Global Vibes

BRC plea
UNITED KINGDOM: The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, to lobby for a cut in the costs faced by retailers, and to help restore consumer confidence. The BRC has submitted a six-point plan in a bid to help raise awareness of the pressures facing retailers as the trading climate toughens. The topics detailed in the submission include: pushing down commercial property costs, encouraging employment, fuel business efficiency and cut basic household bills. BRC director general said it was important the government acted to restore economic stability to reduce price pressures and restore consumer confidence.

Magic lost
UNITED STATES: The weak US economy has translated to apparel trade show Magic with the anxiety pervading the clothing industry making itself felt. Some clothing brands are scaling back booths or sending fewer employees to the Magic Marketplace while retail buyers are also treading cautiously, planning to spend less time at the three day show and trying to operate more efficiently. The news comes as new research shows women's clothing sales in the past 12 months are four per cent below year-ago levels. Outerwear maker G-III Apparel Group, which makes clothing under such labels as Calvin Klein, Ellen Tracy and Andrew Marc, has significantly scaled back its presence at this year's show while high-profile brands Rocawear and Sean John aren't showing at all.

Dubuis buy out
GENEVA: Luxury group Richemont has acquired a controlling interest in well known Geneva watch company Manufacture Roger Dubuis SA. The sale, for an undisclosed sum, will see Manufacture Roger Dubuis SA continue to manufacture and distribute watches under the Dubuis' name and will operate as an autonomous entity within the Richemont stable. Roger Dubuis will benefit from broader integration of its distribution into the Richemont structure as a consequence of the sale. Richemont said as a relatively young label the Roger Dubuis range would sit nicely alongside the more established specialist watchmakers within the group.

Gap closes
UNITED KINGDOM: Gap Europe today has announced it intends downsizing its European operations. The company, which began to design European products out of its new London headquarters when American products were poorly received by the more fashionable European customer, will forge operations out of its New York offices, where European designers will also be based.  According to UK media reports, the move was unexpected as Gap Europe was set up only two years ago. However in the wake of the global credit crunch and poor sales of Gap Inc's sister brands in the US, consolidating its structure may have been inevitable. Gap Europe's first collection was received well by press and customers however it is understood it has taken time to re-invent the brand in Europe, which many felt was weak in comparison with UK and Spanish high street conglomerates.

Skechers rejected
UNITED STATES: Californian-based specialty footwear retailer Skechers USA has continued to express an interest in acquiring listed wheeled footwear manufacturer Heely's despite the latter's public announcement rejecting a proposal to enter into discussions. Last month Skechers announced a proposal to acquire all the outstanding shares of Heelys Inc.'s common stock for $US142.8 million ($A164 million). Skechers said it would be prepared to refine its proposal if additional value could be identified during due diligence.