"It is not clear how this holiday season performed," said Gustavo Gomez, director of research and methodology at Envirosell, New York. "As the number keep coming in from different sources what is clear is that there are many winners (Amazon seems to be a big one) and losers (seasonal apparel in the United States).
"An after holiday sales is standard for most retailers, but luxury brands have to be careful not to dilute the brand equity with excessive markdowns," he said. "Seventy percent off seems excessive."
"Farfetch is claiming an API based global experience for brands and boutiques to reach global audiences in a real easy, out of the box way," said Gustavo Gomez, director of research and methodology at Envirosell If they can deliver, this is one more tool that makes omnichannel easier and it could begin to become the default format for retail as a whole and luxury in particular.
"It's not a very good time for Brazil right now," said Gustavo Gomez, director of research and methodology at Envirosell, New York. "Brazil has slipped into recession, month to retail sales have slipped for many consecutive months and even ecommerce is seeing shrinking rates.
"The recession is also bad because it slows down the growth of the growing middle class that has driven Brazil's retail sales during the last few years," he said. "Unfortunately, the current uncertainty of the Chinese economy also hurts Brazil since China is Brazil's largest trading partner.
“The IFC mall is one of Hong Kong's luxury outlets, and Lane Crawford has been in the IFC mall since 2004,” said Gustavo Gomez, director of research and methodology at Envirosell, New York. “Launching the new flagship there makes perfect sense.
"Father's Day is a very interesting holiday because it is not as sweet as Mother's Day but it has to be sweet enough to get dad a little emotional," said Gustavo Gomez, director of research and methodology at Envirosell, New York. "The gifts are usually very manly - BBQ, cigars accessories, ties for example.
"Buying a Father's Day gift is much more challenging than a Mother's Day because for mom you can get away with flowers," he said. "There is no such alternative for dads. That makes it a perfect holiday to offer next day shipping. Last minute shopping is almost guaranteed since making a decision is so difficult.
"The oversized hamper is clearly meant to build curiosity about what was to come,"said Gustavo Gomez, director of research and methodology at Envirosell, New York. "I am sure if got some free media time via the local news channels. It generated very little action on their Facebook page with only a few shares and 181 likes."
“Clearly Neiman Marcus is making a statement,” said Gustavo Gomez, director of research and methodology at Envirosell, New York. “They want to bring awareness to the situation that women still face in the world, empower their customers with knowledge and make a difference.
"Every business needs to know their customers," said Gustavo Gomez, director of research and methodology at Envirosell, New York. "In this day and age, there is no excuse for a retailer not to have a 'reward' card.
"In a short time, the data will allow Holt Renfrew to target campaigns at specific shoppers and test their effectiveness," he said.
"Customers benefit by feeling rewarded for something they would probably have purchased. They get perks for their loyalty and targeted promotions based on their likes."
"Luxury is about the relationship between the brand and the customer," said Gustavo Gomez, director of research and methodology at Envirosell, New York. "Providing a high level of service will reinforce the relationship, which translates to brand loyalty in the future.
"Customers will remember how the brand helped them out despite the blizzard," he said. "On the other side, those that fail to provide the high service expected of the brand will risk losing the customer. Customers might equate the experience to bad service overall and not consider the circumstances surrounding the experience."
"This NBA-themed event is a great way for Bloomingdale's to get some press outside of their core demographics," said Gustavo Gomez, director of research and methodology at Envirosell, New York.
"They will benefit from the attracting a younger customer base than the typical Bloomingdale's customer," he said. "Add James Harden to the equations and Bloomingdale's connects with a great athlete that is a leader on and off the field, plus the halo effect of the beard.
"Bloomingdale's is expecting to attract a younger and male consumer base. They are looking to stretch the brand image beyond women.
"They want to attract the male urbanista, as well as those looking for the professional look with a better fit. Basically, the message is, 'It's not your dad's men's suit department anymore.'"
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