platform in which to tell stories.  Would tapping into these heritage tales and bringing them into vertical retail stores create for us the opportunities Anthropologies has gown so successful on? 

Why not hold events inviting consumers into our stores to make seasonal craft with staff and learn about the brands.  Why not step away from banner kits and create similar but individualized windows in top preforming stores?

Quiksilver is the Original Board short brand, and Roxy is the juniors apparel line for the Millennial generation who grew up with the inception and growth of the iconic girls brand.  How can we take our unique stories and create a sense of "home" the Quiksilver way. 

Kelly Slater Wave Co. to create The Ultimate Surfing Experience

The Kelly Slater Wave Company is in talks of developing the ultimate surfing experience. With this resort being located in a best-in-class surf destination, it is garunteed year round perfect waves. Also offering luxurious amenities and entertainment. The essence of he resrot represents and celebrates beach culture and the "Kelly Slater" lifestyle. Whether you are a surfer, spectator, or beach bum...the Kelly Slater Experience can fit every need.

The experience developement site says "The Kelly Slater Surf Experience has something for everyone. For some, it's lounging wave-side entertained by the display of world-class waves and skilled surfing. For others, it’s the unmatched thrill of riding waves. For beginners, it’s small approachable whitewater waves, a boogie board, or soft-top with top-notch instructors available. For the advanced, it’s a barreling wave that challenges deep tube riding and aerial acrobatics, pushing the limits of performance. But for all, it’s a spectacle, with memories that last a lifetime."

The Kelly Slater Wave Co. is capitalising on the success of Kelly. He is branding himself and continuing his legacy for IF he ever retires. Would we be just as smart as one of the leading surf brands in the world, and a lifetime Kelly Slater sponsor, to also brand ourselves within this resort? With connections to the Kelly Slater Wave Co., Quiksilver could position our branding within the park to maximize sales and brand recognition. Being apart of this "Ultimate Wave Experience" could esatblish and confirm to beach goers, surfers, and spectators that with the Ultimate Wave experience...comes the Ultimate brand for surfing.

Fashion Designers exclusively featured in Music videos

Ralph Lauran's Denim and Supply recently featured Swedish Electronic Artist Avicii, in their fall fashion campaign.  And them Avicii, featured Denim and Supply fashions in his video "Wake Me Up".  You are able to go on line and purchase D&S clothing featured in the video. Awesome concept tied with great music.  

To see music video and website go to- http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=11757744&ab=int_DenimAndSupplyJP_US

Hurley and Macy's social media contest

Hurley has teamed up with Macy's and is offering the chance for one winner to "Join the Hurley family" through a newly launched social media contest that could be a major win/win for both companies. 

Signs, like the one pictured below are placed up front on branded tables within the Hurley section on designated tee tables.  Calling out the details of the contest; All a person has to do to enter is snap a photo of themselves wearing a Hurley tee and post it to either instagram or twitter with the correct hash tags and general "@"tags for Hurley and Macys.  

Does this contest align both Hurley's sales and marketing teams in a position to win?

The selected product being Hurley tees is no coincidence, Macy's runs constant promotions on tees year round.  Tees falling between $20-$24 often go on sale at "2 for $34; what a better way to sell one brand over another than to encourage a larger volume of people to try on your product.  

Hurley Marketing could gain exposure as potential consumers post photos of themselves in Hurley tees on their personal social media accounts, and with each post a new group of potential consumers is tapped. Macy's also gains expose through the same stream of posts, connecting the department store to a wider demographic base.

But both of these things are only possible if the contest gains momentum; as of August 28th 2013 #hurleyfamily has not produced any hash tags that also contain the @Hurley and @Macy's required to be entered in the contest.  Twitter is showing no photos when the hash tag is searched. 

Roxy footwear ran a similar contest to this earlier in the year among Specialty surf shops nation wide.  

The 2nd annual "Try a cruiser, win a cruiser" contest encouraged consumers to try on Roxy Cruisers and snap a photo to upload to instagram, and like the Hurley/Macy's contest, tag the appropriate account and brand.  

Hurley follows suit but takes it to a new level by upping the ante offering the winner a spot in a national ad campaign, featuring their face in the collage of Hurley team riders, models, and athletes.  The step up into launching a campaign like this with a majors account is also a step in a different direction. 

To see full Hurley contest rules click here

Levi's goes digital; new shop concept at Macy's

Levi's has launched a new shop in shop concept at Macy's, remodeling existing spaces to connect with a modern age consumer.  

The new shop concepts are defined by category zones, which feature large lead in fixture and product displays attracting consumers into the space. 

Interactive touch screen stations allow consumers to discover the Levi's brand on a new level. Comparing the fit and style of any product side by side on screen, or playing with sliding scales to discover their perfect fit.

Short teaser videos show how the recycled material pants are made, and a rabbit hole of touch screen based options engage consumers attention drawing them further into discovering and connecting to Levi's brand identity. 

This new concept creates a space that allows for longer periods of time to be spent within the Levi's footprint lending to more opportunities for multiple points of sale.  

Hurley and Apple

   
    Apple has teamed up with Hurley to offer exclusive backpacks on their online store for Back to School.  Several ads throughout the website direct the shopper to seven exclusive colorways.  With back to school, a new operating system and Macbook Pro launching, and talks of a new IPhone the site is no doubt experiencing higher traffic.  The ad shown below has perfect placement on the home page to capture the customer's attention.

Pantone fashion color report- Ben

A feature in Pantone's website that details new color trends and inspirations for the fall season.

http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr.aspx?pg=21058&ca=4

Issa de' mar

Issa de' mar is a new Hawaii-based swimwear line created by Marissa Eveland and Melissa Jasniy.  The two friends began by hand sewing suits out of their North Shore digs and selling them out of an ice cream truck with Roam Hawaii; another Hawaii-based clothing company.  Issa de' mar has recently made their way into the wholesale world by making their amazing suits available at Local Motion Hawaii.  Issa de' mar along with other brands like Acacia and Kaimana Beachwear are beginning to be the Hawaii girl's go-to swim lines.

issademar.com

Denim & Supply teams up with Macy's to support House for Hunger

Macy's is one of the channels that Denim & Supply had chosen to use to promo the House for Hunger through Playbutton campaign

WEAR IT LOUD - FEED THE WORLD

This limited edition mix is exclusively sold on Playbutton atDenim and Supply Ralph Lauren 

At only $20 and distributed exclusively through Denim and Supply Ralph Lauren, this limited-edition, wearable MP3 playercomes preloaded with a playlist curated by world famous DJs and producers to raise awareness of the global fight against hunger. With 1.8GB of free storage space, you can add new songs all the time.  Keep wearing your Playbutton in support of the fight to feed the world.

FEATURED ARTISTS

ALBIN MYERS - ARTY - AVICII

CAZZETTE - DAVID TORT - EDX - HARDWELL - MOBY

MYNC - NICKY ROMERO - NORMAN DORAY

For more information on the causes involved please click House for Hunger and The FEED Foundation.

 

Note: The artists, labels and publishers generously donated the rights to the use of these tracks in support of the House for Hunger Playbutton.  Additionally, a foundation of $60,000 has been made to the FEED Foundation.  Purchasing a Playbutton does not affect the donation, but wearing your Playbutton shows support and raises awareness of the global fight against hunger.

 

This info was collected fromhttp://playbutton.com/products/house-of-hunger-playbutton

-Recently posted on same site..        

SOLD OUT! House for Hunger Playbutton

Macy's becoming a mall of their own

Ralph Lauren recently opened a large "shop" in Macy's Herald Square, nicknamed the Polo Palace because of its size and aesthetics. It was paid for and staffed by Polo. Polo pays Macy's for the space , the staffing and a % of the sales. They join higher end labels that have opened this past year in herald square such as Gucci,Longchamp and LV along with some eateries. Is this the future for all Macy's, as they started with sunglass hut and now are launching feet firsts?

Animal Print Camo

Camouflage and animal prints are both hot for fall, but some brands have combined the two. The crossover look has hit several different channels and lines.  Below are examples from Men's, Women's, Children's, and Ladies swim from K-Mart to Macy's.  It will be interesting to see if the surf industry follows the trend.

KMart Girls 7-16 Dress

Macy's Denim and Supply Men's wear

 

Macy's California Waves Jrs Swimwear

Just thought he was cute and trendy!

Nordstrom taps Pinterest to generate sales

Nordstrom has launched a new marketing campaign focused on connecting top "pinned" styles with their consumer

The marketing assets consist of a sign calling out the message or purpose of the campaign. Small Pinterest logos are then placed with the top trending items. 

Nordstrom gathers and analyzes this information through the mobile application "Microstrategy". This app is a enterprise class mobile application platform which allows its users to create apps designed for processing internal , external, and 3rd party information. 

Currently "Pinterest, Top pinned items" is functioning on a pilot store incentive. Further expansion will be based on performance of the campaign. 

Specialty stores drive business!

SIMA uses new methodology in annual report on surf/skate retail sales

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 6 June, 2013 : - - The U.S. surf/skate industry saw $6.07 Billion in retail sales for all channels in 2012. Results from the 2012 Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) Specialty Retail Distribution Study, a third-party research study conducted by the Leisure Trends Group (LTG) and commissioned by SIMA, show core product categories holding strong as specialty retailers remain optimistic about the future.
 
The 2012 SIMA Specialty Retail Distribution Study focuses on a detailed look at the core surf and skate specialty retail market. This core channel captured $1.46 Billion in sales in 2012, with specialty retailers driving surf and skate sales across the country.
 
“The overall goal of the 2012 SIMA Specialty Retail Distribution Study is to present a multi-dimensional picture of the U.S. surf/skate retail industry, individually and collectively, so that SIMA member companies can objectively evaluate their categories, develop strategies for future sales and product development, and understand where opportunities exist,” said Doug Palladini, SIMA President and Vice President & General Manager, Americas, for Vans.

Non traditional surf brands jumping on the surf bandwagon

It seems that when Summer rolls around all brands feel the need to do surf. Here are some traditional urban and preppy brands doing their interpolation. Sean John, Roca wear and Tommy Hillfiger.

Keep A Breat Foundation: Brand Experience

Like several other non-profits and non-retail organizations, Keep A Breast has the challenge of charming its donors, partners, and target audiences on a personal, constant basis.  So to complement its event-based schedule of events, the organization set up a pop up shop for a month in Encinitas, CA.

The shop allowed guests to experience the Keep A Breast brand in a way that creates a larger impact.  An Airstream was converted into a temporary galleria to show some remarkable breast players.  The store’s merchandise assortment went well beyond the typical products, to include cool cut and sew garments and custom posters.  Mood photography lined the walls while old school music bellowed from a retro turn table.  They offered free educational materials comprising a door hanger with instructions on how to do a self breast exam, the organization’s magazine, and of course those iconic bracelets.

Visitors really got a feel of the Keep A Breast brand mission, values, and personality through the Pop Up Shop. It also encouraged more people to get involved and become supporters. They really set a great example of how to bring a brand to life and engage people with little effort.
There’s nothing like an in-person experience to make a memorable, motivating brand impression.