Department Store

Neiman Marcus’ debt burden just got heavier.   The luxury retailer will make interest payments over the next six months with new debt to preserve its cash and bank line of credit.   Instead of making a current $29 million cash interest payment on $600 million notes due in 2021Neiman Marcus will issue more bonds to holders to cover the 9.5% interest, the Dallas News reported.  

Orchestra is entering the United States, both online and off.    The 23-year-old French children’s and maternity fashion brand has launched its first English language website. The retailer will make its U.S. brick-and-mortar debut, opening newborn/children's clothing store at King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, Pa.  

There is clearly a “generation gap” when it comes to how — and where — different customer segments choose to shop.   This was according to a recent study from Dealspotr, a crowdsourcing platform for savings. The firm launched an online survey among respondents across age groups, including Generation Z (20 and under), Millennial (21 to 35), Generation X (36 to 52), and Baby Boomers (53 and above), and monitored their visits to fashion-related areas across the Dealspotr website.  

Walmart reportedly is about to make its fourth e-commerce acquisition in seven months as the chain continues to beef up its online arsenal and fashion offerings against Amazon.       The chain is in advanced discussions to acquire Bonobos, an e-commerce-driven apparel company that designs and sells upscale men’s clothing, according to Recode. Founded in 2007, the brand is known for its hip, stylish threads and expert fit.    

Lord & Taylor has entered into a partnership with make-up icon Bobbi Brown.   The department store retailer appointed Brown as creative consultant, and has launched an in-store shop concept, justBobbi, at select Lord & Taylor locations, including its Manhattan flagship, and online. The initiative is the first Brown has entered into since her recent departure from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, which she founded in 1991.  

The chief executive of Crate & Barrel is out after less than two years at the top.   Doug Diemoz left the home furnishings retailer last week. Most of his responsibilities will be taken over by Neela Montgomery, board chair of Otto Group, the privately owned German company that owns Crate & Barrel, according to Crain’s Chicago Business.  

In “Democracy in America,” political theorist Alexis de Tocqueville wrote, “there is hardly a political question in the United States which does not sooner or later turn into a judicial one.” Nearly 200 years later, this statement rings true — maybe now, more than ever.   

Selfridges is giving shoppers a new way to test and purchase cosmetics.   Through a partnership with Estee Lauder and YouCam Makeup, the U.K.-based department store chain now features a virtual makeover app. Harnessing augmented reality and facial mapping technology, YouCam Makeup’s cosmetics app enables Selfridges’ shoppers to virtually try on up to 30 lipstick shades prior to making a purchase at the store.