Sometimes the only thing separating the products in high- and mid-tier retailers is price. Take, for instance, the case of this Shades of Greige Beach Henley Tank, which a hawk-eyed tipster just found at Oak for $50, and Urban Outfitters for $28 — presently $20 on sale. We then found a similar, if less stark,… Read more »

It’s rare to hear a true industry insider waxing thoughtful on the dismal state of retail. That’s why it was so refreshing to read this Jerry Maguire-like mission statement / manifesto from John Patrick over at The Selvedge Yard. [Picture Courtesy of 13th & Wolf] “In short– (The industry) got fat, lazy & greedy, as… Read more »

Here’s a sale guaranteed to tick off all the retailers/brands doing their best to stave off last season’s markdown madness: THURSDAY through Saturday, bankruptcy-bound Hartmarx’s family of brands — Hart Schaffner Marx, Hickey Freeman, Hickey, and Bobby Jones — will be taking a full 40% off everything in stores, and online with the promo code… Read more »

How are discount designer pieces measuring up? Better than ever… if still poorly. [WSJ.com] How are department/retail stores moving merch in a down economy without destroying the value of the brands they carry? Very carefully. [WWD via The Cut]