The Week of November 21st in Review

By Paul Pannone

There was more bad news for the XO Group (NYSE: XOXO ), known to the wedding business as the Knot, as birth rates decline in the United States. In a shortened Thanksgiving work week the story was the most read by eWedNewz subscribers. Shares of  XO Group stock were down .18 cents a share, trading down to a 52 week low of 6.67 a share.

The Calvin Klein brand is among the most sought after formal wear name online. 

 

There is more of the same bad news for Get Married according to eWedNewz sources. Reported negotiations between the struggling media/advertising company and at least three digital and traditional media organizations have cooled, as Get Married tries to find a partner or possible buyer. CEO, Anita Brady continues to duck calls and emails for a statement.

Consumers are wondering what happened to Encore Studios. The invitation company shut down suddenly without any explanation raising questions to the overall health of the entire invitation business.

Regis Philbin retired last week and will always be remembered looking great in a tuxedo.

Consumers are looking for better branded formal wear online; searches for Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren remain the two strongest and sought after names in the industry.

 

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

The Week of November 14th in Review

By Paul Pannone

Buyer beware warnings continue to go out to brides using online websites to buy their wedding gowns. According to experts an unusually high rate of dissatisfaction with little or no recourse ties into dealing with websites originating in China. The number one story is being read by consumers as well as wedding industry businesses making it the number one wedding related story this week.

Brides and consumers are searching and finding information that helps guide them from costly mistakes. eWedNewz information informs brides but infuriates fairy dust sales people.

 

eWedNewz continues our investigation into the invitation business and its disruption by the internet and DIY activity. The sudden and unexplained failure of Encore Studio became the lightning rod of discussion involving the health of the invitation business, stranding vendors and brides that put their faith in the company. eWedNewz discussed the events with a spokesperson for the Stationery show noticing a very high level of sensitivity common among all wedding related show producers these days. The investigation continues.

In all parts of the wedding business the growing challenges to remain viable in a declining market deflate most arguments of a robust business, even from the largest recognized entity. The Knot admitted the challenges to investors in a recent filing shocking wedding experts that never thought they live to see the day the company would come clean.

Regis Philbin graciously said goodbye to the daily grind of live television. The 80 year-old veteran was always seen in proper dress including formal wear for formal occasions. The tuxedo business is left in the hands of younger representatives, tagged with the daunting task of appealing to a generation of users that do not want to be caught dead in their father’s tuxedo.

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011