Discussions about the fashion industry thread

[cb200]

The GAP stock price got a bit of a markdown as well.

 

[Gus]

Nordstrom what a mess...


Nordstrom shares tumble more than 20% as earnings fall short, hurt by higher labor costs, weak Nordstrom Rack sales

The Nordstrom family has a long history of making good decisions so I would bet that this a temporary stumble. I think they do the combination of luxury and mid-tier brands better than just about anyone. Their online platform is very good. With the stock about 1/3- 1/3 of where it often trades, I'm thinking about buying some with the idea that it will take a few quarters to get back it's mojo in the eyes of the market.

 

[Gus]

The GAP stock price got a bit of a markdown as well.
View attachment 1709501

Gap got hammered when their CEO said "We are air freighting in goods so the shelves will be full". If there is one thing Wall Street doesn't want to hear from a retailer it is anything that indicates decline in margins (in this case the huge cost of air freight).

 

[keykoo]

Wasn't it a few years ago where there were a bunch of business pundits writing articles about how Nordstroms was succeeding despite all its competitors failing?

Of all the department stores I've visited in the short term, I do think that Nordstroms are the least depressing, well run, and most pleasant to visit without feeling ancient like Neiman Marcus. Going to a Macy's in the suburbs feels like stepping into a time capsule.

 

[cb200]

Vollebak closing funding round

Vollebak, which makes 'clothes for the future,' is closing its Series A round | TechCrunch

If you've ever visited the site of the six-year-old, London-based direct-to-consumer clothing company Vollebak, you've likely marveled at the exaggerated

techcrunch.com

A small bit of Lot2046 looks to be on auction as an NFT

https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/57208594223657711807728224007200876522147520735203243742549645537901967048705

Neither of these is surprising news

 

[styleforumfan]

Of all the department stores I've visited in the short term, I do think that Nordstroms are the least depressing, well run, and most pleasant to visit without feeling ancient like Neiman Marcus. Going to a Macy's in the suburbs feels like stepping into a time capsule.

Maybe that's the reason why Nordstrom is getting hammered because it costs a lot of money to keep it looking less depressing. Going to B&M everywhere feels like stepping into a time capsule these days when everything can be done comfortably online.

 

[clee1982]

Vollebak closing funding round

Vollebak, which makes 'clothes for the future,' is closing its Series A round | TechCrunch

If you've ever visited the site of the six-year-old, London-based direct-to-consumer clothing company Vollebak, you've likely marveled at the exaggerated

techcrunch.com

A small bit of Lot2046 looks to be on auction as an NFT

https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/57208594223657711807728224007200876522147520735203243742549645537901967048705

Neither of these is surprising news

marketing and interview are both done well, can definitely see them sell to a very “guy” centric market, are there stuff good/unique for real though?

 

[smittycl]

marketing and interview are both done well, can definitely see them sell to a very “guy” centric market, are there stuff good/unique for real though?

I buy all my underwear there so, yes, very guy-centric for me! They also carry Canali and Hickey Freeman suits so high marks.

 

[clee1982]

You talking about Nordstrom? I was referring to that tech brand thing

 

[smittycl]

You talking about Nordstrom? I was referring to that tech brand thing

Oops, yes talking about Nordstrom.

 

[sipang]

Vollebak underwear though, there's an idea

Bonus point, the copy still works, maybe, designed for a world of megastorms, when waterproof is not enough... etc etc

 

[FlyingMonkey]

marketing and interview are both done well, can definitely see them sell to a very “guy” centric market, are there stuff good/unique for real though?

Most of it seems pretty generic and boring, except for the materials / treatments. However there are a couple of pieces I think work because the materials they've chosen produce a certain kind of sculptural effect (like the 'indestructable' denim-type jacket).

 

[clee1982]

I was thinking about the material part, are they hype or real differentiate performance product or just relabel GoreTx… (even if it’s performance that doesn’t matter)

 

[snow]

I was thinking about the material part, are they hype or real differentiate performance product or just relabel GoreTx… (even if it’s performance that doesn’t matter)

It's just marketing, as is all fashion "tech" gear. The built-for-megastorms jacket is just schoeller c-change (which hasn't exactly taken the actual outdoor gear market by storm), for example. The indestructible puffer is dyneema, the whole point of which is to be strong for its weight... and then uses 600 fillpower synthetic insulation, which is worse (i.e. heavier for the warmth) than cheap down you get at uniqlo. Lots of other ridiculous points about it too.

It's not necessarily bad stuff but you are paying a lot of money for marketing and design.

 

[cb200]

marketing and interview are both done well, can definitely see them sell to a very “guy” centric market, are there stuff good/unique for real though?

I think their special material first approach has benefited the brand in exposure. In today's market getting ignored or lost in the noise is a death sentence. That said, with their founders coming from the ad world their branding and story have always come first. Materials served the story. Not everyone or brand needs to have design and development at their core but I consider that being closely tied to craft and material knowledge of apparel is simply more authentic. And by that I mean better.