Jean Paul Gaultier for Target!!! Eeeeek!!! Okay, we have to wait until March 7th for the debut but couldn’t help but share the shriek that escaped our mouths after Tuesday’s announcement. What else is going on in the world of retail? Well, fancy you might ask. There is never ending news from CIT, acquisitions in beauty, a little light in the holiday tunnel and six-pack abs. All-in-all, was a good week.

Abercrombie & Fitch’s sweaty six-packs stormed Milan last week at the opening of the American brand’s Italian flagship. They were sexy. They were half-naked. And they were the perfect excuse for Milanese mommies to take their daughters out of school to attend the 10 a.m. ceremonial opening on Thursday. People were traveling from all over Italy, taking trains from Florence and flying from Rome, to catch a glimpse. Is that crazy? No, no it is not, and here’s why:

In other news, with CIT filing for the prepackaged Chapter 11, clients voiced concern over CIT’s long-term viability. Especially relevant to retail is the profitability of CIT’s factoring division, which received Icahn’s $1 billion infusion. We need the factoring arm because it helps pay collections and claims and allows vendors to purchase for fall and winter from their respective lines of credit. In short, they need to borrow the money from CIT to pay for their materials, make their product, and dress our bodies.

As of last quarter, Polo improved it’s bottom line by 10%. Revlon and Estee Lauder crept into the top ten while American Apparel dropped to the bottom ten. Come Monday retail stocks were up, and Louis Vuitton opened a flagship store in Dallas because Texas housewives apparently need  to look more ostentatious. But if it helps luxury, then God bless Texas. And if all else fails, online, the retail industry’s prodigal growth sector, is expected to boost holiday sales.

Then yesterday, Steiner Leisure (the skincare/spa gods present at Club Med, Hilton, etc.) broadened their existing skincare platform by purchasing Bliss World Holdings from Starwood Hotels for $100 million dollars.  Translation: If you can afford to travel again, you will find Bliss products in more hotels than just the uber chic W Hotels.

From spurs to spaghetti, you have to save to spend. Until next week, arrivederci y’all.

Emma Dinzebach

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