Burberry Press Release:
Burberry Group plc, the global luxury company, today announces its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2007.
Angela Ahrendts, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“We are pleased with the progress Burberry has made in the first half of the year. We delivered underlying revenue and profit growth of 19%, underpinned by the success of our luxury, retail and non-apparel strategies. This performance is consistent with our full year expectations. The diversity and balance that Burberry has across its products, channels and regions give us many opportunities for future growth.”
Six months to 30 September
% change
£ million
2007
2006
reported
underlying#
Revenue
449.1
392.0
15
19
Operating profit
97.3
74.6
30
38
Adjusted operating profit *
95.1
84.2
13
19
Profit before taxation
95.8
73.4
31
Diluted eps (pence)
14.9
11.1
34
Adjusted diluted eps (pence)*
14.8
12.5
18
Dividend per share (pence)
3.35
2.875
17
* “Adjusted” refers to profitability measures calculated before:
1. Atlas costs of £12.9m (2006: £9.6m) which relate to the Group’s infrastructure redesign initiative announced in May 2005.
2. Net profit of £15.1m (2006: nil) relating to the relocation of global headquarters.
# Underlying change is calculated at constant exchange rates.
Certain financial data within this announcement have been rounded.
Operational highlights
Retail revenue up 25% underlying; comparable store sales growth of 11%; opened 11 new stores
Wholesale revenue up 16% underlying; US up over 40% underlying
Accessories now 31% of sales (excluding licensing), led by luxury handbags
Atlas implementation in final stages
Increased investment in infrastructure to support strong growth
Financial highlights
Total revenue up 19% underlying (15% reported)
Adjusted operating profit up 19% underlying (13% reported)
Retail/wholesale operating margin up to 15.2% (2006: 14.0%), as gross margin increases by 300 basis points
Adjusted diluted eps up 18% as share buyback continues
Profit before tax up 31%, including £15.1m net profit relating to the planned relocation of global headquarters
Interim dividend increased by 17% to 3.35p
Enquiries
Burberry
020 7968 5919
Stacey Cartwright
Chief Financial Officer
Fay Dodds
Director of Investor Relations
Brunswick
020 7404 5959
David Yelland
Laura Cummings
Robert Gardener
Source: Burberry
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Burberry results
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Armani Tower
On November, 2, 2007 Armani launched the site Armani/Ginza Tower a destination fashion and lifestyle retail experience, offering fashion and accessories, the home collection, a Nobu restaurant and an Emporio Armani Caffe, an Armani Privé nightclub, a flower shop and bookstore and a fragrance and cosmetics counter.
Armani Press Release:
Giorgio Armani is pleased to announce the launch of the Armani/Ginza Tower official website at www.armaniginzatower.com, available in Italian, English and Japanese languages, offering a range of information about the building, the collections and the exclusive services that the new concept store will offer. The website officially went online on November 2nd.
The imposing Armani/Ginza Tower, which opens today, November 6th, is the next in a series of unique concept stores pioneered by Giorgio Armani in 2000, when he opened Milan’s Armani/Manzoni store: a destination fashion and lifestyle retail experience, offering fashion and accessories, the home collection, a Nobu restaurant and an Emporio Armani Caffe, an Armani Privé nightclub, a flower shop and bookstore and a fragrance and cosmetics counter.Two further locations followed: Armani/Funf Höfe in Munich and Armani/Chater House in Hong Kong, now to be joined by the Armani/Ginza Tower and, in 2008, the recently announced Armani/Fifth Avenue concept store in New York.
The new website, realized in collaboration with the website development agency Create the Group, offers the possibility to discover virtually the Armani/Ginza Tower concept store and will be divided into six main sections: the Building, Design Philosophy, Ginza Tower Collections, Exclusive Services, Ginza Area and News & Press.
‘The Building’ section allows visitors to see all the images and details for what each of the 12 floors has to offer: the Giorgio Armani boutique and the Emporio Armani store, the Armani/Casa interior design collection, the world’s first ever Armani/Spa and the Armani/Ristorante, and the Armani/Privé lounge bar.
‘Design Philosophy’ hosts a video where Mr Armani welcomes visitors and introduces his collaboration with architects Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas, explaining the inspirations behind the Armani/Ginza Tower design philosophy.
The ‘Special Collection’ allows visitors to discover the limited edition series of Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani apparel and accessories inspired by the building’s gold and black colour theme featuring a special Armani/Ginza Tower label, which will only be available at that location.
In the ‘Exclusive Services’ section, visitors can discover the unique aspects of the Armani/Ginza Tower, including the first-ever Armani/Spa, the Armani/Ristorante and the Armani/Casa Interior Design Service. In addition, the visitors can also make a reservation for a private appointment through a telephone number that will be indicated for each service.
Finally, while the ‘Ginza Area’ gives specific details about this historic location and its secrets, the ‘News & Press’ section will showcase a selection of interesting articles and press releases regarding the Armani/Ginza Tower.
The Armani Group is one of the leading fashion and luxury goods groups in the world today with 4,900 direct employees and 13 factories. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products including apparel, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewellery, home furnishings, fragrances and cosmetics under a range of brand names: Giorgio Armani Privé, Giorgio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani, AJ Armani Jeans, A/X Armani Exchange, Armani Junior, Armani Baby and Armani Casa. The Group’s exclusive retail network currently comprises: 73 Giorgio Armani boutiques, 12 Armani Collezioni stores, 140 Emporio Armani stores, 128 A/X Armani Exchange stores, 18 AJ Armani Jeans stores, 7 Armani Junior stores, 1 Giorgio Armani Accessori, 1 Emporio Armani Accessori store and 25 Armani Casa stores in 46 countries. The Armani Group has also announced its intention to open a unique collection of luxury hotels and resorts in the world’s most important cities and destinations.
Source: Armani
Plus size fashion online
Now women cand buy anytime online clothes even if them mesure 14W-44W. The facility is given by the Lane Bryant Catalog who think even to the women who need plus size colthes.
Lane Bryant Catalog Press Release:
Shopping for clothing is now more convenient than ever for women sizes 14W to 44W. Lane Bryant Catalog now offers the newest fashions for plus and extended-plus sizes in its catalog.
From the comfort of her home, women sizes 14W-44W can order at any hour of the day from an impressive selection of quality fashions via catalog or online. With a fashion plan that focuses on fit, great styles that are comfortable and friendly customer service, Lane Bryant Catalog offers a shopping experience that fits her lifestyle.
"We are pleased to offer a great shopping experience for women sizes 14W-44W," says Lori Twomey, President of Lane Bryant Catalog. "To provide these women with the fashions that not only fit, but look great, Lane Bryant Catalog offers basic and current styles at great prices with the convenience of shopping anywhere, anytime."
According to the U.S. government, the average woman is a size 14 or larger, but the average retailer doesn't cater to her specific size needs. With only a handful of retailers specializing in plus-size apparel, full-figured females are turning to at-home outlets for finding fashions that fit. Lane Bryant Catalog services this market by offering not only a convenient online experience, but also the option of ordering via telephone through its catalog.
Lane Bryant Catalog provides fashion, fit and value in basic and current styles designed exclusively for women in sizes 14W to 44W. Lane Bryant Catalog offers a wide selection of apparel, from casual to career wear, shoes, intimates, outerwear and more.
Source: Lane Bryant Catalog
Monday, November 12, 2007
Christian Dior results
Recently Christian Dior Group announced their financial results comparing with the same period of the year in 2006. The evolution or involution can be discovered below:
Christian Dior Group Press Release:
Strong growth momentum
In the first nine months of the year, the Christian Dior Group reported revenues of 12 billion euros, reflecting organic growth of 13% compared to the same period in 2006.At current exchange rates, the evolution was as follows:
LVMH achieved revenues of 11,446 million euros in the first nine months of 2007, reflecting organic growth of 13%. All the business groups registered double-digit organic revenue growth during the period, with notable progress at Watches & Jewelry (+22%), Wines & Spirits (+14%) and Fashion & Leather Goods (+14%). Louis Vuitton continues its exceptional performance. Continuing a very positive momentum, LVMH’s organic revenue growth accelerated in the third quarter, increasing to 15% compared to an already strong performance in the third quarter of 2006.At end September 2007, Christian Dior Couture’s revenue rose to 570 million euros, an increase of 13% at constant exchange rates and 9% at current exchange rates. Highlights of the third quarter were the strong progress achieved by Ready-to-Wear Women and Men as well as Jewelry.The Christian Dior Group confirms its objective of a significant increase in its results in 2007.
Source: Christian Dior Group
Black friday shopping
Are you betwen the 34 % that will go to shopping the day after the Black Friday? In addition, those who plan to shop on Black Friday say they will spend more overall on their holiday purchases
Matriz Press Release:
A recent Maritz® Poll found that one-third of respondents (37 percent) plan to shop on the day after Thanksgiving. In last year's poll, a similar number (34 percent) said they would shop on Black Friday.
Black Friday = Higher Income, Younger Generations
The consumer market research poll shows that respondents with household incomes of $100,000 or more will shop at significantly higher levels (45 percent) on Black Friday than those in the lowest income group of less than $25,000 (30 percent).
In addition, those who plan to shop on Black Friday say they will spend more overall on their holiday purchases -- $790 compared to $637 for all shoppers combined.
Black Friday also has generational implications with the majority of Gen Y respondents (59 percent), as well as a significant portion of Gen X (46 percent), planning to shop. Only a small percentage of Boomers (23 percent) and the Silent Generation (21 percent) will venture out on Black Friday.
"It's no secret that Black Friday shoppers are looking for discounts, and retailers have already started slashing prices -- earlier than ever before," said Gloria Park Bartolone, vice president, Maritz Research's Retail Group. "If retailers can hit the mark with discounts that appeal to Gen X, Gen Y and those with larger household incomes, they might be able to capture more of the larger spend Black Friday shoppers are planning to make. That could make for a better start to what might be a 'blue' Christmas for retailers."
Reigning in the Holiday Spending
According to the Maritz poll, the average spend this holiday season will be $637, down 10 percent from 2006. One-quarter of all respondents said they would spend less this year, with 50 percent citing "less money to spend this year" as the primary reason.
Where Will Santa Stop to Shop?
Store Percentage of
(list provided) Respondents Planning
to Shop During
the Holiday Season
Wal-Mart 63 percent
Target 57 percent
Best Buy 43 percent
K-Mart 28 percent
Sears 23 percent
Circuit City 21 percent
Kohl's 27 percent
Macy's 25 percent
Victoria's Secret 17 percent
"As retailers compete for holiday spending this year, it's clear that convenience is a top factor for shoppers," said Bartolone. "Stores such as Wal-Mart and Target continuously top the holiday shopping lists by enhancing the customer experience through convenience and 'one-stop shopping.'"
This online Maritz Poll, which was conducted Oct. 8 - 11, 2007, featured responses from 993 randomly selected adults from an Internet panel survey on topics related to holiday shopping, buying behaviors and gift-giving trends. Respondents for this market research poll were split evenly between males and females, and results were weighted to match census demographics (on age, income, race, education and children in household). Margin of error for the overall poll is +/- three percent.
About Maritz® Poll
Maritz® Poll is a copyrighted poll conducted since 1988 by Maritz Research Inc. Maritz Poll comprises regular surveys on topics related to the automotive, financial services, hospitality, retail, technology, and telecommunications sectors as well as workplace issues. Results of the poll may be used in print or broadcast media, provided credit is given to the Maritz Poll and/or Maritz Research. For more information, visit maritzpoll.com or call 1-877-4MARITZ.
About Maritz
St. Louis-based Maritz is a sales and marketing services company, which helps companies achieve their full potential through understanding, enabling, and motivating employees, channel partners, and customers. Maritz provides market and customer research, communications, learning solutions, incentive initiatives, meetings and event management, rewards and recognition, travel management services, and customer loyalty programs.
Source: Matriz
Macys gift list
For the host or hostess - Wireware Bread Basket with Faux Bois towels – Wireware accessories are a Martha Stewart favorite because of their fanciful scroll design and many creative uses in entertaining and decorating. This basket makes a wonderful gift when paired with the Collection’s signature Faux Bois towels, designed to bring the beauty of nature indoors. Top with an assortment of fragranced guest soaps and give it to your favorite hostess.Martha Stewart Collection Wireware Basket - $14Martha Stewart Collection Faux Bois towels - $10-$22 each
For your best friend – Pom Pom Throw and a movie – Add a little style to a friend’s next "movie night" with this warmly textured chenille throw featuring charming pom-pom d
etailing. Creating chic comfort in any room, this throw is ideal for a night in front of
the fireplace with one of Martha’s favorite holiday movies, Miracle on 34th Street.Martha Stewart Collection "Pom Pom" Throw - $80For someone with exquisite taste – Mini Leaf Salt Cellars with assorted salts – For the person in your life with impeccable taste, these porcelain leaf-shaped salt cellars are perfect for displaying and serving Martha’s gourmet sea salt and peppercorn. Wrap with a set of two fashion towels for an extra splash of color.Martha Stewart Collection Leaf Salt Cellar - $2.99Martha Stewart Collection Leaf Soy Dish - $5.99Martha Stewart Collection Supreme Sea Salt - $9.99Martha Stewart Collection Supreme Peppercorn - $12.99Martha Stewart Collection Fashion Towels, Set of two - $9.99
For the new neighbors – Wicker Basket, Bath Towels and Kugel – Help your new neighbors turn their house into a home with this welcoming basket piled high with Egyptian cotton bath towels, a necessary addition to a new bathroom. Wrap with one of Martha’s favorite seasonal decorations, a vintage Kugel ornament, for added holiday cheer.Martha Stewart Collection Wicker Basket - $49Martha Stewart Collection Egyptian Cotton Towel - $22 eachMartha Stewart Collection Acorn Kugel - $50
For the newlyweds – Luxury Flannel Sheets and book – Congratulate the happy couple with a perfect night’s rest. This soft and cozy flannel bedding gets better and softer with wear. Wrap the luxury sheet set with one of your favorite books (Pork & Sons is what Martha is currently reading!) and a holiday ornament, and you have the ultimate combination for a classic "night in."Martha Stewart Collection Luxury Flannel Sheet Set - $160 - $180Martha Stewart Collection Lustrous Finery Painted Glass Ornament - $10
For the in-laws – Leaf Relish Dish and spiced nut mix – This porcelain leaf-shaped accent relish dish adds interest and beauty to any table and is ideal for serving dips, sauces or snacks. For the perfect and personalized holiday gift, pair with a homemade spiced nut mix and wrap with a charming woodland animal ornament.Martha Stewart Collection Leaf Relish Dish -
For the holiday enthusiast – Large Glass Canister with Ornament Ombre – In true Marthastyle, this two-gallon glass canister serves as a beautiful display when filled with an ombre of colorful ornaments, creating a festive and unique centerpiece for holiday gatherings and special events.Martha Stewart Collection Glass Canister - $19.99Martha Stewart Collection Glass Ball Ornaments, Set of 26 - $50Martha Stewart Collection Round Silver Kugel - $14
For Dad’s office – Faux Bois bath accessories – The Faux Bois bath accessory collection can do double duty in the office and add unique rustic charm. Help spruce up dad’s office with the signature Faux Bois tray, tumbler and soap dish that can be used to organize his desk and office supplies.
For the creative baker- Cake Mix, Porcelain Pedestal Cake Stand and Cake Decorating Kit – For the baker in your life, give the gift of making a cake the way only Martha can.
For the gourmet – Whiteware Menu Cheese Boards – Inspired by the idea of classic French menu boards, this porcelain piece comes with a special erasable marker, making it a kitchen necessity for the seasoned chef to display holiday hors d'oeuvres and cheeses, or artfully showcase the evening’s menu. Top your special package with a holiday trimming for a personal touch.Martha Stewart Collection Menu Boards, Set of three - $19.99Martha Stewart Collection Glass Pine Cone Ornaments, Set of six - $20
For your favorite homemaker – Baking Handbook, homemade cookies and Recipe Box – Impress the "Martha" in your life by baking homemade cookies from Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook. To create a wonderful presentation, package your fresh baked goods in the Collection’s recipe box that can be used to organize all her favorite creations.Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook - $40Martha Stewart Collection Recipe Box - $14.99
For a friend with a sweet tooth – "Lorraine Stencil" bowls and hot chocolate recipe– Indulge your friend with a set of charming vintage-style "Lorraine Stencil" bowls, inspired by café au lait designs from the 1920s to 1940s. Add a set of colorful kitchen towels, a cheerful holiday ornament, and your favorite recipe for homemade hot chocolate and delectable marshmallows to create a thoughtfully sweet gift.
For the coolest cook you know– Collection of Cooks’ Tools – Inspired by one of the world’s most-recognized cooking authorities, the Martha Stewart Collection kitchen assortment is anchored by an extensive array of cooking tools. From a citrus press and French rolling pin to an apple corer and pastry brush, this assortment of useful accessories, creatively packaged in a holiday stocking, is sure to delight any "Martha-in-training."Martha Stewart Collection Cooks’ Tools – $7.99 - $12.99 eachMartha Stewart Collection 19-Inch Beadflake Stocking - $25
The Martha Stewart Collection is available exclusively at Macy’s.
Lancome perfumes
What do you feel about Lancome fragrances?
I will tell make a short description for three of Lancome perfumes: Tresor, Hypnose and Miracle.
Tresor by Lancome. Love is a Treasure.
The water of Perfume unveils the bloomed, fruity, powdered and amber grades of TREASURE. This flask to precious design comes to coil between the hands as an offering. Because love is a Treasure, it returns the so radiant and precious woman as the perfume as she carries.
It floats in the air a perfume d'émotion...TRÉSOR.
Hypnose by Lancome. The feminine perfume
The perfume of the envoûtement of a woman that knows to play the charm to
fascinate the man that she likes. A fragrance to the wooded eastern harmony that puts itself and acts as a sensual philtre to the wake enchanting: flower of the associated Passion to the Vanilla, w
ooded to the bottom with the Vétiver. A luxurious flask of which the bends and the facets dance with the light, a feminine and modern réinterprétation of the flask of the perfume Magic, created by Lancome in 1950.
Miracle by Lancome. The perfume of a new day.
This is a perfume vibrating and spark as the dawn being born of a new day when the grades, wet dew, of Lychee and of Freesia mix. His spicy heart resounds of the grades of Magnolia, Jasmine, Ginger and Pepper while the Amber and the Musc, some note bottom, you envelop of their sensual splendor.
Source: Lancome
Versace's Reve watches
If you love watches Versace offers you a new fashion product of high quality wich can you offer the possibility of beeing trendy, cool and respected by wearing the new watch Reve by Versace.
Versace Press Release:
Reve from Versace, a new chronograph that extend the range of classic watches.
This exceptional timepiece features a globe dial in mother of pearl, bearing the number 8 and 4 in Arabic numerals, with markers in diamonds and the Medusa icon and Versace logo.
The case is equipped on the right hand side with three buttons for the chronograph functions.
A more opulent version of the Versace Reve is also available with lunette set with pave diamonds.
Technical description of Versace Reve:
Movement Swiss Made
Chronograph movement ETA 251.471
Size 40 mm
Functions Water-resistant to 5 ATM
Case Steel or gold-plated
Sapphire crystal
Dial Mother of pearl
Bracelet In steel or leather
Source: Versace
Cleopatra by Versace
The refined design of the Cleopatra precious jewellery balances rigorously defined lines with a vibrant style – classic elegance reconfigured to suit the present era.
The interlinking nature of the components, entirely made by hand, creates a modular structure for every piece of the collection. The rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces – available in white, yellow, or red gold – are all distinguished by the creativity of the mounting and their extraordinary flexibility.
Warm shades of gold blend into wonderful chromatic combinations and complement elegant ceramic (white or black). Outlines are emphasized by contrast skilfully created through the tonal values of the gold. Here is a unique interplay of light and shade, for a collection that exudes glamour and exclusivity.
Benetton in India
Gloss, Undercolors’ brand-new store concept, uses colours, forms and fittings to highlight the brand’s more sophisticated, feminine identity and seduces customers with an inviting environment and a warmer, more personalized atmosphere.
With this new store layout Undercolors’ two lines are instantly distinguishable. Fun, the ironic line designed for those who prefer colourful, light-hearted underwear, looks its best against a glossy white background. Charme, the Clean Sensuality line for women who seek simple seductiveness, stands out against glossy grey walls.
The shop windows have modular-panels making it simple to adapt product to space, showing off both to best effect. Luminous bands around the perimeter walls effectively highlight the different themes in the collections. The whole concept is characterized by high-gloss surfaces and mannequins.
The programme of new Gloss-Undercolors store openings, which began in Barcelona in August, has quickly developed to include 15 new shops in major Italian and European cities including Florence, Venice, Rome, Warsaw and Athens. Fifteen more stores, including Madrid and Lisbon, will open in 2007.
New markets where Undercolors is concentrating future expansion are India, Eastern Europe and Northern Europe. In particular, the brand debuted in India in October this year and around 15 new stores are planned to open there in 2008.
Undercolors currently has 870 stores and sells 10 million garments around the world. Its international expansion will continue with 50 more new stores in 2008.