Jewelers face higher risk in diamond supply, price volatility and demand
November 9, 2011
DeBeers's managing owner, Nicky Oppenheimer, said the family has sold its shares in the business to AngloAmerican, which will control about 85% of the legendary diamond group. According to the JCK report, AngloAmerican “has embraced modern corporate governance, and is considered well-run and professional.” That is business speak for maximizing shareholder value, which means selling a lot more diamonds at today’s inflated prices at retailers like Zale, Signet, Tiffany, Blue Nile and Birks & Mayors.
Young Billionaires Capitalize on New Consumer Norms
September 23, 2011
The Forbes 400 | www.forbes.com
Whether by design or luck, consumers’ need for safety and belonging appears to be the force behind some of America’s newest fortunes.
September 8, 2011
One year after Zale began its fourth (or is it fifth or sixth?) turnaround attempt since 2003, the company’s newest and least experienced management team seems headed for mediocrity at best, and failure at worst, as pricing decisions catch up with management. Managers cannot be held accountable for inflation, speculation, or underlying changes in the economy, but they are responsible for planning, pricing, assortments, inventory levels and positioning strategy.
Selling Magazine Subscriptions on Mobile Devises
May 10, 2011
Condé Nast to Sell Subscriptions on iPad | www.digidaydaily.com
This analysis deals with the use of mobile devises to sell magazine subscriptions, changes in revenue models, the good and bad points of going after this type of audience.
The Multichannel Cord Cutting Mystery
February 8, 2011
Hulu Reworks Its Script as Digital Change Hits TV - Hulu Online Cable Move? | online.wsj.com
1. To what extent does the "cord-cutting" phenomenon present a credible threat to the pay TV industry; or has the trend been oversimplified, overhyped and overstated.2. The digital terrestrial transition of 2009 drew many former over-the-air only viewers into the pay TV fold as the multichannel players, such as Comcast, Time Warner Cable and DISH, offered great incentives.
Putting Zale’s (ZLC) Challenges into Context
January 9, 2011
Investors cautious on Zale as sales report nears | www.dallasnews.com
As Zale prepares to announce November and December sales, what seems important is to put 2010 events into context. Here is more.
Zale (ZLC) Ranked Riskiest Retailer
October 14, 2010
Zale records $45.8 million in charges related to credit risk | m.dallasnews.com
Once America's number 1 retail jeweler, Zale now has the distinction of being Forbes' number one riskiest retail investment. Here is more.
Zale (ZLC): Is the End In Sight?
September 30, 2010
Zale CEO Discusses F4Q2010 Results - Earnings Call Transcript | seekingalpha.com
Despite new capital, a new board, and a new CEO, Zale still faces the same product, merchandising, value, and positioning problems that created the liquidity crisis in January 2010. Here is more.
Will Golden Gate Get It Wrong by Investing In Zale (ZLC)?
July 24, 2010
Zale shareholders expected to OK Golden Gate Capital plan | m.dallasnews.com
With the economy softening, Golden Gate has big decisions to make before investing in Zale. Here is more.
Movado (MOV) Struggles to Find Its Place In a Changing Market Place
June 24, 2010
Movado taps Faranda for new senior VP post | www.nationaljewelernetwork.com
Movado continues to struggle, here are some reasons why.
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