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JC Penney Sticking For Equality

June 5, 2012

The conservative anti-gay group One Million Moms (OMM) is back at it again -- and it’s no surprise the organization is targeting JC Penney. This time OMM has a problem with the department store’s Father’s Days ad, which features two dads and their children, ABC news reported.

The ad’s text says: "What makes Dad so cool? He’s the swim coach, tent maker, best friend, bike fixer and hug giver - all rolled into one. Or two." The photo shows real-life dads Todd Koch and Cooper Smith with their kids.

OMM, which most likely does not consist of one million moms, was extremely upset about the company’s ad and fired off a statement condemning JC Penney.

"It’s obvious that JCP would rather take sides than remain neutral in the culture war," OMM writes. "JCP will hear from the other side, so they need to hear from us as well. Our persistence will pay off! One day we will answer for our actions or lack of them. We must remain diligent and stand up for Biblical values and truth. Scripture says multiple times that homosexuality is wrong, and God will not tolerate this sinful nature."

The group has now started another boycott against the department store.

Back in May, OMM attacked the company’s ad for including lesbian moms in its Mother’s Day catalog. The organization resorted to their old tactics and asked their supporters to call and visit their local JC Penney store and complain to the store manager.

"Local managers are more likely to listen to your concerns and pass them along to the corporate office," the group says in a statement.

Additionally, OMM made national headlines in February when it called for a boycott of the department store after it hired comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres as its spokeswoman.

"Funny that JC Penney thinks hiring an open homosexual spokesperson will help their business when most of their customers are traditional families," the million (or so) moms write on their website. "DeGeneres is not a true representation of the type of families that shop at their store. The majority of JC Penney shoppers will be offended and choose to no longer shop there."

The group admitted defeat, however, in early March and called off the boycott and announced that it would no longer focus on getting DeGeneres fired and is moving on to other issues.

"But we have heard back from so many of our members," Monica Cole of One Million Moms said. "We have heard back from men and women -- not just moms -- saying they will no longer shop there at JC Penney, as long as Ellen DeGeneres is their spokesperson."

JC Penney spokesman Joseph Thomas talked to ABC News about the controversial issue.

"In celebration of Father’s Day, we’re proud that our June book honors men from diverse backgrounds who all share the joy of fatherhood," he said in an email.

A Joe My God reader emailed JC Penney and applauded the company for its stance on equality and received a heartwarming response.

"Dear JCP, I love you guys. I have never been into a JC Penney store, but after seeing your ad with Cooper Smith and Todd Koch and their kids ... well, you guys rock. I will find something to buy, just to say thank you!! sincerely, mike."

The clothing company responded back and said: "Dear Mike, Thank you for sharing with me your very valuable feedback. As a company founded on ’The Golden Rule,’ we consider it our top priority to treat each customer as we would like to be treated. Fair and Square. We are in the process of dreaming up new ways to make you love shopping with us and your comments help us move one step closer to becoming your favorite store! Hope you have a great weekend! Sincerely, Chris, Customer Care Representative."

For more information: http://www.edgenewengland.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=133769

Austin Grocery Retailers: The Ban of Disposable Bags

March 21, 2012

Although the Austin City Council passed one of the broadest bag bans in the nation early Friday , a few details remain to be ironed out.

Among them is what the penalties will be for refusing to comply with the law, which will prohibit retailers from offering single-use paper and plastic bags at all retail checkout counters starting in March 2013 . Penalties and details about who will enforce the ban will be worked out over the next few months, said Jennifer Herber , a spokeswoman for Austin Resource Recovery , the city's trash and recycling department.

Only retailers, not customers, will face penalties, she said.

The council also asked staffers to explore creating an "emergency option" that would allow shoppers who forget their reusable bags to pay a fee for disposable bags so that they aren't forced to buy more reusable bags. It's not clear exactly how that would work or whether it would simply become a loophole for customers to continue getting disposable bags.

Before and after the ban takes effect, the city plans to do a $2 million education campaign to alert shoppers to the change and remind them to bring reusable bags.

The council decided not to enact a fee on disposable bags before the ban takes effect. An interim fee had been discussed as a way to help shoppers and retailers begin to change their habits and prepare for a ban.

Austin is the first big Texas city to pass a bag ban. More than two dozen U.S. cities have bag laws, most of them prohibiting plastic bags and imposing a fee on paper.

"This is about Austin reclaiming its position as the national leader in environmental protection," said Rick Cofer , vice chairman of the city's Zero Waste Advisory Commission, who has pushed for a ban for five years. "This ordinance is forward-looking. It may have taken a few years, but we got it right."

The City Council came close to enacting a ban a few years ago but held off when a few big retailers agreed to try to voluntarily reduce the plastic bags they offer. Council members have said that program wasn't effective enough, and they asked city staffers last summer to begin writing up a ban.

Friday's vote came at about 2 a.m. , after a daylong council meeting. It was unanimous, even though a few council members recently had expressed reservations about the details of the ban, including the idea of prohibiting paper bags as well as plastic.

Austin retailers will still be able to offer reusable bags, defined as those made of cloth or durable materials, or thicker paper or plastic bags that have handles. Retailers will decide whether to charge for those bags, though most probably will because such bags tend to be costlier to make.

Exempt from the ban will be single-use bags for bulk foods, meat, fish, produce, newspaper delivery, dry cleaning and restaurant carryout foods, and bags that charities and nonprofits use to distribute food and other items.

During months of debate, members of the plastics industry argued that thin plastic bags can be easily recycled and reused, such as for lining trash cans and picking up pet waste. But city leaders said the bags often end up as litter or landfill trash and cause environmental harm. Activists urged the City Council to ban single-use paper bags as well, saying they take more energy to make and transport.

The Texas Retailers Association was the most vocal opponent of a ban, saying it would discourage retailers from continuing robust programs they've built to accept plastic bags and plastic packaging for recycling, meaning more of those goods could end up in landfills.

In recent weeks, ban opponents have urged the city to pursue a program that will allow Austin residents to put plastic bags in their curbside recycling carts. Currently, the city accepts paper but not plastic bags through its curbside collection and recycling program because plastic bags can damage recycling machinery.

Austin Resource Recovery Director Bob Gedert said adding plastic bags to the curbside program would be costly and difficult to carry out. He also said Austin should focus on reducing the number of plastic bags in circulation, not simply on continuing to make and recycle them.

About a dozen people stuck around late Thursday and early Friday to offer the council their thoughts on the ban; most were in favor of it.

"It's time for you folks to make history and take a huge step in cleaning up your community," said Robin Schneider , executive director of the nonprofit Texas Campaign for the Environment .

Chris Bailey told the council a ban could have unintended consequences.

"People act like the solution is to just create a crime out of an everyday activity, and all of a sudden, it will go away," he said. "You're trying to modify behavior by creating a punishment for it, and this has not been shown to work. ... I think common sense is being neglected here."

scoppola@statesman.com; 912-2939

Basics of the ban
Austin retailers will no longer be able to offer thin, so-called single-use paper and plastic bags starting in March 2013 .Retailers will offer only reusable bags made of cloth or durable materials, or thicker paper or plastic bags that have handles.Exemptions will include disposable bags used for bulk foods, meat, fish, produce, dry cleaning, newspaper delivery and restaurant carryout foods.

For more information, visit: http://www.statesman.com/news/local/austin-bag-ban-means-penalties-for-retailers-that-2213031.html?cxtype=rss_news&viewAsSinglePage=true

The Value of Michael Kors: $666 Million Man

March 13, 2012

Let's be clear: Michael Kors is on a pretty good run, but it's not that he hasn't had a few disappointments. He, for instance, is not a teacher in Ontario.

So far, they are the real winners in Kors' December IPO. The Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board was the only named Kors investor that didn't sell stock in the public offering.

And so instead of getting $20 a share -- as Kors himself did when he sold off 5.8 million shares, raising $117 million -- the pension plan's 13.2 million shares are now worth $42.08 each.

Kors, sadly, sold at what now seems to be a low price.

He might have another chance to get a better valuation since he, along with chief executive officer John Idol and backers Silas Chou and Lawrence Stroll, also has a stake in the Michael Kors operations in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, which were not part of the IPO.

And he has steady employment.

The designer's contract gives him a job for life, an annual salary of $2.5 million and creative control over products bearing his name, assuming he can stay on the right side of "commercially reasonable." (The Wall Street types apparently don't approve of art for art's sake.) Kors is also eligible for a bonus and certain "perquisites" including life insurance, health club membership, car and driver for business purposes and tax services.

It's not the deal scored by Tommy Hilfiger -- who received 1.5 percent of U.S. revenues over $48 million when his company was public -- but it seems to be enough for Kors to keep the heat on.

If he does have to dip into the piggybank, he still owns 15.8 million shares of the company that bears his name, or 8.3 percent of those outstanding. On paper, that's worth $666.8 million, so he could always buy half a million of his $1,295 shearling racing jackets to keep warm.

That's something, at least.

For more information, visit: http://www.wwd.com/fashion-blogs/michael_kors_the_666_million_m-12-02

Department Stores Play an Important Role in the Success of a Designer

March 13, 2012

“American Idol” has produced Grammy winners, but reality TV has yet to produce a designer with mass commercial success. By adding retail to the formula, NBC’s “Fashion Star,” premiering Tuesday, aims to make business part of the entertainment

“It’s the fashion version of ‘American Idol,’ a real business process,” said E.J. Johnston, a former IMG Fashion executive who created the show’s concept with producing partner James Deutch, a former Hearst Entertainment executive.

The grand prize, a $6 million contract with Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and H&M, will be awarded to one of 14 contestants on the 10th episode finale. In addition, each week buyers can place orders after each runway presentation, and viewers can buy product online that night and in stores the next day.

“We like the idea of big entertainment with tangible prizes, not to mention viewers like instant gratification,” said Deutch. (The show was taped over the summer, allowing retailers time to produce the clothes.)

“With other shows, winners still need to find a way to make their business work,” said Johnston. “We wanted to show that dream-come-true moment where a buyer says ‘I want that,’ so we made them the judges.”

In addition to decision making on camera, buyers must bid against one another to carry a look exclusively. “I can honestly say the show was really competitive both from the design and the buying process,” said Nicole Christie, H&M’s communications manager who was one of the show’s “featured buyers.” “It’s like going to Sotheby’s. You have to act fast and outbid the competition,” said Terron E. Schaefer, Saks’ executive vice president and chief creative officer, also a featured buyer. But the advantages far outweighed the challenges. “It’s like a 10-hour commercial for Saks,” he said.

Noted Macy’s vice president-regional planning manager for women’s apparel Caprice Willard, “We’re on the cutting edge of new ways to find talent and bring fashion to viewers. It’s important that retailers be open [to it] because we have to evolve in order to stay relevant. Customers are armed with far more product knowledge than ever before, so it puts the onus on us to be one step ahead.”

For contestants, who ranged from designers at major fashion brands to bartenders, the show means a fast track to success. “Whether or not they progress to the finale, their success is limitless. I wouldn’t be surprised if some end up in Macy’s and other storefronts,” said Willard. “There were designers who sold hundreds of thousands of dollars who didn’t win the grand prize,” added Deutsch.

While it remains to be seen how the clothes will sell, all retailers were optimistic about their profitability. As for the show, it has sold to 25 countries, and producers are in discussions to develop foreign versions with local retailers. Deutsch and Johnston are now developing a similar show with a 1,000-door home goods retailer. Said Johnston, “There are thousands of fascinating processes out there to add entertainment to.”

For more information, visit: http://www.wwd.com/media-news/film-tv/retailers-have-roles-in-fashion-star-5789620

A Boost in Spending at Retail Stores and Malls

March 13, 2012

Americans heartened by an improving labor market boosted spending at stores and malls by the most in five months, adding to signs that the world’s largest economy is gaining strength.

The 1.1 percent advance followed a 0.6 percent increase in January that was larger than previously estimated, according to Commerce Department data issued today in Washington. Sales rose in 11 of 13 categories, including auto dealers and clothing stores, showing gains in demand were broad based.

Stocks and bond yields rose as the report indicated that the best six-month streak of employment growth since 2006 is bolstering spending even as gasoline costs rise. Job gains may not be enough to satisfy Federal Reserve officials, who today may reaffirm a commitment to keep interest rates low.

Consumers are “unfazed by higher gas prices,” said Jonathan Basile, an economist at Credit Suisse in New York, who correctly forecast the increase in spending. “This is a pleasant surprise on the overall picture for the economy. For the Fed, it’s steady as she goes. They will be encouraged, but there is still a long way to go.”

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (SXP) climbed 0.7 percent to 1,380.6 at 11:22 a.m. in New York. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note increased to 2.08 percent from 2.03 percent late yesterday.

The gain in sales last month matched the median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey of economists. Estimates ranged from gains of 0.5 percent to 2.1 percent. The Commerce Department revised the January increase from a previously reported 0.4 percent advance.

Gap, Target

Sales at chains like Gap Inc. (GPS) and Target Corp. (TGT) last month beat analysts’ estimates. Williams-Sonoma Inc., the biggest U.S. gourmet-cookware chain, said demand improved at the start of the year following the holiday shopping season.

“Post holiday, we saw a progressively stronger retail environment,” Laura Alber, chief executive officer of the San Francisco-based company, said on a March 8 conference call. The company reported record earnings for 2011.

Sales increased 1.6 percent at automobile dealers, reversing the prior month’s drop, today’s report showed. The results fell short of industry figures that showed an even bigger gain.

Cars last month sold at the fastest pace in four years, led by Chrysler Group LLC and a surprise gain from General Motors Co. (GM) Light-vehicle sales accelerated 6.4 percent from January to a 15 (SAARTOTL) million annual rate, the strongest since February 2008, according to Ward’s Automotive Group.

‘Pent-Up Demand’

“There are a number of factors that are helping release this pent-up demand,” Don Johnson, vice president of GM’s U.S. sales, said on a March 1 conference call with analysts. “They include stronger employment, good credit availability, and both of those are leading to improving consumer sentiment.”

Automobile stockpiles jumped by the most in more than a year in January, leading a 0.7 percent increase in business inventories, the Commerce Department said in a separate report today.

Retail sales excluding autos increased 0.9 percent in February, exceeding the median forecast of economists surveyed that called for a 0.7 percent gain.

The sales data, which aren’t adjusted for inflation, reflected a 3.3 percent jump in receipts at service stations, the biggest gain in almost a year, as gasoline costs climbed. Regular (3AGSREG) fuel in February averaged $3.56 a gallon, or 18 cents more than January, according to AAA, the nation’s biggest auto organization. It advanced further this month, reaching $3.81 on March 12, the highest since May.

Clothing Stores

Purchases at clothing stores rose 1.8 percent, the most since November 2010. Furniture and general merchandise stores were the only categories to show a decrease in demand.

Employment and income gains are giving consumers the confidence to spend more. The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index rose to an almost four-year high in the week ended March 4.

Employers boosted payrolls more than forecast in February. The 227,000 increase followed a revised 284,000 gain in January that was bigger than first estimated, the Labor Department reported on March 9. The jobless rate held at a three-year low of 8.3 percent.

Job openings were little changed in January, capping the best back-to-back months since mid 2008, a signal businesses remain confident about the economic expansion, other figures from the Labor Department showed today. The number of positions waiting to be filled totaled 3.46 million, down from a revised 3.54 million in December that was higher than previously estimated.

For more information, visit: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-13/retail-sales-in-u-dot-s-dot-climb-the-most-in-five-months-as-recovery-takes-hold

A Boost in Spending at Retail Stores and Malls

March 13, 2012

Americans heartened by an improving labor market boosted spending at stores and malls by the most in five months, adding to signs that the world’s largest economy is gaining strength.

The 1.1 percent advance followed a 0.6 percent increase in January that was larger than previously estimated, according to Commerce Department data issued today in Washington. Sales rose in 11 of 13 categories, including auto dealers and clothing stores, showing gains in demand were broad based.

Stocks and bond yields rose as the report indicated that the best six-month streak of employment growth since 2006 is bolstering spending even as gasoline costs rise. Job gains may not be enough to satisfy Federal Reserve officials, who today may reaffirm a commitment to keep interest rates low.

Consumers are “unfazed by higher gas prices,” said Jonathan Basile, an economist at Credit Suisse in New York, who correctly forecast the increase in spending. “This is a pleasant surprise on the overall picture for the economy. For the Fed, it’s steady as she goes. They will be encouraged, but there is still a long way to go.”

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (SXP) climbed 0.7 percent to 1,380.6 at 11:22 a.m. in New York. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note increased to 2.08 percent from 2.03 percent late yesterday.

The gain in sales last month matched the median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey of economists. Estimates ranged from gains of 0.5 percent to 2.1 percent. The Commerce Department revised the January increase from a previously reported 0.4 percent advance.

Gap, Target

Sales at chains like Gap Inc. (GPS) and Target Corp. (TGT) last month beat analysts’ estimates. Williams-Sonoma Inc., the biggest U.S. gourmet-cookware chain, said demand improved at the start of the year following the holiday shopping season.

“Post holiday, we saw a progressively stronger retail environment,” Laura Alber, chief executive officer of the San Francisco-based company, said on a March 8 conference call. The company reported record earnings for 2011.

Sales increased 1.6 percent at automobile dealers, reversing the prior month’s drop, today’s report showed. The results fell short of industry figures that showed an even bigger gain.

Cars last month sold at the fastest pace in four years, led by Chrysler Group LLC and a surprise gain from General Motors Co. (GM) Light-vehicle sales accelerated 6.4 percent from January to a 15 (SAARTOTL) million annual rate, the strongest since February 2008, according to Ward’s Automotive Group.

‘Pent-Up Demand’

“There are a number of factors that are helping release this pent-up demand,” Don Johnson, vice president of GM’s U.S. sales, said on a March 1 conference call with analysts. “They include stronger employment, good credit availability, and both of those are leading to improving consumer sentiment.”

Automobile stockpiles jumped by the most in more than a year in January, leading a 0.7 percent increase in business inventories, the Commerce Department said in a separate report today.

Retail sales excluding autos increased 0.9 percent in February, exceeding the median forecast of economists surveyed that called for a 0.7 percent gain.

The sales data, which aren’t adjusted for inflation, reflected a 3.3 percent jump in receipts at service stations, the biggest gain in almost a year, as gasoline costs climbed. Regular (3AGSREG) fuel in February averaged $3.56 a gallon, or 18 cents more than January, according to AAA, the nation’s biggest auto organization. It advanced further this month, reaching $3.81 on March 12, the highest since May.

Clothing Stores

Purchases at clothing stores rose 1.8 percent, the most since November 2010. Furniture and general merchandise stores were the only categories to show a decrease in demand.

Employment and income gains are giving consumers the confidence to spend more. The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index rose to an almost four-year high in the week ended March 4.

Employers boosted payrolls more than forecast in February. The 227,000 increase followed a revised 284,000 gain in January that was bigger than first estimated, the Labor Department reported on March 9. The jobless rate held at a three-year low of 8.3 percent.

Job openings were little changed in January, capping the best back-to-back months since mid 2008, a signal businesses remain confident about the economic expansion, other figures from the Labor Department showed today. The number of positions waiting to be filled totaled 3.46 million, down from a revised 3.54 million in December that was higher than previously estimated.

For more information, visit: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-13/retail-sales-in-u-dot-s-dot-climb-the-most-in-five-months-as-recovery-takes-hold

Truth: Discounts Hurt Retailers

March 7, 2012

Retailers like Children's Place Retail Stores Inc (PLCE.O) and Brown Shoe Co Inc (BWS.N) are struggling to protect their margins as they continue to discount heavily to drive sales, resulting in weak quarterly profit reports and bleak forecasts.

Apparel and footwear retailers have been trying to cut back on discounts that were used to lure bargain-hungry shoppers in the downturn, but warmer-than-expected weather forced some of them to reduce prices to move winter merchandise.

Children's Place shares were trading down 4 percent on the Nasdaq, while Brown Shoe shares plunged as much as 14 percent, making it one of the biggest losers on the New York Stock Exchange.

Brown Shoe saw boot sales fall 5.7 percent during the quarter, while Children's Place slashed prices of winter apparel like sweaters and cardigans to push sales.

Children's Place, which competes with privately held Gymboree Corp, expects gross margins to decline in the first quarter on higher souring costs for its spring and summer lines.

The kids clothing retailer, which struggled with inventory and merchandise issues in the past, has been heavily discounting at the end of each season to get rid of piled up products.

Meanwhile, footwear retailers like Brown Shoe are also facing sharp declines in sales of toning shoes, a once popular item that was supposed to exercise leg muscles by making the wearer work harder while walking. Brown Shoe said sales of toning shoes fell more than 59 percent in the fourth quarter.

On Wednesday, Brown Shoe projected full-year adjusted earnings of 78 cents to 92 cents a share, while analysts were expecting 78 cents a share.

Children's Place forecast first-quarter profit of $1.03 a share to $1.08 a share, while analysts were expecting a profit of $1.14 a share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

However, department store operator Bon-Ton Stores Inc (BONT.O) bucked the trend with a strong full-year profit, despite reporting weak quarterly results on discounting of winter products, sending its shares soaring 33 percent.

For more information, visit: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/07/us-retailers-idUSTRE8261F220120307