Adidas x Kanye = Success
Long suffering Adidas has seen its position as the second biggest athletic brand slip to #3 as a surging Under Armor continues to marry smart marketing with a desirable range of products. This despite what we consider some great product innovation around the Boost...Eddie Borgo for Target: Customization Goes Mass
Our recent store checks at Target have shown renewed emphasis on style with better merchandising setups and product selection. The refreshed emphasis on apparel and accessories is creating a more unique and special shopping experience. Spied in stores was the Eddie...
Levi’s Catching Up To Athleisure Trend
What happens when the U.S.’s largest apparel manufacturer misses a major trend and then realizes that it is a new norm? You are left in a state that Levi’s now faces. The now well-documented athleisure category—which we’ve been very bullish on for over 2 years—is no...
Retailers Say “I do” to Same-Sex Marriage
With the recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage across the entire country, we are noting a distinct opportunity for retailers. Some early adopters are already advertising in the market, such as Tiffany & Co. above. We believe that...
Hot Women’s Trend: Hermés Accessories spotted in Europe
Finally, a relief from the lack of newness in center core, we spied delightful bowties for women in classic Hermés prints. These petit silk accessories reflect the increased interest in chokers and add fun and whimsy to everyday dressing. This was a huge trend for...
BTS Report: Men’s Twill at Abercrombie
As we move into the peak weeks of back-to-school season, we start to cull the hot sellers across teen retailers and departments stores. First up: The twill pant at Abercrombie (ANF) takes the flex fabric trend to non-denim implementations. Based on our store checks,...
BTS: Flex Fabrics Driving Demand
One of the bright spots in the back-to-school selling season is newness driven by fabric innovation and appearing in staples such as denim and chinos. One of the best implementations is the new flex Denim X collection at American Eagle (AEO). The women’s flex...
Hot Trend: Mansur Gavriel Handbags
Virtually unbranded, unadorned and simply designed, Mansur Gavriel handbags are selling out. Our spot-checks have shown high demand and limited store availability. What is clear is that these well constructed and classic styles are resonating with customers as they...Instant Gratification with Same-Day Delivery on Arise Xchange
Competition around the last yard of the sales funnel—the moment between purchase and receipt of the goods—is ramping up. Amazon is testing drones, delivery lockers and same-day delivery in some areas. Mary Epner appeared on Arise Xchange to discuss how the competition...
Plus-Size Fashions Going Mainstream
Fast-fashion clothing retailer Torrid announced in May that they were launching their first co-branded line, partnering with Rebel Wilson the comic actress best known for her roles in the Pitch Perfect films and Bridesmaids. The capsule line will launch for holiday...
Athleisure Refreshes Speed Up
We’ve been bullish on the athleisure trend for the past 2 years as we watched street fashion influence sales, merchandising and how retailers are moving to capitalize on the trend. We contend that this is no longer simply a trend but more of a lasting change in the...
Target Goes Plaid for Fall
Coming off the disappointing customer experience with the Lilly Pulitzer event this Spring, Target (TGT) announced that they will be committing to a plaid trend to launch the fall season in lieu of a designer partnership. Available from late August through October,...
Celebrity Lifestyle Brands Continue To Grow
Reese Witherspoon’s recent launch of Draper James in May— a lifestyle brand spanning apparel, accessories and select home products — joins Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop.com in the growing trend of celebrity lifestyle brands. Unlike Goop, which ranges from health to apparel...
Legal Issues Dragging Retail Brands
Over the last few months, there have been a flurry of legal issues among retailers. We thought we’d take a moment and reflect on the fallout from them. First, we witnessed the Supreme Court ruling that Abercrombie (ANF) discriminated in their hiring practices over...
Mary Epner on Arise Xchange: Explains Lackluster Luxury Sales
Mary Epner recently called-into Arise Xchange to explain why there is a drop in some luxury brand sales, while others are tracking well. Is the trend of flashy designer labels over? Take a look… The information contained within this post is the opinion of Mary Epner...
Apple Watch Update—Designer Bands Coming
We’ve been bullish on the Apple Watch since its announcement last Fall. Despite intial mixed reviews, we believe that wearables will continue to grow, as an always-on lifestyle will require more streamlined management of information. One of the push-backs we’ve heard...
Celebrity Risks as Macy’s Dumps Trump
We’ve talked before about the how controversial issues can put brands at risk, but what we’ve seen over the last few weeks is the dramatic implosion of the Trump retail brand. Donald Trump’s controversial speech as he officially entered the Presidential arena has had...
On-Sale! Slow Apparel Sales Prompt Early Markdowns…AGAIN!
We’ve been spying earlier-than-usual markdowns this spring into summer season, from department stores to luxury apparel, leading into the usual holiday sales. And now, as we approach the July 4th weekend, the reductions are even more pronounced (and they were started...
Athleisure Trend: CALIA by Carrie Underwood for Dick’s Sporting Goods
Calia by Carrie Underwood for Dick’s Sporting Goods is yoga wear that defines the athleisure trend—bringing yoga inspired looks to the street.