Zale-Management's Last Chance?
September 19, 2009
UPDATE 1-Zale to restate 2008, some 2009 results | cn.reuters.com
Zale says it will won't report FY 2009 numbers until October 29. Ninety days late and effectively six months since shareholders have seen any numbers for a company expected to lose millions. Obviously, Zale is betting good first quarter news will make everything alright. Maybe so, maybe not. But if management is wrong, look for more changes in the executive suite. Here's more.
DeBeers Advertising-A Knotty Problem for the Diamond Industry
September 15, 2009
The Everlon Diamond Knot | www.jckonline.com
Debeers' new advertising campaign is as much an example of the chaos in the diamond industry as are the continued sales declines. Here's more.
Lehman Bros Collapse-A Lesson Still Unlearned
September 15, 2009
Shifting Consumer Values | www.retail-merchandiser.com
Lehman Bros' collapse was an epic earthquake that nearly destroyed the U.S. financial system. A year later, there are still aftershocks and the remainder of our financial institutions isn’t really that different. Clearly, we haven't learned much from the event, especially when it comes to economics and policy-making. Here's more.
Signet Out Performs, While Zale Stumbles
September 9, 2009
Zale Corporation Postpones Fourth Quarter Results | www.reuters.com
Signet out performs the market as Zale stumbles again. Here's more.
Escalating Gold Prices Means Less Shine for All Jewelers, Especially Zale
September 8, 2009
Gold shines, topping $1,000 | articles.moneycentral.msn.com
Profitable jewelers like Kay and unprofitable ones like Zale will be adversely affected by higher gold prices. Here's more.
Coinstar’s Redbox Expands Relationships with Studios
August 31, 2009
Redbox Sues Studio Over Access to Films | online.wsj.com
Redbox’s future will ultimately be affected by a number of variables, starting with whether or not the Universal (NYSE: GE), Fox and Warner Brothers studios succeed in their struggle to create a kiosk release window.
Baidu - Tough times ahead? Probably NOT.
August 28, 2009
Baidu -- A Sleeping Giant Awakens | searchenginewatch.com
The article emphasizes the issue's advertisers are having as they change from an old legacy system of Baidu to a new interface that almost mirrors Google. Will this ultimately be a positive or a negative for the Chinese Search engine? How will it affect Google's position in China? In my analysis, I explore some more details left out of the original article.
With Financing in Place, DreamWorks to Produce Six Movies a Year
August 20, 2009
Spielberg Gets Funds to Start Up New Studio | online.wsj.com
DreamWorks is able to achieve what many Hollywood producers have been unable to do: secure new sources of film funding in financially difficult times.
Can Retailers Compete With Government's "Crown Corporations”?
August 14, 2009
US EARNINGS WRAP: Wal-Mart Profit Flat, Kohl's Down 3% | online.wsj.com
Retailers now face competition from what Europeans call "Crown Corporations", i.e., companies that are controlled by the government, like General Motors and Chrysler. Here's why retailers are likely to be the losers.
Credit Contraction Threatens Jeweler's Sales Recovery
August 12, 2009
Consumer Credit Contraction Shows No Sign of Slowing | seekingalpha.com
Growing, not shrinking, problems threaten any fall recovery for retailers in general and jewelers specifically. Here is more.
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
The move to the cloud will impact multiple industries
November 17, 2011