SARASOTA – From $40 in 1998 to $3.80 in 2009. That’s not good. Some see disappointment. But not everyone. The news recently was that the Italian luxury shoe maker Tod’s had purchased shares in Saks (NYSE: SKS). Apparently Diego Della Valle, Tod’s Chairman (called the Italian Ralph Lauren), purchased 8.48MORE HERE
The idea that department stores are dead as an idea is disproven by the success of Mast General Stores. Our reader Chris, who was interested in the surviving downtown department stores, wrote us to tell us that Mast had gone into an old empty store, and opened it up. Greenville,MORE HERE
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – We hear from BrandlandUSA reader Joe Vaughan that we need to mention Weaver’s Department Store. Says Vaughan, “It has operated continuously in Downtown Lawrence, Kansas since 1857 – that’s correct 1-8-5-7! It has been passed down through one family and has been in its present four-story buildingMORE HERE
YORK, Pa.-We watch carefully the fate of Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: BONT), which owns some great old legacy department store names that include: Carson Pirie Scott, Bon-Ton Bergner’s Boston Store Elder-Beerman Herberger’s Younkers Parisian It’s not a “bon” scene at Bon Ton, as their stock is less than $2 aMORE HERE
FRESNO, Calif.- After 105 years in business, renowned department store chain Gottschalks Inc. (Pink Sheets: GOTT.PK) began liquidation today. The going out of business sale will include all 58 Gottschalks locations in California (38), Washington (7), Alaska (5), Oregon (5), Nevada (1) and Idaho (2). Founded in 1904, Gottschalks becameMORE HERE
MIAMI – Macy’s (NYSE: M) is considering revitalizing its important, and historic downtown Miami store. The store is the former flagship Burdines. At right, a vintage photo of their old tea room. Macy’s Florida President J. David Scheiner said to a meeting of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce thatMORE HERE
RICHMOND – Worth a visit is the restored Miller & Rhoads department store building, which is now Miller & Rhoads Residences condominiums and a Hilton Garden Inn. Click on the link above to learn about the condo project and to make reservations in the hotel. It is hard to believeMORE HERE
Today, we got a reminder of not only the coming season, but that some companies are dependable. It was a card from JCPenney (NYSE: JCP), saying to come into the store, and pick up a spring and summer catalog at the catalog for free, along with a $5 savings certificate.MORE HERE
Except for the success of discounters like Wal-Mart Stores (WMT), BJ’s Wholesale Club (BJ), Dollar Tree (DLTR), Family Dollar Stores (FDO) and Dollar General, it feels like 1932. That being said, not all retailers will go the way of Circuit City and Linens-n-Things. So the question becomes what retailers canMORE HERE
DUBLIN – On Jan. 9 Waterford Wedgwood UK Plc announced that they have entered into a letter of intent with KPS Capital Partners LP, a New York-based private equity limited partnership. The luxury lifestyle group, that includes Waterford Crystal, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton hopes to be in new hands byMORE HERE