Classic. Modern. Style. Thoughts.
In Part One of this column, we took a look at the philosophy and strategy behind the brand that is Vineyard Vines. Now, let’s look at the business side of that ubiquitous pink whale. A very important thing to note about Vineyard Vines is that they are opening brink-and-mortar stores while almost any other brand…
Target just opened its cool little pop up store in Georgetown today, at the corner of Wisconsin and M Streets. Target has squeezed a custom designed mini Swiss chalet into the parking lot right next to Old Glory (great place to stop for lunch by the way). There are only three of these pop-up stores…
Brand allegiance is a funny thing. When it works well the customer clearly and deeply identifies with the brand. When it doesn’t work, more specifically when the brand lets the customer down in some way, the old loyalty can be almost impossible to win back. In menswear, brand loyalty has historically been a deep seated…
I wanted to give everyone an update on the progress of my VM Clothiers custom suit. I am very happy to say that it is now in my hands after being literally hand carried back from Hong Kong. Part 1 of this series can be found HERE. I’m now in the process of putting it…
An anonymous gentleman posted the following comment about the recent “Vineyard Vines” column. He raises a very interesting point and I quickly drafted three paragraphs in response. So, instead of overloading the comment screen, I decided that a more organized response was appropriate. OTC- Being a Vineyarder, I’ve always been a little frustrated with Vineyard…
Not too long ago, while passing through Grand Central Station in New York, I first noticed the Art of Shaving. Warm woods and glass, alabaster lighting with a vague Parisian/Milano feel to it, the store cum barber shop was an immediate draw. Its elegant feel belies a company obsessed with the timeless and masculine art…
Preppy belt maker Tucker Blair is in the holiday spirit and Off The Cuff readers are on the receiving end. From now to December 24th, you can get 50% off everything at Tucker Blair. A favorite of OTC, Tucker Blair’s finished needlepoint belts are charming and stylish all at once. Though a new company, its…
As retailers pull out all the stops to get a share of our dwindling holiday funds, I have come across a variety of interesting marketing approaches. One of the more notable vehicles is the social action campaign at Rugby. Their goal is to tap into the community service idealism of the Rugby target demographic and…
The economic crisis currently scorching balance sheets across the globe has finally reached up to singe some prominent retailers. Companies like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks which have so far been able to ride above the economy’s troubled waters, are now getting caught in the unprecedented economic downturn. In a nutshell, people are realizing that…
When last in New York, I took some time to stroll along Fifth Avenue and wound up stopping at the GANT flagship store. While this may not sound like an overly significant event, for me it was an eye-opening experience. While an unfair characterization, my gut reaction to the GANT brand has long been something…