Finlay's (FNLY) Demise, Elegy for Big Jewelry Chains
August 7, 2009
Finlay Enterprises, Inc. Files for Protection Under Chapter 11 | www.google.com
Finlay's bankruptcy illustrates several fundamental challenges in managing large jewerly store chains. Here's more.
Will Second Half Jewelry Sales Disappoint?
August 6, 2009
Sluggish July sales show tight-fisted consumers | www.forbes.com
Despite all the media spin about the economy stabilizing, jewelers are likely to face bigger declines than expected during the second half. Here is why.
My View: The State of the Retail Jewelry Business
July 31, 2009
IDEX Online Research: Retail Jewelry Prices Down, Supplier Prices Up. How Much Longer? | www.idexonline.com
The next six months are the decisive period for the jewelry industry. Here why change is necessary and why it may arrive to late for many jewelers, large and small alike. Here's more.
Walmart, Beware a Juggernaut Swinging Sticks and Bearing Gifts.
July 25, 2009
Walmart Browbeats Marketers for Bigger Slice of Their Ad Budgets | adage.com
Whether Walmart is using strong arm tactics to convince consumer product goods companies to use their alternative media to advertise isn't clear, but what is clear, the retail juggernaut is seeking to further crush its remaining competition. Here more.
Does Zale (Zlc) Choose Unwisely Again?
July 24, 2009
Zale Names Richard A. Lennox as Its New Chief Marketing Officer | www.businesswire.com
Zale's selection of its new chief marketing officer is symtomatic of management's misguided view of what's wrong with the company and what it will take to turn the company around. Here's more.
Sony Pictures Signs Multiyear Agreement with Redbox
July 24, 2009
Studios Rethink Redbox | online.wsj.com
1. Sony Pictures (NYSE: SNE) has signed a multiyear deal to supply Redbox's (NASDAQ: CSTR) video rental kiosks. 2. Deal minimizes sell-thru of used Sony DVDs, while maximizing Sony non-theatrical titles.
Does Zale's(ZLN) Overlooked Distraction Make a Turnaround Less Likely?
July 15, 2009
IDEX Online Research: Piercing Pagoda is Zale’s Over-Looked Stepchild | www.idexonline.com
Despite Piercing Pagoda's current sales performance, the business may be making it more difficult for management to get its core business back to profitability. Here's more.
DeBeers Restructuring May Mean Lower Diamond Prices
July 15, 2009
De Beers Finances, Contd. | www.jckonline.com
DeBeers' restructuring further complicates diamond pricing in the midst of declining demand. Here's more.
Tiffany's (TIF) Outlook Uncertain
July 12, 2009
Tiffany First Quarter Sales, Profit Decline | www.idexonline.com
Always a well managed business, Tiffany faces a host of uncertainties that are out of management's control for the time being. Here's more.
Sears (SHLD) Eyes Early Sales For Christmas 2009
July 10, 2009
Christmas in July? | www.retail-merchandiser.com
Sears hasn't shown much retailing leadership for years, but may be there is still one good retailer left in the company. Here's more.
February 7, 2012
SOPA and the wisdom of Yogi Berra
January 19, 2012
Larger wafers present a growth opportunity for LEDs
January 6, 2012
Smartphones threaten digital camera industry
December 1, 2011
Google music launches: The end of the end for the music industry
November 22, 2011