LET THE SEASON BEGIN

Well it's Black Friday and the BRAG staff is out shopping. We are doing our part to help the retailers.
...check back with us tomorrow and we'll tell all about the deals we snapped up at Saks, Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Hermes, Sean John, Footlocker, Best Buy, TJX, The Children's Place, Levi's & Ashley Stewart.

Gift Cards: Fact vs. Fiction

Many of you received an e-mail last week regarding gift cards and a list of stores that were going out of business. The names on the list sent me to the floor so we at the BRAG office called some of our contacts to get the facts. The one store that threw me for a loop was Talbots. We immediately got on the phone to call Julie Lorigan, SVP of Communications/Media and she said, "
Totally false - we are not closing stores at either brand". She was referring to the Talbots and the J. Jill brand.

I then came across a Good Morning America article on-line talking about the same issue. Here is an excerpt-

AAAAAA

This year, consumers are expected to spend $25 billion on holiday gift cards. But what happens if you receive a gift card from a retailer that's going out of business or has filed for bankruptcy?
Currently, an e-mail is circulating the Web, warning consumers to use or lose their gift cards from closing stores.

Good Morning America's technology contributor, Becky Worley separates fact from fiction and tells you how to ensure you get the most out of gift cards this season.

There is some truth to this e-mail. This year, some consumers have been left holding the bag (or in this case the card) with $100 million in unused gift cards that could not be redeemed when stores went belly up. And consumers have very little recourse to get their money back.
Here's a rundown of some of the larger retailers that are in bankruptcy or in trouble.

Breakdown of Stores
Sharper Image: Sharper Image is already out of business. It left a lot of people holding $20 million in unusable gift cards, but they haven't sold gift cards since before they declared bankruptcy in February. Don't buy their gift cards on eBay because they aren't worth anything.

Circuit City: Circuit City is in chapter 11 bankruptcy. They have closed some retail stores, but I spoke with their corporate headquarters and they say they are restructuring and plan to stay in business for the long run.
The chain is selling and accepting gift cards this season. GMAs advice -- there are great deals on merchandise at Circuit City; buy electronics there and avoid gift cards.

Wilson's Leather: Wilson's Leather has closed all of its mall stores, but Wilson's Leather Outlets, airport stores and the company's Web site will all honor any Wilson's Leather retail gift cards.

Although they seem like the perfect gift, last year, more than $8 billion worth of gift cards went unused. People forget they have the gift cards or lose them. Make sure the cards come from a store where the gift's receiver already shops.
And don't forget to check fees and expiration dates. Also, you need to check before you buy a gift card that the metallic strip covering the pin number on the card has not been scratched off.
In stores that hang the gift cards out in public spaces, crooks will rub the metallic strip off, get the pin and then go online to redeem the value of the card.

Generic Bank Cards vs. Cash
Consumer Reports issued lot of information about these cards. They bear the logo of a major credit card, but they often have fees and expiration dates. Plus, they can lose value if you don't use them quickly.
The bottom line is: if you must give a gift card, make sure it's from a store where your recipient already shops, and that the store isn't in bankruptcy. And when in doubt, give cash.

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Mr. Thomas Thanksgiving Message

Hello All:

Wishing all of you a very happy, enjoyable and restful Thanksgiving Day, as you sit down to give thanks with your family and friends.

Try not to think of your 401(k), pensions, or any other investments during this Thanksgiving Dinner, because this may give you indigestion.

Also, please work hard to avoid any family feuds, small or large. They not only ruin your dinner, but they have a tendency to last beyond Thanksgiving, through Christmas, and sometimes into the new year. Not a good way to begin a New Year.

If you are cooking; may your meal turn out better than expected, and that you get through it without burning yourself or the meal. May all your friends and family lavish you with praise.

If you are traveling to Grandma or Aunt Phyllis for dinner; please don't critize them if the do things a little different from you, and if they are a bit slow in getting dinner ready. They too deserve praise.

Remember, if you are driving, leave early, but if by chance you are running late; just remember it is better be late for dinner; than to rush and risk having a accident.
Be mindful of your own driving habits, and definitely be on the alert for those drivers who don't value life as much as you do. Eat a light meal before heading back on the day you return, to avoid fatigue that might make you sleepy.

May your Guardian Angel guide you safely to and from you destination.

And as we reflect on how blessed and thankful we are for all that we have, and have achieved; let us be mindful of those who might not even have a meal on Thanksgiving. Let us all dedicate ourselves in some way; big or small, to helping someone in need during this season of giving and rejoicing.

Enjoy this Thanksgiving in the true meaning.

J.J. Thomas
BRAG

HUMAN INTONATION - GIVE FASHION WITH A PURPOSE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!!

GIVE FASHION WITH A PURPOSE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!!

Greetings Everyone!

Just a few updates to share for this holiday weekend. Don’t forget to visit the HUMAN INTONATION site – www.humanintonation.com on Black Friday! Make your purchases from HUMAN INTONATION on the busiest shopping day of the year without the hassle of crowded stores.

H.I. in the VILLAGE VOICE! TODAY! 26 Nov 2008 - HUMAN INTONATION is included in New York City’s own The Village Voice Holiday Shopping Guide and interviewed for an Editorial. Check out the cool ¼PAGE Ad above! Be sure to pick up a free copy of the Village Voice Newspaper this Wednesday and spread the word! This holiday season is the perfect time to make your purchase from HUMAN INTONATION for yourself or friends and family. Give Fashion with a Purpose and know as always 15% of the proceeds from each sale are donated to one of our non-profit partners addressing youth and minority HIV/AIDS prevention, education efforts in the Darfur region, and/or re-building the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina!

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PACKING THOSE BAGS! The time has come for HUMAN INTONATION to set out to New Orleans, LA to volunteer with the non-profit group Hands On New Orleans November 26th to the 29th. We will have exciting, news, images, and stories to share when we return. Team HUMAN INTONATION is set to work on the KABOOM Playground build at a local school as well as preparing a HONO community Thanksgiving Meal for family and friends.

UP NEXT!!

HUMAN INTONATION will be included in the Silent Auction for the Black Retail Action Group’s (BRAG) Holiday Toy Drive 5 December 2008!

Verneda White
apparel by HUMAN INTONATION
verneda adele white
founder - creative director
new york - london - hong kong

VISIT THE SITE

It's in the BAG!

In a few weeks, Steven Swain will make his annual pilgrimage to New York from Rocky Mount, Va., to visit the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and see the holiday window displays at Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York.
He's also planning to bring back some prized souvenirs: the 2008 crop of holiday shopping bags. "They are small instances of good design," says the 33-year-old building-permit coordinator, who says he has been collecting shopping bags "in earnest" for 15 years.

He and legions of other collectors have been anxiously awaiting the latest vintage, and they won't be disappointed. Keeping up traditions despite the economic downturn, retailers are gallantly handing out fancy shopping bags again this year. Bloomingdale's bag features a watercolor rendition of the chain's New York flagship store, created by crooner Tony Bennett.

At Saks, the bags are emblazoned with drawings of snowflakes by the artist Marian Bantjes. Barneys New York's shopping bags feature New York artist John-Paul Philippe's drawings of doves, ornaments, snowflakes and peace signs, along with a photo of the Volkswagen Beetle he decorated for the retailer's "Peace + Love: Have a Hippie Holiday" campaign.
Going green is a big holiday retail theme this year -- and one that tends to run counter to the whole idea of shopping bags. And so Nordstrom and Macy's are offering their first completely recyclable holiday bags this year. Barneys says its bags use environmentally friendly, soy-based ink.

Call me the optimistic one here at the BRAG office, because I think some people shop just to get cool bags....tell us your thoughts on the bags

Also read more here

On The Move...

Wal-Mart announced a surprise change in leadership Friday, naming a Georgia Tech grad as its new CEO. Mike Duke, who joined Wal-Mart in 1995, will take the reins from Lee Scott, currently the company’s CEO, on Feb. 1.

Duke landed his first job at Rich’s department store in Atlanta — and stayed in the department-store business for 23 years as an executive at department-store operators May Stores and Federated Stores Inc., now known as Macy’s Inc.

Duke became chief executive and president of the Wal-Mart Stores U.S. division in 2003 and switched over to head the international division two years later as Wal-Mart increased its focus on international growth.

Here are the other moves during the week-

Giuseppe Rossi, previously CEO of Calvin Klein's European division, has been named chief executive officer and general manager of Ballantyne.

Lars Olofsson, currently executive vice president of the Nestlé Group, has been named chief executive officer of Carrefour, effective January 1.

Kenny Wilson, formerly senior vice president of Levi Strauss & Co.'s commercial operations in Europe, has been named president of Claire's Stores Inc. in Europe.

Michael Adler, formerly president of sales at Daron Fashions Group, has been named president of sales for Paramount Apparel Ltd.'s children' division.

Claire Schultheis, previously executive vice president of accessories and footwear at Stuart Weitzman, has been named managing director of Leifsdottir.

Saulo Villela has been promoted to public relations manager for Adrienne Landau.

Krupp Group announces its representation of Pedro Garcia shoes.

Shadow PR announces its representation of Ann Taylor and Patrick Melville Salon & Spa.Starworks announces its representations of Mimi So.

Macy's May Be Looking To Further Consolidate

My train ride in the morning is pretty uneventful on Sunday mornings, but I nearly fell out of my chair when I read the WWD article about Macy's. According to the article Macy’s Inc. is said to be looking at downsizing to two divisions from the current four.

WWD sources said the plan would fold Macy’s Florida in Miami and Macy’s Central in Atlanta into the Macy’s East and Macy’s West divisions. A Macy’s spokesman declined to comment directly on the speculation, which surfaced Thursday, a day after the retailer reported a net loss of $44 million for the third quarter. “We can’t comment on rumors, but we are fully focused on running the business for holiday,” said spokesman Jim Sluzewski.

My sources at Macy's and Lord & Taylor went on record as saying that a further consolidation in the retail sector would hamper that competitive spirit that was once so prevalent in the industry.

We'll be keeping our eye on this one...stay tuned

On The Move...

Peter Rizzo - formerly of Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, and Polo Ralph Lauren, has joined Saks Fifth Avenue as a consultant for its men's private label merchandise.

Ezra Petronio - editor in chief of Self Service, has been joined Chanel as art director of its makeup and watch businesses.

Amanda Weiner - formerly a fashion assistant at Niche Media, has been named associate fashion and accessories editor.

Jonathan Ramsden - formerly CFO of TBWA Worldwide, has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer of Abercrombie & Fitch.

Gerard Baker - U.S. editor and assistant editor of the Times of London, has been named deputy editor in chief of the Wall Street Journal.

Mark Stanko - CFO of NexCen Franchise Management Inc., has been promoted to CFO of NexcCen Brands Inc.

Amanda Kruzich - formerly brand manager for skin care, fragrance and cosmetics at Elizabeth Arden Canada, has been named director of marketing for Fusion Brands Inc.

Lisa Perry - formerly of Jarden Consumer Solutions, has been named brand manager for Clean at Fusion Brands.

Jennifer Pinto, previously at Juicy Couture, has been named vice president of public relations and marketing for Nanette Lepore.

David Cassaday - formerly director of product development at Belford Inc., has been named executive vice president of brand development for Adrienne Vittadini LLC.

Casey Carter - formerly of ShopPR, has left to join MediaCraft.

Sasha Wilkins - executive style director of WSJ., has left the magazine.

Today is Annalise Ghiz's last day as press manager of Hollywould. The press office is closing as the company is up for sale.

Joanne Chiu is no longer director of PR for Shu Uemura. She will return to Tractenberg & Co. on Monday.

Alison Brod Public relations announces its representation of Mission skincare, founded by Steve Nash and Mia Hamm.

Bradbury Lewis announces its representation of Sequin jewelry collection.

Factory PR announces its representation of Original Penguin, men's, women's and accessories.

HL Group announces its representation of Red Wing Shoes.

The Return of The Interview Suit and Fiscally Sound Look

In these tough economic times it is imperative to set yourself apart from the competition. One way to do that is to nail the interview suit. Many of the recruiters BRAG spoke to believe that you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Part of nailing the interview is striking the right tone in this economic downturn. What is the right tone? Fiscally Responsible.

If you have been in the same job for the past 10-15 years and suddenly find yourself out there on the grind, we caution you regarding taking that Hermes bag to the interview. Hiring Managers, especially those of Wall Street firms want to hire people that are sharp, well put together, but that are fiscally prudent and have a deep understanding of cost-benefit analysis.

CLICK HERE FOR SOME GREAT FASHION TIPS

BRAG SALUTES OUR VETERANS

Holiday Sales may take a Holiday

As the Holiday Season approaches and Holiday Displays go up (Lord & Taylor windows go up on Thursday) this may be one of the toughest seasons for retailers in history. The outlook is bleak and retailers from Seattle to Florida must get creative to inspire customers to buy. I hope the "creative" team has lot of coffee. The one bright spot is Wal-Mart

Small Design "Wonder"

Belgian-born New York designer Diane von Furstenberg has used Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman, as inspiration for her latest collection, a brightly-colored clothing range that proves dressing like a cartoon character needn't involve teaming knee-high boots with hot pants.

The influence of the American stars and stripes are evident in the collection, but in the star piece, a full-length dress, they blend together in muted tones, hinting only at their origin rather than screaming out superhero.

You can purchase a limited edition Diane von Furstenberg Wonder Woman comic book by clicking here

GENERATION O

We've heard of the X-ers, Gen Y, Gen Next, The Millennials, well here comes Generation O. With style and Fashion on their mind Generation O come to terms with having a Commander in Chief that share their values. GENERATION O is that college kid at the White House gate early Wednesday morning, lifting his shirt to reveal “Obama” painted in red on his chest. Or that stylized Obama T-shirt that makes irony look old, the “Obama Girl” on YouTube, or the thousands of notes on Barack Obama’s Facebook page: “U are the best!!!” “yeah, buddy.”
And, of course, Generation O is the president-elect himself.

Only a Fugees-loving, pick-up-basketball-playing, biracial president-elect would send supporters an e-mail message on election night that said: “I’m about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.”

He signed it simply “Barack.” After all, they were close. He and his biggest fans, the generation of young adults who voted for him in record numbers, together had slogged through 21 months of campaigning. And in his moment of victory, Barack Obama shared the glow of success.
“All of this happened because of you,” the e-mail message said. “We just made history.”
With that simple “we” in millions of in-boxes, the post-baby-boomer era seems to have begun. The endless “us versus them” battles of the ’60s, over Vietnam, abortion, race and gender, at least for a moment last week, seemed as out-of-touch as a rotary phone. Of course, that was Mr. Obama’s goal. In his book, “The Audacity of Hope,” he was explicit in his desire to move beyond “the psychodrama of the Baby Boom generation — a tale rooted in old grudges and revenge plots hatched on a handful of college campuses long ago.”

On The Move...

Gary Muto, formerly president of Gap Adult and Gap Body, has been named president of Ann Taylor Loft.

Sarah Gray Miller, formerly editor in chief of O at Home, has been named editor in chief of Country Living.

Veronique Gaultier, previously general director of the Hermès Group's leather goods division, has been named president of Jean Paul Gaultier S.A.

Julie Macklowe, formerly of Sigma Capital, has left to start her own company, JMACK Capital.

Jill Borkan has been promoted to vice president in the Alison Brod Public Relations' fashion division.

Ed Burstell, formerly senior vice president and general merchandiser for nonapparel, has been named buying director of Liberty of London.

Benjamin Liong Setiawan, formerly assistant fashion and accessories editor, menswear, has been named associate fashion and accessories editor, menswear, of Aspen Peak, Atlanta Peach, Boston Common, Capitol File, Gotham, Hamptons, Los Angeles Confidential, Michigan Avenue, Ocean Drive, Philadelphia Style, and Vegas magazines.

Sven Gaede, chief executive officer of Net-a-porter.com, has resigned.


Maguire Steele announces its representation of Florsheim by Duckie Brown, launching fall 2009.

SHADOW PR announces its representation of French Connection.

01-20-09

New York Time Op-Ed

I was on the train this morning and as I sat proud to be a New Yorker, proud to be an American and proud to be, yes, I'm going to say what everyone wants to say but may not want to articulate...proud to be BLACK, I was moved by the letters to the editor of the New York Times. Those of you that know me know I like to share, so enjoy.

To the Editor:
That day has dawned, the day dreamed of by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., when a man is judged by the content of his character rather than by the color of his skin.
And America stands tall before all the world. (Rev.) Connell J. Maguire
Riviera Beach, Fla., Nov. 4, 2008
•
To the Editor:
Today is Election Day in America, and I am extremely excited.
Barack Obama has been declared the victor, and for me, an American and African-American, this is phenomenal.
It means that America has finally legitimized its African-American citizens — perhaps now we will no longer be perceived as “second class” citizens and can, at last, work to heal our nation after the travesty of slavery, discrimination and prejudice.
It also demonstrates that Americans are hopeful activists, as our forebears were, and that control of the country has finally returned to its citizens.
I am overcome with pride, inspiration and a profound love for all of those who fought throughout the civil rights era. Their struggle has not been in vain. A shining, radiant new day beckons.
Alan Champion
New York, Nov. 4, 2008
•
To the Editor:
I voted for John McCain and am disappointed that he did not prevail.
But Barack Obama is to be our new president. While I disagree with several of his campaign positions, it is appropriate to wipe the slate and judge the man by his words and deeds as president.
Four years ago, the losing party engaged in a downward spiral of anger and recrimination.
Similar counterproductive behavior, this time from Republicans like me, will inhibit our ability to deal with the significant and complex challenges that our country faces today.
We must allow Mr. Obama the opportunity he has rightfully earned to lead us — to lead all of us. Michael B. Row
Sparta N.J., Nov. 4, 2008
•
To the Editor:
During the campaign, Gov. Sarah Palin pooh-poohed Barack Obama’s community organizing efforts, saying, “I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities.” Little did she know.
Now, with Mr. Obama’s success, the whole world knows the power of a skilled community organizer, and how community organizing can be used to bring together people of all classes, races and creeds.
Given the deep hole that the Bush administration’s ideology has put the United States in, having a skilled community organizer as president gives me great hope that we can all pull together to rebuild the country — the infrastructure, health care and education in particular — and begin a robust, open and honest debate. Let’s begin with energy independence. Garth Bishop
Los Angeles, Nov. 4, 2008
•
To the Editor:
Along with the announcement that Barack Obama will be our next president will come the inevitable post-mortems about why John McCain lost.
In my humble opinion, Mr. McCain blew it because he did not heed the words of his patron Ronald Reagan: “Whatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears.” Dorian de Wind
Austin, Tex., Nov. 4, 2008

The election of Barack Obama as president marks the end of a long nightmare — eight years of an administration that waged wars in Muslim countries, shredded environmental regulations, defied Congress and the courts, and challenged the Constitution. But Mr. Obama is inheriting the additional nightmare of a recession that is heading rapidly toward a depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt took office during an even graver emergency but was able to establish programs like Social Security, the National Labor Relations Act and the Farm Security Administration that stemmed the economic meltdown and provided help to millions of Americans. Roosevelt was able to do all this because a large Congressional majority stood behind him. Mr. Obama has the judgment and intelligence to rescue our country again, but only if the Republican minority in Congress refrains from its past practice of obstructing the programs of Democratic presidents. If ever there was a time for them to take seriously Senator John McCain’s campaign slogan of “country first,” it is now. Rachelle MarshallStanford, Calif., Nov. 4, 2008

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Oh Yes He Did!

CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE!

YES HE CAN!

Circuit City shuttering 155 stores, laying off 17 percent of workforce

Circuit City Stores Inc. will close 155 stores and lay off about 7,200 employees, or 17 percent of its workforce, as it continues to restructure its business, the company announced this morning.
The Henrico County-based consumer electronics retailer will shutter about 21 percent of its U.S. stores and exit 12 markets.

The chain also faces credit issues with its vendors. Circuit City said certain vendors have changed payment terms, including demanding cash for inventory before shipping merchandise, as the all-important holiday shopping season approaches. Vendors also have limited the credit available to the company for purchases, including in some cases not providing customary increases in credit lines for holiday purchases.

"While management is working diligently to secure the support of its vendors and believes it has maintained good relationships with these important partners, the current mix of terms and credit availability is becoming unmanageable for the company," the company said in a statement this morning. Circuit City said it is "considering all available options and alternatives to restructure its business." One option, according to people who follow Circuit City, could be filing for federal bankruptcy protection.

The chain said it is in negotiations with its lenders and other third parties regarding various financing alternatives. The store closings will shrink the number of locations the chain operates in the U.S. to 566. Three Virginia stores — Charlottesville, Manassas and McLean — will close.
The company expects store closing sales at the 155 locations will begin Wednesday. The closing sales should be completed no later than Dec. 31.

It also said it would be renegotiating leases in stores that remain open.
The closings come after nearly two years of losses for the chain as it has struggles to compete against rival Best Buy Co. Inc. and retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE