Staples and OXO: Poor Timing or Strategic Boon?

The recession could challenge Staples' pricey new co-branded products from OXO, but the partnership may also set the retail chain apart

BusinessWeek, July 22, 2009 — How's this for bad timing? Staples (SPLS) just introduced 25 co-branded office products from OXO Good Grips that cost up to five times more than Staples' own brand. The retailer's customers are in no mood to spend, however. Staples' same-store sales dropped 8% in North America in its most recent quarter. As Ronald L. Sargent, its chairman and chief executive officer noted recently, the chain is "in a very tough sales environment."

Vera Wang Set to Dress Up Kohl's†

Is It Too Upscale for Stores, Not Enough for Designer? A Leaf From 'Wizard of Oz'

Wall Street Journal, August 1, 2007 — Kohl's this week marks its first big push into the high-fashion arena by unveiling an advertising campaign for its new "Simply Vera Vera Wang" line of clothing, accessories and home products designed by Vera Wang, which will hit stores next month.

Selling Style From Sinks to Counters†

Martha Stewart, KB Home Lure Buyers Despite Slump

Wall Street Journal, July 11, 2007 — All across the country, home builders are gasping for air as sales plunge, inventories rise and profits disappear. But in one small corner of the housing market, the sales picture is a little brighter: There is steady demand for houses designed in part by Martha Stewart and built by Los Angeles-based KB Home.

Macy's Drops 'Mock Homes' for Martha Stewart†

Wall Street Journal, June 11, 2007 — Last spring, Macy's Inc. Chief Executive Terry Lundgren came up with an ambitious plan to display a massive new line of home goods produced exclusively by Martha Stewart: creating 3,000-square foot mock "homes" in key stores. Home builder KB Home planned to build the huge showcases inside Macy's stores in such cities as New York, Chicago and San Francisco.

But Macy's now has canceled the mock-home plan, citing a sharp decline in the housing market.

Tiny Apparel Maker Gets Boost by Aligning with Big Firm†

Cabana Life Receives Exclusive Deal; Partner Gets Access to Consumer

Wall Street Journal, June 5, 2007 — Cabana Life LLC, a maker of ultraviolet-protective clothing, is less than two years old, posted revenue of just $250,000 last year and is barely a blip on the New York fashion scene.

Yet the start-up has scored a notable partnership with a $13 billion chemical giant, Huntsman Corp., whose products are included in apparel made by the likes of Polo Ralph Lauren and Patagonia.

Are Designer Collaborations Dead?

With ever more retailers tapping fashion's biggest names, the once-hip strategy is becoming cliché and savvy designers are focusing on other markets

BusinessWeek, April 9, 2007 — When Matthew E. Rubel left his post as chairman and chief executive at upscale footwear label Cole Haan in 2005 for the chief executive position at low-end shoe store chain Payless ShoeSource (PSS), he faced the challenge of rejuvenating a company that had seen 10 years of flat sales. So within the first two months of his new role, he focused on tapping into a trend that's been gaining momentum since early this decade: high-profile, limited-edition collaborations between budget-friendly retailers and ultra-chic fashion designers who typically sell their clothes and accessories at tony department stores such as Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue (SKS).

Designer Hotels Hit the Hot Spots

Armani in Dubai, Missoni in Kuwait, Bulgari in Milan—fashion houses are teaming up with Ritz, Marriott, and their ilk to provide luxury rooms with a label

BusinessWeek, April 6, 2007 — Coco Chanel, the late grande dame of French couture, said she didn't do fashion—she was fashion. An apt metaphor, perhaps, for the latest trend among the titans of fashion and luxury. No longer content merely to design haute couture and accessories, they are branching out into the "experience" business by lending their design style and brands to top-of-the-line hotels and resorts around the world. Love your outfit from Bulgari, Armani, Missoni, Versace, or Moschino? Now you can wear it in surroundings conjured up by the same designers.

Coke And L'Oreal Partner on New Health Beverage†

Brandweek, March 14, 2007 — Coca-Cola and L'Oréal are partnering to create a new health-and-beauty beverage to launch in 2008, sources said. Currently called Lumaé, the nutraceutical drink was trademarked as a tea-based ready-to-drink beverage by Coca-Cola's Beverage Partners Worldwide division.

Sponsorship branding takes on new name†

Financial Times, March 13, 2007 — Talk of London's Millennium Dome usually includes the phrase "white elephant". Given the controversy surrounding the landmark building, the decision of O2, the UK mobile phone network, to sponsor it seems something of a gamble.

Building A Megabrand Named Dwyane

How Dwyane Wade of the Heat is rewriting the rules of sports marketing

BusinessWeek, February 12, 2007 — Practice is over at American Airlines Arena, and Dwyane Wade takes a minute to explain how he's putting his touch on a new mobile phone. The All-Star guard for the Miami Heat and a self-proclaimed budding businessman is helping wireless carrier T-Mobile USA Inc. (DT ) design a limited-edition Sidekick, the texting device/cell phone beloved by twentysomethings.