Tag Archives: Trade Press & B2B

The Luxury of Superior Sales

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There’s nothing like the feel of Chanel.

The Luxury of Superior Sales

As a refreshing contrast to the notion that the UK is crammed with cost-conscious consumers who will travel fifty miles out of town to pick up a bargain at a discount store, the luxury fashion sector is proving surprisingly buoyant.

There are now an estimated 47,000 millionaires in Britain. However, the taste for luxury is not solely a millionaire’s prerogative. “Today it seems that for many, only the best will do,” says Anna Starmer of trend consultancy Global Color Research Ltd.

Report by special correspondent Tania Casselle, UK, for International Market News.

The Big Bang Theory: New York International Fashion Fabrics Exhibition

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The Big Bang Theory

Visitors to New York’s International Fashion Fabrics Exhibition don’t need to consult the catalogue to find the Alexander Henry booth. Just look for the crowds blocking the aisles.

“This is a golden era for print,” says head designer Philip De Leon, and he’s doing his part to satisfy the market’s apparently insatiable appetite for big, bold,and beautiful prints.

Report for London-based International Textiles on this Californian family affair.

Soybean Arrives on the Fashion Menu (for International Market News)

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Making a meal of fashion: Soybean Arrives on the Fashion Menu

Soy in clothing isn’t exactly new. Motor magnate Henry Ford talked of it in the 1940s and was photographed wearing the first known soy suit and tie.  Soy fibers largely disappeared until recent developments brought soy back to the fashion plate. Now, soybean protein fiber is being touted as a ‘vegetable cashmere’ – an eco-friendly luxury textile offering the properties today’s consumers demand.

Report for International Market News in Hong Kong from special correspondent Tania Casselle, New York.

 

How Green is Your Tally? Organic Cotton (for Just Style)

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How Green is Your Tally? Organic cotton first came under the spotlight in the caring, sharing ’90s, when the trend for all things ecological impacted products from detergent to cars.

The fashion industry was not slow to see its chance to turn Green into gold, and the “environmentally friendly” marketing angle was picked up by designers, retailers and manufacturers – some of whom were genuinely committed to the cause, others just going along for the ride. When the natural fiber buzz was usurped by a shift towards techno fabrics, organic farmers took the financial brunt. But after the noisy revolution of the ’90s, a quiet evolution continued as the organic cotton industry built a stronger supply structure, a broader customer base and a more commercial approach to bringing its product into the mainstream.

Article for the subscription-only international fashion and textiles industry site JustStyle.com.

Commercial Real Estate: Taos

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Commercial spaces lure business away from Taos Plaza

Lynne White looks very settled in her Taos office. Offering consulting services to artists and galleries, Brody & White Consulting Inc., moved into the bright and airy space last September, and the 1,500-square-foot office, studded with clients’ work, creates exactly the homey feel that White spent two months hunting for.

But White, like many other Taos business owners, is keeping a careful eye on developments in the town’s commercial real estate market. Full article by Tania Casselle on Taos Commercial Real Estate at New Mexico Business Weekly.

Anyone for a bottle of Three-Buck Chuck?

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As the doors opened at Trader Joe’s first New Mexico store on August 16, a crowd of Santa Fe shoppers lined up eager to stock their shelves. The opening, however, also met with the sighs of a few Santa Feans — some with retail stores of their own — who said they’d be happier keeping local business local.

Read the full Anyone for a bottle of Three-Buck Chuck? article on Trader Joe’s at New Mexico Business Weekly online.

A Profitable Connection

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A Profitable Connection by Tania Casselle

When Video Casa owner Judith Witten opened her second DVD rental store in Taos, she had no idea what a performance it would be to integrate two outlets – and the experience wasn’t at all entertaining.

The challenge of connecting branches ‘divided’ by DSL and wireless bit into profits on her annual gross revenues of $700,000, ate up her 20 employees’ time, and inconvenienced her customers. As it happened, the Taos Sheriff’s department was attempting to solve a similar riddle. “My guy talked to their guy,” says Witten…

Read the full article for New Mexico Business Weekly online.

Smart Homes (for Mix Future Interiors)

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Smart Homes cover feature by Tania Casselle for Mix Future Interiors.

“Please pick up a pint of milk on your way home.” It’s not a text message from your partner, it’s from your fridge. As you step in the front door, your favorite music plays. The blinds sweep closed, the lights are low, except for the lights leading a path to the bedroom.

The house is at the temperature you like, and in the background you hear the bath filling. It’s still nothing to do with your partner; the romantic mood is set by your house, anticipating your every desire. The only thing your home can’t do is undress you and tuck you into bed. But give it time.

Smart homes, intelligent homes, digital homes, automated homes… there’s no single term for it yet, but we’re talking buildings with brains. Read the full feature in 628 KB PDF.