Ongoing Poll says Tuxedos are OK

Posted on April 9, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

Despite infighting and political agendas an ongoing eWedNewz poll shows support for the men’s formal wear rental business. After Years of decline tuxedo rentals have shifted towards purchases, as consumers become hesitant to pay close to $200 dollars to rent products worn by their father decades ago.  But things may be changing, as new blood, ownership and ideas enter the business.

 

Sources on Twitter blame years of decline on lack of innovation. The tuxedo is getting a much needed facelift in the months ahead.

 

Over the off-season the nation’s largest tuxedo wholesaler, Jim’s Formal Wear, sold a majority stake in their business to an outside firm that is not from the tuxedo business  bringing a fresh, new approach to running the company. eWedNewz has learned Jim’s is still run under the guidance of the Davis family but updated with business views of the partners.

eWedNewz is watching other major tuxedo organizations overhaul their business, expected to offer better products at better prices– what the consumer has been looking for, all along.

Currently 77% of respondents collectively say the tuxedo business is holding steady (23%) or is ready for a comeback (54%). 14% of respondents say the business is dying while 3% feel it’s dead (down from close to 10% a few months back). 6% say they’re not sure.

The positive information obtained from true expert sources in the formal wear business conflicts with data released by IBISWorld that says the tuxedo business is slated to shrink in the next five years.

What do you think?

 

 

 

 

 

eWedNewz

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2013

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Data, eWedNewz, General News, Men's formal wear, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Ralph Lauren, The Groom, tuxedos, Uncategorized

Infighting, Fragmentation and Fighting in the Tuxedo Business Could Hamper Comeback

Posted on April 4, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

eWedNewz is watching a developing story with conflicting information to a recent resurgence of the men’s formal wear business. Tuxedo rentals have been in decline for over a decade and saw the closure of several founding companies including After Six.

 

When a customer walks into a tuxedo rental store they don’t know how old the garment is.

The original After Six company founded in 1902 made tuxedos in Philadelphia until it went out of business in 1993. The name bounced around the industry for decades after the original company closed and was even owned by the Allstate Insurance company (after Six 2 Baltimore 1994-1996) and the Sequa corporation (After Six 3 1996-2009), among other short-term ownership. What remains are products created years ago that still appear on many websites and showrooms across America, tainting the use of rented tuxedo.

 

According to IBISWorld spending is supposed to increase in various parts of wedding planning industries but the tuxedo business is expected to shrink in the next five-years.

 

51% of an ongoing poll so-far says the tuxedo rental industry is set for a comeback. Together with 26% who say the rental business is holding steady giving a 76% positive rating as opposed to 13% of respondents who feel the tuxedo rental business is dying; 3% say it’s already dead, giving a 16% negative view. 7% say they’re not sure.

Recent blogs by long-time wedding and event planners say the tuxedo business is due for a comeback, ready to service a new generation of users following young role model entertainers adorning the updated threads.

Forces opposing the comeback includes fragmentation in the tuxedo rental business. Lagging behind in technology,  presentation in stores and online. Word of suspect products that have been around for decades is reaching the consumer who are cautious and more aware about  what they’re wearing.  Internet searches for new items find updated styles by Vera Wang and Tony Bowls. New fit and softer fabrics attract new users who are willing to spend upwards of $200 dollars to rent the latest designs. Yet the traditional part of the tuxedo rental business remains stuck in price-wars fighting one another with old merchandise, old ideas and a very arrogant attitude.

Currently there are at least four recognized organizations in the tuxedo business: IFA, SIFA, Tuxedo Junction and SAVVI, each with their own membership, views and approach on marketing. A visit with some of the spokespeople in each of the organizations this week admitted personality conflicts and differences of opinion.

“That’s why there are so many different organizations in the business. There are some very strong personalities with prideful views who aren’t willing to work together,” said one member of the IFA, the original formal wear organization.

Quietly, each organization said they were formed to encourage manufacturers. In reality groups were formed to beat up manufacturers on price and getting them to sponsor outdated, unnecessary trade shows and offset  marketing/advertising expenses. Equally as quiet all groups say they’re focused on trying to keep pace with their biggest competitor.

Men’s Wearhouse hit a homerun with Vera Wang this season. A new arrangement brings the Calvin Klein brand exclusively to Men’s Wearhouse next year, after the tuxedo business did not (or could not) support the brand. eWedNewz watches as more announcements are made that can help the business– if retailers  realize the power of new, branded products are what customers are looking for– and don’t mind paying for them.

As far as IBISWorld data, eWedNewz got the company to re-visit flawed data given by the research firm to TheStreet.com that said Men’s Wearhouse rented one out of two tuxedos in the United States at the time of the story release in May, 2011.

 What do you think? Are tuxedo rentals back? Were they ever gone? Or are they ready to be buried?

 

eWedNewz

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2013

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Calvin Klein, Caterers, Data, eWedNewz, Florists, General News, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Photography, Poll, Ralph Lauren, Swimwear & Bridal Stores, The Groom, tuxedos, Vera Wang Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hey Brooks Brothers are you OK?

Posted on March 13, 2013 Written by 1 Comment

By Paul Pannone

Founded in 1818 as a family business, Brooks Brothers is the oldest men’s clothier chain in the United States. The private company has been owned by Retail Brand Alliance since 2001 and is headquartered on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, New York City. During its rich history the company gave such notables like Ralph Lauren their start. The iconic company’s legacy is secure in history but a closer look shows the difficulty of executing their long-standing tradition in the current economic environment isn’t easy.

At $135 dollars Brooks Brother Supima Twill dress shirt gives their customers what they want and what the company is known for.

Known for their quality, choice of fabric materials and construction Brooks Brothers products appeals to an older generation who know good from bad. But in a current market where H & M is the benchmark, it’s getting harder to justify the price of a suit, shirt or accessory– or even shopping at one of their conservative stores.

Personal experience and preference often takes us into one of the stores just to see where they’re at. At around $100 dollars for a simple shirt it’s a stretch to justify a purchase save for only the most important occasion. It’s sometimes OK to splurge and get something for yourself and not bother to look at the price-tag. But for everyday clothes there are options. As a base Brooks Brothers still appeals to successful Wall Street and other financial professionals, doctors, lawyers, etc.  But in today’s economy it’s doubtful the market is growing with any kind of robust, measurable scale.

According to men’s apparel veterans and fashion watchers, including Paul Eilenberg, the company gets it right 95% of the time. But in their search and struggle to appeal to a new customer breaking tradition is a painful process to watch. This week we saw the  latest attempt ; it was like painfully watching Santa Clause trying to break dance.

At $675 dollars I want to meet and interview the guy that buys this outfit from the new Fleece collection.

eWedNewz got a look at what Eilenberg identified as the 5% this week and wondered how things really are at Brooks Brothers.  On Twitter, one of many gauges we look at these days, the company boasts a formidable 31, 500 followers. H & M has 1.8 million. Yes, we know, two totally different markets. But we also don’t see H & M trying to be the conservative company Brooks Brothers is known for.

What do you think?

When shopping for a simple dress shirt, how much would you spend?

eWedNewz

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2013

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Economic news, General News, Ralph Lauren, retail, Uncategorized Tagged: , , , , , ,

An Angel among Wedding Planner Thieves

Posted on February 22, 2013 Written by 1 Comment

By Paul Pannone

 

The top story this week paralleled the wedding business to the sinking ship, Titanic, including staunch believers that everything old will become new again, just like the rich passengers that didn’t bother to heed the warning of impending danger the night the unsinkable ship sank.

Negative response to the coverage on Social Networks was overshadowed by members of the wedding business who say they’re fed up with a catty business where opinionated, self-proclaimed experts purport their views as authoritative information and aspire to “teach” the others why they’re not as successful as they are.   But truth be told, a closer look at many of the worst offenders shows their own house in disarray with a list of failures along the way.

This week members of the Wedding Water Cooler discussed  the usual array of topics but focused on the rising unrest in the wedding business due to more competition and growing economic concerns. According to the discussions part of the trouble is pinpointed to the common approach of inflicting opinion as fact. In discussions wedding planners– some not all– are seen as overbearing, over-confident and downright nasty, giving all planners a negative persona from the start. But, like we said, some– not all.

Wendy Hartigan owner of Wendy’s Affairs of Heart is a Wedding Planner based in Philadelphia who is committed to ensuring that the needs of every bride are met. With years in the bridal industry, Wendy truly understands the ins and outs of how to create a beautiful wedding. As the Wedding Planner Extraordinaire, Wendy turns the dreams of every bride into a reality.

 

 

Among the Angels is Wendy Hartigan a planner from the Philadelphia region. Wendy’s Affairs of the Heart was founded by Hartigan. Ms. Hartigan’s background is in restaurant management and events planning. She also has experience in sales, design and construction of wedding gowns and has done some backstage theater work — costume design and construction and dressing.

According to Hartigan,” The day is about the bride, not about the wedding planner. I get satisfaction from seeing a perfect day and a happy bride.”

According to sources who know Wendy, she may be “Too nice”, lacking the aloofness that is reported a standard among event planners. When eWedNewz confronted Hartigan with the statement she blew off the  idea as nonsense and replied;

“I intend to keep working my tail off for the bride and making sure I do everything I can to make sure she gets the day she’s always dreamed of.”

Hartigan’s tenacious approach is admired and respected by peers and other members of the Wedding Water Cooler group who understand the adversities she faces on her unorthodox path– of actually caring. eWedNewz caught up with Hartigan this week, blogging about the return of the tuxedo. After years of decline updated styles and fabrics caught Hartigan’s attention so she decided to write about some of the changes; but not in the usual planner way.

 

Lauren Ralph Lauren tuxedos

When wedding planners use tuxedos all are familiar with the Ralph Lauren brand.

 

“When I want factual information and the latest products I go to the experts in their field, not try to concoct an opinion and pawn it off as fact,” says Hartigan.

In her post The Best Dressed Groom she covers all the latest information about current tuxedo styles and gets applause from major fashion sources in the wedding business, including Bridal Gide VP Jim Duhe. Duhe, an avid supporter of tuxedo rentals, who has spent most of his career trying to help the failing tux rental business, had this to say about Hartigan’s post in the Cooler discussions:

“Oh My God! I must be in the Twilight Zone — or maybe I’m dreaming — or maybe I’ve crossed over. Wendy, you did an amazing job.  Please accept this in the spirit in which it’s offered.  I can’t recall the last time I complimented ANYONE about a feature on tuxedos.”

Duhe’s obvious snub to this reporter who comes from the tuxedo rental business arrives after years of “encouragement” to speak up about tuxedo rentals and what a lousy job everyone– manufacturers, retailers and fashion editors– have done to promote their use to consumers. But after asking for current information about the latest fit and styles, Wendy Hartigan was able to pull a fantastic post together that tells the truth and cannot be dismissed by competitors who say people get paid to say nice things about branded formal wear.

Wendy Hartigan tells eWedNewz she will continue to fight for her wedding couple clients in her local market and chastise planners who make it about them– all while applauding others who share her sentiments to put the bride first, last and everywhere in between.

 

eWedNewz

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2013

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, eWedNewz Exclusive, General News, Men's formal wear, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Ralph Lauren, retail, The Groom, tuxedos, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Better Fabrics, Recognized Brands and Listening to Consumers Can Stop the Tuxedo Slide

Posted on November 12, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

An ongoing eWednewZ investigation shows the decline in interest of old-style tuxedos using scratchy wool and outdated brand names. The stigma of old tuxedo products gives way to newer, updated products in slimmer fit, softer fabrics and name brands that stand the test of time.  But the newZ comes as non-information to most manufacturers who’ve argued their point with retailers refusing to change with the times. Some say they’re done discussing the matter and are simply moving towards what consumers want.

The tuxedo business is mainly composed of men’s stores or people who worked in men’s apparel sales and discovered the lucrative side of buying a rental unit and turning it dozens (we’re being kind) of times. But as time passed and the interests of consumers changed the business wasn’t able to change fast enough.

In September eWedNewz reported how the endless debate of whether to rent or buy a tuxedo became simpler. The recent launch of a new, modern-fit retail product by Ralph Lauren, caters to the growing shift towards owning formal wear. Led by data that shows the rising interest over the past several years retailers across the country say they’ve seen growth in selling retails products.

There has not been a new Oscar de la Renta tuxedo made in nearly a decade. But Oscar de la Renta products continue to be rented, along with other outdated items in stores and over the internet.

Independent retailers, including a member of Savvi, say retail has spiked up but some are still hesitant to invest in products that won’t turn as fast as rental goods. Other cons against carrying retail items includes there is no supplier making a great product or stocking it. Some told eWedNewz they were unaware of new products hitting the market in January.

In contrast bridal stores say they’re interested in carrying better branded products, especially in the Lauren name. According to some bridal store owners the opportunity of using the name far offsets the cost of carrying the products in their stores.

“That’s because they understand their markets and have much more competition in their industry than tuxedo people do, ” according to Jim Duhe.

Duhe supports tuxedo sales in stores, including bridal shops, saying its an opportunity to boost revenue from a new stream. Duhe and others say consumers who want to buy branded, better-quality formal wear, are forced to visit department stores, possibly giving up a higher-level of service given by smaller boutique-specialty stores.

An ongoing poll by eWedNewz shows 48% of respondents so far rather rent their formal wear. 38% say they want to own their formal wear. 10% say they rather rent old tuxedos for a cheaper price.

What do you say?

 

 

 eWedNewz

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2012

Filed Under: Bridal Guide Magazine, Data, eWedNewz, General News, Men's formal wear, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Poll, Promotions, Ralph Lauren, retail, The Groom, tuxedos, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , , ,

Ralph Lauren to drop Rugby; looks to Retail for Future Growth, Tuxedos Included

Posted on November 5, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

An ongoing eWedNewz story following moves at Ralph Lauren shows the company plans to invest in retail as a future growth engine.  The company said they’ve approved a plan to discontinue its Rugby brand operations “in order to focus resources on higher growth, more scalable global opportunities with the core Ralph Lauren brand.” The company will close 14 stores and the e-commerce site over the balance of fiscal 2013 while continuing to follow long-term growth objectives that will utilize e-commerce platforms. According to a company statement emphasis will move towards its own retail operations rather than wholesale.

Ralph Lauren bids adieu to Rugby and focuses more on retail operations.

 

The Lauren brand remains strong in every market world-wide and continues to perform well for companies that carry the best recognized brand in apparel.  For that reason retail becomes a prime area of growth for a tired tuxedo industry that has declined for at least a decade if not longer.

In an ongoing investigation old, expired licensing arrangements and fictitious names has driven more men to invest in their formal wear instead of renting outdated merchandise. Recent launch of new Ralph Lauren super-fine formal wear is helping to settle the age-old debate of whether to own or rent tuxedos. Cuttings are in place for an early 2013 arrival for retailers who understand the power of the Ralph Lauren brand.

According to FLOW Formal, the holder of the licensing agreement to make Ralph Lauren formal wear, the brand will be placed in better stores who meet the qualifications and will treat the brand with due respect. Included are selected formal wear, men’s and bridal stores.

 

 

eWedNewz

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Filed Under: Celebrity, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Ralph Lauren, The Groom, tuxedos Tagged: , , , ,

Ralph Lauren Retail Tuxedos to hit Stores in January

Posted on October 16, 2012 Written by 1 Comment

By Paul Pannone

eWedNewz has learned shipments for Ralph Lauren retail coats and pants will arrive in stores by mid January, 2013, in time for the peak wedding season. Inquiries for the products have grown steadily since the Lauren retail line was released in Chicago and has moved the program forward very quickly.

 

Some store will not qualify to carry the Lauren brand but products will be available in better stores in all categories. eWedNewz has also learned Lauren products will be part of an exclusive arrangement with selected bridal shops throughout the United States.

 

The debate of whether men should rent or own their formal wear was simplified with the simple words RALPH LAUREN, as smarter bridal stores owners pick up on the marketability of the brand. But besides the name the fineness of the fabric that must meet the expectations of the Lauren standards caught the attention of buyers in Chicago. Add to the mix it’s a separates program– sans the stigma of the wording– and there is opportunity for retail store owners in the men’s tuxedo, men’s retail and bridal store categories to boost their profit margin.

Bridal store owners at Chicago and New York bridal markets  say they’re especially excited to be able to advertise Ralph Lauren and garner easy sales at $696 – $796 MSRP, as an after-sale to brides they sell dresses for thousands of dollars.

100% cotton shirts and boxed set accessories in Ralph Lauren have  arrived in time for the Christmas selling season and are available for immediate shipment.

 

To order Ralph Lauren products for your store or find where they are available if you’re a consumer  please call

1-800-366-4300, ask for Dawn.

eWedNewz

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2012

Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Bridal Shops, General News, Men's formal wear, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ralph Lauren, retail Tagged: , ,

eWedNewz Exclusive: Bridal Guide To Support Small Bridal Businesses with Free Advertising

Posted on October 15, 2012 Written by 3 Comments

By Paul Pannone

eWedNewz has learned that Bridal Guide Magazine has partnered with several  major suppliers to give specific products to selected retailers throughout the United States. The campaign will include advertising and support in print, on their website and social media channels, creating consumer awareness and traffic to stores that carry the products; all for nothing.

 

Bridal Guide announces a focused program in print and digital to create demand and traffic for small bridal retailers in the United States. The cost; nothing.

 

The move comes after years of decline for small businesses who cannot afford to advertise or have become too confused between print and digital and have simply stopped trying.

“I’ve been reading your coverage of the problems facing small businesses. We’re going to make it very easy for retailers to make strong buying decisions and give their business to manufacturers who deserve their support,” according to Jim Duhe of Bridal Guide.

Bridal Guide has good magazine newsstand sales and strong traffic on their website totaling millions of viewers a year. In addition the magazine has built a strong social media following that continues to grow.

Details and specifics of the deal were not disclosed but Duhe told eWedNewz he has an understanding with several partners including a major dress-maker and about 25 retailers across the United States. According to Duhe the program is a giveaway worth a substantial amount of free publicity and advertising for those selected.

eWedNewz has the exclusive on the story and will give details as they happen.

eWedNewz

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Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Anti Fairy Dust, Breaking Newz, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Guide Magazine, Bridal Magazines, Current Events, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, General News, Jewelry, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Publications, Ralph Lauren, retail, Same-sex marriage, The Groom, The Internet, tuxedos, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry, wedding websites

The Week of October 1st in Review

Posted on October 6, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

The release of a new retail program under the world-class Ralph Lauren label in Chicago helps settle the endless debate of whether to rent or own a tuxedo, giving consumers the option to do both. Until now there has not been a comprehensive retail program with a recognized brand that offers the flexibility of separate coat and pant sizing in finer fabric and affordable pricing.

The launch at the Bridal Market, Chicago, attracted the attention of better bridal store owners who deal in branded products for dresses and understand how to leverage the recognized names for higher profit margins.

Consumers searching for pricing information drove up a story released in June involving the average price of a wedding dress. Information provided by TheKnot showed the average cost holds steady at around $1,100 dollars nationally.

Print organizations work harder than ever to give advertisers value beyond magazines, melding print with digital. Magazine are proving data and information to their readers and advertisers to give a better understand of the market and what consumers are interested in.

 

 

eWedNewz

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, eWedNewz, facts and figures, General News, Men's formal wear, Promotions, Proms, Publications, Ralph Lauren, Research, retail, The Groom, The Week in Review, tuxedos, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Small Independents Vanishing; Unable- or Unwilling– to Change

Posted on October 4, 2012 Written by 5 Comments

By Paul Pannone

Times are tough are about to get tougher, especially for small, independent business owners that have fallen behind or have simply given up the fight.

Through the use of new technology business has actually gotten simpler for those businesses that can fund the move. The path to streamlining technology is not easy for small businesses, including the least likely. When you think of Hollywood, films and everything associated to the world of movies the average person thinks there are millions of dollars and huge profits for any business remotely connected with the business. Nothing is further from the truth, especially for small theaters, struggling through a shift towards digital.

According to a story by KOB.com;

“Some small, independent theaters created a cooperative, the Cinema Buying Group, to pool their resources and participate in the industry program, but the cooperative also required a review of each theater’s financial strength and other factors. Many of the smallest theaters didn’t qualify or were hesitant to join.”

Discussions with business owners of all sizes agree smaller operators are hesitant, even suspicious of anything new or progressive. Many are reluctant to put their trust in anything that might help their business. Most mention the ocean of information and are not sure where to put their resources.

In the wedding business owners shy away from putting resources into third-party advertising. Mistrust, poor performance and general negativity are diverting resources into in-house promotions using free Social Networking tools.

 

Collezione Fortuna means a fortunate or lucky collection. Like many smaller stores Collezione Fortuna began in humble  surroundings. Today success comes from continual change and keeping up with ever-growing consumer expectations.

 

In a post by Collezione Fortuna Social Networking is said to be growing and working for smaller operators.

“Social networking is becoming more powerful that ever.  Ask your customers how they are finding you.Most of mine have been through Google, my Website, and other Social Network sites, my blog, ect., and of course “word of mouth” referrals.  Most of these advertising tools are free or cost very little money..and network as much as you can, especially in circles that relate to your business.”

But as powerful as Social Networking is, experts tell eWedNewz it’s probably a mistake for small independents to hire minimum wage workers to man their campaigns; not knowing the product or services as well as they should.

“This is the problem that small businesses face; they look to save money, and not invest money into programs that offer a good ROI (Return on Investment),” according to Jim Duhe of Bridal Guide.

Duhe and other advertisers say smaller operators face increasing challenges, as bigger organizations pool resources and work closer together.

42% of an ongoing poll so far says business is better than ever. 49% of respondents say they’re keeping their heads above water, expecting business to get better. 8% said they are sinking fast.

What do you say?

 

 

eWedNewz continues our investigation of why smaller independents are not following simple business logic and adjusting to technological advances.

eWedNewz

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2012

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Current Events, Economic news, eWedNewz, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Ralph Lauren, retail, Uncategorized, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , ,
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