Apparel

One-third (33%) of U.S. families are making less money as a result of job loss, moving to a part-time job and/or working at a lower-paying job, which may have an impact on holiday shopping.

In addition, according to three recent consumer surveys from America’s Research Group (ARG), 40% of parents are trying to save as much money as they can for their children's college education, 38% of families did not take a vacation this year of four days or longer, and 44% of parents will do most of their back-to-school apparel shopping in December when the deals are better.

New York -- Coach reported a decline in first-quarter profit amid declining North America sales. The company had net income of $217.88 million, down from $221.38 million in the previous year.
 
Net sales for the quarter fell 1% to $1.15 billion from $1.16 billion a year ago, below analysts' estimate of $1.19 billion.

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue, in partnership with Stylewhile, has launched a new iPad App that allows users to fit clothing to their specific body type before purchase. Not only can users virtually 'try on' clothes, but they can also use the App to select various items from retailers to create and style complete looks with the touch of a button.

Saks Fifth Avenue is leveraging Stylewhile’s iPad App so the retailer can offer online shoppers the opportunity of fitting clothing to their specific body type before making a purchase.
 
Stylewhile is capable of aggregating product imagery from online stores and fitting them on a model of a number of body types. Users can not only virtually try on clothes, but also use the App to select various items from retailers to create complete ensembles.
 

New York – Tiffany & Co. is relaunching its Tiffany.com e-commerce site. The site includes enhanced zoom capabilities and several expanded sections.

Blue Book, the company’s collection of couture jewels, is showcased with scenes from the Tiffany Workshop where they are created, as well as an expanded engagement section with a gemologist’s video and review of Tiffany’s quality standards.

Englewood, Col. -- Sports Authority has debuted a new format at its first-ever store in Puerto Rico. The store, in Ponce, opened on Oct.19.

The 35,000-sq.-ft. location features an “intuitive” that makes it easier than ever for customers to find exactly what they need, the retailer said. With specialty sport shops and a spacious new layout, the store was designed specifically to enhance the shopping experience.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Owners of garment factories in Bangladesh are reportedly prepared to raise the minimum wage they pay workers from 50%-80% and ask retailers to pay at least some of the extra cost.

According to Reuters, factory owners have offered a minimum wage of about $46 per month. Workers have requested a minimum wage of about $102 per month, and the government is expected to order an increase in a middle range of $54-$66 per month. Current minimum wage is about $39 a month.

Tiffany & Co. is launching its enhanced Tiffany.com e-commerce site, which includes improved zoom capabilities and several expanded sections.
 
Blue Book, the company’s collection of couture jewels, is showcased with scenes from the Tiffany Workshop where they are created, as well as an expanded engagement section with a gemologist’s video and review of Tiffany’s quality standards.