Some things to bide the time, if you're interested:
Slate has an piece by Michael Levi about the green jobs program's chance at saving the economy and how he thinks it would be better to focus on each piece individually. (I'm not convinced; without the economic component, quite frankly, I'm not sure the green component would be addressed at all.)
The NYTimes is asking about "The Economy's 'Green Shoots,' Real or Imagined" — and at least one of its experts uses the term "suckers' rallies" — as well as uses for abandoned malls. Not that we have any of those here or anything.
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wal-mart's Smiling Face
Walmart, beloved by Midwesterners and people who live for blue smocks and value (and, really, in this economy, who doesn't?), is a bright spot in the retail sector.
Retail sales were up 0.7 percent in February compared with sales from that period last year, but it was due to Walmart, the nation's largest (and some would say, most powerful) retailer:
"Without Wal-Mart, overall retail sales would have fallen 4.1 percent. As Ken Perkins, president of Retail Metrics, noted in a report Thursday morning, 'it’s still ugly,' but Wal-Mart 'dressed up' the month nicely."
According to the NYT, the numbers underscore the fact that consumers are still only buying the essentials.
For Wal-mart (and its investors), the numbers translate into a 15 percent increase in the company's dividend, to $1.09 per share.
The economy is continuing to hurt clothing stores, and not just at the high-end. At Neiman Marcus, same-store sales are down, but it's the same story at Dillard's, the Gap, J.C. Penney, Macy's, and Stein Mart.
On a somewhat related note, if you haven't seen it, you have to check out Jon Stewart's rant about Rick Santelli and CNBC re: the economy. He mentions in particular their interview (around minute seven) with Sir Allen Stanford of Stanford Financial.
Retail sales were up 0.7 percent in February compared with sales from that period last year, but it was due to Walmart, the nation's largest (and some would say, most powerful) retailer:
"Without Wal-Mart, overall retail sales would have fallen 4.1 percent. As Ken Perkins, president of Retail Metrics, noted in a report Thursday morning, 'it’s still ugly,' but Wal-Mart 'dressed up' the month nicely."
According to the NYT, the numbers underscore the fact that consumers are still only buying the essentials.
For Wal-mart (and its investors), the numbers translate into a 15 percent increase in the company's dividend, to $1.09 per share.
The economy is continuing to hurt clothing stores, and not just at the high-end. At Neiman Marcus, same-store sales are down, but it's the same story at Dillard's, the Gap, J.C. Penney, Macy's, and Stein Mart.
On a somewhat related note, if you haven't seen it, you have to check out Jon Stewart's rant about Rick Santelli and CNBC re: the economy. He mentions in particular their interview (around minute seven) with Sir Allen Stanford of Stanford Financial.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
World Overcomers Share Mall Plan
Last February, Scott Kim had to shutter his women's clothing store after the Hickory Ridge Mall was damaged in a tornado.
Today, he was back at the mall — in his store's old space — to hear what the mall's new owners, the World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church, are planning.
"People keep saying to us, you're a church, what are you going to do with a mall?" says Al Cousins of the World Overcomers. "We want to talk to those retailers who are returning, those who are on the fence, and those who weren't here in the first place and tell them, here's our plan."
In addition to 40 retail and food court stores, the mall will include social services, church ventures — such as a day care and a book store — and family entertainment. Part of Macy's is slated to become a banquet and conference center. There are also plans for a youth recreational center and a movie theater.
"We don't believe the community has been abandoned by the residents. We believe the community has been abandoned by the national retailers," Cousins says. "Are we going to have a Macy's and Dillard's? We don't need them for a community mall."
The church hopes that by creating a mix of retail, social services, and educational facilities it can revitalize both the mall and the surrounding community. It has been in negotiations with entities as disparate as Incredible Pizza and Southwest Tennessee Community College to lease space in the mall.
"A mall with 100 retail spaces won't survive. It doesn't work like that anymore because of the economy," Cousins says.
Vickie Reyes is the director of Southwest's Educational Opportunity Center, which tries to get more adults a post-secondary education. Since January 2003, the center has been at the corner of Mendenhall and Winchester, but its lease is about to expire.
Reyes came to the meeting to see what other services the church was planning to include in the mall.
"We've always said, wouldn't it be great to have a one-stop shop? We'll be able to touch more people here," she says.
The church is currently generating letters of intent from interested retailers and will begin writing leases in 45 days. Store owners will have 60 days to get their spaces ready before the mall's grand re-opening in the summer.
"It's a unique concept that I think is right for Hickory Hill," says mall manager Pat Jacobs. "People ask me who's going to be here. I don't know, but I can almost guarantee you Circuit City won't be."
The grand opening is slated for the end of June.
Kim, who owns six other 4 Ever Young stores in the area, plans to return once the mall opens.
"I still have my store here," he says, pointing to the fixtures. "I have a lot of stuff still here."
As for Cousins, he says the church will make money on the venture, but that's not its primary goal: "We're coming back to make the mall work for you."
Bonus: For those of you who had heard the rumor the church was going to build an old folks home in one of the anchor spaces, I did ask about it, and Cousins just said they were talking about having a day care for Alzheimer's patients.
But he also said he couldn't tell me what the church had planned for the Dillard's space.
Today, he was back at the mall — in his store's old space — to hear what the mall's new owners, the World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church, are planning.
"People keep saying to us, you're a church, what are you going to do with a mall?" says Al Cousins of the World Overcomers. "We want to talk to those retailers who are returning, those who are on the fence, and those who weren't here in the first place and tell them, here's our plan."
In addition to 40 retail and food court stores, the mall will include social services, church ventures — such as a day care and a book store — and family entertainment. Part of Macy's is slated to become a banquet and conference center. There are also plans for a youth recreational center and a movie theater.
"We don't believe the community has been abandoned by the residents. We believe the community has been abandoned by the national retailers," Cousins says. "Are we going to have a Macy's and Dillard's? We don't need them for a community mall."
The church hopes that by creating a mix of retail, social services, and educational facilities it can revitalize both the mall and the surrounding community. It has been in negotiations with entities as disparate as Incredible Pizza and Southwest Tennessee Community College to lease space in the mall.
"A mall with 100 retail spaces won't survive. It doesn't work like that anymore because of the economy," Cousins says.
Vickie Reyes is the director of Southwest's Educational Opportunity Center, which tries to get more adults a post-secondary education. Since January 2003, the center has been at the corner of Mendenhall and Winchester, but its lease is about to expire.
Reyes came to the meeting to see what other services the church was planning to include in the mall.
"We've always said, wouldn't it be great to have a one-stop shop? We'll be able to touch more people here," she says.
The church is currently generating letters of intent from interested retailers and will begin writing leases in 45 days. Store owners will have 60 days to get their spaces ready before the mall's grand re-opening in the summer.
"It's a unique concept that I think is right for Hickory Hill," says mall manager Pat Jacobs. "People ask me who's going to be here. I don't know, but I can almost guarantee you Circuit City won't be."
The grand opening is slated for the end of June.
Kim, who owns six other 4 Ever Young stores in the area, plans to return once the mall opens.
"I still have my store here," he says, pointing to the fixtures. "I have a lot of stuff still here."
As for Cousins, he says the church will make money on the venture, but that's not its primary goal: "We're coming back to make the mall work for you."
Bonus: For those of you who had heard the rumor the church was going to build an old folks home in one of the anchor spaces, I did ask about it, and Cousins just said they were talking about having a day care for Alzheimer's patients.
But he also said he couldn't tell me what the church had planned for the Dillard's space.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Super Bowl
I don't love the Superbowl. Don't get me wrong; I don't hate it. I just don't care. I think I was one of 100 people in America — 75 of them Amish — who missed Janet Jackson's famous nip slip.
I kind of like the ads, but I figure I'll either see them on the internet or on television afterwards without all that football thrown in.
But one ad has already caught my attention.
USAToday is reporting that Cash4Gold — you've seen the ads, I'm sure: late nights, old ladies, gold jewelry — bought a Super Bowl timeslot.
From the story:
"The sour economy has been sweet for the Florida gold-melting service, billed as an alternative to a pawn shop. Cash4Gold transactions more than doubled to about 500,000 in 2008 vs. 2007. How it works: Consumers send in gold items and get paid based on weight and quality within two weeks."
The story said the ad will feature Ed McMahon and MC Hammer, "two celebrities who've had very public real-life financial reversals." It should be interesting.
Maybe Hammer will send this necklace to Cash4Gold.
In a side note, the Consumerist has posted in the past about how you can avoid being ripped off by Cash4Gold.
I kind of like the ads, but I figure I'll either see them on the internet or on television afterwards without all that football thrown in.
But one ad has already caught my attention.
USAToday is reporting that Cash4Gold — you've seen the ads, I'm sure: late nights, old ladies, gold jewelry — bought a Super Bowl timeslot.
From the story:
"The sour economy has been sweet for the Florida gold-melting service, billed as an alternative to a pawn shop. Cash4Gold transactions more than doubled to about 500,000 in 2008 vs. 2007. How it works: Consumers send in gold items and get paid based on weight and quality within two weeks."
The story said the ad will feature Ed McMahon and MC Hammer, "two celebrities who've had very public real-life financial reversals." It should be interesting.
Maybe Hammer will send this necklace to Cash4Gold.
In a side note, the Consumerist has posted in the past about how you can avoid being ripped off by Cash4Gold.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Consumerist Consumed?
One of my favorite websites — Gawker Media's the Consumerist — has been bought by the company that owns Consumer Reports.
A story in the NYT says Consumer Reports is interested in attracting younger readers:
"It is also something of a logical fit. Consumerist is popular, with about 1.8 million unique visitors a month, according to the online measurement service Quantcast, but has had trouble attracting advertising because the site often criticizes companies."
I was worried that, like Consumer Reports' website, the Consumerist would becomes subscription-based (especially since the new owners won't be selling online ads) but the site's editors say content will remain free.
A story in the NYT says Consumer Reports is interested in attracting younger readers:
"It is also something of a logical fit. Consumerist is popular, with about 1.8 million unique visitors a month, according to the online measurement service Quantcast, but has had trouble attracting advertising because the site often criticizes companies."
I was worried that, like Consumer Reports' website, the Consumerist would becomes subscription-based (especially since the new owners won't be selling online ads) but the site's editors say content will remain free.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Retail, Robotic Pets, Revamping the Work Week
Sorry, internets, I know I've neglected you today. Over here at the Flyer, we've been working like little elves to get our various year ends/year begins issues out and ready to go before the office closes for the holidays.
It is exhausting.
At any rate, here are some interesting stories that you've probably already read, but if you didn't, here you go:
— The NYT had a story about Emeryville, California, yesterday, a town across the bay from San Fran that built its economy on being a retail mecca:
"It is also one of many American cities that hitched its wagon over the last several decades to what seemed like the limitless ability of American shoppers to spend money. Now that faith in the retail engine is being sorely tested. Consumer spending dropped 7.8 percent in November, according to the federal government, and many economists think it will fall further as consumers are buffeted by losses in the stock market, declines in home values and the unsettling fear that they may lose their jobs."
The town was once steel mills and factories and reinvented itself with retail after those industries left for other countries. The town banded together with a redevelopment agency, tax incentives, and a plan that basically gave land to developers. It was successful until this latest downturn, which has seen area businesses post declines and the city thinking of raising taxes.
— Slate has a story about the best robotic pet for Christmas. Now, to be honest, I don't really see the point in having a virtual pet when you could have a real pet, but between mountains of dog hair, crazyloud barking at anything more than dust, and, oh, crazyloud barking, I am beginning to come around to the idea of taking the batteries out of your pet when you're tired.
Writer Daniel Engber got the chance to petsit and realizes his membership "in a sad demographic that includes shiftless magazine editors, small children and senior citizens. We're the sorry lot that adores animals but is too lazy, uncoordinated, or inform to take care of them."
Engber surveyed a wide spectrum of robot/pets and had this to say:
"As much as I enjoyed the exercise, it soon became clear that at every price point, a robot pet can be described by its signature combination of essential robot qualities: It's annoying, disturbing, offensive, pathetic, or scary — or some mixture thereof. In the end, though, one fake animal whirred and purred his way into my heart."
It was the Pleo, which is an 8-inch-high, automated Camarasaurus. (Just to cut to the chase.)
(If you're looking for more of a robot doll — the kind for kids! — than a robot pet, click here.)
— More employers are looking to the four-day work week to cut costs. From BusinessWeek:
"Like many companies, Pella is looking to cut expenses because of the economic downturn. But instead of laying off more workers, the Iowa manufacturer of windows and doors is instituting a four-day workweek for about a third of its 3,900 employees. Chris Simpson, a senior vice-president at the company, acknowledges it's an unconventional move. But Pella believes the economy could turn around faster than most people expect, and it doesn't want to be caught short of experienced workers. "Our contention is, consumer confidence will rebound," says Simpson. "If there's a [government] stimulus package of some kind, we think people are going to respond."
It is exhausting.
At any rate, here are some interesting stories that you've probably already read, but if you didn't, here you go:
— The NYT had a story about Emeryville, California, yesterday, a town across the bay from San Fran that built its economy on being a retail mecca:
"It is also one of many American cities that hitched its wagon over the last several decades to what seemed like the limitless ability of American shoppers to spend money. Now that faith in the retail engine is being sorely tested. Consumer spending dropped 7.8 percent in November, according to the federal government, and many economists think it will fall further as consumers are buffeted by losses in the stock market, declines in home values and the unsettling fear that they may lose their jobs."
The town was once steel mills and factories and reinvented itself with retail after those industries left for other countries. The town banded together with a redevelopment agency, tax incentives, and a plan that basically gave land to developers. It was successful until this latest downturn, which has seen area businesses post declines and the city thinking of raising taxes.
— Slate has a story about the best robotic pet for Christmas. Now, to be honest, I don't really see the point in having a virtual pet when you could have a real pet, but between mountains of dog hair, crazyloud barking at anything more than dust, and, oh, crazyloud barking, I am beginning to come around to the idea of taking the batteries out of your pet when you're tired.
Writer Daniel Engber got the chance to petsit and realizes his membership "in a sad demographic that includes shiftless magazine editors, small children and senior citizens. We're the sorry lot that adores animals but is too lazy, uncoordinated, or inform to take care of them."
Engber surveyed a wide spectrum of robot/pets and had this to say:
"As much as I enjoyed the exercise, it soon became clear that at every price point, a robot pet can be described by its signature combination of essential robot qualities: It's annoying, disturbing, offensive, pathetic, or scary — or some mixture thereof. In the end, though, one fake animal whirred and purred his way into my heart."
It was the Pleo, which is an 8-inch-high, automated Camarasaurus. (Just to cut to the chase.)
(If you're looking for more of a robot doll — the kind for kids! — than a robot pet, click here.)
— More employers are looking to the four-day work week to cut costs. From BusinessWeek:
"Like many companies, Pella is looking to cut expenses because of the economic downturn. But instead of laying off more workers, the Iowa manufacturer of windows and doors is instituting a four-day workweek for about a third of its 3,900 employees. Chris Simpson, a senior vice-president at the company, acknowledges it's an unconventional move. But Pella believes the economy could turn around faster than most people expect, and it doesn't want to be caught short of experienced workers. "Our contention is, consumer confidence will rebound," says Simpson. "If there's a [government] stimulus package of some kind, we think people are going to respond."
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Metal Shop
I don't want to get all endorsementy on you, but if there is one recommendation I would make for your holiday gift giving, it is this:
The National Ornamental Metal Museum's gift shop.
I spent a few years writing Memphis magazine's Fabulous Finds column (which featured six retail products each month) and if there was one thing I could depend on, it was that when winter rolled around, I could find wonderful, inexpensive gift items at the metal museum to feature: ornaments, mirrors, jewelry, pendulums (pendula? Sometimes the dictionary is no help at all), and all sorts of things.
I even gifted myself a couple of times.
NEXT Sunday, December 7th, the museum will host a holiday open house from 12 to 5 p.m. Members who mention the sale will get a 20 percent discount in the gift shop; non-members will receive 10 percent off. Holiday treats will also be provided throughout the day.
For more information on the museum or its classes (register by December 14th and get $50 off), click here.
The National Ornamental Metal Museum's gift shop.
I spent a few years writing Memphis magazine's Fabulous Finds column (which featured six retail products each month) and if there was one thing I could depend on, it was that when winter rolled around, I could find wonderful, inexpensive gift items at the metal museum to feature: ornaments, mirrors, jewelry, pendulums (pendula? Sometimes the dictionary is no help at all), and all sorts of things.
I even gifted myself a couple of times.
NEXT Sunday, December 7th, the museum will host a holiday open house from 12 to 5 p.m. Members who mention the sale will get a 20 percent discount in the gift shop; non-members will receive 10 percent off. Holiday treats will also be provided throughout the day.
For more information on the museum or its classes (register by December 14th and get $50 off), click here.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Divine Update
Divine Mafa, the owner of Divine Rags, has changed his mind, as Katy Perry would say, "like a girl changes clothes."
Clothing shop Divine Rags, which has been open on South Main Street for some time now, was scheduled to close and relocate to Germantown's Saddle Creek.
The store has opened a location in Saddle Creek but Mafa has decided to keep the Downtown location for now, as well.
Just so you know.
Clothing shop Divine Rags, which has been open on South Main Street for some time now, was scheduled to close and relocate to Germantown's Saddle Creek.
The store has opened a location in Saddle Creek but Mafa has decided to keep the Downtown location for now, as well.
Just so you know.
Black Friday Bingo
Good morning, Black Friday shoppers!
The Consumerist, one of my favorite websites, has created a handy-dandy Black Friday Bingo Card.
It includes spaces for crying children, shoplifting, sold-out deals, overflowing parking lots, and all the other things you see and experience on the biggest shopping day of the year.
Play with your friends!
Or make your own bingo card online here.
The Consumerist, one of my favorite websites, has created a handy-dandy Black Friday Bingo Card.
It includes spaces for crying children, shoplifting, sold-out deals, overflowing parking lots, and all the other things you see and experience on the biggest shopping day of the year.
Play with your friends!
Or make your own bingo card online here.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tips for the Time
My second favorite holiday is this week: Black Friday, the time where generations of American families come together to get up at the crack of dawn, wait out in a dark Wal-mart parking lot for some poor, unfortunate soul to open up the automatic doors, and then trample inside like a pack of wild dogs intent on getting the cheapest presents possible. Even if it means ripping it out of someone else's hands.
(It kind of reminds me of roller derby.)
At any rate, the MPD has sent out a list of helpful tips to start the season. You can find the full list at the MPD's website, but I've picked out a few:
— When possible, shop during daylight hours.
— Dress casually and comfortably (ed: This is just practical. I mean, you wouldn't run a marathon in high heels, would you? No, not unless you were Kelly Ripa.)
— Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Keep cash in your front pocket.
— Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card if possible. (Your financial advisors would tell you the exact opposite. Well, except for the carrying large amount of cash part. They'd probably agree with MPD there)
— Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason (Same as any other time of year, really)
— When driving, keep all car doors locked and window closed while in or out of your car.
— Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows (That's if you can find a parking space at all)
— Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.
— Be sure to locate your keys before going to your car. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
— When leaving home for an extended period of time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
— Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
— Donate to a recognized charitable organization (I like this one. I think they mean as opposed to donating to a charity you've never heard of, but a little good karma at this time of year can't hurt.)
In the event you need to contact the police, call 545-COPS for non-emergencies or 911 for emergencies.
(It kind of reminds me of roller derby.)
At any rate, the MPD has sent out a list of helpful tips to start the season. You can find the full list at the MPD's website, but I've picked out a few:
— When possible, shop during daylight hours.
— Dress casually and comfortably (ed: This is just practical. I mean, you wouldn't run a marathon in high heels, would you? No, not unless you were Kelly Ripa.)
— Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Keep cash in your front pocket.
— Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card if possible. (Your financial advisors would tell you the exact opposite. Well, except for the carrying large amount of cash part. They'd probably agree with MPD there)
— Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason (Same as any other time of year, really)
— When driving, keep all car doors locked and window closed while in or out of your car.
— Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows (That's if you can find a parking space at all)
— Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.
— Be sure to locate your keys before going to your car. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
— When leaving home for an extended period of time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
— Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
— Donate to a recognized charitable organization (I like this one. I think they mean as opposed to donating to a charity you've never heard of, but a little good karma at this time of year can't hurt.)
In the event you need to contact the police, call 545-COPS for non-emergencies or 911 for emergencies.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Local Love
You'll have to excuse us for saying so, but the Flyer has always been a bargain. Now we're bringing readers — and retailers — even more of a deal.
The Flyer is asking readers to pledge to spend $100 at locally owned shops this holiday season. In exchange, readers will receive weekly emails with "deals and steals" from area retailers.
"Right now, when the economy is what it is, it makes sense for people to try to spend locally as frequently as they can," says Penelope Huston Baer, Flyer advertising director. "We know it might be convenient to shop online or to shop the 'Big Boxes,' but if you do so, fewer of your dollars stay in the community."
According to Civic Economics, 68 cents of every dollar spent at a locally owned business stays in the community versus 43 cents if that same dollars is spent at a national chain.
If 1,000 people pledge to spend $100 at locally owned stores, the economic impact is $25,000 greater than if they had spent that same $100 at a national chain.
"We're not trying to encourage people to spend money they don't have," Huston Baer says. "Part of what we're telling everyone is to spend responsibly. But if you're going to spend, spend locally. It means so much to the community."
Shopping locally can also encompass area artists markets, consignment shops, and antique stores.
"I was talking with a local retailer and she said that she felt like so many people in Memphis wear the 'I shop in New York' as a badge of honor: 'I got this in Miami,' 'I got this in New York.' She wanted people to be proud so say they got something in Memphis," Huston Baer says.
"We're just trying to help our readers and our retailers find each other."
To make the pledge and get signed up to receive great deals, email "I pledge" to shoplocal@memphisflyer.com.
Here's a list off the top of my head of local retailers (this is by no means all encompassing; it's what we call a start. And, yes, I alphabetized it.):
Baer's Den
Burke's Books
Celery
Divine Rags
Ella, Eve, and Isabella
Eye-Con
Gestures
Goulds
Graham's Lighting Fixtures
Indigo
James Davis
Joseph
Lansky Bros. and Lansky 126 (which, btw, is actually having an expansion party and sale TODAY!)
Lux
Kittie Kyle
Mango Street Baby
Mednikow
Mode du Jour
Mona Spa
Muse
Oak Hall
Peria
Reverie
Runway Boutique
Satchi
Wink
Zoe
The Flyer is asking readers to pledge to spend $100 at locally owned shops this holiday season. In exchange, readers will receive weekly emails with "deals and steals" from area retailers.
"Right now, when the economy is what it is, it makes sense for people to try to spend locally as frequently as they can," says Penelope Huston Baer, Flyer advertising director. "We know it might be convenient to shop online or to shop the 'Big Boxes,' but if you do so, fewer of your dollars stay in the community."
According to Civic Economics, 68 cents of every dollar spent at a locally owned business stays in the community versus 43 cents if that same dollars is spent at a national chain.
If 1,000 people pledge to spend $100 at locally owned stores, the economic impact is $25,000 greater than if they had spent that same $100 at a national chain.
"We're not trying to encourage people to spend money they don't have," Huston Baer says. "Part of what we're telling everyone is to spend responsibly. But if you're going to spend, spend locally. It means so much to the community."
Shopping locally can also encompass area artists markets, consignment shops, and antique stores.
"I was talking with a local retailer and she said that she felt like so many people in Memphis wear the 'I shop in New York' as a badge of honor: 'I got this in Miami,' 'I got this in New York.' She wanted people to be proud so say they got something in Memphis," Huston Baer says.
"We're just trying to help our readers and our retailers find each other."
To make the pledge and get signed up to receive great deals, email "I pledge" to shoplocal@memphisflyer.com.
Here's a list off the top of my head of local retailers (this is by no means all encompassing; it's what we call a start. And, yes, I alphabetized it.):
Baer's Den
Burke's Books
Celery
Divine Rags
Ella, Eve, and Isabella
Eye-Con
Gestures
Goulds
Graham's Lighting Fixtures
Indigo
James Davis
Joseph
Lansky Bros. and Lansky 126 (which, btw, is actually having an expansion party and sale TODAY!)
Lux
Kittie Kyle
Mango Street Baby
Mednikow
Mode du Jour
Mona Spa
Muse
Oak Hall
Peria
Reverie
Runway Boutique
Satchi
Wink
Zoe
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Who's Calling Your Wallet?
Cell phones are generally as small as or smaller than a wallet; now they're replacing them altogether.
USAToday had a story yesterday about how more than 50 million people in Japan — about half the country's cellphone users — have phones that double as a wallet.
From the story:
"Japan has pioneered not just the technology but also the business models that will pave the way for wallet phones to become a standard payment method in the future. Some 700 million people worldwide are expected to own such phones by 2013. ...
Success in Japan and in trials abroad have shown that the technology is ready for cellphones to replace credit cards, cash as well as serve as transportation and movie tickets and electronic keys for homes and offices."
The story notes that people already carry their cellphones with them everywhere they go and a financial function would be quite handy. It doesn't mention much about security — and as a person who is often misplacing her phone, that would be important — but says that Nokia has started selling wallet phones but growth is hampered by "costs stemming from an extra chip needed in phones for data security."
USAToday had a story yesterday about how more than 50 million people in Japan — about half the country's cellphone users — have phones that double as a wallet.
From the story:
"Japan has pioneered not just the technology but also the business models that will pave the way for wallet phones to become a standard payment method in the future. Some 700 million people worldwide are expected to own such phones by 2013. ...
Success in Japan and in trials abroad have shown that the technology is ready for cellphones to replace credit cards, cash as well as serve as transportation and movie tickets and electronic keys for homes and offices."
The story notes that people already carry their cellphones with them everywhere they go and a financial function would be quite handy. It doesn't mention much about security — and as a person who is often misplacing her phone, that would be important — but says that Nokia has started selling wallet phones but growth is hampered by "costs stemming from an extra chip needed in phones for data security."
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I <3 the NYT
People who know me know I'm basically a 12-year-old girl.
There's the candy obsession, the talking on the phone, the music. Seriously. If anyone ever saw my Netflix list or iTunes library, I would prolly be embarrassed (even tho I'm basically admitting as such to the internets right now).
But I'm not the only one.
The NYT has a totally precious story about Fred Flare, a retailer that urges its customers to "Stay cute!"
The story's writer initially tries to resist the shopgirls' cheeriness at Fred Flare's Brooklyn store:
"They were like human text messages from Smurfland, and they were freaking me out.
There's the candy obsession, the talking on the phone, the music. Seriously. If anyone ever saw my Netflix list or iTunes library, I would prolly be embarrassed (even tho I'm basically admitting as such to the internets right now).
But I'm not the only one.
The NYT has a totally precious story about Fred Flare, a retailer that urges its customers to "Stay cute!"
The story's writer initially tries to resist the shopgirls' cheeriness at Fred Flare's Brooklyn store:
"They were like human text messages from Smurfland, and they were freaking me out.
I was afraid they were going to turn and direct their happiness onto me like a laser, so I tried to ignore them by pretending to study a display of handmade teddy bears ($85) as if I were at the National Archives. The bears resembled sock monkeys and had funny, simple faces. One had a red yarny lopsided mouth. I let out a small involuntary guffaw, and within minutes I felt my little blackened, coal-size heart grow and become warm and fuzzy. They were just sooo CUTE!"
(The story also includes a picture of said bears, which are really cute, although $85 seems a little high.)
I know we're not in Brooklyn, so the store's website is here. Last year, I got a necklace from them that was a tiny silver joystick and it always makes me laugh when I wear it.
And for you non-12-year-old girls out there, here are some other NYT stories you might be interested in (just so you don't think I'm totally frivolous):
— A Town Drowns in Debt as Home Values Plunge. In Mountain House, California, 90 percent of homeowners owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. Yikes.
— For South, a Waning Hold on Politics. Self-explanatory, I think.
— How East River Bridges Stayed Toll-Free. With New York looking at a growing budget deficit, the city is thinking about reinstating bridge tolls.
Friday, June 13, 2008
In style, second-hand
The NYT really loves resale.
Today, there's another story about resale stores — this time, high-end consignment shops — enjoying a boost:
"In recent months, high-end designer resale shops have been the beneficiaries of a subtle shift in consumer thinking, as fashion lovers, even those who can afford to splurge, reassess their priorities. Unsettled by continuing recession fears and the soaring prices of designer clothes, and assailed by queasy consciences as well, many find these shops a way to update their wardrobes without seriously denting their bank accounts — or their sense of social propriety."
The story leads with National Audubon Society staffer who has a closet full of designer labels and describes herself as a "major environmentalist." Not surprisingly, she feels a little guilty about being such a consumer.
I definitely relate (altho not with the designer part, sadly) but with the inner war between wanting to buy something pretty and wanting to curb my usage. Pretty usually wins most of the time. (It definitely has in recent weeks.)
My favorite consignment store locally, though I haven't been there in quite some time, is Celery on Brookhaven Circle. If you want to find cute clothes and shoes without feeling guilty about your carbon footprint, it's worth checking out.
One of my favorite shirts is from there, and I also got a cute goldeny skirt suit from there. (Of course, that was before I realized I look all sorts of awful in shades of yellow, creams, and gold, and that I mostly hate skirts. Hmm, it's just sitting in my closet — I wonder if I could reconsign it to them.)
Today, there's another story about resale stores — this time, high-end consignment shops — enjoying a boost:
"In recent months, high-end designer resale shops have been the beneficiaries of a subtle shift in consumer thinking, as fashion lovers, even those who can afford to splurge, reassess their priorities. Unsettled by continuing recession fears and the soaring prices of designer clothes, and assailed by queasy consciences as well, many find these shops a way to update their wardrobes without seriously denting their bank accounts — or their sense of social propriety."
The story leads with National Audubon Society staffer who has a closet full of designer labels and describes herself as a "major environmentalist." Not surprisingly, she feels a little guilty about being such a consumer.
I definitely relate (altho not with the designer part, sadly) but with the inner war between wanting to buy something pretty and wanting to curb my usage. Pretty usually wins most of the time. (It definitely has in recent weeks.)
My favorite consignment store locally, though I haven't been there in quite some time, is Celery on Brookhaven Circle. If you want to find cute clothes and shoes without feeling guilty about your carbon footprint, it's worth checking out.
One of my favorite shirts is from there, and I also got a cute goldeny skirt suit from there. (Of course, that was before I realized I look all sorts of awful in shades of yellow, creams, and gold, and that I mostly hate skirts. Hmm, it's just sitting in my closet — I wonder if I could reconsign it to them.)
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Thrifty Business
When I was in high school, I spent whole weekends at thrift stores. Partly because hostessing didn't pay that well, and partly because to find the comfiest, best worn-in mens' cut jeans, you needed ones that had actually been worn in by actual men. (Yes, the more holes the better. Remind me to tell you about the time I got sent to the principal's office because my knees were distracting the other pupils.)
Once I even found the most perfect pair of knee-high western-inspired boots (that I still have, had to get them re-soled and everything).
Anyway, I was interested to see a story in the NYT yesterday about the re-emergence of thrift stores. Apparently the industry is growing at a rate of 5 percent a year.
Of course, the story ties thrifts' popularity to the economy. There's no doubt that thrift stores and consignment shops are a bargain, but I wonder if the green movement plays any part in the industry's growth. People trying to live low-impact or no-impact don't buy anything new.
Coincidentally, yesterday I talked to Nikki Douglas, the owner of Hi-Octane, new vintage store in Cooper-Young. Her store sounds really cool — you can read about it here — and she talked about both the affordability and the environmentally friendly aspect of shopping there, not to mention the cool factor.
"When you buy vintage," she said, "you're buying recycling. You're keeping clothes in the chain and keeping them out of the dumpster."
And there are some things — like knee-high wester-inspired boots or whatever the current equivalent is — that are just too cool to go in the dumpster.
Once I even found the most perfect pair of knee-high western-inspired boots (that I still have, had to get them re-soled and everything).
Anyway, I was interested to see a story in the NYT yesterday about the re-emergence of thrift stores. Apparently the industry is growing at a rate of 5 percent a year.
Of course, the story ties thrifts' popularity to the economy. There's no doubt that thrift stores and consignment shops are a bargain, but I wonder if the green movement plays any part in the industry's growth. People trying to live low-impact or no-impact don't buy anything new.
Coincidentally, yesterday I talked to Nikki Douglas, the owner of Hi-Octane, new vintage store in Cooper-Young. Her store sounds really cool — you can read about it here — and she talked about both the affordability and the environmentally friendly aspect of shopping there, not to mention the cool factor.
"When you buy vintage," she said, "you're buying recycling. You're keeping clothes in the chain and keeping them out of the dumpster."
And there are some things — like knee-high wester-inspired boots or whatever the current equivalent is — that are just too cool to go in the dumpster.
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