Some tips from my experience on when to shop for clothes to help make your shopping trip relaxed and more enjoyable.
BEST TIME TO SHOP
Being a seasoned shopper (like many women!), I have found the best time to shop is first thing in the morning when there is more parking available, the shops are less crowded and shop assistants are generally friendlier, more helpful and in better moods.
HAVE A SPECIFIC GOAL
Rather than trying to cram in a whole range of items which can turn a shopping spree into a shopping circus, focus on one or two things only. That way you can remain focussed on the task at hand, find exactly what you are after, and return home feeling positive and happy with your successful purchases.
Be aware that although shopping can be great fun, a whole day of shopping can be quite exhausting. This state of mind is definitely not conducive to clear, rational thought and you will buy things you will later regret if you attempt to shop in this way. Believe me, it is very easy and tempting to continue a shopping trip despite your body (and feet) protesting!
BUDGET
Not a good idea to shop when you are short of money - this will only encourage poor decision making and create additional stress which is easily avoided. Best to save up for purchases in advance and then go out shopping knowing you can afford to do so without a guilty conscience. Maxing out your credit card soon destroys the shopping high, and everything else if you are not careful.
TIME TO AVOID THE SHOPS
The chaos of the lunch break - avoid it like the plague. Not only will you be fighting for a place amongst every other person who has whipped out during their lunch break, you also have to contend with stressed out, grumpy, famished, over worked shop assistants who have been on their feet all morning without a break.
Source from: http://www.truecrossing.com
http://www.beautystaffs.com/wedding-dresses/Clothes_Shopping_Tips%20.asp
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Corporate Apparel - Corporate Casuals
The corporate apparel market is one of the fastest growing markets in the apparel industry. Corporate apparel helps to foster team spirit among the employees. The manufacturers of corporate apparel also offer custom embroidery services and logos for the clothes selected by their customers. The corporate executives could also select from a variety of products to create business outfits for any event.
Corporate Apparel
The corporate apparel manufacturers offer a wide range of sizes along with custom hemming and designing. The corporate executives could also personalize their garments with high-quality embroidery, screen-printings or express cut vinyls. Smart and trendy corporate wear can go a long way in building a good professional image of an organization. The corporate clothes could be designed for different types of roles and environment.
It is now possible to get customized corporate apparel. A firm can get corporate man apparel as well as a coordinating one for women. Innovative styling can give you corporate apparel that is versatile for business use. Exclusively corporate apparel manufacturers also create golf hats, T-shirts and beach towels with the company logo. Corporate apparel and corporate gifts are perfect for trade shows and company outings.
Corporate garments need more technical specialization than ordinary garments. The corporate garments should be created with the latest fabric technology so that they suit the working environment. The garments should be able to sustain regular wear and tear.
The fabrics chosen for the corporate apparel are tested to see if they match the requirements of the corporate identity. Only then are they used for the entire corporate range of apparel. Then, the corporate apparel company’s staff evaluates the corporate apparel to see if they suit the demands and the environment of the customer. The apparel company is then expected to conform to the stipulated standards and maintain the same quality.
Popular variations on corporate apparel:
* Business Suits: These include wide range of modern clothing for the male and the female staff.
* Outwear Manufacture: It includes jackets, vests, body warmers and over trousers. These clothes are made to the order of the customers.
* High Visibility Clothing: It includes jackets, vests, and body warmers and over trousers in high visibility colors.
* Work Wear: It includes sweatshirts, leisure shirts, drivers’ jackets and drivers’ trousers.
The following are the corporate casuals found in various shops:
* Sport and Golf Polo: The Polo shirts or sports shirts are found in over 25 styles. The jersey knit polo shirts are very popular with the customers.
* Denim and Twill Shirts: These shirts are designed for corporate casual wear and more than 20 styles are available with the manufacturers.
* Outer Wear and Fleece Wear: This category includes full-zip jackets, fleece jackets, fleece-lined and nylon jackets. The jackets could be customized with the customer’s corporate logo.
Embroidery enhances the appeal of the corporate apparel. The corporate apparel buyers appreciate durability and attractively designed embroidery. High tech equipment that is capable of quick and good quality work is used to mass manufacture corporate apparel. Screen Painting could also be used on corporate apparel. Here, the printer presses the ink through a framed screen. The printer creates a separate screen for each color. Screen-printing technology is being increasingly used for transferring corporate logos onto uniforms and corporate wear.
Many organizations opt for a corporate uniform with the company logo on it. This brings about a feeling of oneness and fosters team spirit among the employees. The corporate uniforms play an important part in building the corporate brand image. An employee is easily identified by his corporate uniform. It is necessary to select a corporate uniform that is in keeping with the requirements of the office staff. Corporate uniforms form a large segment of the corporate apparel business. Nearly a quarter of the working Americans wear uniforms to work. The upsurge in the service industry has further fuelled the corporate uniform market and there are more apparel manufacturers who are supplying them.
Safety Apparel at offices and factories
Selecting the right protective fabrics for the high-risk working environments zones like the nuclear power plant or a manufacturing company is a must, so as to avoid damages due to unseen accidents and mishaps. Now safety apparel is available for all-round protection -- safety apparel shoes, jackets, radiation masks, protective glasses and shoes and even foot and leg protection apparel.
The Personal Protection equipment at work regulations 1992 enforces certain guidelines, which monitors the dress code of the offices and factories. High stress is laid on the safety concerns and no compromise is granted when it comes to safety of the personnel Head protection is a must with standard helmets prescribed, at all building and civil engineering sites, and eye and hearing protection with appropriate lens and ear plugs is highly warranted. Work wear is to be designed keeping in mind the nature of hazard anticipated, protection required, climatic conditions, fabric, style, fit to wearer, cost and the emergency clothing concerns. Life jackets and survival suits, safety belts and multi-purpose harness systems and gloves for hand protection are few of the important apparel accessories commonly found useful in an emergency situations.
http://www.clearleadinc.com/site/corporate-apparel.html
Corporate Apparel
The corporate apparel manufacturers offer a wide range of sizes along with custom hemming and designing. The corporate executives could also personalize their garments with high-quality embroidery, screen-printings or express cut vinyls. Smart and trendy corporate wear can go a long way in building a good professional image of an organization. The corporate clothes could be designed for different types of roles and environment.
It is now possible to get customized corporate apparel. A firm can get corporate man apparel as well as a coordinating one for women. Innovative styling can give you corporate apparel that is versatile for business use. Exclusively corporate apparel manufacturers also create golf hats, T-shirts and beach towels with the company logo. Corporate apparel and corporate gifts are perfect for trade shows and company outings.
Corporate garments need more technical specialization than ordinary garments. The corporate garments should be created with the latest fabric technology so that they suit the working environment. The garments should be able to sustain regular wear and tear.
The fabrics chosen for the corporate apparel are tested to see if they match the requirements of the corporate identity. Only then are they used for the entire corporate range of apparel. Then, the corporate apparel company’s staff evaluates the corporate apparel to see if they suit the demands and the environment of the customer. The apparel company is then expected to conform to the stipulated standards and maintain the same quality.
Popular variations on corporate apparel:
* Business Suits: These include wide range of modern clothing for the male and the female staff.
* Outwear Manufacture: It includes jackets, vests, body warmers and over trousers. These clothes are made to the order of the customers.
* High Visibility Clothing: It includes jackets, vests, and body warmers and over trousers in high visibility colors.
* Work Wear: It includes sweatshirts, leisure shirts, drivers’ jackets and drivers’ trousers.
The following are the corporate casuals found in various shops:
* Sport and Golf Polo: The Polo shirts or sports shirts are found in over 25 styles. The jersey knit polo shirts are very popular with the customers.
* Denim and Twill Shirts: These shirts are designed for corporate casual wear and more than 20 styles are available with the manufacturers.
* Outer Wear and Fleece Wear: This category includes full-zip jackets, fleece jackets, fleece-lined and nylon jackets. The jackets could be customized with the customer’s corporate logo.
Embroidery enhances the appeal of the corporate apparel. The corporate apparel buyers appreciate durability and attractively designed embroidery. High tech equipment that is capable of quick and good quality work is used to mass manufacture corporate apparel. Screen Painting could also be used on corporate apparel. Here, the printer presses the ink through a framed screen. The printer creates a separate screen for each color. Screen-printing technology is being increasingly used for transferring corporate logos onto uniforms and corporate wear.
Many organizations opt for a corporate uniform with the company logo on it. This brings about a feeling of oneness and fosters team spirit among the employees. The corporate uniforms play an important part in building the corporate brand image. An employee is easily identified by his corporate uniform. It is necessary to select a corporate uniform that is in keeping with the requirements of the office staff. Corporate uniforms form a large segment of the corporate apparel business. Nearly a quarter of the working Americans wear uniforms to work. The upsurge in the service industry has further fuelled the corporate uniform market and there are more apparel manufacturers who are supplying them.
Safety Apparel at offices and factories
Selecting the right protective fabrics for the high-risk working environments zones like the nuclear power plant or a manufacturing company is a must, so as to avoid damages due to unseen accidents and mishaps. Now safety apparel is available for all-round protection -- safety apparel shoes, jackets, radiation masks, protective glasses and shoes and even foot and leg protection apparel.
The Personal Protection equipment at work regulations 1992 enforces certain guidelines, which monitors the dress code of the offices and factories. High stress is laid on the safety concerns and no compromise is granted when it comes to safety of the personnel Head protection is a must with standard helmets prescribed, at all building and civil engineering sites, and eye and hearing protection with appropriate lens and ear plugs is highly warranted. Work wear is to be designed keeping in mind the nature of hazard anticipated, protection required, climatic conditions, fabric, style, fit to wearer, cost and the emergency clothing concerns. Life jackets and survival suits, safety belts and multi-purpose harness systems and gloves for hand protection are few of the important apparel accessories commonly found useful in an emergency situations.
http://www.clearleadinc.com/site/corporate-apparel.html
Embroidered Apparel - Intimate Apparel
Embroidered Apparel
Embroidered apparel goes a long way back into the earlier century. But even today, embroidered apparel has not lost its appeal. You can get custom embroidered apparel with patches of your choice. Many fashion houses have an art and design studio where you can get custom-made embroidered apparel. It is possible to even get patterns of your own choice embroidered on your apparel. You can download designs from web sites to create embroidered apparel with a variety of motifs and patterns.
Intimate Apparel
Intimate apparel refers to the whole range of inner garments, sleepwear and lingerie that a woman would look for. Camisoles, slips and girdles form an important part of a woman's intimate apparel. Sleepwear like chemises and pajama sets and peignoirs are also a popular range of intimate apparel. Romantic lingerie is a must have in a bridal intimate apparel set.
http://www.clearleadinc.com/site/woman-garments-apparel.html
Embroidered apparel goes a long way back into the earlier century. But even today, embroidered apparel has not lost its appeal. You can get custom embroidered apparel with patches of your choice. Many fashion houses have an art and design studio where you can get custom-made embroidered apparel. It is possible to even get patterns of your own choice embroidered on your apparel. You can download designs from web sites to create embroidered apparel with a variety of motifs and patterns.
Intimate Apparel
Intimate apparel refers to the whole range of inner garments, sleepwear and lingerie that a woman would look for. Camisoles, slips and girdles form an important part of a woman's intimate apparel. Sleepwear like chemises and pajama sets and peignoirs are also a popular range of intimate apparel. Romantic lingerie is a must have in a bridal intimate apparel set.
http://www.clearleadinc.com/site/woman-garments-apparel.html
Monday, May 28, 2007
Getting Your Next Athletic Pair Of Shoes
There are some people who base their personal view regarding another individual's personality on the type and style of shoes they wear. Although this is not a generally accepted practice, it is extremely common for people to reach a conclusion solely based on the appearance of the apparel another individual selects to wear. The truth is that, as any element of a person's appearance, shoes do actually contribute to the conception others share and do classify people to the right or wrong category. Regardless if this kind of immediate generalization is right or wrong, shoes can enhance or destroy an otherwise good image. Thus, as different human practices develop, shoe-fashion has gone through great transformation over the years. In addition to colors and styles, evolutionary materials and improved design patterns have drawn people's attention to the actual fit of the shoes they are about to buy. As the shoe market continues to increase, and more diverse needs have to be met, shoe manufacturers are constantly researching in order to satisfy all those demanding markets, like that of athletic shoes.
It is really unknowing to leave a shoe store after spending a week's salary on the latest "hot" release of athletic shoes endorsed by a world-wide famous player, only to discover that they really hurt when you attempt to play or run. In fact, very few people take under consideration anything else except their athletic shoes good looks while they check out the promoted models of their favorite sports shoes brands. Considering that about 25% of the US population needs some type of specialized shoe due to their foot structure (flat-footed, pronators, or very high arches), people should be paying great attention to the athletic shoe design that best matches their foot type.
Foot and shoe experts recognize five basic categories of shoe types. One should be familiar with all of them, as preferring to buy one instead of another is directly related to the foot type a person has and the type of exercise he or she is interested in performing. Take for instance the motion-control shoes. Rigid and durable, this type of athletic shoes is control-oriented and known to limit people's inclination to assume a prone position. It is also a good choice for people that suffer from flat feet. But providing the right cushioning and support is also a matter of good shoe stability. Although someone might not suffer from any severe feet problem, like pronation or supination, it is always wise to buy shoes that durable and provide the needed support. People with high foot arches for example, should select cushioned shoes, or if you have no motion-control problems select lightweight training/running type of shoes. Trail shoes are best if you are practicing a sport like off-road running, or have to compete in inclement weather conditions and need extra traction.
Now that you have a rough idea of what kind of athletic shoes you should be looking for, it is best if you visit your shoes store when you do not absolutely need to do so. This way, you can spend more time with the sales person and ask questions for the shoe types, features, brands, or just to compare prices. If you are not in a hurry to get out, you will be able to enjoy the fact that each different shoe type description can give you knew ideas on when, where or how to wear them. Additionally, performing some elementary online research can further assist your decision and probably by the end of the week you will be able to go back to the store well-informed. With 2 to 4 pairs in mind to try out you will be able then to concentrate on the fun stuff, like the shoes' colors and sole footprint. Just remember that shopping athletic shoes when you are well-informed will save you time and money. It's like when you visit the supermarket; never go in there "hungry."
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Kids And Teens, Society, and Employment
http://ezinearticles.com/?Getting-Your-Next-Athletic-Pair-Of-Shoes&id=334151
It is really unknowing to leave a shoe store after spending a week's salary on the latest "hot" release of athletic shoes endorsed by a world-wide famous player, only to discover that they really hurt when you attempt to play or run. In fact, very few people take under consideration anything else except their athletic shoes good looks while they check out the promoted models of their favorite sports shoes brands. Considering that about 25% of the US population needs some type of specialized shoe due to their foot structure (flat-footed, pronators, or very high arches), people should be paying great attention to the athletic shoe design that best matches their foot type.
Foot and shoe experts recognize five basic categories of shoe types. One should be familiar with all of them, as preferring to buy one instead of another is directly related to the foot type a person has and the type of exercise he or she is interested in performing. Take for instance the motion-control shoes. Rigid and durable, this type of athletic shoes is control-oriented and known to limit people's inclination to assume a prone position. It is also a good choice for people that suffer from flat feet. But providing the right cushioning and support is also a matter of good shoe stability. Although someone might not suffer from any severe feet problem, like pronation or supination, it is always wise to buy shoes that durable and provide the needed support. People with high foot arches for example, should select cushioned shoes, or if you have no motion-control problems select lightweight training/running type of shoes. Trail shoes are best if you are practicing a sport like off-road running, or have to compete in inclement weather conditions and need extra traction.
Now that you have a rough idea of what kind of athletic shoes you should be looking for, it is best if you visit your shoes store when you do not absolutely need to do so. This way, you can spend more time with the sales person and ask questions for the shoe types, features, brands, or just to compare prices. If you are not in a hurry to get out, you will be able to enjoy the fact that each different shoe type description can give you knew ideas on when, where or how to wear them. Additionally, performing some elementary online research can further assist your decision and probably by the end of the week you will be able to go back to the store well-informed. With 2 to 4 pairs in mind to try out you will be able then to concentrate on the fun stuff, like the shoes' colors and sole footprint. Just remember that shopping athletic shoes when you are well-informed will save you time and money. It's like when you visit the supermarket; never go in there "hungry."
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Kids And Teens, Society, and Employment
http://ezinearticles.com/?Getting-Your-Next-Athletic-Pair-Of-Shoes&id=334151
The Importance Of The Bicycle Clothes While You Enjoy The Ride
In the retro years bicycle was considered to be the ‘Human Powered Vehicle”. The bi-cycling scenario bloomed in the end of the 18th century.Then bicycle was considered to be a mere mode of transportation has now come a long way due to stalwarts like Lance Armstrongand his well-renowned triumph at the ’Tour de France’. This evolution has been witnessed by the annual growth that is 5.5% of jobs generated in Canada due to bicycles. Germany gains up to $580 million per annum.It deliberately improve the employment, cash in flow, productivity and trade. This has a multiplier impact on the growth of the economy. It has opened newer avenues for the sports clothing industry.
The unisexual bicycling apparel includes shorts, tights, knickers, suits and jerseys. The jerseys are made up of characteristic fabric with UV reflective properties and low wind resistance.There are elite, classic and professional shorts which are wearable for any cool Sunday afternoon and out for a barbeque. The tights are best suited for a cold day made with super Roubaix Lycra and offer a great deal of comfort and warmth.
The knickers are especially designed to keep away the cold for the knee .The suits compromise Aero nylon or the Lycra are apt for a cross country or a winter day racing. The other inclusions are jackets, vests, warmers, recumbent, Nordic skiing, rain hoods, bib shorts, thermal jackets are all wind proof and relatively water resistant. According to the sources from the U.S. Army the apparel vents perspiration.Thre are the sources for vapor–transmission and keeping the dermis healthy by rejuvenating the skin with constant inflow of air due to the micro pores in the gears. The fabric is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which is supposed to be oil-resistant.
Women's Bicycle Clothes
The women’s’ apparel includes ranges from 2--28 (XS-4X) these are sleek and comfort-oriented. The fabric is light-weight, nylon fiber and with a polyurethane coating which prevents the water to get in. Some of the famous brands are the All Terrain, Be as You Are, Bell weather, Boll`e, Burley, Cannari, Craft etc. the costs of these respective brands might be over the top but the question of durability and long-lasting couture is answered only by them. So splurge on your favorites!
Alastair Hamilton is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics like the above article at http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com A focused website that offers the best articles on bike clothing and cycling accessories, read more at bicycle clothes
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-Of-The-Bicycle-Clothes-While-You-Enjoy-The-Ride&id=335729
The unisexual bicycling apparel includes shorts, tights, knickers, suits and jerseys. The jerseys are made up of characteristic fabric with UV reflective properties and low wind resistance.There are elite, classic and professional shorts which are wearable for any cool Sunday afternoon and out for a barbeque. The tights are best suited for a cold day made with super Roubaix Lycra and offer a great deal of comfort and warmth.
The knickers are especially designed to keep away the cold for the knee .The suits compromise Aero nylon or the Lycra are apt for a cross country or a winter day racing. The other inclusions are jackets, vests, warmers, recumbent, Nordic skiing, rain hoods, bib shorts, thermal jackets are all wind proof and relatively water resistant. According to the sources from the U.S. Army the apparel vents perspiration.Thre are the sources for vapor–transmission and keeping the dermis healthy by rejuvenating the skin with constant inflow of air due to the micro pores in the gears. The fabric is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which is supposed to be oil-resistant.
Women's Bicycle Clothes
The women’s’ apparel includes ranges from 2--28 (XS-4X) these are sleek and comfort-oriented. The fabric is light-weight, nylon fiber and with a polyurethane coating which prevents the water to get in. Some of the famous brands are the All Terrain, Be as You Are, Bell weather, Boll`e, Burley, Cannari, Craft etc. the costs of these respective brands might be over the top but the question of durability and long-lasting couture is answered only by them. So splurge on your favorites!
Alastair Hamilton is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics like the above article at http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com A focused website that offers the best articles on bike clothing and cycling accessories, read more at bicycle clothes
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-Of-The-Bicycle-Clothes-While-You-Enjoy-The-Ride&id=335729
Bausch & Lomb Among Wall Street Movers
Stocks that were moving substantially or trading heavily Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market:
NYSE
Bausch & Lomb Inc., up $3.76 at $70.21; Advanced Medical Optics Inc., down $1.34 at $41.10.
Advanced Medical Optics confirmed it launched a takeover bid for Bausch & Lomb. Last week, Bausch & Lomb agreed to be acquired by Warburg Pincus for about $3.67 billion.
New York & Co., down $1.41 at $12.10.
The women's apparel retailer lowered its fiscal-year earnings forecast, indicating it expects additional losses from its JasmineSola brand.
Mylan Laboratories Inc., down 41 cents at $19.83.
The pharmaceutical company posted a fiscal fourth-quarter loss after it was hurt by costs tied to its takeover of Matrix Laboratories Ltd.
NASDAQ
Network Appliance Inc., down $6.30 at $31.76.
The storage technology company reported a slowdown in March will cause it to report weaker-than-expected results for the second quarter.
Hot Topic Inc., down 88 cents at $10.73.
The teen clothing retailer warned it expects to post a fiscal second-quarter loss between 2 cents and 4 cents per share amid a decline in same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year.
Komag Inc., down $4.36 at $23.18.
The magnetic disk storage company warned second-quarter revenue would fall below its forecast amid weaker sales volumes and lower selling prices.
http://www.townhall.com/News/NewsArticle.aspx?contentGUID=011b59ff-5a00-4045-9cf6-459e8da25750
NYSE
Bausch & Lomb Inc., up $3.76 at $70.21; Advanced Medical Optics Inc., down $1.34 at $41.10.
Advanced Medical Optics confirmed it launched a takeover bid for Bausch & Lomb. Last week, Bausch & Lomb agreed to be acquired by Warburg Pincus for about $3.67 billion.
New York & Co., down $1.41 at $12.10.
The women's apparel retailer lowered its fiscal-year earnings forecast, indicating it expects additional losses from its JasmineSola brand.
Mylan Laboratories Inc., down 41 cents at $19.83.
The pharmaceutical company posted a fiscal fourth-quarter loss after it was hurt by costs tied to its takeover of Matrix Laboratories Ltd.
NASDAQ
Network Appliance Inc., down $6.30 at $31.76.
The storage technology company reported a slowdown in March will cause it to report weaker-than-expected results for the second quarter.
Hot Topic Inc., down 88 cents at $10.73.
The teen clothing retailer warned it expects to post a fiscal second-quarter loss between 2 cents and 4 cents per share amid a decline in same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year.
Komag Inc., down $4.36 at $23.18.
The magnetic disk storage company warned second-quarter revenue would fall below its forecast amid weaker sales volumes and lower selling prices.
http://www.townhall.com/News/NewsArticle.aspx?contentGUID=011b59ff-5a00-4045-9cf6-459e8da25750
Burdens of operating a century-old brand
They may carry BlackBerrys instead of fountain pens, but many executives still sport the suit label their great-grandpas wore: Hart Schaffner Marx.
Founded in Chicago in 1887, Hartmarx Corp. has a longstanding reputation for high-quality tailoring that has helped it grow from a single, family-owned clothing store into a $600-million company that is the largest suit maker in America.
Hartmarx makes suits under 14 labels it owns or licenses, including Hart Schaffner Marx, a classic line that retails for upwards of $700 in stores like Macy's, and Hickey Freeman, a luxury line aimed at CEOs that sells for $1,200 at Neiman Marcus.
But maintaining a century-old brand has burdens, too. "Every 10 or 20 years, you have to make some dramatic changes," CEO Homi Patel, 57, says. "If you get stuck in what you did before and are not constantly evolving, it can be a problem."
This company is #90 on Crain's 2007 list of the Chicago's largest public companies. The full list is available online in HTML, PDF and Excel spreadsheet format.
In 1982, Hartmarx branched into men's sportswear, manufacturing golf apparel by Jack Nicklaus and polo shirts and slacks for British label Ted Baker. More recently, it embraced women's apparel. Through acquisitions, it owns 10 womenswear lines, a division that has grown from 8% of business in 2004 to 25% today.
One advantage Hartmarx has over competitors trolling for women's brands is a reputation for giving designers creative freedom, says Gary Giblen, an analyst with Brean Murray Carret & Co. in New York. "Most other companies centralize everything and make it hard for an entrepreneur to stay on," he says.
That's an important edge as Hartmarx continues to diversify its clothing lines, a strategy that has become crucial as more companies relax their office dress codes. In the early 1980s, 95% of company revenues came from suit sales. Today, it's 48%.
Last year, Hartmarx took a hit on its suit lines when department stores Marshall Field's and Saks Fifth Avenue changed hands. The new owners pared the higher-end brands and pushed their own private labels, causing Hartmarx's net earnings to plunge 69% year-on-year to $7.3 million. To compensate, Hartmarx is boosting production of its luxury brands and looking for new customers abroad.
Last December, it licensed the Hart Schaffner Marx name to Youngor Group Co. Ltd., the largest men's apparel manufacturer and retailer in China. The agreement calls for 400 stores across China in 20 years. Six of those stores are scheduled to open in the Shanghai area this fall.
Hartmarx is seeking similar partners in India and Vietnam. If all goes well, Asian businessmen won't just be buying a suit; they'll be starting a family tradition.
http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?article_id=27819
Founded in Chicago in 1887, Hartmarx Corp. has a longstanding reputation for high-quality tailoring that has helped it grow from a single, family-owned clothing store into a $600-million company that is the largest suit maker in America.
Hartmarx makes suits under 14 labels it owns or licenses, including Hart Schaffner Marx, a classic line that retails for upwards of $700 in stores like Macy's, and Hickey Freeman, a luxury line aimed at CEOs that sells for $1,200 at Neiman Marcus.
But maintaining a century-old brand has burdens, too. "Every 10 or 20 years, you have to make some dramatic changes," CEO Homi Patel, 57, says. "If you get stuck in what you did before and are not constantly evolving, it can be a problem."
This company is #90 on Crain's 2007 list of the Chicago's largest public companies. The full list is available online in HTML, PDF and Excel spreadsheet format.
In 1982, Hartmarx branched into men's sportswear, manufacturing golf apparel by Jack Nicklaus and polo shirts and slacks for British label Ted Baker. More recently, it embraced women's apparel. Through acquisitions, it owns 10 womenswear lines, a division that has grown from 8% of business in 2004 to 25% today.
One advantage Hartmarx has over competitors trolling for women's brands is a reputation for giving designers creative freedom, says Gary Giblen, an analyst with Brean Murray Carret & Co. in New York. "Most other companies centralize everything and make it hard for an entrepreneur to stay on," he says.
That's an important edge as Hartmarx continues to diversify its clothing lines, a strategy that has become crucial as more companies relax their office dress codes. In the early 1980s, 95% of company revenues came from suit sales. Today, it's 48%.
Last year, Hartmarx took a hit on its suit lines when department stores Marshall Field's and Saks Fifth Avenue changed hands. The new owners pared the higher-end brands and pushed their own private labels, causing Hartmarx's net earnings to plunge 69% year-on-year to $7.3 million. To compensate, Hartmarx is boosting production of its luxury brands and looking for new customers abroad.
Last December, it licensed the Hart Schaffner Marx name to Youngor Group Co. Ltd., the largest men's apparel manufacturer and retailer in China. The agreement calls for 400 stores across China in 20 years. Six of those stores are scheduled to open in the Shanghai area this fall.
Hartmarx is seeking similar partners in India and Vietnam. If all goes well, Asian businessmen won't just be buying a suit; they'll be starting a family tradition.
http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?article_id=27819
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