As travelers face the prospect of airline baggage charges even for carry ons, Americans may be traveling lighter this summer. Although sales of luggage continue to be down as the summer vacation season starts, sales of smaller travel bags, such as garment bags, duffle bags, laptop bags and the like …
Skechers Adds Handbag License
Manhattan Beach, CA—Skechers is once again expanding with another license. The lifestyle footwear brand announced recently that it has signed a licensing agreement with Global Design Concepts to design, produce and distribute Skechers-branded backpacks, messenger and tote bags for men, women and kids. Slated for Fall 2010 delivery, the Skechers …
Tiffany’s Q1 Earnings Up 22%
New York–Tiffany & Co.’s first-quarter earnings more than doubled further fueling indications that mainstream as well as high-end consumers are feeling better about spending. Sales climbed 22% to $633.6 million, reversing last year’s 22% drop. Comparable store sales rose 10%. In response, Tiffany raised its earnings projection for the year …
Coach Sues Chicago Over Fake Handbag Sales
Chicago—In its continuing crackdown over counterfeit copies of its handbags, Coach has sued the city of Chicago over sales of Coach knockoffs at the city’s famed open air New Maxwell Street Market. The lawsuit, filed last week in U.S. District Court in Northern Illinois, is the latest in a series …
NPD: Handbags Help Boost Q1 Accessories Sales
Port Washington, NY—An upsurge in sales of moderately-priced handbags during the first quarter is helping to contribute an overall improvement in accessories sales at retail, the NPD Group reported today. According to the NPD’s Consumer Tracking Service, while sales of all accessories rose 17% from January 1 to March 31, …
Skechers to Introduce Leathergoods, Belts
Manhattan Beach, CA—Skechers USA, Inc., the lifestyle footwear brand, announced last week that it has signed a licensing agreement with French Craft Leather Goods Co., Inc. to design, produce and distribute a Skechers-branded line of leather goods and accessories for men, women and kids. The new line of belts, buckles …
Fossil First Quarter Earnings Double
Richardson, TX—Fossil Inc.’s first-quarter earnings reported today more than doubled, exceeding expectations thanks to an increase in its wholesale watch and other accessories sales in North America and Asia and improved same-store comps. The company, which sells watches, jewelry, leathergoods, belts, sunglasses and apparel, posted net income of $35.9 million, …
Item of the Day
We know you haven’t necessarily been too thrilled to take your wallet out lately, but we’ve discovered a new reason for you to get out there and feel excited to shop again—as if you needed an excuse. How could you not want to show off this shocking peacock and leopard print …
How I Did It! L & Leung Design Group
A pair of handbag veterans team up with musician Carlos Santana and discover a new handbag niche. Lisa Nunziata and Andrew Leung, partners in L & Leung Design Group, having been around the proverbial handbag and leathergoods block a few times. Nunziata, who had her own showroom, Lee & Gi …
Item of the Day
We found something for all of you art collectors out there—but why let it hang on a wall? With this LaLucca clutch you can carry a piece of art wherever you please. Designer Laura Pimentel teamed up with Bulgarian artist Aleksandar Kirilov to create a line of wearable art. With each …
Coach Sues Dallas Retailer Over Alleged Fakes
Dallas–Coach Inc. is suing Sam Moon Trading Co., saying the Dallas-based fashion accessories retailer prominently displays and sells counterfeit Coach handbags and wallets in its stores. The lawsuit, filed last week in U.S. District Court in Dallas, claims the sale of the handbags dilutes Coach’s trademark. Investigators purchased four handbags at Sam Moon stores …
Steve Madden Declares Three-for-Two Stock Split
Long Island City, NY–Steve Madden (SHOO) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a three-for-two stock split, in the form of a stock dividend, of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. Steve Madden designs, sources, markets, and sells footwear and accessories for women, men and children, which are …
Perlina’s New Owner Plans Revival
New York—Lena Jones, former president and one of the founders of Rosetti Handbags, is the new owner of Perlina Handbags, a 21-year-old Manhattan-based handbag and leathergoods line that once was one of the leading brand names in moderately priced leather handbags. “Perlina is a longtime, wonderful brand name in handbags, …
Accessories Census 2009
Features
Statistics from the retail and consumer community provide clear insights into the accessories industry Retailing is a mix of art and science. To harness gut instinct and turn it into a successful strategy takes mastery and experience. But thanks to the rapid advance of digital data collection and other …