Readers Speak Out

Based on responses collected 8/7 through 8/29

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT CELEBRITY-ENDORSED CLOTHING LINES SUCH AS THOSE FROM STEVE & BARRY’S OR PARIS HILTON FOR DOLLHOUSE?

“I think it is nothing new, and many retailers have partnered with celebrities for lines in recent years. The success of a line depends upon whether the quality of the clothes is actually good and if consumers identify with the celebrity whose name is behind the line. A celebrity name does not instantly mean success.”—Anonymous

“It would be ideal to get the right celebrity who matches the design line. In other words, Madonna, for example, would have no business struttin’ Candie’s, as Candie’s potrays youth. (No offense, you still got it Madonna!) The pitfall is how many designers know celebrities? It pays to know someone, as this famous face will get a designer “on the page”—Rag City Blues

DO YOU THINK GAP’S NEW CEO, GLENN MURPHY, IS THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB, GIVEN HIS LACK OF SPECIALTY RETAIL APPAREL EXPERIENCE?

“Yes. Among Gap Inc.’s many problems is their lack of understanding of their target group and that segment’s fashion trends. On the other hand, organization and execution are huge problems for this company. Maybe this guy can turn that part of the ship around. We will know if his lack of industry knowledge hurts the company’s efforts in marketing and merchandising in 12 to 18 months. Operationally, we should get a clue to Murphy’s skill in 6 to 12.”—M. Carroll

“In the past, the assumption has always been that Gap’s problem is a merchandising problem and so you need a merchant to fix it. Well, I think the problem goes deeper than that. It is primarily a positioning problem—finding a viable place in the market where they can win. Then you buy to that position. If Glenn can fix the position, then the rest can fall into place.”—Gerald Nanninga