Samsung unveils new phones as premium market share shrinks
Samsung is trying to reclaim lost ground in the coveted high end of the smartphone market with a new lineup of Galaxy S models designed to appeal to consumers who are increasingly sharing videos of their antics on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and other popular apps.
Ghostly tales surround Spot Coffee in Orchard Park
Brandon Sterner used to manage Spot Coffee in Orchard Park. Now he is President and COO of the company, but he still remembers strange occurrences here. He says "There are products that have fallen off the shelf or flown off the shelf after people walk by with no explanation."
news.yahoo.com‘China Model’ Aims for Prosperity Without Democracy: QuickTake
When China began allowing private businesses and foreign investment four decades ago, many outside the communist country expected that as its economy became more capitalist, its politics also would become more democratic. They didn’t. Instead, the Chinese system, which puts stability and cohesion ahead of individual freedoms, became adept at delivering prosperity, with the Communist Party still firmly in control. For Beijing, its success legitimizes its model as an alternative to the liberal val
washingtonpost.com‘China Model’ Aims for Prosperity Without Democracy: QuickTake
When China began allowing private businesses and foreign investment four decades ago, many outside the communist country expected that as its economy became more capitalist, its politics also would become more democratic. They didn’t. Instead, the Chinese system, which puts stability and cohesion ahead of individual freedoms, became adept at delivering prosperity, with the Communist Party still firmly in control. For Beijing, its success legitimizes its model as an alternative to the liberal val
washingtonpost.comCo-workers enjoyed ‘lavish lifestyle’ following theft at South Loop social service agency, prosecutors say
Peoples, who spent the money at Macy’s, Ashley Furniture, American Mattress, Firestone and Forever 21, also indulged in “lavish shopping habits,” making significant purchases at “high-end” retailers Neiman Marcus, Yves St. Laurent and Louis Vuitton, prosecutors said. She paid more than $12,000 on an Audi vehicle as well as paying her own personal divorce attorney, all with Chicago House funds, according to Kiefer.
chicagotribune.comThe glam was back at the Golden Globes, albeit at a distance
And they were ready, style wise, as the Globes split hosts, with Amy Poehler at the Beverly Hilton and Tina Fey at the Rainbow Room in New York. Backstage after the show, Sudeikis told reporters he owns a multitude of hoodies but chose the one emblazoned with “Forward” on the front and “Listen + Lead” on the back as fitting for the unusual night. “I wanted to feel festive and go for it,” she told NBC. Sarah Paulson held her little black pooch on screen and Emma Corrin's fluffy white cat grabbed a moment for itself. AdLydia Marks, a New York set decorator, told The Associated Press the evening's technical challenges were many.
LVMH to put Fenty fashion collection on pause
FILE - Rihanna poses as she unveils her first fashion designs for Fenty at a pop-up store in Paris, France, on May 22, 2019. LVMH Mot Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the worlds largest luxury group, has put Rihannas Fenty fashion collection on hold. The move, confirmed by LVMH Wednesday, comes nearly two years after the fashion conglomerate announced the collaboration with the pop artist and business mogul. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)NEW YORK – LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury group, has put Rihanna's Fenty fashion collection on hold. AdBusiness of Fashion first reported the news on LVMH's pause of Fenty fashion collection.
Sephora to fight against racial bias with an action plan
The plan follows the results of a study that ended in late 2020 commissioned by Sephora that took an in-depth look at racial bias in the U.S. retail shopping experience. The company revealed its plan as it released findings of a study it commissioned that took an in-depth look at racial bias in the U.S. retail shopping experience. It found that two in five U.S. retail shoppers have personally experienced unfair treatment on the basis of their race or skin tone. The issue of racial bias has taken on more importance for companies in the wake of nationwide protests over police brutality last summer after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. As part of the plan, Sephora, a division of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, plans to double the assortment of Black-owned brands to 16 by the end of the year.
Louis Vuitton yoga mat made of leather draws Hindu complaint
In a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, called on Louis Vuitton to pull a yoga mat made partly from cowhide leather, saying the mat is "highly inappropriate" to practicing Hindus who regard cows as sacred symbols of life. Paris-based Louis Vuitton did not immediately respond Tuesday to messages from The Associated Press seeking comment. The company's yoga mat, made mostly of canvas with leather details and a cowhide carrying strap, retails for $2,390 online. In an email to AP, Zed called on Louis Vuitton executives to apologize and adhere to its corporate code of conduct, which includes commitments to ethical and social responsibility. In August, online home goods giant Wayfair pulled a towel depicting the Hindu deity Lord Ganesha after the coalition objected.
Sephora to take over cosmetics in Kohl's stores
NEW YORK – Sephora will be replacing all cosmetics areas at Kohl's with 2,500 square foot shops, starting with 200 locations in the fall of year. Earlier this month, Target said it would be opening Ulta Beauty shops in more than 100 stores next year. J.C. Penney said its developing its own cosmetics area to replace Sephora when that agreement ends. Rougeot said Sephora was attracted to Kohl's because of its network of 1,100 stores, mostly outside of malls. The Sephora shops, which will feature about 100 brands, will be at the front of Kohl's stores.
Glimmers of hope for world economy, but dangers lurk
Across Europe, governments are reopening their economies as they get a handle on a second virus surge, but only gradually, and partially. Vast cobblestone plazas stand empty this festive season instead of hosting Christmas markets that usually electrify historic cities. The reopening won’t be enough to make up for sales lost during the pandemic - but reflects the glimmer of hope that forecasters are starting to see in the global economy. It predicts the global economy will shrink about 4.2% this year and rebound by the same rate in 2021 before growing 3.7% the following year. Across Europe, governments are reopening their economies as they get a handle on a second virus surge – but only gradually, and partially.
Tiffany, LVMH discussing price cut to settle merger dispute
Jeweler Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton-owner LVMH are discussing new terms for their merger, which could help resolve an ongoing dispute between the two companies, CNBC's David Faber reported Tuesday, citing people familiar with the discussions. Under the revised terms, LVMH would acquire Tiffany for $130 to $133 per share, compared with an original price of $135 per share, Faber reported, noting the talks remain fluid. Representatives from Tiffany and LVMH did not immediately respond to CNBC's requests for comment. On Monday, Tiffany said it had received all regulatory approvals needed to complete the acquisition, having received the nod it needed from the European Commission. LVMH has since countersued, alleging Tiffany has been mismanaged during the global health crisis.
cnbc.comJames, Herro see popularity rise in the NBA playoffs
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – LeBron James’ popularity, even in his 17th season, cannot be argued. Herro, according to the NBA, saw the biggest increase in followers added — 41% — among all players during the conference finals. Herro became the first player born in the 2000s to play in the NBA Finals when he checked in during the first quarter of Game 1. FAMOUS FANSFormer President Barack Obama was among those in the “virtual” crowd of fans for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. A slew of players with NBA championships also were on the big screens, including Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade.
Dueling over diamonds: LVMH says Tiffany not worth buyout
The luxury goods giant is ending its takeover deal of luxury jewelry retailer Tiffany & Co., citing in part the threat of proposed U.S. tariffs on French goods. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)PARIS It's an ugly spat for such a glamorous industry: French luxury powerhouse LVMH and U.S. jeweler Tiffany & Co. are blaming each other for the collapse of what would have been the sector's biggest-ever buyout deal. Tiffany sued to enforce the deal, and on Thursday LVMH lashed back. LVMH criticized Tiffany for issuing dividends even as it was losing money, and Tiffanys performance in the first half of this year was significantly worse than that of other LVMH brands during the period. LVMH, had thought the deal would strengthen its position in high-end jewelry and in the U.S. market.
Fendi taps Dior designer Kim Jones to replace Karl Lagerfeld
FILE -- In this Jan. 17, 2020 file photo, designer Kim Jones accepts applause after the Dior Homme Mens Fall/Winter 2020-2021 fashion collection presented in Paris. Rome fashion house Fendi announced Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 that Kim Jones is taking over from the late Karl Lagerfeld as creative director of haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur collections. Jones will take on the Fendi duties while staying on as artistic director of Dior Homme. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)ROME Rome fashion house Fendi announced Wednesday that Kim Jones is taking over from the late Karl Lagerfeld as creative director of haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur collections. Jones will take on the Fendi duties while staying on as artistic director of Dior Homme, another house in the Paris-based luxury goods empire of LVMH chief Bernard Arnault.
As Paris Fashion Week is streamed, critics look to future
FILE - In this Feb. 26, 2020 file photo, models wear creations for the Kenzo fashion collection during Women's fashion week Fall/Winter 2020/21 presented in Paris. The coronavirus pandemic has instilled extra unpredictability into the already fickle Paris Fashion Week. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)PARIS The coronavirus pandemic has instilled extra unpredictability into the already fickle Paris Fashion Week. No one from the public will be allowed to see the clothes in person at all, in fact, during this on-screen-only version of fashion week that starts Monday. The new digital Paris Fashion Week calendar isn't bad for everyone.
Global luxury sales could collapse up to 60% in the second quarter, consulting firm says
Eduardo Munoz | ReutersGlobal sales of luxury goods are headed for a collapse in the next few months, as the coronavirus pandemic ravages demand, Bain & Company said in a new report published Thursday. According to the consulting firm, worldwide sales of personal luxury goods which include clothes, jewelry, watches, beauty products, and accessories will plummet by about 50% to 60% in the three months ending in June. Estimated sales for 2020 is expected between 180 billion euros to 220 billion euros (around $195 billion - $239 billion). The report, Bain & Company Luxury Study 2020 Spring Update, was done in collaboration with the Italian luxury goods manufacturers' foundation Altagamma. Path to recoveryThe personal luxury market registered an estimated sales of 281 billion euros in 2019 before the virus outbreak, according to Bain.
cnbc.comHandbags were the hottest investment for the rich last year
Knight Frank said that while the handbag market which has exploded at auction and online sales is being driven by a variety of brands, the Hermes Birkin dominates the high-end of the market. Birkin bags increased 13% in value in 2019, according to the report. They were a far better investment last year than art, according to according to a new report. While art had an overall return of 5% in 2019, handbags clocked in a 13% gain, making it the number one collectible investment for the year, according to the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, published by real-estate brokerage giant and wealth-researcher Knight Frank. After handbags, the second-best performing collectible investment in 2019 was stamps, at 6%.
cnbc.comHow to save on holiday gifts and help the planet at the same time
Source: Jennifer AdolfieYou can save a shocking amount of money when you ditch the mall and shop at an online reseller. You can also spare the planet at least a little when you buy on the secondary market. Buying and reselling pre-owned helps goods find new homes as people grow more aware of the negative effects of fast fashion. Olaf Michalak / EyeEmSave hundreds of dollars when you buy refurbished. "Consumers are very happy to contribute to helping the environmental crisis by buying refurbished products."
cnbc.comTiffany shares soar 32% after French luxury group LVMH confirms interest in acquiring the luxury jeweler
LVMH has offered to buy Tiffany, known for its engagement rings and ties to Hollywood glamor, as the owner of Louis Vuitton and Bulgari seeks to expand in jewelry, one of the fastest-growing parts of the luxury goods market. In a deal that would beef up its smallest business and give it a slice of the lucrative U.S. market, LVMH on Monday said it had approached Tiffany about an unsolicited non-binding offer, but gave no details. Confirming the move, Tiffany said the offer was worth $120 per share, which would value Tiffany at nearly $14.5 billion and represents a 22% premium over the stock's closing price on Friday. LVMH said there was no guarantee that preliminary discussions would result in an agreement. Analysts at Credit Suisse and Cowen said Tiffany could be worth as much as $140-$160 per share and UBS analysts estimate cash-rich LVMH has an M&A treasure chest of some 40 billion euros ($44.4 billion).
cnbc.com