tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988510185030767127.post7840405861038892021..comments2023-10-01T01:39:24.354-07:00Comments on The Retail Expert's BLOG: Martin & Osa--RIPNeil Stern, Senior Partner, McMillanDoolittle, The Retail Expertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311316419281913922noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988510185030767127.post-3061368248753024562010-06-08T17:35:46.996-07:002010-06-08T17:35:46.996-07:00Lifestyle seems to be a "loaded" word. I...Lifestyle seems to be a "loaded" word. It's not a bad thing in and of itself if it's driven around creating distinct looks that provide solutions for the consumer. Having collections, distinct looks and a point of view feel like pre-requisites for any fashion retailer.<br /><br />Shop M&O now for a minimu of 30% off with better specials all the time...stocking upNeil Sternhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10014941374026932813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988510185030767127.post-63201275671051676232010-06-08T17:27:37.338-07:002010-06-08T17:27:37.338-07:00Wrong. Lifestyle brands will come back as soon as ...Wrong. Lifestyle brands will come back as soon as the economy makes a turn around. People want to feel special and they like fantasies, and when they do have the money they will buy whatever makes them feel good.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988510185030767127.post-10375046945299810712010-03-16T17:57:14.507-07:002010-03-16T17:57:14.507-07:00Neil, I think the bigger point of the Ruehl and M&...Neil, I think the bigger point of the Ruehl and M&O closures is that it is further evidence of the decline of lifestyle retailing generally. Lifestyle was always on a slippery slope. Fundamentally, all it means is selling the same product at a higher price on the back of a marketing gimicry. People want value, not a story. That's why they go to Zara and H&M. And it's why Gap, A&F and co are headed downhill. This is not just cyclical. What is Gap doing on the product development front? Denim 69. That's as fresh as thinking gets in the lifestyle arena. And it won't work.Michael Bakerhttp://www.mbaker-retail.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988510185030767127.post-36841073690600218692010-03-16T15:45:26.828-07:002010-03-16T15:45:26.828-07:00I was never particularly sure about M&O's ...I was never particularly sure about M&O's prospects. Like many others, it seemed they may have died from an overly studied self-consciousness.William Markshttp://empiricism11aisle.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988510185030767127.post-30573369079570935962010-03-16T14:20:35.757-07:002010-03-16T14:20:35.757-07:00I completely agree. I was rooting for M&O but...I completely agree. I was rooting for M&O but was also confused about price point and the 'wearability' of their women's clothing options. As a younger corporate climber, I value a mix of casual work-to-play and vice-versa transitions and this was difficult to pull off in M&O clothing. Similar to Forth & Towne...which swung a little too old in terms of style and sizing...I am hoping for another mature-yet-stylish options for those who work hard and play hard.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com