Blog 4

Since our country has entered a recession many retail stores have felt the effects. Some stores are even filing bankruptcy and going under because of the hard times. Stores like Circuit City, Linen n’ Things, and Sharper Image are filing bankruptcy and closing their doors and lying off workers. Which whenever a company use to file bankruptcy it was pretty much like them going into rehab, where they could regroup and relaunch the company. However, that is not the case for stores going bankrupt right now. People feel that as long as it takes for creditors and borrowers to hash out all the finances most companies find it easier to just shut down and move on. With credit and home equity loans in crisis more people have to pay with cash and thus the consumer spending is settling on a low plateau. Also with the credit being so bad more stores have to go towards liquidizing in order to save the business or even some money.
If stores aren’t filing Chapter 11 they are closing unproductive stores in areas that struggling, stores such as Cache, Macy’s and even Home Depot. Which I find shocking about Home Depot closing some of its doors because during a time of a recession more people are willing to do things themselves such as do it yourself home improvements then hiring a contractor to do the work for you. Also businesses such as hair salons, car maintenance, and restaurants are taking a big hit. Why go to get your hair do, you oil changed, or have your food served to you when you can do all of that stuff for yourself at home for cheaper? Well when it comes to retail it will take a hit a little less hard then these stores. Most people cannot actually make fabrics nor have the time to make clothes themselves. However, instead of splurging those people are going to spend less on clothes and just get the necessities or staple items.
If this recession continues to be so bad people might even become desperate enough to buy their own fabrics and make their own clothes. Until that time retailers are going to have to step up their game and realize that people are looking for certain things such as comfort, quality, and staple pieces. Also another way for certain retailers to make some money in this recession is to add accessories and shoes at a decent cost to offset the decrease in clothing sales.

http://www.slate.com/id/2209406/
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Blog 3

Well I haven't been in class this past week because I had the Flu. So I don't know what target market my group presented. However, the VALS survey is pretty accurate. I got Innovator Experiencer. Which I find as myself being those three things. I strive to experience things and be one of the people to be the first to wear things. With the VALS survey its suppose to tell you what your strengths are. So you can find the best job that suits you.

Victoria's Secret had an interesting beginning from the very start. In 1977 Roy Raymond was embarrassed to go and buy lingerie for his wife in public and in the whole departmental store setting, so he decided to create a store that would allow men to shop for their wives without feeling that way. He opened the first store in San Francisco, CA in a shopping center. The walls of the store had wood paneling and Victorian lighting and so not to confuse men they had matching bras and panties in frames around the store and all they had to do was get a sales associate to get the right size from the back. In 1982 the store was sold to the company The Limited and was placed in malls all around the United States. The stores look was kept in the same style with of course little changes over time to keep up with the times. Soon the store began to add things such as perfume and woman's wear. Also in the 1990's the store started using supermodels to show off the lingerie they were selling. Becoming the most famous spokes models for any store. Now there are 1,000 stores around the United States and still growing.

My favorite retailor

My favorite retailer would have to be Victoria’s Secret. They have a great selection for everyone and all different age groups. Also they sells bathing suits & beauty products in the store and online and clothes online. Everyone always says that Victoria’s Secret is expensive however, they have excellent customer service. Such as if your bra is ripped or torn you can return it to the store in exchange for a new bra of that similar style. Also the time that you’ve had the bra for does not matter.

When it comes to the products in the store they have a good selection. They have their PINK collection which is suited for teenage girls to young women. It’s a flirty and fun line of bras, panties and clothes. The clothes consist of mainly sleepwear and workout clothes. For young adults they have different lines within the store. From comfortable underwear to more sexy lingerie they have something for everyone.

For the other items they carry in the store are beauty products and in certain flagship stores they carry bathing suits. The beauty products are made from the company and you can’t find them anywhere else. Also they are unique products that like their underwear products they range from items for teenagers to mature adults. In the flagship stores they are carrying the bathing suits that they carry in their online catalog.

For the online store they carry clothes, workout clothes, shoes, bathing suits, beauty products and of course underwear. Now in our society we rely on more online shopping these days so by having more choices allows for better options and variety. The online store provides just as excellent customer service as the store does. They give great descriptions of the products they are selling and provide a great return and exchange policy.

Texture

Every day objects can inspire any designer. Textures are one of those. Weather its from a flower, an animal or even something that sparkles.