Carlos Dotel

THE SAKS-NEIMAN MARCUS MEGA-DEAL AND AMAZON'S UNDERGROUND PATH TO LUXURY Maghan McDowell for Vogue Business 💥 HBC, the parent company of luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, has confirmed reports that its long-awaited deal to acquire rival Neiman Marcus Group — owner of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman — for $2.65 billion is finally here. And as a pending investor in the merged company, Amazon has found a new path (or underground tunnel) into luxury fashion. 💭 “We’re thrilled to take this step in bringing together these iconic luxury names, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman,” said Richard Baker, HBC executive chairman and CEO, in a statement. “For years, many in the industry have anticipated this transaction and the benefits it would drive for customers, partners and employees. This is an exciting time in luxury retail, with technological advancements creating new opportunities to redefine the customer experience, and we look forward to unlocking significant value for our customers, brand partners and employees.” 💥 An interesting development is Amazon’s involvement. Amazon will be an investor in and work with Saks Global “to innovate on behalf of customers and brands partners following the close of the transaction”, a release issued by HBC reads. This will give Amazon discrete access to luxury products, stores, sales associates and data. At the same time, the retailers stand to gain access to more sophisticated technology and logistics; Salesforce, which has been steadily rolling out generative artificial intelligence tools for retailers, will also become an investor. 👔 Amazon, the largest clothing retailer in the US, has for years worked to expand into luxury fashion, which has higher margins but is somewhat at odds with Amazon’s efficiency-over-style ethos. During the pandemic in 2020, it brokered deals with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and the British Fashion Council to start a new luxury stores division, recruiting brands including Oscar de la Renta, Jonathan Cohen and Adam Lippes. In 2022, it expanded that effort to include Europe, with brands including Christopher Kane and Elie Saab. It sponsored the CFDA awards in 2023. LEARN MORE: https://lnkd.in/eau7A69j #fashion #metaverse #ai #metaversefashion #investment #web3

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The TJX Companies, Inc., Inc. plans to grow its off-price footprint as regular-price department stores close. Notably, TJX has a minimal e-commerce presence as it focuses on its "treasure hunt" experience in-store. I love the joy of discovery as well. Where TJX focuses on the discovery of apparel, shoes, and housewares, I love discovering new Funko Pop's, Hasbro action figures, and McFarlane Toys statues. But that doesn't mean #TJMaxx, #Marshalls, #HomeGoods, #Sierra, #HomeSense, #Winners et al. shouldn't use digital technology to funnel more people into their stores. 🥇 TJX could use "livestream" commerce to follow a brand ambassador around a store to preview new merchandise, and have viewers flock to the store afterwards. 🥈 TJX could provide digital communities on Reddit, Inc. or Discord to bring their communities together to share their finds and insights into when new merchandise hits the racks. 🥉 TJX could use digital mementos to track store visits and let shoppers display them as digital badges, showing their love and commitment to the brand. #ecommerce #treasurehunt #customerexperience #digitalsupportingphysical

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Come check out our reimagined brand Vera Bradley

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Luxury Retail Revamp: Saks and Neiman Join Forces with Tech Giants In a groundbreaking move, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus are merging to create a luxury retail powerhouse, with Amazon and Salesforce joining the partnership to drive innovation and growth. This strategic alliance aims to revolutionize the luxury shopping experience, combining the heritage and expertise of both iconic brands with the tech prowess of Amazon and Salesforce. By harnessing the power of data, personalization, and streamlined logistics, Saks and Neiman seek to create a seamless and coveted shopping experience for their discerning customers. With Marc Metrick at the helm, the combined entity, Saks Global, is poised to redefine the luxury retail landscape, leveraging the strengths of all four brands to drive success and growth in the ever-evolving retail landscape. #luxuryretail #retailtech #merger #omnichannel #customerservice https://lnkd.in/dx6AgARh

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What if a single store visit could be your stepping stone to a big promotion? This isn't a hypothetical for some retail leaders; it's their resume. 🚀 Yolanda Vega Director of Stores (Southeast & Central US) at Zadig&Voltaire was once promoted after a remarkable store visit. Fun fact: So was I. With over two decades of retail leadership at brands like Gap, J.Crew, and Ralph Lauren, Yolanda has carved out a reputation for transforming store environments into stories of strategic vision and success. 🛍️ 🎯 In this week’s episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS, Yolanda and I dissect strategies and preparation techniques that ensure store leaders not only perform exceptionally during these visits — but also how directors can coach their teams to take ownership of their roles and become champions of their own stories. ✅ Click “ATTEND” in the link below to join us live on Friday or to receive the replay in your inbox. See you there! #RetailLeaders #RetailInnovators #RetailOperations #LeadershipTraining #StoreSuccess #RetailInnovatio

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Exciting times ahead

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Even when you feel you know it all, there is always someone who can offer more insight on the subject. Learning is a continuous journey. Embrace the opportunity to learn from others and expand your horizons. #knowledge #learning #growth

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🚀 Big News Alert: Saks Buys Neiman Marcus with a Boost from Amazon! 🚀 Hey everyone! Just had to share this HUGE update in the luxury retail world. Saks Fifth Avenue’s parent company is dropping $2.65 billion to scoop up Neiman Marcus, and guess what? Amazon’s in on the action, bringing their tech and logistics game. 🛍️✨ Here’s the Tea: • Power Move: Merging two luxury legends to create a mega retail powerhouse. • Tech Boost: With Amazon on board, expect next-level tech integration for a seamless shopping experience, both online and offline. • Big Bucks: Financed by top-tier investors like Rhône Capital and the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, plus $1.15 billion in debt from Apollo Global Management. • Market Shakeup: The new combo will hit around $10 billion in annual sales, giving them major leverage with suppliers and streamlining costs. Why It’s a Big Deal: This merger shows how vital tech and partnerships are in today’s retail scene. It’s proof that luxury retail is evolving and adapting, even when times are tough. For investors, this move is a clear sign of confidence in the luxury sector’s future and the potential for new opportunities. Big things are coming, and I am excited to be part of this evolving industry. Stay tuned for more updates as we keep pushing the boundaries in luxury retail!

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Interesting article.

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Color-Blocking 101. Couture runways aren’t the only places where color-blocking occurs—it happens, too, in new jewelry collections and is an important concept for jewelers to understand. Color-blocking pairs opposite colors together for fashion victories (think Mondrian and Stephen Burrows). Fine jewelers need the savvy to confidently suggest colored gemstone and enamel jewels to clients who enter stores in the season’s latest hues. So, when merchants are facing shoppers in Peach Fuzz–color T-shirts, he or she can quickly offer complementary champagne diamonds or, on the other end of the spectrum, minty-green garnets or chrysoprase for an über Miami Vice vibe. LALI Jewels This is valuable information, maintains Monica McDaniel, vice president, Chatham, Inc. “Anytime jewelry and fashion intersect, you find the ultimate self-expression,” she notes. “Retailers need to understand trends and how to use color in their conversations with the client. Guiding and offering up suggestions sets you apart from other jewelers.” It’s also meaningful because “it creates an organized shopping experience for the customer,” observes Perilynn Glasner, marketing and design director for Lali Jewelry. During in-store events, her sales teams use color-blocking techniques to showcase collections effectively. Click Here To Read The Article: https://lnkd.in/eBNzQTEu #plumbclub #plumbclubmember #colorblocking101 #jewelryindustry #jewelrylove #plumbclubtrends #couture #highjewelry #gemstonejewelry #diamondjewelry

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Did you know that Kohl's is projecting the SEPHORA stores inside their locations to bring in over $2 billion in revenue by 2025? They’re doubling down on this business model. Check out this video to hear about their next strategic move… Follow MEMORe for more on branding, marketing, and business. #strategicmove #branding #projection #growth #targetmarket #businessmodel

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A brilliant article on how TJX is able to beat a dull retail market and is ready for a expansion spree. TJX has seen a significant increase in total revenues in 2023, reaching $54.2 billion, with plans to add 1300 new stores. The company's success is attributed to its profitable and scalable business model, focusing on customer transactions and value proposition. TJX's ability to gain market share across various geographies is a key factor in its growth. The off-price retail model of TJX sets it apart from competitors, with a focus on selling low and buying lower. This strategy has led to the closure of many legacy retail brands while TJX continues to expand. The company's unique approach to offering quality branded merchandise at lower prices has attracted a loyal customer base, particularly among next-gen consumers. TJX's eCommerce strategy has shown growth, with double-digit sales increases, although online sales still account for a small percentage of total revenues. The company differentiates its online product mix from in-store offerings to avoid cannibalization and maintain store traffic. TJX's focus on attracting next-gen customers through social media marketing and contemporary brands has been successful in driving sales and maintaining consumer interest. Overall, TJX's success lies in its ability to provide a treasure hunt shopping experience, offer affordable luxury brands, fast fashion, and localization. The company's unique business model, combined with a strong focus on customer engagement and market expansion, positions it as a leader in the retail industry. #tjx #retail #storeexpansion #growth #customerexperience

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In retail, every setback is a lesson in disguise. The saying “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor” couldn't be more spot on. Retail is fast and unpredictable. Trends change, customers evolve, and things don’t always go as planned. But those flops? They’re where we learn the most. Each failure teaches us something new, helping us refine our strategies and get better. Think about it – without those bumps in the road, our successes wouldn't be nearly as sweet. So, let’s embrace our mistakes and see them for what they are: essential ingredients that make our successes even more delicious. Here’s to learning from our failures and celebrating our wins! El fracaso es el condimento que da sabor al éxito. —Truman Capote #Retail #Success #Learning #Innovation #Growth

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